This unit involves the skills and knowledge required to apply basic survival skills in the event of vessel abandonment. This unit applies to people working in the maritime industry in a deck and or engine room capacity on vessels up to 80 m and with propulsion power <3000 kW within the exclusive economic zone (EEZ). They could be working independently or as part of a vessel crew.

Licensing/Regulatory Information

Legislative and regulatory requirements are applicable to this unit. This unit is one of the requirements to obtain Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA) certification as a General Purpose Hand NC, Coxswain Grade 2 NC, Coxswain Grade 1 NC, Marine Engine Driver Grade 3 NC, Master (Inland waters), Master <24 m NC, Marine Engine Driver Grade 2 NC, Mate <80m NC, Master < 35 m NC and Marine Engine Driver Grade 1 NC, as defined in the National Standard for Commercial Vessels (NSCV) Part D. The AMSA mandated practical assessment (AMPA) is a requirement for AMSA certification. The Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA) mandated practical assessment (AMPA) will cover a range, but not all, of the requirements identified in the Performance Evidence and Knowledge Evidence. The AMPA shall be undertaken in accordance with its instructions.

Assessors of AMPA must hold as a minimum:

a current certificate of competency issued under Marine Safety (Domestic Commercial Vessel) National Law Act 2012 at the same level as the qualification being assessed with at least 12 months relevant sea service, or

a relevant seafarer certificate, as master, engineer or deck officer, issued under the Navigation Act 2012 or relevant skills and experience.

ELEMENTS

PERFORMANCE CRITERIA

Elements describe the essential outcomes.

Performance criteria describe the performance needed to demonstrate achievement of the element.

1

Prepare to abandon vessel

1.1

Nature of emergency is determined to minimise potential dangers and threats

1.2

Muster and abandon vessel signals are responded to according to vessel safety procedures

1.3

Survival equipment is organised to maximise chances of survival

1.4

Emergency position indicating radio beacon (EPIRB) is operated to transmit distress signal

1.5

Distress calls are made using radio equipment on distress call frequency, if time allows, to communicate the nature of the emergency

1.6

Others are assisted to maximise their chances of survival

2

Determine operational safety requirements

2.1

Relevant maritime legislation is identified and implemented

2.2

Safety requirements for a range of near coastal vessels are identified, accessed and reviewed

2.3

Lifesaving and survival equipment required on board a near coastal vessel are accurately identified

2.4

Lifesaving equipment on board is checked and confirmed as serviceable

2.5

Lifesaving and survival equipment certificates and documentation are checked for validity

2.6

Vessel safety management systems (SMS) and plans are located, interpreted and applied

3

Practise survival techniques

3.1

Typical emergency alarms and types of alarm systems are accurately identified

3.2

Need to abandon vessel is determined according to established safety practice and procedures

3.3

In-water survival techniques are implemented according to established safety practice and procedures

3.4

Threats to survival are identified and treatment options are outlined

4

Apply survival techniques

4.1

Lookout for vessels and aircraft is maintained and distress signals are released on sighting

4.2

During an emergency, work is carried out collaboratively with other shipboard personnel and passengers as required

4.3

During emergency and survival situations, appropriate communication skills and techniques are implemented

4.4

Instructions given by rescue personnel to safely access rescue craft are followed

5

Operate lifesaving and survival equipment

5.1

Range of pyrotechnic and distress signals are operated according to established safety practice and procedures

5.2

Survival equipment is operated according to instructions and accepted survival practice

5.3

Survival radio equipment is operated according to manufacturer instructions and regulatory protocols

5.4

Lifejackets and other lifesaving equipment are operated and used according to instructions

6

Participate in abandon vessel drills

6.1

Regulatory requirements and company procedures for musters and drills are identified and implemented

6.2

Actions required for a range of muster signals are correctly identified

6.3

Action is taken promptly to address problems that may arise when following vessel abandonment procedures

6.4

Hazards are identified that may occur when abandoning vessel risks are minimised according to SMS, and established safety practice and procedures

6.5

Information relevant to use of lifesaving equipment is accessed and applied

6.6

Range of emergencies that may lead to vessel abandonment are outlined

Foundation skills essential to performance are explicit in the performance criteria of this unit of competency.

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

Not Applicable

F – Operational Quality and Safety