UNIT DESCRIPTOR:This unit involves the skills and knowledge required to manage the business and administration of a commercial ocean-going vessel and its personnel, in compliance with Australian and international regulations and guidelines and to ensure the protection of the marine environment and the safety of the vessel and persons on board. This includes vessels of 500 GT or less (in the case of a Master or Chief Mate) and vessels of 3,000 GT or less (in the case of a Watchkeeper). Vessels may also include those of 3,000 GT or less (in the case of a Master or Chief Mate) operating in near coastal operations.Managing the business operations and resources of the vessel includes legal and commercial responsibilities, the vessel's safety management system, procedures to obtain a safety management certificate and subsequent audits, the management of OH&S procedures and practices, monitoring and controlling expenditure, and analysing and preparing reports. It also involves organising and managing the crew, including the allocation of duties, conduct of required training and assessment and maintenance of expected standards of work and behaviour.