This unit involves the skills and knowledge required to apply the recommended principles to be observed in managing and maintaining a navigational watch on board vessels up to 80 m.

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

master on commercial vessels <35 m in length within the exclusive economic zone (EEZ) or

master on vessels <80 m in inshore waters or

chief mate or deck watchkeeper on vessels <80 m in length within the EEZ; and

master on commercial vessels <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), Master <24m NC, Mate <80m NC and Master <35m 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

Maintain watch on bridge when berthed or anchored

1.1

Checks and inspections are scheduled to comply with organisational procedures and regulatory requirements

1.2

Appropriate action is taken in the event of irregularities or abnormal conditions to maximise the safety and integrity of vessel

1.3

Restrictions on access to vessel by non-authorised persons are followed according to organisational procedures and regulatory requirements

1.4

Internal and external communications systems are used according to organisational procedures

2

Maintain watch on bridge when at sea

2.1

Proper watch is maintained at all times according to organisational procedures and regulatory requirements

2.2

Lights, shapes and sound signals are correctly recognised and acted upon

2.3

Frequency and extent of monitoring traffic, vessel and environment are scheduled to conform with organisational procedures and regulatory requirements

2.4

Wheelhouse communication is maintained with other crew members on matters relevant to safety and integrity of vessel

2.5

Clear and concise wheelhouse communications are maintained and clarification is sought from or given to other crew members when watch information or instructions are not clearly understood

2.6

Internal and external communications systems are used according to organisational procedures

2.7

Log and record books are maintained according to regulatory requirements and organisational procedures

3

Respond to potential emergency situations

3.1

Watchkeeping problems and emergency situations are promptly reported to crew according to organisational procedures

3.2

Distress signals are recognised and acted upon

3.3

Appropriate action is taken to handle watchkeeping problems and emergency situations according to organisational procedures and regulatory requirements

4

Manage crew performing watchkeeping and lookout duties

4.1

Watchkeeping schedule is developed with due regard to crew qualifications, experience and organisational procedures

4.2

Instructions are provided on watchkeeping and lookout requirements in relation to monitoring traffic, vessel and environment

4.3

Clear and concise roles and responsibilities of watchkeeping team are established

4.4

Effective communication is maintained with crew on matters relevant to safety and integrity of vessel

4.5

Fatigue management strategies are correctly applied in allocating watchkeeping and lookout duties

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