This unit involves the skills and knowledge required to predict meteorological conditions and apply them to ensure the safe navigation of a vessel. It includes interpreting and applying information obtained from observations, reports and instruments and forecasting weather for an intended inland waters passage using all available data. This unit applies to those working in the capacity of a Master on commercial vessels up to 24 m in length in inland waters.

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 Master (Inland waters) 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

Obtain weather information

1.1

Relevant weather forecasts are obtained from a range of sources and correctly interpreted

1.2

Weather conditions are observed and correctly interpreted according to established nautical and meteorological practice

1.3

Basic measurements of meteorological conditions are correctly made and recorded using established procedures

1.4

Relevant meteorological charts, publications and related documentation are obtained, used, updated, stored and maintained

2

Apply weather data to safe navigation

2.1

Weather condition hazards relevant to a proposed voyage are identified using relevant forecasts based on interpretation of meteorological observations, reports and measurements

2.2

Voyage is modified as required to take into account weather and water condition hazards according to established navigational practice and operational instructions

3

Maintain records of weather and oceanographic information

3.1

Meteorological measurements, observations, reports and forecasts are recorded and stored according to organisational procedures and regulatory requirements

3.2

Actions taken to maintain safety of navigation and to minimise risk to safety of vessel as a result of weather and oceanographic forecasts, are documented according to organisational procedures

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