ELEMENT

PERFORMANCE CRITERIA

1. Prepare for floodboat operation

1.1 Operational and task information is obtained

1.2 Operational and task information is used to determine response and equipment requirements

1.3 Equipment is checked for serviceability and is stowed for road transportation to prevent loss or damage

1.4 Pre-launch checks are conducted in accordance with organisational policies and procedures

1.5 Protective equipment is selected and worn, as appropriate

2. Operate floodboat

2.1 Hazard identification, risk assessment and control measures are undertaken as required by organisational policies and procedures

2.2 Vessel is launched safely

2.3 Pre-start checks are conducted in accordance with organisational policies and procedures

2.4 Start-up procedures are followed in accordance with organisational policies and procedures, and manufacturers' guidelines

2.5 Vessel is correctly boarded, loaded and trimmed safety

2.6 Vessel is operated applying appropriate techniques

2.7 Emergency drills are conducted as appropriate and when required

2.8 Look-out procedures are conducted in accordance with organisational policies and procedures

3. Undertake floodboat tasks

3.1 Floodboat search procedures are conducted as required by organisational standard operating procedures

3.2 People, supplies, equipment and livestock are transported safely and efficiently

3.3 People or objects in the water are recovered safely and efficiently

3.4 Bodies are recovered using organisational procedures to meet coronial requirements

4. Recover and restore floodboat

4.1 Vessel is recovered

4.2 Vessel and associated equipment are restored, cleaned and serviced according to organisational policies and procedures and manufacturers' guidelines

4.3 Signs and symptoms of operational stress in self and others are recognised and reported

4.4 Debriefing requirements are contributed to as required by organisational policies and procedures

4.5 Operational documentation is completed in accordance with organisational policies and procedures

This describes the essential skills and knowledge and their level, required for this unit.

Required Skills

communicate clearly as coxswain of the vessel

communicate effectively with people recovered from the water and crew, specifically in relation situational awareness, safety and operational requirements

handle casualty safely

implement floodboat handling techniques

implement techniques for conducting waterway search

implement techniques for securing vessels

rescue persons and recover objects from the water

return equipment to organisational readiness after use, including appropriate wash-down and motor flush

work safely

Required Knowledge

boat handling under adverse conditions including fast flowing currents and operating in towns, around fences and in the vicinity of power lines

effects of water moving over objects and obstacles

emergency drills

local hazards and environmental threats

local operating procedures

nature of flood water hazards

organisational policies and procedures (such as relevant legislation; operational, corporate and strategic plans; operational performance standards; operational policies and procedures; organisational personnel and occupational health and safety practices and guidelines; organisational quality standards; organisation's approach to environmental management and sustainability)

personal hygiene protocols

reconnaissance processes

relevant state/territory legislation, management and inter-service arrangements

roles and responsibilities of, and relationship with, other emergency services

The evidence guide provides advice on assessment and must be read in conjunction with the Performance Criteria, Required Skills and Knowledge, the Range Statement and the Assessment Guidelines for this Training Package.

Critical aspects for assessment and evidence required to demonstrate competency in this unit

Assessment must confirm the ability to:

operate a floodboat safely

Consistency in performance

Competency should be demonstrated over one or more exercises, scenarios or incidents. Confident boat handling is developed over time.

Context of and specific resources for assessment

Context of assessment

Competency should be assessed completing floodboat operations, exercises or scenarios.

Specific resources for assessment

Access is required to:

relevant exercise, scenarios, simulation, or series of tasks

equipment used in floodboat operations

floodboat crew

Method of assessment

In a public safety environment assessment is usually conducted via direct observation in a training environment or in the workplace via subject matter supervision and/or mentoring, which is typically recorded in a competency workbook.

Assessment is completed using appropriately qualified assessors who select the most appropriate method of assessment.

Assessment may occur in an operational environment or in an industry-approved simulated work environment. Forms of assessment that are typically used include:

direct observation

interviewing the candidate

journals and workplace documentation

third party reports from supervisors

written or oral questions

The Range Statement relates to the Unit of Competency as a whole. It allows for different work environments and situations that may affect performance. Bold italicised wording in the Performance Criteria is detailed below.

Operational and task information may include:

access and egress routes

flood water

nearby ramps or launching points

number and nature of casualties

potential hazards

resupply or evacuation requirements

tidal information

weather forecast

Equipment may include:

appropriate equipment required for task, as per organisational procedures

appropriate trailer

equipment required under state/territory legislation

organisational approved floodboat/vessel

personal protective equipment, including protection from sun, heat, cold and appropriate footwear

Hazards may include:

domestic animals

eddies

fast flowing streams and near still waters

floating and submerged debris and snags

heat and cold

night or low light

time pressure

undertows

underwater hazards such as underwater powerlines and fences

weather

wildlife

Emergency drills may include:

abandon ship

break down

capsize

distress

emergency stop

fire

manoeuvring without motor

person overboard

towing

Operational documentation may include:

activity reports

floodboat running logs

notes or sketches and other relevant information required for potential coronial or other legal proceedings

passenger/cargo manifest