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Elements and Performance Criteria

1. Steer a steady course within acceptable limits in normal conditions under the direction of the Master
   • Features of vessel that relate to its handling characteristics are recognised
2. Navigational equipment is used to steer a steady course
3. Situational awareness is maintained to ensure safety of vessel
4. Propulsion equipment is used and monitored to assist in steering a steady course within acceptable limits, having regard to the area of navigation and prevailing state of sea
5. Safe operating limits of propulsion and steering equipment are not exceeded
6. Automatic pilot and hand steering are used to steer a steady course, and course is altered smoothly and in a controlled way
7. Helm orders are followed and effective communication maintained with the Master on matters relevant to the safety and integrity of the vessel
8. Steer a vessel in adverse weather conditions under the direction of the Master
   • Nature of adverse weather conditions is identified and potential impact on the manoeuvrability of the vessel is determined and confirmed with the Master
9. Situational awareness is maintained at all times to review actions and ensure the safety of the vessel
10. Steer a vessel in emergencies under the direction of the Master
    • Nature of the emergency is established and required action is determined and confirmed with the Master
11. Vessel is steered during the emergency to maintain the safety of the vessel and those onboard, and any other vessels or persons involved in the emergency
12. Propulsion equipment is used under the direction of the Master and is monitored to assist in completing steering safely
13. Steer a vessel while towing and being towed under the direction of the Master
    • Correct towing procedures and precautions are applied when towing and being towed in relation to helm orders

Range Statement

Range is restricted to essential operating conditions and any other variables essential to the work environment.

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Performance Evidence

Evidence required to demonstrate competence in this unit must be relevant to and satisfy all of the requirements of the elements and performance criteria on at least one occasion and include: applying relevant work health and safety (WHS)/occupational health and safety (OHS) requirements and work practices changing from automatic pilot to hand steering and changing from hand steering to automatic pilot ensuring working behaviour reflects relevant current legislative and regulatory requirements maintaining situational awareness at all times steering a vessel: coming to and leaving a mooring in bad weather in fog and restricted visibility in heavy swell and surf in the vicinity of large vessels in wind and sea conditions that may affect the safety of the vessel when approaching and departing in anchorage while towing and being towed.

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Knowledge Evidence

Evidence required to demonstrate competence in this unit must be relevant to and satisfy all of the requirements of the elements and performance criteria and include knowledge of: appropriate use and selection of personal protective equipment (PPE) effects on the overall operation of the vessel and on the steering characteristics of a vessel, including: displacement and planning hulls outboard and inboard propulsion units rudders and propellers trim and displacement features of a vessel that relate to its handling and steering characteristics, including: affect manoeuvrability effects of single or twin screw effects when moving astern rate of turn stopping ability use of controllable pitch propeller use of helm and rudder indicators relevant WHS/OHS requirements, work practices and pollution control regulation and policies use of magnetic and gyrocompasses as applied to the steering of a vessel.

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