This unit involves the skills and knowledge required to contribute to a safe navigational watch on a vessel while under the direction of the officer in charge of the navigational watch.

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

Able Seafarer - Deck or Integrated Rating who assists under the direction of the officer in charge of the navigational watch, in performing navigational watchkeeping duties.

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 an Able Seafarer - Deck or Integrated Rating 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).

Those 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.

ELEMENTS

PERFORMANCE CRITERIA

Elements describe the essential outcomes.

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

1

Follow instructions to monitor vessel situation when moored or anchored

1.1

Scheduled checks and inspections are conducted to comply with instructions

1.2

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

1.3

Restrictions on access within the vessel are enforced according to Master instructions

1.4

Very high frequency (VHF) is monitored and information is communicated to the Master in accordance with workplace procedures

1.5

Procedures for the relief, maintenance and handover of a watch are followed

2

Follow instructions to monitor vessel situation when at sea

2.1

Responsibilities of a lookout are established

2.2

Proper lookout is maintained by sight and hearing at all times according to instructions

2.3

Lights, shapes and sound signals are correctly recognised and recorded

2.4

Approximate bearing of a sound signal, light or other object is reported in degrees or points, to the officer in charge of the navigational watch

2.5

Effective communication is maintained with the officer in charge of the navigational watch about matters relevant to the safety and integrity of the vessel

2.6

VHF is monitored and information is communicated to the officer in charge of the navigational watch, as required

2.7

Procedures for the relief, maintenance and handover of a watch are followed

3

Respond to potential emergency situations

3.1

Emergency situations are promptly reported to the officer in charge of the navigational watch

3.2

Distress signals are recognised and reported

3.3

False distress alerts are avoided and correct action is taken in an accidental activation

3.4

Integrity of emergency and distress alerting systems is maintained at all times

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:

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

communicating clearly and concisely and acknowledging orders in a seamanlike manner

communicating effectively with the officer in charge of the navigational watch about matters relevant to watchkeeping duties

conforming to accepted practices and procedures in the maintenance, handover and relief of the navigational watch

conforming to established procedures and practices in taking initial action in the event of an emergency or abnormal situation

identifying and reporting lights, buoys and sound signals

monitoring and anticipating hazards and risks that may arise during watchkeeping duties

monitoring vessel situation, including:

communicating with other vessels

communicating with those onshore

regularly checking weather reports and warnings

monitoring very high frequency (VHF) equipment

recognising and reporting distress signals, including:

pyrotechnic distress signals

satellite emergency position indicating radio beacons (EPIRBs)

search and rescue transponders (SARTs)

recognising potential hazards, assessing and reporting risks to the officer in charge of the navigational watch

reporting approximate bearing of a sound signal, light or other object in degrees or points

reporting other ships, objects, lights and navigation marks correctly, in relation to the ship’s head

responding to orders given by the officer in charge of the navigational watch

seeking advice/clarification from the officer in charge of the navigational watch where watch information or instructions are not clearly understood

undertaking the following scheduled checks and inspections:

coverage

frequency

timing

using internal communications and alarm systems.

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:

appropriate use and selection of personal protective equipment (PPE)

basic purpose of bridge equipment, display modes and interpreting values of displays, including:

automatic identification system (AIS)

electronic chart display and information system (ECDIS) symbols and alarms

echosounder

Global Maritime Distress and Safety System (GMDSS)

global positioning system (GPS)

gyrocompass

log

magnetic compass

radar

VHF and VHF communication channels

basic function and use of main steering systems, including:

changeover procedures between Autor (pilot), follow up (FU) or hand and non-follow up (NFU)

steering gear

collection and documentation of weather data

effect of tides on depth of water

emergency situations, appropriate action and solutions taken to address them engine or propulsion controls

environmental protection procedures as they apply on a vessel

functions and purpose of pyrotechnic distress signals, satellite EPIRBs and SARTs

information required to maintain a safe navigational watch on a vessel, including interpreting course, depth and speed data from nautical instruments

International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea (COLREGs)

mooring lines

nautical charts and publications relevant to planning navigational voyages

person overboard

procedures for the relief, maintenance and handover of a watch

reception of distress signal

relevant WHS/OHS requirements, work practices and pollution control regulations and policies

shipboard terms and definitions that are critical to a safe navigational watch

stranding

sudden list or loll

synchronous rolling

types, function and purpose of navigational lights, shapes and sound signals

vessel position terminology

watertight integrity.

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.

O – Watchkeeping