Unit of competency details

UNIT DESCRIPTOR:

This unit involves the skills and knowledge required of Masters and Watchkeepers to visually send and receive information by means of either a flashing light in code or flags using the International Code of Signals .

Application of the unit 

The unit has application in the qualifications for a Master (Unlimited), Master (Less than 500 GT) and Watchkeeper (Deck), i.e. Advanced Diploma of Transport&Distribution (Maritime Operations - Master Unlimited and Diploma of Transport&Distribution (Maritime Operations - Deck Watchkeeper).

Licensing /legislative requirements 

The unit is consistent with the relevant maritime regulations describing requirements for Masters, Mates and Watchkeepers operating a vessel in unlimited situations. This includes applicable sections of AMSA Marine Orders, State/Territory maritime regulatory requirements and the National Standard for Commercial Vessels (NSCV) and the USL Code.

ELEMENT 

PERFORMANCE CRITERIA  

1 

Use code to visually send and receive messages 

a

Codes for letters and numerals are correctly recognised

b

A message is correctly sent in code using a flashing light

c

A message transmitted in code by flashing light is correctly decoded

2 

Use the International Code of Signals to send and receive messages 

a

Flags used in the International Code of Signals are correctly described and interpreted

b

A message is correctly coded and sent with flags using the International Code of Signals

c

A message coded and sent with flags using the International Code of Signals is correctly decoded and interpreted

d

Special messages are sent and received using flags in accordance with the protocols and procedures laid down in the International Code of Signals

3 

Maintain records of visual communication 

a

Records of messages sent and received using visual communication are completed in accordance with the international Code of signals and other related international codes and conventions

REQUIRED SKILLS 

This describes the basic skills required for this unit.

1

Communicate effectively with others when transmitting and receiving information by visual signalling

2

Read and interpret procedures for sending visual messages with flags using the International Code of Signals

3

Read and interpret maritime regulations, rules and instructions on visual signalling

4

Recognise and decode visual messages sent with flags using the International Code of Signals

5

Keep records of visual signalling communication

6

Work collaboratively with others when transmitting and receiving information by visual signalling

7

Recognise problems that may be experienced when transmitting and receiving information by visual signalling and take appropriate action

8

Adapt to differences in vessels, equipment and procedures

9

Use a flashing light to send visual messages using code

10

Send and receive special visual messages with flags

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE 

This describes the knowledge required for this unit.

1

Relevant sections of applicable maritime regulations

2

International Code of Signals

3

Procedures for using a flashing light to send visual messages using code

4

Procedures for sending visual messages with flags using the International Code of Signals

5

Techniques for recognising and decoding visual messages sent with flags using the International Code of Signals

6

Techniques for sending and receiving special visual messages with flags

7

Visual signalling problems and appropriate action and solutions

8

Procedures for keeping records of visual communication

Evidence Guide  

TDMME307B TRANSMIT AND RECEIVE INFORMATION BY VISUAL SIGNALLING 

The Evidence Guide provides advice on assessment and must be read in conjunction with the Performance Criteria, Required Skills and Knowledge, the Range Statement and the Assessment Guidelines for this Training Package.

1 

Critical aspects of evidence required to demonstrate competency in this unit 

Assessment must confirm appropriate knowledge and skills to:

a

Send and receive messages in code using a flashing light

b

Send and receive messages using flags in accordance with the International Code of Signals

c

Maintain records of visual communication

2 

Evidence required for demonstration of consistent performance 

a

Performance is demonstrated consistently over a period of time and in a suitable range of contexts

b

Consistently applies underpinning knowledge and skills when:

1

carrying out visual communication activities on board a vessel

2

identifying and evaluating visual communication signalling problems and determining appropriate courses of action

3

maintaining records of visual communication

c

Shows evidence of application of relevant workplace procedures, including:

1

relevant maritime regulations

2

job procedures and work instructions

3

guidelines relating to the use of a light and flags visual communication between vessels

d

Action is taken promptly to report visual communication problems in accordance with established procedures

e

Work is completed systematically with required attention to detail

f

Recognises and adapts appropriately to cultural differences in the workplace, including modes of behaviour and interactions between crew and others

3 

Context of assessment 

a

Assessment of competency must comply with the assessment requirements of the relevant maritime regulations

b

Assessment of this unit must be undertaken within relevant marine authority approved and audited arrangements by a registered training organisation:

1

As a minimum, assessment of knowledge must be conducted through appropriate written/oral examinations, and

Evidence Guide  (continued )

TDMME307B TRANSMIT AND RECEIVE INFORMATION BY VISUAL SIGNALLING 

3 

Context of assessment 

(continued )

2

Appropriate practical assessment must occur:

i

at the registered training organisation; and/or

ii

on an appropriate working or training vessel

4 

Specific resources required for assessment 

Access is required to opportunities to:

a

demonstrate performance in suitably simulated visual communication exercises covering a range of communication situations typically experienced on a vessel; and/or

b

demonstrate the use of visual communication in an appropriate range of operational situations on board an operational commercial or training vessel

Range Statement  

TDMME307B TRANSMIT AND RECEIVE INFORMATION BY VISUAL SIGNALLING 

The Range Statement relates to the unit of competency as a whole. It allows for different work environments and situations that may affect performance.

VARIABLE 

SCOPE 

1 . GENERAL CONTEXT 

a .

Work must be carried out :

1

in compliance with relevant maritime regulations

b .

Work is performed :

1

relatively independently under broad operational requirements, with limited accountability and responsibility for self and others in achieving the prescribed outcomes

c .

Work involves :

1

the application of principles of visual signalling to accurately send and receive messages using flashing lights and flags. Correct coding and decoding of messages using the International Code of Signals is required

d .

Work requires :

1

the accurate and consistent use of signalling lights and flags to send and receive messages using the International Code of Signals

2 . WORKSITE ENVIRONMENT 

a 

Visual communication may include :

1

signalling with lights using code or signalling with flags using the International Code of Signals

b 

Visual communication may be carried out :

1

by day or night in both normal and emergency situations

2

under any possible conditions of weather and loading

3

while underway

4

during berthing and unberthing operations

5

while anchoring or mooring

6

while berthed, anchored or moored

Range Statement  (continued )

TDMME307B TRANSMIT AND RECEIVE INFORMATION BY VISUAL SIGNALLING 

VARIABLE 

SCOPE 

c 

Special messages for signalling may include :

1

distress

2

urgency

3

safety

4

navigational

5

medical advice

d 

Documentation and records may include :

1

ISM Code safety management system plans, procedures, checklists and instructions

2

operational orders

3

vessel's log

4

International Code of Signals

5

records of visual communication

e 

Applicable legislation , regulations and codes may include :

1

IMO STCW 95 Convention and Code related to visual signalling

2

relevant sections of AMSA Marine Orders related to visual signalling

3

relevant sections of State and Territory maritime regulations, NSCV and USL Code

4

International Code of Signals

Relationship to other units 

The unit may be assessed in conjunction with other units that relate to the functions of the occupation(s) concerned.