Application
This unit of competency was developed by the National Marine Safety Committee (NMSC) and defines the skills and knowledge required to plan and prepare for a safe boating trip and includes maintenance of the boat and safety equipment as well as mooring and berthing apparatus.
This unit is one of three core competencies that have been adopted by all government marine safety authorities to contribute to and promote the safe use of waterways and awareness of boating safety and applies specifically to mechanical powered recreational boats, including personal watercraft. However, it is recognised that some aspects of this competency apply to any recreational vessel.
Where general operational checks and basic assessment of the condition of a vessel are required units MEM50006 Check operational capability of marine craft and MEM50007 Check operational capability of sails and sail operating equipment should be selected as appropriate.
Unit MEM50009 Safely operate a mechanically powered recreational boat and unit MEM50010 Respond to boating emergencies and incidents are the other two NMSC core units.
No licensing, legislative or certification requirements apply to this unit at the time of publication.
Band: E
Unit Weight: 0
Elements and Performance Criteria
Elements describe the essential outcomes. | Performance criteria describe the performance needed to demonstrate achievement of the element. | ||
1 | Maintain the boat and safety equipment | 1.1 | Follow standard operating procedures (SOPs) |
1.2 | Comply with work health and safety (WHS) requirements at all times | ||
1.3 | Ensure boat is maintained/serviced on a regular basis | ||
1.4 | Ensure safety equipment complies with relevant legislation | ||
1.5 | Identify location of safety equipment ensuring it is serviceable and accessible, and stowed securely and appropriately | ||
2 | Maintain mooring and berthing apparatus | 2.1 | Maintain/service mooring and berthing apparatus on a regular basis |
2.2 | Ensure mooring apparatus is appropriate to the vessel and location | ||
3 | Plan trip | 3.1 | Check weather conditions, vessel and personnel for suitability for planned trip |
3.2 | Ensure trip activity plan takes into account area and type of operation and emergency contact | ||
3.3 | Carry out adequate provisions, including fuel, for trip | ||
3.4 | Communicate trip details to appropriate person | ||
3.5 | Check to ensure the number of passengers does not exceed boat design limitations and/or legislative requirements | ||
3.6 | Check to ensure equipment, stores and personal items are securely stowed and do not adversely affects the boat's stability | ||
3.7 | Conduct pre-start checks on equipment operation | ||
3.8 | Inform appropriate person of safe return from the activity | ||
Foundation Skills
This section describes those required skills (reading, writing, oral communication and numeracy) that are essential to workplace performance in this unit of competency.
Foundation skills essential to performance are explicit in the performance criteria of this unit of competency.
Range Statement
This field allows for different work environments and conditions that may affect performance. Essential operating conditions that may be present (depending on the work situation, needs of the candidate, accessibility of the item, and local industry and regional contexts) are included. | |
Safety equipment includes the following: | life jackets bailers dinghy/life raft paddles/oars bilge pumps bucket and line first aid kit fire extinguisher distress signalling equipment marine radio waterproof torch charts anchor/sea anchor lifebuoy compass sound signal drinking water towing harness isolating switches tow rope local emergency procedures book sounding equipment emergency position-indicating radio beacon (EPIRB) global positioning system (GPS) divers flag suitable clothing alternative means of propulsion |
Maintaining/servicing mooring and berthing apparatus includes the following: | appropriateness of mooring/berthing regularity of checks services by recognised contractor serviceable mooring and berthing lines, fenders, anchors and ground tackle |
Weather conditions include the following: | current forecast wind latest weather and conditions information source of weather information tides (flood and ebb tides) rips and bars wave height visibility day/night |
Area and type of operation includes the following: | hazards local knowledge rules and protocols events emergency response access and exit points safe havens launching ramps destination port |
Adequate provisions include the following: | suitability of the vessel for the activity adequate fuel for the distance water, food and ice sun protection wet weather gear first aid kit personal medications batteries gas emergency (reserve) fuel and method of fuel transfer |
Trip details include the following: | trip departure and return time number of people in the boat area and nature of operation way points radio used and frequency call signs details of vessel, including description and registration number shore contact details fuel capacity and usage trailer registration number |
Appropriate person includes one (1) or more of the following: | family member or relative neighbour(s) police - water or local marine rescue services club or organisation harbour master costal radio station leave a note in your vehicle parked at the departure location (if appropriate) |
Pre-start checks include the following: | fuel is connected battery is charged and connected kill switch fumes and petrol fuel and water leaks hatches/windows/doors are open ventilation sea-cock opening loose gear is secured marine radio is turned on and radio aerials raised bilge water levels checked navigation lights |
Competency Field
Boating services