This unit involves the skills and knowledge required to forecast weather and oceanographic conditions during a near coastal voyage and to take appropriate actions based on predictions.

It includes interpreting weather and oceanographic information, using information to predict local weather and oceanographic conditions, and maintaining records of weather and oceanographic information.

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

Master on commercial vessels less than 35 metres in length within the exclusive economic zone (EEZ)

Master on vessels less than 80 meters in length in inshore waters

Chief Mate or Deck Watchkeeper on vessels less than 80 metres in length 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 less than 35 metres Near Coastal and a Mate less than 80 metres Near Coastal, as defined in the National Standard for Commercial Vessels (NSCV) Part D.

ELEMENTS

PERFORMANCE CRITERIA

Elements describe the essential outcomes.

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

1

Interpret weather and oceanographic information

1.1

Ocean and weather conditions are observed and interpreted

1.2

Measurements of current local, meteorological and oceanographic parameters are made and recorded using appropriate shipboard instruments

1.3

Weather charts and satellite images are acquired and interpreted

1.4

Weather reports are obtained and interpreted

2

Use information to predict local weather and oceanographic conditions

2.1

Forecasts of local weather and oceanographic conditions are correctly made using available information

2.2

Wave height and swell forecast is made using available information

2.3

Effects of local topographical features on wind flow and weather conditions are estimated using available information

2.4

Potentially dangerous conditions are identified and appropriate actions taken to secure vessel

3

Maintain records of weather and oceanographic information and forecasts

3.1

Weather and oceanographic information and forecasts are recorded and filed according to organisational procedures

3.2

Action on vessel operations initiated as a result of weather and oceanographic forecasts is documented according to organisational procedures

3.3

Meteorological charts, publications and related documentation are updated and stored according to organisational procedures

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:

ensuring currency of relevant reference material

observing, interpreting and forecasting weather and oceanographic conditions

reading, interpreting and applying weather and oceanographic information

recognising problems that may occur when interpreting weather and oceanographic information

selecting and using shipboard instruments to assist in forecasting weather and oceanographic conditions, including:

anemometers

barometers

equipment for receiving weather maps and forecasts

wet and dry bulb thermometers

using tide tables to calculate height of tide.

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:

actions to be taken in potentially dangerous conditions, including:

avoiding extreme adverse weather conditions

avoiding storm centres and dangerous quadrants by adjusting course and speed

properly securing all vessel equipment

basic principles for making meteorological and oceanographic measurements

effects on navigation and vessel handling of wind, currents and bottom topography

heat exchange process

ocean and weather conditions, including:

air masses and fronts

cloud classifications

cyclones, storms and gales

ocean currents

pressure systems and cold fronts

sea state

synoptic chart analysis

tide prediction

tropical meteorology

principles and procedures of weather forecasting using information obtained from observations, charts, satellite images, reports and instruments

sources of weather and oceanographic information, and methods for their interpretation

topographical effects on wind flow

typical problems in forecasting weather and oceanographic conditions

vertical division of the atmosphere

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

Assessors must satisfy applicable regulatory requirements, which include requirements in the Standards for Registered Training Organisations current at the time of assessment.

As a minimum, assessment must satisfy applicable regulatory requirements, which include requirements in 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, Australian national tide tables, weather reports and safety management systems (SMS)

tools, equipment, machinery, materials and personal protective equipment (PPE) currently used in industry, including:

anemometers

barograph

barometers

equipment for receiving weather maps and forecasts

wet and dry bulb thermometers.

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