- MEM50009B - Safely operate a mechanically powered recreational boat
Assessor Resource
MEM50009B
Safely operate a mechanically powered recreational boat
Assessment tool
Version 1.0
Issue Date: June 2024
This unit is one of three core competencies that have been adopted by all government marine safety authorities to contribute to and promote the safe use of waterways and awareness of boating safety. The unit applies specifically to mechanical powered recreational boats including personal watercraft. However, it is recognised that some aspects of this competency apply to any recreational vessel.
All work and work practices are undertaken to regulatory and legislative requirements.
Unit MEM50008B (Carry out trip preparation and planning) and Unit MEM50010B (Respond to boating emergencies and incidents) are the other two NMSC core units.
Band: A
Unit Weight: 2
This unit covers safely handling/operating a powered recreational boat on coastal and inland waters. It includes manoeuvring and handling the boat as well as safe navigation and anchoring.
This unit was developed by the National Marine Safety Committee (NMSC).
You may want to include more information here about the target group and the purpose of the assessments (eg formative, summative, recognition)
Employability Skills
This unit contains employability skills.
Evidence Required
List the assessment methods to be used and the context and resources required for assessment. Copy and paste the relevant sections from the evidence guide below and then re-write these in plain English.
The evidence guide provides advice on assessment and must be read in conjunction with the performance criteria, required skills and knowledge, range statement and the Assessment Guidelines for the Training Package. | |
Overview of assessment | A person who demonstrates competency in this unit must be able to safely handle/operate a powered recreational boat on coastal and inland waters, including basic navigation and anchoring. |
Critical aspects for assessment and evidence required to demonstrate competency in this unit | Assessors must be satisfied that the candidate can competently and consistently perform all elements of the unit as specified by the criteria, including required knowledge, and be capable of applying the competency in new and different situations and contexts. |
Context of and specific resources for assessment | This unit may be assessed on the job, off the job or a combination of both on and off the job. Where assessment occurs off the job, that is the candidate is not in productive work, then an appropriate simulation must be used where the range of conditions reflects realistic workplace situations. The competencies covered by this unit would be demonstrated by an individual working alone or as part of a team. The assessment environment should not disadvantage the candidate. This unit could be assessed in conjunction with any other units addressing the safety, quality, communication, materials handling associated with a marine environment, or other units requiring the exercise of the skills and knowledge covered by this unit. |
Method of assessment | Assessors should gather a range of evidence that is valid, sufficient, current and authentic. Evidence can be gathered through a variety of ways including direct observation, supervisor's reports, project work, samples and questioning. Questioning techniques should not require language, literacy and numeracy skills beyond those required in this unit of competency. The candidate must have access to all tools, equipment, materials and documentation required. The candidate must be permitted to refer to any relevant workplace procedures, product and manufacturing specifi-cations, codes, standards, manuals and reference materials. |
Guidance information for assessment |
Submission Requirements
List each assessment task's title, type (eg project, observation/demonstration, essay, assingnment, checklist) and due date here
Assessment task 1: [title] Due date:
(add new lines for each of the assessment tasks)
Assessment Tasks
Copy and paste from the following data to produce each assessment task. Write these in plain English and spell out how, when and where the task is to be carried out, under what conditions, and what resources are needed. Include guidelines about how well the candidate has to perform a task for it to be judged satisfactory.
Required skills |
Look for evidence that confirms skills in: adequately preparing and checking manoeuvring and handling a boat safely and accurately monitoring performance and being aware navigating safely and taking hazards into account anchoring techniques |
Required knowledge |
Look for evidence that confirms knowledge of: boating and other relevant legislation, rules and regulations legislative requirements regarding the use of safety equipment area of activity hazards and prevailing conditions boating information resources environmental awareness |
The range statement relates to the unit of competency as a whole. It allows for different work environments and situations that may affect performance. Bold italicised wording, if used in the performance criteria, is detailed below. Essential operating conditions that may be present with training and assessment (depending on the work situation, needs of the candidate, accessibility of the item, and local industry and regional contexts) may also be included. | |
Pre-start check | Pre-start check may include: fuel is connected battery is charged and connected kill switch fumes, petrol fuel and water leaks hatches/windows/doors are open ventilation sea-cock opening loose gear is secured marine radio is turned on and radio aerials raised bilge water levels checked navigation lights |
Manoeuvred safely according to conditions | Manoeuvring conditions may include: from or to a ramp, pontoon, wharf, mooring, anchor, confined areas such as narrow channels, marinas, moorings, obstructions sea-states such as bars, waves, rips, high seas, tidal surges, choppy conditions, wakes low speed/high speed poor visibility effect of wind large vessels Safe manoeuvring may include: steer straight line astern figure-eight right of way port-starboard throttle control emergency stop trim and stability of vessel towing or being towed berthing standing-on/stemming the tide retrieval of person overboard |
Monitored | Monitoring may include: cooling system bilge portholes and hatches location and welfare of persons on board oil, fuel and water radio position of boat other water users battery and electrical systems |
Environment | Impact of boat use on others/environment may include: noise wake safety of others disturbance or injury to wildlife disposal of waste and bilge water effects of detergent and anti-foul fuelling arrangements |
Aids to small craft navigation | Aids to navigation may include: IALA Buoyage System 'A' charts compasses GPS sounder tide tables passage plan marine references notices to mariners radio navigational warnings |
Relevant legislation, recognised regulations and rules | Collision regulations such as: navigating in narrow channels giving way to other vessels overtaking, proper lookout sound signals lights and shapes responsibilities and duty of care use of buoyage system speed recognition of lights and markers rules of road recognition of operation areas specific activity rules, e.g. PWCs, water skis, equipment requirements accident/incident reporting Marine regulations such as: safety regulations licensing and registration speed limit restrictions distance off requirements port limits/rules marine incident reporting carrying capacity drug and alcohol limits/effects age of operators Environmental and wildlife regulations as relevant and applicable to the operation of boats |
Hazards and conditions | Hazards and conditions may include: weather set and drift effect of wind, tide and currents submerged objects other boats and wash restricted waters crossing bars |
Type of anchor | Types of anchor may include: Danforth Grapnel/Reef Bruce Plough Admiralty Sarca sea anchor Anchoring systems may include: multiple anchors bow and stern anchors mooring buoy |
Copy and paste from the following performance criteria to create an observation checklist for each task. When you have finished writing your assessment tool every one of these must have been addressed, preferably several times in a variety of contexts. To ensure this occurs download the assessment matrix for the unit; enter each assessment task as a column header and place check marks against each performance criteria that task addresses.
Observation Checklist
Tasks to be observed according to workplace/college/TAFE policy and procedures, relevant legislation and Codes of Practice | Yes | No | Comments/feedback |
---|---|---|---|
A pre-start check is undertaken. | |||
Motor is prepared and started. | |||
Boat is manoeuvred safely according to conditions and in accordance with water traffic regulations. | |||
Performance of the boat and personnel is monitored at all times. | |||
Impact of boat use on others and the environment is considered. | |||
Safety equipment is used, stowed and, if required, worn in accordance with legislation and recognised regulations and rules. | |||
Aids to small craft navigation are identified. | |||
Collision avoidance techniques are applied when required in accordance with relevant legislation, recognised regulations and rules. | |||
Operation of the boat is carried out at all times in accordance with relevant legislation, recognised regulations and rules. | |||
Navigational aids and landmarks are used to determine and monitor boat position. | |||
Hazards and conditions are taken into account in navigating the boat. | |||
Anchorage site is selected in accordance with prevailing and forecast conditions and in accordance with legislation. | |||
Type of anchor used is suitable for location. | |||
Anchor is lowered, set and monitored according to prevailing conditions. | |||
Anchor is retrieved and securely stowed. |
Forms
Assessment Cover Sheet
MEM50009B - Safely operate a mechanically powered recreational boat
Assessment task 1: [title]
Student name:
Student ID:
I declare that the assessment tasks submitted for this unit are my own work.
Student signature:
Result: Competent Not yet competent
Feedback to student
Assessor name:
Signature:
Date:
Assessment Record Sheet
MEM50009B - Safely operate a mechanically powered recreational boat
Student name:
Student ID:
Assessment task 1: [title] Result: Competent Not yet competent
(add lines for each task)
Feedback to student:
Overall assessment result: Competent Not yet competent
Assessor name:
Signature:
Date:
Student signature:
Date: