Elements and Performance Criteria

General context
Work must be carried out in compliance with relevant maritime regulations.

Work is performed relatively independently under broad operational requirements, with limited accountability and responsibility for self and others in achieving the prescribed outcomes.

Work involves the application of principles of visual signalling to accurately send and receive messages using flashing lights and flags. Correct coding and decoding of messages using the International Code of Signals is required. Limited accountability and responsibility for self and others in achieving the outcomes is involved.

Work requires the accurate and consistent use of signalling lights and flags to send and receive messages using the International Code of Signals.

Worksite environment
Visual communications may include signalling with lights using code or signalling with flags using the International Code of Signals.

Visual communications may be carried out:
by day or night in both normal and emergency situations
under any possible conditions of weather and loading
while underway
during berthing and unberthing operations
while anchoring or mooring
while anchored or moored.

Special messages for signalling may include:
distress
urgency
safety
navigational
medical advice.

Sources of information/documents
Documentation/records may include:
ISM Code safety management system plans, procedures, checklists and instructions
operational orders
vessel's log
International Code of Signals
records of visual communications.

Applicable International, Australian and State/Territory regulations and legislation
Applicable procedures and codes may include:
IMO STCW 95 Code and Convention related to visual signalling
relevant sections of AMSA Marine Orders related to visual signalling
Australian USL Code
International Code of Signals.

Critical aspects of evidence to be considered
Assessment must confirm appropriate knowledge and skills to:
Send and receive messages in code using a flashing light
Send and receive messages using flags in accordance with the International Code of Signals
Maintain records of visual communications.

Interdependent assessment of units
This unit of competency may be assessed in conjunction with other mandatory units that form part of a job role of an officer on a commercial vessel.

Required knowledge and skills
Knowledge of relevant maritime regulations
International Code of signals
Procedures for using a flashing light to send visual messages using code
Procedures for sending visual messages with flags using the International Code of Signals
Techniques for recognising and decoding visual messages sent with flags using the International Code of Signals
Techniques for sending and receiving special visual messages with flags
Visual signalling problems and appropriate action and solutions
Procedures for keeping records of visual communications.

Resource implications
Access is required to opportunities to either:
demonstrate performance in suitably-simulated visual communications exercises covering a range of communication situations typically experienced on a vessel; and/or
demonstrate the use of visual communications in an appropriate range of operational situations on board an operational commercial or training vessel.

Consistency in performance
Applies underpinning knowledge and skills when:
carrying out visual communications activities on board a vessel
identifying and evaluating visual communication signalling problems and determining appropriate courses of action
maintaining records of visual communications.

Shows evidence of application of relevant workplace procedures including:
relevant maritime regulations
job procedures and work instructions
guidelines relating to the use of a light and flags visual communications between vessels.

Action is taken promptly to report visual communications in accordance with established procedures.

Work is completed systematically with required attention to detail.

Context for assessment
Assessment of competence must comply with the assessment requirements of the relevant maritime regulations.

Assessment of this unit must be undertaken within relevant marine authority approved and audited arrangements by a registered training organisation:
As a minimum, assessment of knowledge must be conducted through appropriate written/oral examinations
Appropriate practical assessment must occur:
at the registered training organisation, and/or
on an appropriate working or training vessel.