Elements and Performance Criteria

PREVENT, CONTROL AND FIGHT FIRES ON BOARD A SMALL VESSEL

General context

Work must be carried out in compliance with the relevant sections of the Australian USL Code.

Work is performed as a member of a team under broad operational requirements, with limited accountability and responsibility for self and others in achieving the prescribed outcomes. It involves the application of accepted principles and practice to the prevention and fighting of fire on board a vessel. Participation as a member of a fire-fighting team is involved.

Worksite environment

Vessel may include any small Australian or international commercial vessel

Fires on board vessel may occur:

by day or night in both normal and emergency situations

under any possible conditions of weather and loading

while underway

during berthing and unberthing operations

while anchoring or mooring

while in port

while moored or at anchor

Types of fires which may occur on board vessel include Classes A, B, C and F in the standard classification of fires

Fire detection and fire-fighting systems may include:

Fire detection devices and systems

Portable fire extinguishers including foam, water, CO 2 , dry chemical and wet foam (where applicable)

Fire blankets

Sprinkler systems

Fire pumps - main and emergency fire pump

Fire hoses, hydrants, branches and international shore connection

Consumable materials and items that may used in fire detection and fire fighting equipment may include:

Dry and wet chemicals used in fire extinguishers

Batteries for fire detectors

Sources of information / documents

Documentation / records may include

Australian USL Code and other legislative requirements

vessel's log

fire-detection, fire- fighting and safety equipment operational and maintenance instructions and recommended procedures

instructions of relevant Maritime Authorities related to the maintenance and serviceability of vessel-board fire-detection, fire- fighting and safety equipment and systems

relevant Australian standards

Applicable International, Australian and State/Territory regulations and legislation

Applicable procedures and codes may include

relevant sections of USL Code

Australian regulations for the maintenance of fire-detection, fire- fighting and safety equipment and systems

relevant Australian and State/Territory OH&S legislation

PREVENT, CONTROL AND FIGHT FIRES ON BOARD A SMALL VESSEL
Critical aspects of evidence to be considered
Assessment must confirm appropriate knowledge and skills to:
Manage and implement fire prevention measures and procedures on board a small vessel
Assess the operational capability of relevant fire-detection and fire- fighting equipment and initiate any required reporting or maintenance action
Use the various types of fire fighting equipment used on board a small vessel
Implement OHS principles and policies when carrying out fire prevention and fire-fighting duties
Communicate effectively with others as required during fire prevention activities and fire emergencies

Interdependent assessment of units
This unit of competency must be assessed in conjunction with other units that form part of a job role of officers with a responsibility to prevent, control and fight fires onboard a small commercial vessel.

Required knowledge and skills
Knowledge of relevant sections of the Australian USL Code
The chemistry of fire and its relationship to materials typically carried on small vessels
Principles underlying the spread of fire and its extinguishment
The different classes of fire, their characteristics and strategies and equipment needed for their extinguishment
Types of fire-detection, fire- fighting equipment and systems used on board small vessels, their features, principles of operation and the procedures for their use and maintenance
Fire-fighting techniques applicable to different classes of fire on board a small vessel
Relevant regulations and policies related to the to the maintenance of fire-detection and fire fighting equipment used on small vessels
Fire-fighting procedures applicable to small vessels
Maritime communication techniques applicable to fire prevention and fire-fighting activities on board a vessel
Problems that can occur with fire-detection and fire- fighting equipment and operations on board a small vessel and appropriate remedial action and solutions
Sources of information on fire prevention and extinguishment on board small vessels

Resource implications
Access is required to opportunities to either:
carry out a range of suitably simulated practical and knowledge assessments that demonstrate the skills and knowledge to carry out fire prevention strategies and participate in search and rescue and fire-fighting teams on board small vessels, and/or
assist in fire prevention management procedures and fire-fighting drills on board an operational small commercial vessel

Consistency in performance
Applies underpinning knowledge and skills when:
managing the implementation of fire prevention and control measures and procedures on board a small vessel
identifying and evaluating fire fighting problems and determining appropriate courses of action
assessing the operational capability of fire-detection and fire- fighting equipment and systems and taking any required maintenance or replenishment action
Shows evidence of application of relevant workplace procedures including:
relevant maritime regulations
fire prevention and control procedures and policies
OHS regulations and hazard prevention policies and procedures
relevant manufacturer's guidelines relating to the use of fire-detection and fire- fighting equipment and systems, including instructions on equipment capability and limitations
following on-board housekeeping processes and fire-hazard prevention measures
Action taken promptly to report and/or rectify fire hazards and faulty fire-detection and fire-fighting, equipment and systems in accordance with established procedures
Work is completed systematically with required attention to detail

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

Communicating ideas and information
(3)

Collecting analysing and organising information
(3)

Planning and organising activities
(3)

Working with others and in teams
(3)

Using mathematical ideas and techniques
(3)

Solving problems
(3)

Using technology
(3)