The evidence guide provides advice on assessment and must be read in conjunction with the performance criteria, required skills and knowledge, range statement and the Assessment Guidelines for the Training Package.

Overview of assessment

Critical aspects for assessment evidence required to demonstrate competence in this unit

Assessment must confirm the ability to:

ensure the vessel remains within operational limits

manoeuvre a small vessel whilst engaged in common tasks.

Assessment must confirm knowledge of:

effect of overloading and poor stability practices

effect of sea state on vessel performance

pre-operational checks of propulsion system, dinghy and safety equipment.

Context of and specific resources for assessment

Assessment is to be conducted at the workplace or in a simulated work environment.

Resources may include:

fully operational vessel powered by an outboard motor.

Method of assessment

The following assessment methods are suggested:

observation of practical demonstration

practical exercises

project work

written or oral short-answer testing.

Guidance information for assessment

This unit may be assessed holistically with other units within a qualification.

Required skills

making an adequate stability assessment prior to loading

manoeuvring small vessels using a range of propulsion techniques

minimising free surface effect.

Literacy skills used for:

interpreting manufacturer operational and loading specifications and the use-by-date of flares

interpreting manufacturer period of validity of pyrotechnics.

Required knowledge

effect of a shift in cargo on stability

effect of load distribution on centre of gravity

impact of wind and current on sea conditions and the effect on dinghies

pre-departure safety checks of propulsion system, dinghy and safety equipment

vessel loading specifications and the location of this information.

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, if used in the performance criteria, is detailed below. Essential operating conditions that may be present with training and assessment (depending on the work situation, needs of the candidate, accessibility of the item, and local industry and regional contexts) may also be included.

Relevant government regulations, licensing and other compliance requirements may include:

business or workplace operations, policies and practices

ESD principles, environmental hazard identification, risk assessment and control

OHS hazard identification, risk assessment and control.

OHS guidelines may include:

appropriate workplace provision of first aid kits and fire extinguishers

codes of practice, regulations and/or guidance notes which may apply in a jurisdiction or industry sector

enterprise-specific OHS procedures, policies or standards

hazard and risk assessment of workplace and maintenance activities and control measures

induction or training of staff, contractors and visitors in relevant OHS procedures and/or requirements to allow them to carry out their duties in a safe manner

OHS training register

safe lifting, carrying and handling techniques, including manual handling, and the handling and storage of hazardous substances

safe systems and procedures for outdoor work, including protection from solar radiation, fall protection, confined space entry and the protection of people in the workplace

sea survival, fire fighting at sea and first aid techniques

systems and procedures for the safe maintenance of property, machinery and equipment, including hydraulics and exposed moving parts

the appropriate use, maintenance and storage of PPE.

ESD principles may include:

applying animal welfare ethics and procedures

controlling effluents, chemical residues, contaminants, wastes and pollution

improving energy efficiency

increasing use of renewable, recyclable and recoverable resources

minimising noise, dust, light or odour emissions

reducing emissions of greenhouse gases

reducing use of non-renewable resources

reducing energy use

reducing interactions with native and protected flora and fauna, marine or land parks or areas

undertaking environmental hazard identification, risk assessment and control.

PPE may include:

buoyancy vest or personal floatation device (PFD)

hearing protection (e.g. ear plugs and ear muffs)

non-slip and waterproof boots (gumboots) or other safety footwear

personal locator beacon or Emergency Position Indicating Radio Beacon (EPIRB)

protective outdoor clothing for tropical conditions

safety harness

sun protection (e.g. sun hat, sunscreen and sunglasses)

uniforms, overalls or protective clothing (e.g. mesh and waterproof aprons)

waterproof clothing (e.g. wet weather gear).

Factors may include:

fire

operational limits

navigational hazards

sea condition:

chop

effect of current direction on wave height

wave height

visibility:

fog

low light conditions

rain.

Work plan may include contingencies, such as:

ability to make safe havens:

alternative sources of propulsion

mother ship

shore

ability to remove water from the vessel by:

bailing

bilge pump

removing the drainage plug while planing

ability to use alternative steering.

Safety equipment and spares may include:

alternative sources of propulsion and steering

anchoring devices

bailing or bilge pumping arrangements

bilge removal systems

communications equipment

distress signalling devices:

flares, flags, EPIRB and other methods

drinking water

fire extinguishers

PFD

tools and spare parts

torch and batteries.

Loads may include:

cargo:

aquaculture nets and gear

diving equipment

fishing gear

oyster farm equipment

stock and feeds

catch or harvest

distribution and securing procedures

monitoring equipment

passengers.

Limits may include:

distance from safe haven

distance from supervision

operational limits

proximity to dangers

range of fuel tank

sectors

speed limits.

Manoeuvred may include:

alternative steering

using oars

using outboard motor.

Tasks may include:

anchoring and sea anchoring

approaching a beach or landing

berthing

manoeuvring in confined areas or heavy seas

recovering person overboard

reversing

towing

unberthing.

Maintained:

by controlling:

cleanliness

corrosion

hull damage

hull fractures and fatigue.