This unit involves the skills and knowledge required to provide immediate first aid in the event of accident or illness onboard a ship.

This unit applies to people working in the maritime industry in the capacity of:

Electro-Technical Officer (STCW Electro-Technical Officer Unlimited)

Engineer Watchkeeper (STCW Engineer Watchkeeper Unlimited)

Master on a commercial vessel less than 500 gross tonnage (GT)

Master of a commercial vessel Unlimited

Watchkeeper Deck.

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 an Electro-Technical Officer (STCW Electro-Technical Officer Unlimited), Engineer Watchkeeper (STCW Engineer Watchkeeper Unlimited), Master on a commercial vessel less than 500 gross tonnage (GT), Master Unlimited or Watchkeeper Deck and to meet regulatory requirements this unit must be delivered consistent with Marine Orders and with the relevant sections of the International Convention on Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping for Seafarers (STCW).

Those regulatory requirements include STCW International Maritime Organization (IMO) model course competencies and areas of knowledge, understanding and proficiency, together with the estimated total hours required for lectures and practical exercises. Teaching staff should note that timings are suggestions only and should be adapted to suit individual groups of trainees depending on their experience, ability, equipment and staff available for training.

ELEMENTS

PERFORMANCE CRITERIA

Elements describe the essential outcomes.

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

1

Prepare to respond to emergency onboard vessel

1.1

Casualty condition is assessed and appropriate response is determined in order to minimise hazards and determine the need for emergency medical assistance

1.2

Options for transporting casualty or waiting for medical assistance are evaluated in relation to environmental issues, transport availability and casualty condition

1.3

Casualty is sheltered from elements according to environmental conditions, as required

2

Provide first aid onboard vessel

2.1

Nature of casualty injury/condition and relevant first aid procedures are determined and explained to the casualty

2.2

Consent is sought from the casualty prior to applying first aid

2.3

First aid is provided to address casualty condition and according to effective first aid principles

2.4

Casualty condition is monitored and ongoing first aid is provided as required

2.5

Casualty is calmly reassured according to effective first aid principles

2.6

Condition of casualty is documented over time to assist in providing ongoing first aid

3

Work in conjunction with medical and emergency services support

3.1

Communication links are established with medical services using relevant communication equipment to ensure prompt control action is taken

3.2

Appropriate medical assistance is sought according to the circumstances

3.3

Medication is administered under direction from an authorised health worker as required

3.4

Directions given by emergency services are followed to assist in the evacuation of the casualty, if required

4

Participate in debriefings

4.1

Information is provided on the incident and the first aid assistance provided

4.2

Clarifications are provided, where required

4.3

Suggestions are provided to improve future operations

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:

administering medication under direct instruction from an authorised health worker

completing identification of probable cause, nature and extent of injuries according to current first aid practice to minimise immediate threat to life promptly

conducting an initial casualty assessment

demonstrating adequate infection control procedures

evaluating available options for transporting or maintaining condition of casualty

examining casualty or patient

identifying and preparing an area for safe evacuation

improvising treatment and associated resources

listening to, clarifying and applying medical instructions accurately

minimising the risk of harm to self and others at all times

planning an appropriate first aid response in line with established first aid principles, policies and procedures

preparing incident reports, including description of injury

using available communication methods and equipment to access medical assistance.

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:

body structure and function

burns, scalds and the effects of heat and cold

cardiac arrest, drowning and asphyxia

first aid kit

fractures, dislocations and muscular injuries

incident documentation

medical care of rescued persons

pharmacology

radio medical advice

sterilisation

toxicological hazards onboard a vessel, including use of the Medical First Aid Guide (MFAG) for Use in Accidents Involving Dangerous Goods or its national equivalent

transporting casualty or waiting for medical assistance options

work health and safety (WHS)/occupational health and safety (OHS) requirements and work practices.

Assessors must hold credentials specified within the Standards for Registered Training Organisations current at the time of assessment.

Assessment must satisfy the Principles of Assessment and Rules of Evidence and all regulatory requirements included within the Standards for Registered Training Organisations current at the time of assessment.

Assessment processes and techniques must be appropriate to the language, literacy and numeracy requirements of the work being performed and the needs of the candidate.

Practical assessment must occur in a workplace, or realistic simulated workplace, under the normal range of workplace conditions.

Simulations and scenarios may be used where situations cannot be provided in the workplace or may occur only rarely, in particular for situations relating to emergency procedures and adverse weather conditions where assessment would be unsafe, impractical or may lead to environmental damage.

Resources for assessment must include access to:

applicable documentation, such as legislation, regulations, codes of practice, workplace procedures and operational manuals

tools, equipment, machinery, materials and current relevant personal protective equipment (PPE) currently used in industry.

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