This unit involves the skills and knowledge required to conduct the passage of a vessel up to 12 metres within the 15nautical mile (nm) limit; it includes using the range of equipment found on a vessel to plan and safely conduct the passage.

This unit applies to people working in the maritime industry commanding, and operating the engines of, a commercial vessel:

<12 m in length with propulsion power that is unlimited for an outboard engine or <500 kW for an inboard engine

in inshore waters or designated waters

as a tender or auxiliary vessel within 3 nm of a parent vessel within the exclusive economic zone (EEZ).

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 Coxswain 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 or deck officer, issued under the Navigation Act 2012

ELEMENTS

PERFORMANCE CRITERIA

Elements describe the essential outcomes.

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

1

Plan passage

1.1

Appropriate charts and publications are accessed and checked for currency

1.2

Destination is identified, and course and waypoints are plotted

1.3

Estimated time of arrival (ETA) at waypoints and final destination are calculated

1.4

Safe passage is plotted to comply with all navigational buoys, marks and beacons

1.5

Navigational hazards are identified to avoid dangers to vessel

1.6

Weather information is accessed to determine expected weather pattern for intended passage

1.7

Proposed course is modified as necessary, to meet expected weather conditions

1.8

Fuel consumption for passage, including a reserve, is calculated

2

Conduct a pre-departure check

2.1

Propulsion equipment and alarms are tested for serviceability and vessel hull is checked for seaworthiness

2.2

Navigation equipment and alarms are checked to ensure they are in proper working condition and set for the passage

2.3

Navigation equipment is checked for errors and allowances are made in planning the passage

2.4

Fuel is checked to ensure there is adequate fuel on board for intended passage

2.5

Safety equipment is checked for compliance with legislation

2.6

Communications equipment is checked to ensure it is in proper working condition

2.7

Anchoring and mooring equipment is checked to ensure it is adequate and in good condition

2.8

Vessel and equipment are secured for sea

3

Conduct passage

3.1

Local authorities are advised of departure and passage plan

3.2

Vessel is steered and propulsion equipment is operated in a safe and controlled manner to complete pre-planned course

3.3

Pilotage techniques and navigational equipment are used to monitor vessel position and maintain vessel in safe waters at all times

3.4

Errors detected with navigational equipment are corrected to maintain planned passage

3.5

Navigational buoys, marks and beacons are identified and complied with

3.6

Situational awareness is maintained to avoid navigational hazards and to comply with regulations for prevention of collision at sea

3.7

Weather and sea conditions are monitored during passage and correct adjustments are made for changing conditions

4

Complete passage

4.1

Local authority is advised of completion of passage

4.2

Vessel is checked to ensure it is securely moored

4.3

Propulsion equipment is checked to ensure it is safely shut down and secured

4.4

Navigational equipment is switched off

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

H – Navigation