Apply knowledge of core Autonomous Underwater Vehicles (AUV) operations

Unit of competency Outline

Date retreived
22/07/2026 3:04 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.

Unit of competency

National Code
MARH030

State Code
OEY31

TGA Status
Replaced

DTWD Status
Transition (Replaced)

Current Release Number
1.00

Current Release Date
20/12/2022

View on TGA

State Implementation and Classification

Approved Date

06/04/2023

Field of Education

031705 - Marine Craft Operation

Original Release Date

06/04/2023

Nominal Hours

Description

This unit involves the skills and knowledge required to apply knowledge of core Autonomous Underwater Vehicles (AUV) operations. This includes identifying key working components of an AUV, applying safe handling techniques, determining requirements for optimal mission planning, explaining control theory in relation to performance, conducting safe launch and recovery, assessing mission data, optimising performance and explaining control theory relating to AUV performance. It also includes hydrostatics to optimise ballasting, surface piloting techniques, tracking technologies and principles of mission planning software. This unit applies to people working in the maritime industry in the capacity of:AUV OperatorAUV Technician.This unit applies to AUV operations being conducted in Near Coastal (NC) waters within the limits of the operators AMSA Certificate of Competency.Licensing/Regulatory InformationNo licensing, legislative or certification requirements apply to this unit at the time of publication.

Notes

Elements and Performance Criteria

1. Identify key working components of an AUV

1.1 Communication and navigation systems are identified
1.2 Power, control and propulsion systems are identified
1.3 Sensor payloads and data transfer system are identified
1.4 Ballasting system is identified

2. Apply safe handling techniques for an AUV

2.1 Location of safe lifting points and sensitive ('no touch areas') are identified
2.2 AUV is transitioned from storage to operational area safely and according to operational procedures
2.3 Process for initialising, shutting down and recharging AUV is conducted safely and according to operational procedures
2.4 Process for data transfer of mission and payload data is conducted according to operational procedures

3. Conduct safe launch and recovery (LAR) of an AUV

3.1 Critical factors required for safe launch and recovery systems (LARS) operations are outlined
3.2 Deck-handling skills and equipment used to support AUV LAR are outlined
3.2 AUV LAR from stationary platform and moving vessel using a seal launch is conducted according to operational procedures
3.4 AUV LAR from a stationary vessel using a davit is conducted according to operational procedures

4. Apply hydrostatics to optimise AUV ballasting

4.1 Local oceanographic conditions relevant to AUV ballasting are identified and described
4.2 Optimal AUV 'pose' at the surface and behaviour during a shallow ascent when correctly AUV ballasted is described
4.3 AUV ballasting is conducted safely and correctly according to operational procedures

5. Apply principles of AUV mission planning software

5.1 Process for loading navigational charts into the mission planning software is outlined
5.2 Start and end points are set using mission planning software according to operational requirements
5.3 Mission waypoints and transects are set using mission planning software according to operational requirements
5.4 Optimal depth and speed control are set using mission planning software according to operational requirements
5.5 Total mission timing and distance are estimated manually and using mission planning software
5.6 Mission files are uploaded from mission planning software to the AUV following operating procedures

6. Determine requirements for optimal mission planning AUV mission scenarios

6.1 Limitations on AUV performance, including maximum dive and climb angles and minimum turning radius, are determined
6.2 Best practise mission planning for surveying over submerged riverbeds is outlined
6.3 Best practise mission planning for steep terrain is outlined
6.4 Best practise mission planning for strong currents is outlined
6.5 Best practise mission planning for surveys around maritime infrastructure is outlined

7. Apply AUV tracking technologies

7.1 AUV is located using hydrophone
7.2 Acoustic beacons are located using ranger modem
7.3 Best practises for focusing AUV search and rescue operations are described

8. Apply AUV surface piloting techniques

8.1 Remote control of the AUV at the surface is established
8.2 AUV piloting to and from the support vessel and around obstacles through the adjustment of course and speed is conducted

9. Conduct assessment of AUV mission data

9.1 Key information within master mission log file and operator logbook are accessed and interpreted
9.2 Post-mission analysis is conducted to assess the success of the mission relative to payload objectives
9.3 Vehicle performance analysis is conducted to assess the engineering behaviour of the AUV

10. Conduct missions to assess optimised performance of AUV

10.1 AUV mission to assess improved navigation with acoustic transpondersis conducted
10.2 AUV mission to assess the impact of payloads on hydrodynamics is conducted
10.3 AUV mission to optimise sensor data coverage is conducted

11. Explain control theory in relation to AUV performance

11.1 Concepts of input, output, error, feedback and gain for a simple control system are described
11.2 Principle of tuning the three components of proportional-integral-derivative (PID) control to improve the achievement of an AUV depth goal is outlined

12. Plan and evaluate an AUV mission

12.1 AUV mission is designed and planned according to operational requirements
12.2 AUV mission is conducted following a standard operating procedure
12.3 Post-mission analysis, including vehicle performance analysis, is completed with a post-mission debrief

No information

Replaced By

State Code	National Code	Title	Type
OFH03	MARH040	Apply knowledge of core Autonomous Underwater Vehicles (AUV) operations	Unit of competency

State Code	National Code	Title	Type
CDG2	MAR31222	Certificate III in Autonomous Maritime Systems	Qualification