Unit of competency Outline
Date retreived
23/07/2026 7:35 AM AWST
23/07/2026 7:35 AM AWST
Whilst all efforts are made to provide accurate and timely information from the relevant source/documentation, please be aware that the information supplied may not be the most current version. The accuracy of the detail has not been confirmed by the Department and therefore should not be relied upon without first confirming the contents.
Operate deck machinery and steering gear on a vessel up to 80 metres
Operate deck machinery and steering gear on a vessel up to 80 metres
Unit of competency
National Code
MARC4004A
MARC4004A
State Code
WG397
WG397
TGA Status
Replaced
Replaced
DTWD Status
Replaced
Replaced
State Implementation and Classification
Approved Date
20/12/2013
Field of Education
031701 - Maritime Engineering
Original Release Date
20/12/2013
Nominal Hours
20
Description
This unit involves the skills and knowledge required to operate steering gear and deck machinery on a vessel up to 80 metres.
Notes
Elements and Performance Criteria
1 Prepare for operation
- 1.1 Routine pre-operational checks of steering gear or deck machinery are completed prior to use according to manufacturer specifications and organisational procedures
- 1.2 Equipment is set up
- 1.3 Tools and equipment appropriate to work requirements are selected, checked for safety and set up for operation
- 1.4 Equipment faults or malfunctions are identified and reported according to organisational procedures
- 1.5 Work health and safety (WHS)/occupational health and safety (OHS) hazards in the work area are identified, and risks are assessed and reported according to organisational procedures
2 Operate steering gear and deck machinery
- 2.1 Suitable personal protective equipment is selected and used according to organisational procedures
- 2.2 Steering gear and deck machinery are operated in a safe and controlled manner
- 2.3 Performance and efficiency of steering gear and deck machinery operations is monitored
- 2.4 Safe operational practices are used to anticipate and control hazards
- 2.5 Adverse sea and weather conditions which may impact on the operation of steering gear and deck machinery are identified and operational practices are adjusted to maintain safety of vessel and personnel
3 Complete operations
- 3.1 Shut-down procedures are conducted according to manufacturer instructions and organisational procedures
- 3.2 Malfunctions, faults, irregular performance or damage to steering gear and deck machinery are reported according to organisational procedures
- 3.3 Steering gear and deck machinery is cleaned and secured according to organisational procedures
- 3.4 Operational records are completed according to organisational procedures
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.
Steering gear or deck machinery may include:
Basic hydraulic systems
Cranes
Emergency steering gear
Fishing gear
Steering gear
Winches and capstans
Windlass
Tools and equipment may include:
Greasing and lubrication tools
Hand and power tools, including screwdrivers, drills, grinders, spanners, wrenches, wire cutters
Protective clothing and equipment
Steering gear or deck machinery may include:
Basic hydraulic systems
Cranes
Emergency steering gear
Fishing gear
Steering gear
Winches and capstans
Windlass
Tools and equipment may include:
Greasing and lubrication tools
Hand and power tools, including screwdrivers, drills, grinders, spanners, wrenches, wire cutters
Protective clothing and equipment
The evidence guide provides advice on assessment and must be read in conjunction with the performance criteria, the required skills and knowledge, the range statement and the Assessment Guidelines for the Training Package.
Critical aspects for assessment and evidence required to demonstrate competency in this unit
The evidence required to demonstrate competence in this unit must be relevant to and satisfy all of the requirements of the Elements, Performance Criteria, Required Skills, Required Knowledge and include:
communicating effectively with others
providing the required amount of detail in reports
attention to appropriate level of detail in recordkeeping.
Context of and specific resources for assessment
Performance is demonstrated consistently over time and in a suitable range of contexts.
Resources for assessment include access to:
industry-approved marine operations site where operating steering gear and deck machinery on a vessel up to 80 metres may be conducted
tools, equipment and personal protective equipment currently used in industry
relevant regulatory and equipment documentation that impacts on work activities
range of relevant exercises, case studies and/or other simulated practical and knowledge assessments
appropriate range of relevant operational situations in the workplace.
In both real and simulated environments, access is required to:
relevant and appropriate materials and equipment
applicable documentation including workplace procedures, regulations, codes of practice and operation manuals.
Method of assessment
Practical assessment must occur in an:
appropriately simulated workplace environment and/or
appropriate range of situations in the workplace.
A range of assessment methods should be used to assess practical skills and knowledge. The following examples are appropriate to this unit:
direct observation of the candidate operating steering gear and deck machinery on a vessel up to 80 metres
direct observation of the candidate applying relevant WHS/OHS requirements and work practices.
Guidance information for assessment
Holistic assessment with other units relevant to the industry sector, workplace and job role is recommended.
In all cases where practical assessment is used it should be combined with targeted questioning to assess Required Knowledge.
Assessment processes and techniques must be appropriate to the language and literacy requirements of the work being performed and the capacity of the candidate.
Critical aspects for assessment and evidence required to demonstrate competency in this unit
The evidence required to demonstrate competence in this unit must be relevant to and satisfy all of the requirements of the Elements, Performance Criteria, Required Skills, Required Knowledge and include:
communicating effectively with others
providing the required amount of detail in reports
attention to appropriate level of detail in recordkeeping.
Context of and specific resources for assessment
Performance is demonstrated consistently over time and in a suitable range of contexts.
Resources for assessment include access to:
industry-approved marine operations site where operating steering gear and deck machinery on a vessel up to 80 metres may be conducted
tools, equipment and personal protective equipment currently used in industry
relevant regulatory and equipment documentation that impacts on work activities
range of relevant exercises, case studies and/or other simulated practical and knowledge assessments
appropriate range of relevant operational situations in the workplace.
In both real and simulated environments, access is required to:
relevant and appropriate materials and equipment
applicable documentation including workplace procedures, regulations, codes of practice and operation manuals.
Method of assessment
Practical assessment must occur in an:
appropriately simulated workplace environment and/or
appropriate range of situations in the workplace.
A range of assessment methods should be used to assess practical skills and knowledge. The following examples are appropriate to this unit:
direct observation of the candidate operating steering gear and deck machinery on a vessel up to 80 metres
direct observation of the candidate applying relevant WHS/OHS requirements and work practices.
Guidance information for assessment
Holistic assessment with other units relevant to the industry sector, workplace and job role is recommended.
In all cases where practical assessment is used it should be combined with targeted questioning to assess Required Knowledge.
Assessment processes and techniques must be appropriate to the language and literacy requirements of the work being performed and the capacity of the candidate.
Replaced By
| State Code | National Code | Title | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| WH821 | MARC014 | Operate deck machinery and steering gear on a vessel up to 80 metres | Unit of competency |
