Unit of competency Outline
Date retreived
22/07/2026 1:29 AM AWST
22/07/2026 1:29 AM 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.
Apply decision making strategies in an oil spill response
Apply decision making strategies in an oil spill response
Unit of competency
National Code
PUAOIL401
PUAOIL401
State Code
WE480
WE480
TGA Status
Replaced
Replaced
DTWD Status
Transition (Replaced)
Transition (Replaced)
State Implementation and Classification
Approved Date
28/11/2012
Field of Education
080399 - Business And Management, N.e.c.
Original Release Date
28/11/2012
Nominal Hours
40
Description
This unit describes the performance outcomes, skills and knowledge required to make strategic, planning and operational decisions in an oil spill.
Notes
Elements and Performance Criteria
1. Establish context of spill
- 1.1 Gather intelligence to determine the size and impact of the situation.
- 1.2 Identify the character and behaviour of the oil spill.
- 1.3 Consult and involve appropriate advisors in establishing the context of the spill.
- 1.4 Identify and confirm response objectives.
- 1.5 Provide accurate, timely and relevant communication about the spill to stakeholders.
2. Consider response options to make a decision
- 2.1 Identify and review available response options to the spill.
- 2.2 Review strengths and weaknesses of options with appropriate advisors if necessary.
- 2.3 Determine risk areas and levels of risk.
- 2.4 Determine and select best response option/s based on critical factors.
- 2.5 Determine the scale of response to the spill.
- 2.6 Document decision making processes.
3. Implement response
- 3.1 Develop response plans for selected options.
- 3.2 Develop an incident action plan.
- 3.3 Communicate proposed response actions to relevant people/stakeholders.
- 3.4 Monitor and review response actions and modify as appropriate in response to changing circumstances.
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 in the Performance Criteria is detailed below.
Sources of intelligence may include:
initial visual reports (location)
oil samples
MSDS
Australian dangerous goods code
oil spill response atlas
oil spill response trajectory modelling
reports from ship’s master indicating type and quantity
aerial observations
tides
current
weather forecast
reports from operational, technical and environmental advisors
net environmental benefit analysis
Character of oil could be defined by:
chemical characteristics:
aromatic content
aliphatic content
asphaltene content
wax content
physical characteristics:
flash point
pour point
in relation to surface water temperature
solubility
density (API gravity or specific gravity)
in relation to density of sea water
viscosity
viscous/non-viscous
thickness
stickiness
in relation to adherence to physical structures or habitats
persistence
oil character influence on response options:
selection of response equipment
amenability to chemical dispersion
Behaviour of oil could be defined by:
movement of oil:
volume
spread
drift
area of coverage
percentage coverage
rate of flow
flow continuing
flow stopped
weathering and influence on oil character:
spreading
evaporation
emulsification (mousse formation)
dispersion
dissolution
sinking/sedimentation
biodegradation
photo-oxidation
Advisors may include
operational, technical and environmental experts including:
environmental scientists
marine pollution experts
AMSA
oil importers/exporters
ships master
salvage advisors
government agencies
Context of the spill may include:
location
environmental sensitivity
estuaries
wildlife habitats
tourism
indigenous culture
business/industry
Objective is:
Consultative management to determine the desired outcomes of the incident which are then communicated through the response team
Stakeholders may include:
government agencies and representatives:
federal
state
local
businesses
community
protection and indemnity (P &I club)
indigenous communities
national response team
media
salvors
ship owner, charterer or manager
Response options may include:
mechanical
chemical
manual
observation and monitoring
manual clean up
Risk may include:
properties of oil
health and safety:
fire and explosion
ingestion
skin damage
restricted breathing
physical injury
contamination
proximity to land
community impact
wildlife habitats
environmental conditions:
weather
tides
currents
location
wildlife
inappropriate use of dispersant (not using the correct window of opportunity)
fatigue
hypothermia
hyperthermia
health impact of oil
flammability and volatility of oil
political
media
Levels of risk may include:
assessed through risk analysis and minimised through hierarchy of controls
Critical factors may include:
health and safety of responders and community
minimisation of impact
environment
appropriate approvals
Scale of response could take into account:
human resources
physical resources
access
Sources of intelligence may include:
initial visual reports (location)
oil samples
MSDS
Australian dangerous goods code
oil spill response atlas
oil spill response trajectory modelling
reports from ship’s master indicating type and quantity
aerial observations
tides
current
weather forecast
reports from operational, technical and environmental advisors
net environmental benefit analysis
Character of oil could be defined by:
chemical characteristics:
aromatic content
aliphatic content
asphaltene content
wax content
physical characteristics:
flash point
pour point
in relation to surface water temperature
solubility
density (API gravity or specific gravity)
in relation to density of sea water
viscosity
viscous/non-viscous
thickness
stickiness
in relation to adherence to physical structures or habitats
persistence
oil character influence on response options:
selection of response equipment
amenability to chemical dispersion
Behaviour of oil could be defined by:
movement of oil:
volume
spread
drift
area of coverage
percentage coverage
rate of flow
flow continuing
flow stopped
weathering and influence on oil character:
spreading
evaporation
emulsification (mousse formation)
dispersion
dissolution
sinking/sedimentation
biodegradation
photo-oxidation
Advisors may include
operational, technical and environmental experts including:
environmental scientists
marine pollution experts
AMSA
oil importers/exporters
ships master
salvage advisors
government agencies
Context of the spill may include:
location
environmental sensitivity
estuaries
wildlife habitats
tourism
indigenous culture
business/industry
Objective is:
Consultative management to determine the desired outcomes of the incident which are then communicated through the response team
Stakeholders may include:
government agencies and representatives:
federal
state
local
businesses
community
protection and indemnity (P &I club)
indigenous communities
national response team
media
salvors
ship owner, charterer or manager
Response options may include:
mechanical
chemical
manual
observation and monitoring
manual clean up
Risk may include:
properties of oil
health and safety:
fire and explosion
ingestion
skin damage
restricted breathing
physical injury
contamination
proximity to land
community impact
wildlife habitats
environmental conditions:
weather
tides
currents
location
wildlife
inappropriate use of dispersant (not using the correct window of opportunity)
fatigue
hypothermia
hyperthermia
health impact of oil
flammability and volatility of oil
political
media
Levels of risk may include:
assessed through risk analysis and minimised through hierarchy of controls
Critical factors may include:
health and safety of responders and community
minimisation of impact
environment
appropriate approvals
Scale of response could take into account:
human resources
physical resources
access
Critical aspects for assessment and evidence required to demonstrate competency in this unit
Evidence of the following is essential:
details of a management plan which includes stakeholder analysis, explanation of the risk context, critical success factors, identified and analysed risks, treatments for prioritised risks
knowledge of relevant legislation, codes of practice and national standards
details of monitoring arrangements for risk management plan and an evaluation of the efficiency of the risk management in treating risk
communication to stakeholders through Incident Action Plans
Context of and specific resources for assessment
Assessment must be based on a real or simulated oil response situation where multiple decisions may be made but where critical analysis of information allows for considered and justifiable actions.
Method of assessment
A range of assessment methods should be used to assess practical skills and knowledge. The following examples are appropriate for this unit:
review of documentation
simulation
direct observation
third party reports
case studies
scenarios
action plans
reports
written or oral questions
Guidance information for assessment
It is important that assessment with other units relevant to oil spill management or incident management systems is taken into account.
Evidence of the following is essential:
details of a management plan which includes stakeholder analysis, explanation of the risk context, critical success factors, identified and analysed risks, treatments for prioritised risks
knowledge of relevant legislation, codes of practice and national standards
details of monitoring arrangements for risk management plan and an evaluation of the efficiency of the risk management in treating risk
communication to stakeholders through Incident Action Plans
Context of and specific resources for assessment
Assessment must be based on a real or simulated oil response situation where multiple decisions may be made but where critical analysis of information allows for considered and justifiable actions.
Method of assessment
A range of assessment methods should be used to assess practical skills and knowledge. The following examples are appropriate for this unit:
review of documentation
simulation
direct observation
third party reports
case studies
scenarios
action plans
reports
written or oral questions
Guidance information for assessment
It is important that assessment with other units relevant to oil spill management or incident management systems is taken into account.
Replaced By
| State Code | National Code | Title | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| OAY16 | PUAOIL404 | Apply decision making strategies in an oil spill response | Unit of competency |
| State Code | National Code | Title | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| AB856 | PUASS00040 | Oil Spill Response Team Leader | Skill set |