This unit involves the skills and knowledge required to maintain safe navigation of a commercial vessel through the use of radar and other equipment used for the navigation of a vessel.

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; and

chief mate or deck watchkeeper on vessels <80 m within the 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 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) for AMSA certification as Master <24 m NC. 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

Set up wheelhouse navigation equipment

1.1

Wheelhouse navigation equipment is initialised and displays are set up and maintained

1.2

Operational performance and accuracy of wheelhouse equipment is confirmed and appropriate action is taken when performance is out of limits

1.3

Misrepresentation of information is detected and corrected or allowed for

2

Use radar to navigate safely

2.1

Radar is operated according to manufacturer instructions to produce data on position and speed of vessel, other vessels and fixed objects

2.2

Radar plot is constructed on a radar plotting sheet or automatic plotting devices are initialised

2.3

Systematic radar observations of vessels in the vicinity are made where there is a risk of collision

2.4

Radar data is used to obtain a position fix for vessel using electronic bearing lines and variable range markers

2.5

Radar bearings are corrected for vessel heading and compass error as appropriate

2.6

Radar plotting data is analysed to anticipate potential collisions

2.7

Analysis is used to make informed command decisions on action needed to avoid collisions

3

Use wheelhouse navigation equipment

3.1

Wheelhouse navigation equipment is safely and efficiently used to conduct navigation of the vessel

3.2

Position of vessel is monitored during voyage to ensure planned passage is followed

3.3

Movement of vessels in the vicinity is monitored to ensure collision situations do not occur

3.4

Wheelhouse navigation equipment is maintained according to manufacturer requirements and organisational procedures

4

Maintain navigational records

4.1

Navigational data produced by wheelhouse navigation equipment that should be retained to conform with organisational procedures and regulatory requirements is identified

4.2

Navigational data is stored electronically or in hard copy as required by organisational procedures and regulatory requirements

4.3

Security and access requirements for data are adhered to 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