Elements and Performance Criteria

General context
Work must be carried out in compliance with the relevant sections of the Australian Uniform Shipping Laws (USL) Code applicable to small commercial vessels.

Work is performed within established procedures, with responsibility for own outputs in relation to specified quality standards. Limited responsibility for others in achieving outcomes is required including the application of solutions to a variety of predictable maintenance problems.

Worksite environment
Explosive and flammable materials may include those handled or stowed on a small commercial vessel by a Marine Engine Driver (Grade1, 2 and 3).

Types of explosive and flammable materials may include:
spare diesel or petroleum fuel
lubricants
LPG
refrigerant gases
flares.

Handling of explosive and flammable materials may need to be carried out:
by day or night in both normal and emergency situations
under any permissible conditions of weather
while underway
while anchored or moored
during maintenance operations
when vessel is slipped
when transferring fuel
during cargo operations.

Hazards when handling and stowing explosive or flammable materials may include:
faulty materials handling equipment
damaged or corroded fuel or LPG containers
leaking or spilt flammable liquid or explosive gas
materials handling operations in poor weather or sea conditions
incorrectly stowed explosive and flammable materials
incorrectly lashed or secured dangerous cargo
naked flames, ignition or sparks
explosion or fire
non-compliance with safe working procedures.

Sources of information/documents
Documentation/records may include:
company materials handling procedures
relevant materials safety data sheets
records and inventories of explosive or flammable materials stored on a small vessel
instruction from manufacturer's of explosive or flammable materials
instructions of relevant Maritime Authorities related to the handling of explosive and flammable materials onboard small vessels
relevant Australian and international standards.

Applicable International, Australian and State/Territory regulations and legislation
Applicable procedures and codes may include:
relevant sections of the Australian USL Code related to the handling and stowage of explosive and flammable materials onboard a small vessel
relevant international, Australian and State/Territory OH&S legislation concerning the handling and stowage of explosive and flammable materials.

Critical aspects of evidence to be considered
Assessment must confirm appropriate knowledge and skills to:
Handle and stow various types of explosive and flammable materials typically found on a small vessel
Exercise all required safety, environmental and hazard control precautions and procedures during the handling and stowage of explosive and flammable materials
Communicate effectively with others when handling and stowing explosive and flammable materials onboard a small vessel.

Interdependent assessment of units
This unit of competency must be assessed in conjunction with other units that form part of a job role of a Marine Engine Driver (Grades 1, 2 and 3).

Required knowledge and skills
Relevant OH&S and hazardous materials legislation, and codes of practice
Explosive and flammable materials identification codes and signage requirements
Materials safety data sheets and their use
Methods for handling various types of explosive and flammable materials typically stowed on a small vessel
Characteristics, hazards and problems of different types of explosive and flammable materials typically stowed on a small vessel, and associated preventative and remedial action and solutions
Implications for the handling and stowage of explosive and flammable materials of various wind, weather and sea conditions
Communication techniques required in the course of handling or stowage of explosive and flammable materials onboard a small vessel
Records required concerning the handling or stowage of explosive and flammable materials onboard a small vessel.

Resource implications
Access is required to opportunities to either:
participate in a range of exercises, case studies and other simulated practical and knowledge assessments that demonstrate the skills and knowledge to handle and stow explosive and flammable materials onboard a small vessel, and/or
handle and stow explosive and flammable materials during seatime on a small commercial or training vessel.

Consistency in performance
Applies underpinning knowledge and skills when:
handling and stowing explosive and flammable materials onboard a small vessel
taking required safety precautions when handling or stowing explosive and flammable materials onboard a small vessel.

Shows evidence of application of relevant workplace procedures including
relevant sections of the Australian USL Code
relevant OHS regulations and hazard prevention policies and procedures
job procedures and work instructions.

Action is taken promptly to report and/or rectify problems and safety incidents during handling and stowing of explosive and flammable materials onboard a small vessel.

Work is completed systematically with required attention to detail and standard procedures.

Context for assessment
Assessment of competence must comply with the assessment requirements of the relevant maritime regulations.

Assessment of this unit must be undertaken within relevant marine authority approved and audited arrangements by a registered training organisation:
As a minimum, assessment of knowledge must be conducted through appropriate written/oral examinations
Appropriate practical assessment must occur:
at the registered training organisation, and/or
on an appropriate working or training vessel.