Unit of competency Outline

Date retreived
22/07/2026 12:10 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.

Work safely in confined spaces on a vessel

Work safely in confined spaces on a vessel

Unit of competency
National Code
MARF3007A
State Code
WG419
TGA Status
Replaced
DTWD Status
Replaced
Current Release Number
1.00
Current Release Date
06/06/2013
State Implementation and Classification
Approved Date
10/02/2014
Field of Education
061301 - Occupational Health And Safety
Original Release Date
10/02/2014
Nominal Hours
25
Description
This unit involves the skills and knowledge required to enter and work safely in confined spaces on a vessel.
Notes
Elements and Performance Criteria
1 Identify confined spaces and their regulatory framework
  • 1.1 Characteristics of a confined space are outlined
  • 1.2 Confined spaces in the workplace are identified
  • 1.3 Regulations and standards relevant to confined space operations on vessels are identified
  • 1.4 Relevant codes of practice and sources of guidance for undertaking confined space work are identified
  • 1.5 Potential hazards of confined spaces are identified
2 Assess confined space for entry
  • 2.1 Purpose and need to enter confined space is confirmed
  • 2.2 Hazards in and around confined space and those associated with work to be performed are identified
  • 2.3 Risk assessment is conducted and documented according to organisational procedures
  • 2.4 Risk control measures are identified and documented
3 Obtain permission to enter confined space
  • 3.1 Process and documentation required for authorisation to enter confined space are identified
  • 3.2 Permission to enter and work in confined space is sought from authorised personnel on vessel according to regulatory and organisational requirements
  • 3.3 Permit requirements associated with confined space entry and work to be performed are confirmed and completed
4 Plan and prepare for entry
  • 4.1 Appropriate plan is prepared for completion of work activity in confined space
  • 4.2 Process is followed to ensure confined space is ready for entry
  • 4.3 Appropriate personal protective clothing and equipment is selected and used correctly
  • 4.4 Entry equipment is made ready and used according to manufacturer operating instructions
  • 4.5 Precautions during entry are identified to protect occupants
5 Apply emergency procedures
  • 5.1 Role and responsibilities of standby person/s are clearly defined
  • 5.2 Planned emergency procedures appropriate for circumstances are implemented
  • 5.3 Personal protective equipment and emergency rescue equipment is selected, prepared and used
6 Conclude confined space operations
  • 6.1 Personnel involved and equipment used are accounted for
  • 6.2 Equipment is cleaned, inspected and/or serviced prior to stowage
  • 6.3 Confined space entry is secured, isolations are removed and space is returned to normal
  • 6.4 Permit is withdrawn and documentation is completed according to regulatory requirements and organisational policy
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.
Characteristics of a confined space must include:
Those described in the Occupational Health and Safety (Maritime Industry) (National Standards) Regulation and/or Australian Standard (AS/NZS) 2865 Safe working in a confined space
Confined spaces may include:
Ballast tanks
Battery lockers
Boilers
Cargo tanks/holds
Chain lockers
Cofferdams
Compressor rooms
Double bottoms
Duct keels
Engine components
Fuel tanks
Furnaces
Inert gas scrubber plants
Pump rooms
Sewage tanks
Storage areas for fixed fire extinguishing media
Trunking and pressure vessels
Void spaces
Regulations, standards and codes of practice must include:
Code of Safe Working Practice for Australian Seafarers - Section 10 Entering and working in enclosed or confined spaces
International Safety Management (ISM) Code
Navigation Act 2012
Occupational Health and Safety (Maritime Industry) (National Standards) Regulations 2003
Regulations, codes of practice and standards may include:
Australian Standard AS/NZS 2865 Safe working in a confined space
IMO Resolution A 1050 (27) Revised Recommendations for Entering Enclosed Spaces Aboard Ships
International Maritime Solid Bulk Cargoes Code (IMSBC Code)
International Safety Guide for Oil Tankers and Terminals (ISGOTT)
Liquefied Gas Handling Principles on Ships and in Terminals (SIGTTO)
Shipboard confined /enclosed space entry procedures
Vessels may include:
Any Australian or international commercial vessel or unit
Hazards may include:
Cold pipes and valves (refrigeration and liquefied gases etc.)
Dangerous goods in packaged form
Electricity and wiring systems
Flammable or explosive atmospheres
Free flowing solids
Height
Hot pipes (steam, fuel oil, lubricating oils etc.)
Manual handling
Moving equipment
Noise
Oxygen deficiency or enrichment
Physical obstructions such as transverse frames and floors
Poor visibility
Products or processes in adjacent spaces
Restricted access
Rising liquids
Slippery or uneven surfaces
Temperature extremes
Toxic liquids, solids, gases, vapours and dusts
Vibration
Risks may include:
Asphyxiation
Contamination
Engulfment
Falling
Fire or explosion
Risk control measures may include:
Atmospheric testing
Barricading
Cleaning
De-energising
Isolation
Lockout
Purging
Signage
Tag out
Ventilation
Authorised personnel may
include:
Master
Delegated Safety Officer
Chief Mate
Chief Engineer
1st Engineer
Permit requirements may include:
Atmospheric testing results
Cold work permit
Communications
Competent person who has control of the space and the authorising officer’s signature
Date and period of validity
Hazards that are likely to be present
Height permit
Hot work permit
Isolation checklist
Locations of the space
Need for respiratory protection
Personal protection clothing required
Personal protective equipment required
Person/s entering
Rescue arrangements and emergency equipment
Risk control measures
Standby person/s
Ready for entry may include:
Communications understood and tested
Control measures confirmed and implemented
Development of an appropriate plan to complete works in the space
Emergency plan confirmed as appropriate or modified and equipment in position at the ready
Method of safe entry and exit in place
Permit/s signed by the Responsible Officer and posted
Safe atmosphere confirmed (or relevant measures in place to ensure safe entry into an unsafe atmosphere)
Space is secured
Standby person/s identified and in position
Personal protective clothing and equipment may include:
Atmospheric monitoring equipment
Chemically resistant splash suits
Coveralls
Gloves
Harness and restraint equipment
Helmet
Respiratory protection (self rescue devices and SCBA)
Safety boots
Safety glasses or goggles
Entry equipment may include:
Anchor straps and/or anchor points
Atmospheric testing and monitoring equipment
Confined space harnesses
Fall arrest systems equipment
Intrinsically safe torches/lifting
Lifeline/signalling line
Lockout kit
Retractable lanyard/s
Rope kit/winching
SCBA
Signage
Tripod
Ventilation fan and ducting
Precautions during entry may include:
Atmosphere must be tested prior to entry, before re-entry and at frequent intervals
Atmospheric monitoring must occur during occupancy
If conducting prolonged work activities or in extreme temperatures, regular breaks should be taken
If entry to unknown or unsafe atmospheres cannot be avoided the use of suitable breathing apparatus e.g. airline or self-contained should be employed
Occupants must be provided with calibrated and tested multi-gas detectors
Standby person must maintain communications with occupants and relevant personnel
Ventilation must continue while the space is occupied
Role and responsibilities of standby person/s may include:
As defined in Regulation 4.18 Part 4 of the Occupational Health and Safety (Maritime Industry) (National Standards) Regulation
Emergency rescue equipment may include:
Atmospheric monitoring equipment
Emergency escape breathing devices
First aid kit
Harnesses
Helmets
Lighting
Oxygen resuscitation kit
Rescue ropes
Rope recovery kit
SCBA
Stretcher
Tripod

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:
continuously monitoring and checking conditions and hazards when working in a confined space on a vessel
developing effective planning documents
taking appropriate action during an emergency
taking actions promptly to identify, report, and/or rectify hazards and emergency situations when working in a confined space.
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-appropriate working or training vessel or a maritime operation where confined space entry can take place
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 working in a confined space on an operational vessel
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
S5431 TDMMF5907A WORK SAFELY IN ENCLOSED SPACES ON A VESSEL Unit of competency
Replaced By
State Code National Code Title Type
WH838 MARF010 Work safely in confined spaces on a vessel Unit of competency