This unit involves the skills and knowledge required to perform manoeuvres on a ship in all operating conditions and in emergencies.

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

Master of a commercial ship less than 80 metres in length within the exclusive economic zone (EEZ)

Master of a commercial vessel less than 500 gross tonnage (GT) in any operating area

Watchkeeper Deck.

Licensing/Regulatory Information

Legislative and regulatory requirements are applicable to this unit.

Regulatory requirements include STCW International Maritime Organization (IMO) model course competencies and areas of knowledge, understanding and proficiency, together with the estimated total hours required for lectures and practical exercises. Teaching staff should note that timings are suggestions only and should be adapted to suit individual groups of trainees depending on their experience, ability, equipment and staff available for training.

Near Coastal Qualifications:

This unit is one of the requirements to obtain Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA) certification as a Master less than 80 metres Near Coastal as defined in the Marine Order 505 (Certificates of competency - National Law) 2013.

Blue Waters Qualifications:

This unit is one of the requirements to obtain Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA) certification as a Master of a commercial vessel less than 500 gross tonnage (GT) or Watchkeeper Deck and to meet regulatory requirements this unit must be delivered consistent with Marine Orders and with the relevant sections of the International Convention on Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping for Seafarers (STCW).

ELEMENTS

PERFORMANCE CRITERIA

Elements describe the essential outcomes.

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

1

Manoeuvre ship in normal operations

1.1

Ship heading is maintained within acceptable limits to meet the requirements of the operating situation

1.2

Alterations of heading and power are smooth and controlled

1.3

Suitable mode of steering is selected for the manoeuvre to meet the requirements of the operating situation

1.4

Constant rate of turn techniques are used to achieve constant radius turns during manoeuvres

1.5

Safe operating limits of ship propulsion, steering and power systems are not exceeded in normal manoeuvres

2

Make adjustments to ship course and speed to maintain safe navigation

2.1

Effects of operational environment on ship performance are evaluated at regular intervals

2.2

Implications of the changed operational environment on ship handling are assessed

2.3

Appropriate alterations to ship heading and power are made in response to the assessment of the operational environment

3

Manoeuvre ship during adverse weather

3.1

Impending adverse weather conditions are identified and implications for ship operations are evaluated

3.2

Preparations are made to minimise risk and damage to ship and personnel

3.3

Communications are made with engine room to ensure main engines are readied for manoeuvring

3.4

Ship heading and power is maintained in response to adverse weather and sea conditions

4

Manoeuvre ship in emergencies

4.1

Nature of emergency is established and initial action is taken

4.2

Risk to the ship and the safety of persons onboard is assessed

4.3

Appropriate manoeuvres are made during the emergency to maintain the safety of the ship

4.4

Propulsion equipment is used and monitored to assist in completing actions safely

4.5

Safe operating limits of propulsion and steering equipment are not exceeded

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:

manoeuvring a ship:

in bad weather

in heavy swell

for the rescue of person overboard

in shallow water

recognising emergency situations

through coming to and leaving a mooring

to and from anchor

operations, including the following:

handling a disabled or partially disabled ship

implementing anchoring and berthing procedures

issuing helm and engine orders

maintaining situational awareness

selecting suitable mode of steering, including:

automatic pilot

emergency steering

manual steering.

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:

communication techniques with the following:

bridge personnel and berthing stations

engine room

helmsman

tugs and pilot

vessel traffic services (VTS)

effects of deadweight, draught, trim, speed and under-keel clearance on turning circles and stopping distances

effects on ship handling of wind, currents and bottom topography

features of a ship that relate to its handling characteristics

manoeuvring and engine characteristics for various ships

manoeuvring problems for ships and appropriate actions and solutions

manoeuvring procedures in and near traffic separation schemes and ship traffic service areas

methods for controlling ship speed and direction

operational environment, including:

designated anchorages

designated shipping areas

head reach

heavy traffic areas

ice

marine park areas

safe water

shallow and restricted waters

stopping distances

tide

traffic separation zones

weather

procedures and manoeuvresfor the rescue of person overboard

procedures for turning a ship in various situations

proper procedures for anchoring and mooring

safe operating limits of propulsion and power systems, and steering equipment

squat, shallow water, interaction and similar effects on ship handling

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

Assessors must hold credentials specified within the Standards for Registered Training Organisations current at the time of assessment.

Assessment must satisfy the Principles of Assessment and Rules of Evidence and all regulatory requirements included within 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

tools, equipment, machinery, materials and relevant personal protective equipment (PPE) currently used in industry.

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.

K – Manoeuvring Ships