Unit of competency Outline
Date retreived
22/07/2026 2:48 PM AWST
22/07/2026 2:48 PM 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.
Plan and navigate a passage for a vessel up to 80 metres
Plan and navigate a passage for a vessel up to 80 metres
Unit of competency
National Code
MARH3003A
MARH3003A
State Code
WG436
WG436
TGA Status
Replaced
Replaced
DTWD Status
Replaced
Replaced
State Implementation and Classification
Approved Date
20/12/2013
Field of Education
031705 - Marine Craft Operation
Original Release Date
20/12/2013
Nominal Hours
90
Description
This unit involves the skills and knowledge required to plan and safely navigate a vessel up to 80 metres using a range of wheelhouse equipment and to interpret available meteorological information to inform passage planning and navigation.
Notes
Elements and Performance Criteria
1 Plan passage
- 1.1 Navigational charts, nautical publications and related documentation are accessed and checked for currency
- 1.2 Documentation is used to identify navigational hazards relevant to proposed voyage
- 1.3 Route for voyage is determined and critical points along proposed route of voyage are identified and plotted
- 1.4 Potential navigational contingencies and problems along planned route are identified and appropriate strategies for dealing with them are developed and recorded
- 1.5 Weather forecasts are obtained and interpreted, and weather and sea condition hazards relevant to proposed voyage are identified prior to departure
- 1.6 Route is modified as required to take into account weather and sea condition hazards
- 1.7 Planned route for voyage and strategies for dealing with critical situations and contingencies along route are recorded
2 Conduct a pre-departure check
- 2.1 Propulsion steering equipment and alarms are tested for serviceability and vessel hull is checked for seaworthiness
- 2.2 Wheelhouse equipment and alarms are checked to ensure they are in proper working condition and set for passage
- 2.3 Wheelhouse equipment is checked for errors and allowances are made in planning passage
- 2.4 Fuel is checked to ensure that there is adequate fuel, including a reserve, on board for the intended passage
- 2.5 Safety equipment is checked for compliance with relevant legislation
- 2.6 Communications equipment is checked to ensure it is in proper working condition
- 2.7 Anchoring and mooring equipment is checked to ensure it is in proper working condition
- 2.8 Vessel and equipment are secured for sea
- 2.9 Latest weather information is obtained and interpreted, and proposed route is modified as required to take into account weather and sea condition hazards
3 Conduct passage
- 3.1 Local authorities are advised of departure and passage plan
- 3.2 Mode of steering is selected appropriate for prevailing weather, sea and traffic conditions, and intended manoeuvres
- 3.3 Weather forecasts and observations of sea and weather conditions are used to determine vessel speed and direction
- 3.4 Information from wheelhouse equipment is interpreted to identify navigational hazards and fix vessel position
- 3.5 Alterations to vessel course or speed are made to meet prevailing circumstances and changing conditions
- 3.6 Navigational manoeuvres are conducted within safe operational limits of vessel
- 3.7 Details of passage are recorded in vessel log according to regulations
4 Fix vessel position
- 4.1 Primary position fixing method is selected according to navigational principles and prevailing conditions
- 4.2 Position is fixed using selected method and information derived from relevant wheelhouse equipment
- 4.3 Position is recorded according to regulations
- 4.4 Fixes are taken at time intervals appropriate for prevailing navigational conditions
- 4.5 Performance checks of position fixing instruments and wheelhouse equipment are carried out according to organisational procedures and manufacturer instructions
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.
Navigational charts, nautical publications and related documentation may include:
Electronic chart display systems
Notice to Mariners
Paper charts
Temporary warning notices
Tide tables
Weather reports and warnings
Navigational hazards may include:
Restricted visibility
Shallow ground
Traffic
Unlit beacons
Weather must include:
Air masses and fronts
Cloud classifications
Cyclones, storms and gales
Effects of weather on predicted tidal information
Heat exchange process
Ocean currents
Pressure systems, cold and warm fronts
Sea state
Synoptic chart analysis
Tropical meteorology
Vertical division of atmosphere
Weather data provided by shipboard instruments
Propulsion steering equipment and alarms may include:
Bilge alarms
Depth alarms
Engine alarms
Inboard engines, petrol and diesel
Jet propulsion
Off-course alarms
Outboard engines, petrol and diesel
Radar range alarms
Wheelhouse equipment may include:
Alarm devices including off-course and watch alarms
Automatic pilot
Azimuth mirrors
Bottom logs
Coverage areas
DGPS
Echo sounder
Electronic charts
GPS
Hyperbolic systems
Magnetic and gyro compasses
Plotters
Radar
Satellite technology
Safety equipment must include:
Distress flares/pyrotechnics
Electronic position indicating radio beacon (EPIRB)
Firefighting equipment
Life jackets
Life rafts and hydrostatic release systems
Search and rescue transponder (SART)
Communications equipment may include:
HF radio
VHF radio
Anchoring and mooring equipment may include:
Anchor
Mooring lines
Sea anchors
Passage plan must include:
Anticipated weather conditions
Completed AUSREP reports as applicable
Courses to steer or knowledge of navigation markers during passage
Depths of water throughout passage
Estimated time of arrival (ETA) at destination
Tidal information
Mode of steering may include:
Automatic pilot.
Electric systems
Hydraulic systems
Conditions may include:
Buoyage
Overall passage plan requirements
Prevailing weather and sea conditions
Proximity and course of other vessels
Relevant navigational hazards
Signage
Primary position fixing method may include:
Radar ranges or bearings
Running fix
Simultaneous bearings or transits of coastal features
Soundings to determine position
Navigational charts, nautical publications and related documentation may include:
Electronic chart display systems
Notice to Mariners
Paper charts
Temporary warning notices
Tide tables
Weather reports and warnings
Navigational hazards may include:
Restricted visibility
Shallow ground
Traffic
Unlit beacons
Weather must include:
Air masses and fronts
Cloud classifications
Cyclones, storms and gales
Effects of weather on predicted tidal information
Heat exchange process
Ocean currents
Pressure systems, cold and warm fronts
Sea state
Synoptic chart analysis
Tropical meteorology
Vertical division of atmosphere
Weather data provided by shipboard instruments
Propulsion steering equipment and alarms may include:
Bilge alarms
Depth alarms
Engine alarms
Inboard engines, petrol and diesel
Jet propulsion
Off-course alarms
Outboard engines, petrol and diesel
Radar range alarms
Wheelhouse equipment may include:
Alarm devices including off-course and watch alarms
Automatic pilot
Azimuth mirrors
Bottom logs
Coverage areas
DGPS
Echo sounder
Electronic charts
GPS
Hyperbolic systems
Magnetic and gyro compasses
Plotters
Radar
Satellite technology
Safety equipment must include:
Distress flares/pyrotechnics
Electronic position indicating radio beacon (EPIRB)
Firefighting equipment
Life jackets
Life rafts and hydrostatic release systems
Search and rescue transponder (SART)
Communications equipment may include:
HF radio
VHF radio
Anchoring and mooring equipment may include:
Anchor
Mooring lines
Sea anchors
Passage plan must include:
Anticipated weather conditions
Completed AUSREP reports as applicable
Courses to steer or knowledge of navigation markers during passage
Depths of water throughout passage
Estimated time of arrival (ETA) at destination
Tidal information
Mode of steering may include:
Automatic pilot.
Electric systems
Hydraulic systems
Conditions may include:
Buoyage
Overall passage plan requirements
Prevailing weather and sea conditions
Proximity and course of other vessels
Relevant navigational hazards
Signage
Primary position fixing method may include:
Radar ranges or bearings
Running fix
Simultaneous bearings or transits of coastal features
Soundings to determine position
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:
developing effective planning documents
producing accurate and reliable documentation.
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:
marine operations site or an approved marine simulator where planning and navigating a passage for a vessel up to 80 metres can 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 planning and navigating a passage for a vessel up to 80 metres
direct observation of 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:
developing effective planning documents
producing accurate and reliable documentation.
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:
marine operations site or an approved marine simulator where planning and navigating a passage for a vessel up to 80 metres can 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 planning and navigating a passage for a vessel up to 80 metres
direct observation of 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| WH851 | MARH004 | Plan and navigate a passage for a vessel up to 80 metres | Unit of competency |
