Unit of competency Outline
Date retreived
23/07/2026 11:20 PM AWST
23/07/2026 11:20 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.
Forecast weather and oceanographic conditions
Forecast weather and oceanographic conditions
Unit of competency
National Code
MARH4001A
MARH4001A
State Code
WG438
WG438
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
10
Description
This unit involves the skills and knowledge required to forecast weather and oceanographic conditions during a near coastal voyage and to take appropriate actions based on predictions.
Notes
Elements and Performance Criteria
1 Interpret weather and oceanographic information
- 1.1 Ocean and weather conditions are observed and interpreted
- 1.2 Measurements of current local, meteorological and oceanographic parameters are made and recorded using appropriate shipboard instruments
- 1.3 Weather charts and satellite images are acquired and interpreted
- 1.4 Weather reports are obtained and interpreted
2 Use information to predict local weather and oceanographic conditions
- 2.1 Forecasts of local weather and oceanographic conditions are correctly made using available information
- 2.2 Wave height and swell forecast is made using available information
- 2.3 Effects of local topographical features on wind flow and weather conditions are estimated using available information
- 2.4 Potentially dangerous conditions are identified and appropriate action is taken to secure vessel
3 Maintain records of weather and oceanographic information and forecasts
- 3.1 Weather and oceanographic information and forecasts are recorded and filed according to organisational procedures
- 3.2 Action on vessel operations initiated as a result of weather and oceanographic forecasts is documented according to organisational procedures
- 3.3 Meteorological charts, publications and related documentation are updated and stored 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.
Ocean and weather conditions must include:
Air masses and fronts
Cloud classifications
Cyclones, storms and gales
Ocean currents
Pressure systems and cold fronts
Sea state
Tide prediction
Shipboard instruments may include:
Barograph
Barometers
Equipment for receiving weather maps and forecasts
Wet and dry bulb thermometers
Appropriate action may include:
Avoiding storm centres and dangerous quadrants by adjusting course and speed
Ensuring all vessel equipment is properly secured
Taking action to avoid extreme adverse weather conditions
Ocean and weather conditions must include:
Air masses and fronts
Cloud classifications
Cyclones, storms and gales
Ocean currents
Pressure systems and cold fronts
Sea state
Tide prediction
Shipboard instruments may include:
Barograph
Barometers
Equipment for receiving weather maps and forecasts
Wet and dry bulb thermometers
Appropriate action may include:
Avoiding storm centres and dangerous quadrants by adjusting course and speed
Ensuring all vessel equipment is properly secured
Taking action to avoid extreme adverse weather conditions
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:
supporting reasons for intended action with statistical data and observations of actual conditions
ensuring currency of relevant reference material.
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 forecasting weather and oceanographic conditions 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 forecasting weather and oceanographic conditions
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:
supporting reasons for intended action with statistical data and observations of actual conditions
ensuring currency of relevant reference material.
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 forecasting weather and oceanographic conditions 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 forecasting weather and oceanographic conditions
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.
Replaces
| State Code | National Code | Title | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| S5452 | TDMMH707B | APPLY WEATHER INFORMATION WHEN NAVIGATING A SMALL VESSEL WITHIN THE LIMITS OF RESPONSIBILITY OF A MASTER 4 | Unit of competency |
Replaced By
| State Code | National Code | Title | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| WH853 | MARH006 | Forecast weather and oceanographic conditions | Unit of competency |