Unit of competency Outline

Date retreived
22/07/2026 7:56 AM AWST

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Interpret weather for marine environments

Interpret weather for marine environments

Unit of competency
National Code
SISOOPS303A
State Code
D6430
TGA Status
Replaced
DTWD Status
Replaced
Current Release Number
2.00
Current Release Date
28/11/2011
View on TGA
State Implementation and Classification
Approved Date
15/10/2014
Field of Education
092101 - Sport And Recreation Activities
Original Release Date
15/10/2014
Nominal Hours
25
Description
This unit describes the performance outcomes, skills and knowledge required to collect information from a weather map, make forecasts, and record and interpret weather and environmental information in a specific maritime location in order to apply this to the conduct of an aquatic activity at that location.
Notes
Elements and Performance Criteria
1. Interpret information from a weather map.
  • 1.1. Identify characteristics of map types and their different uses.
  • 1.2. Identify differences between general forecasts and forecasts for marine environments.
  • 1.3. Identify weather map symbols and associated weather conditions.
  • 1.4. Outline and justify a weather prediction over a multi-day period for a specific marine region using information gained from weather maps and forecasts.
2. Collect, record and interpret weather conditions in a specific marine region.
  • 2.1. Identify major cloud types and altitude level.
  • 2.2. Collect weather and environmental information at regular intervals for a specific area over a multi-day period.
  • 2.3. Record weather data and identify patterns.
  • 2.4. Compare and identify the differences between current weather conditions and a current weather forecast.
  • 2.5. Determine the possible effects of landforms on marine weather conditions.
  • 2.6. Identify and explain season variations in weather patterns for a specific marine area.
  • 2.7. Outline differences between large scale and localised weather conditions for a specific marine area.
3. Interpret weather and environmental information for aquatic activities at a specific marine location.
  • 3.1. Determine the suitability and limitations of the activity in relation to the current local weather conditions and forecast.
  • 3.2. Identify strategies to ensure the safety and well-being of individuals and or group in weather conditions according to relevant legislation and organisational policies and procedures.
  • 3.3. Identify the weather conditions commonly associated with the onset of life threatening weather hazards in a marine environment.
  • 3.4. Identify characteristics of life threatening weather hazards in a marine environment and their possible impact on recreational marineactivities.
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.
Map types may include:
prognosis maps
analysis maps.
Symbols may include:
cyclones
anti-cyclones
depressions
highs
troughs
ridges
frontal bands
isobars.
Conditions may include:
cloud cover
wind direction, speed and strength
barometric pressure
precipitation type and intensity
wave direction and size
sunshine trends and duration
temperature range and intensity
humidity trends.
Information may include:
cloud cover
wind direction and speed
barometric pressure
precipitation type and intensity
wave size and form.
Cloud types may include:
cirrus
stratus
cumulus
nimbus.
Data may include:
cloud cover
wind direction and speed
barometric pressure
precipitation type and intensity
wave size and form.
Patterns may include:
wind direction and speed
precipitation form and distribution
sunshine trends and duration
temperature range and intensity
humidity trends
anticyclones
depressions.
Landforms may include:
mountain ranges
large bodies of water
valleys
coastlines
islands.
Limitations may include:
duration of the activity
intensity of activity
exposure to prevailing conditions
proximity to land and or sheltered water
ability of individual and or group
type of craft and or activity.
Relevant legislation may include:
occupational health and safety
permits or permission for access
environmental regulations
marine regulations.
Organisational policies and procedures may include:
occupational health and safety
risk management
minimal impact environmental codes
code of ethics.
Weather hazards in a marine environment may include:
floods
cyclones
tidal waves
electrical storms
offshore winds, tides, currents.
Marine activities may include:
sea kayaking
surfing
surf kayaking
wind surfing
sailing
SCUBA diving
snorkelling
personal water craft riding
coastal land travel.
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 and evidence required to demonstrate competency in this unit
Evidence of the following is essential:
makes weather predictions for a marine area using weather maps and forecasts, and identifies the difference between general and marine forecasts
assesses the short and long term implications of meteorological data on a specific marine activity.
Context of and specific resources for assessment
Assessment must ensure interpretation of weather signs in a variety of weather conditions in marine locations on multiple occasions to demonstrate competency and consistency of performance.
Assessment must also ensure access to:
meteorological data to read and interpret
a marine activity environment in which to conduct weather interpretation activities.
Method of assessment
A range of assessment methods should be used to assess practical skills and knowledge. The following examples are appropriate for this unit:
oral or written questioning to assess knowledge of the impact of meteorological data on planned activities
observation of interpreting weather for a specific marine environment using information gained from weather maps, predictions and forecasts
portfolio of weather predictions covering five day periods
third-party reports from a supervisor detailing performance.
Holistic assessment with other units relevant to the industry sector, workplace and job role is recommended, for example:
Activity-specific units relevant to participation in aquatic outdoor recreation activities such as sea kayaking, surfing, personal water craft riding and SCUBA diving.
Replaces
State Code National Code Title Type
C6243 SROOPS007A Interpret weather for marine environments Unit of competency
Replaced By
State Code National Code Title Type
OBF12 SISOPLN005 Interpret weather and environmental conditions for outdoor recreation activities Unit of competency