Elements and Performance Criteria

The range of variables places the competency in context and allows for differences between enterprises and workplaces, including practices, knowledge and requirements. The range of variables also provides a focus for assessment and relates to the unit as a whole. The following variables may be present.

Information:
Obtained from:
· colleagues
· watch keeper
· skipper.

Watch:
Routines to be maintained when in charge of the bridge watch:
· during the day
· at night
· in narrow waters
· in coastal waters
· in severe weather conditions
· in poor visibility
· during pilotage or at anchor.

Principles and procedures:
· as itemised in:
· International Maritime Organisation 'Basic principles to be observed in keeping a navigational watch'
· bridge procedures guide
· enterprise procedures and standing orders
· routines to be maintained when watch keeping.

Hazards:
With respect to:
· vessel position
· weather and sea state
· traffic and other obstructions
· status of equipment and systems
· bar and sea entrance crossings.

Monitored:
Using:
· sight
· RADAR
· sound
· echo sounder.

Manoeuvres may involve:
· stopping
· going astern
· crew overboard.

Engine control systems:
· steering systems
· throttle
· gear box.

Sea state:
· calm
· rough
· in a current
· tidal conditions.

Each unit of competency has an evidence guide that relates directly to the performance criteria and the range of variables. Its purpose is to guide assessment of the unit in the workplace and/or training program. The following components provide information to assist this purpose.

Underpinning knowledge
The underpinning knowledge identified for this unit goes into more depth due its likely inclusion in a group of units that may be used as the basis for the issue of licences by regulatory bodies.

The essential knowledge and understanding a person needs to perform work to the required standard include:
· principles and procedures relating to:
· basic meteorology sufficient to recognise imminent change in the weather and assist in reading meteorological instruments
· identification of sources of information
· responsibilities of a look out
· nautical terminology and the methods of reporting
· operation of RADAR equipment
· echo sounding equipment
· knowledge of:
· classes of and responsibilities between vessels
· give way and stand on rules
· International Rules for Preventing Collisions at Sea (COLREG), 1972
· sound signals
· distress signals
· buoyage and navigation mark lights
· buoyage and navigation mark sound signals and top marks sufficient for them to be recognised
· procedures relating to:
· emergency steering systems
· bridge control failure
· use of operational controls on an auto pilot
· bridge communications
· occasions when convention is to seek assistance
· assessing the risk of collision by sight and RADAR
· use of helm and engines
· emergency manoeuvres
· information relating to:
· International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea (COLREG), 1972
· bridge procedures guides
· enterprise procedures
· International Maritime Organisation operational guidance for officers in charge of a navigational watch.

Practical skills
The essential skills a person needs to perform work to the required standards include:
· maintaining a watch keeping routine:
· during the day
· in narrow waters
· in coastal waters
· in ocean areas
· in severe weather conditions
· in poor visibility
· pilotage
· at anchor
· monitoring:
· traffic by RADAR, aural and visual means
· sea state
· navigation marks and hazards
· depth
· safety of the vessel and personnel
· condition of vessel and personnel
· weather
· meteorological instruments
· meteorological updates
· communications equipment
· using steering systems:
· primary
· backup and emergency systems
· hand steering
· auto pilots including change over procedures and operation of system controls for optimum performance
· using engine control systems
· manoeuvring to:
· maintain a steady course
· offer timely and obvious responses to potential collision
· steer a vessel under pilotage
· berthing
· crossing bars and narrow entrances.

Literacy skills used for:
· identifying buoyage and navigational marks from a chart
· reading meteorological information and instruments.

Critical aspects of competence
Assessment must confirm the ability to:
· perform basic navigation, monitoring and control to ensure the safety of a vessel when keeping a watch
· hand over and take over a navigational watch
· display manoeuvring signals
· maintain a look out
· inform appropriate authority
· delay the need for a navigational response if in doubt
· identify hazards
· seek advice when required.

Assessment must confirm knowledge of:
negotiating buoyage in narrow waters
· negotiating traffic.

Interdependent assessment of units
This unit may be assessed after/with:
· No recommendations.

Context of assessment
Assessment is to be conducted at the workplace or in a simulated work environment.

Method of assessment
The following assessment methods are suggested:
· written or oral short answer testing
· practical exercises
· project work
· observation of practical demonstration.

Resources required for assessment
Resources may include:
· operational vessel with the range of equipment described above
· facilities for negotiating buoyage systems and traffic.