Unit of competency Outline
Date retreived
23/07/2026 1:43 PM AWST
23/07/2026 1:43 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.
Maintain a safe navigational watch
Maintain a safe navigational watch
Unit of competency
National Code
MARO5001A
MARO5001A
State Code
WG523
WG523
TGA Status
Replaced
Replaced
DTWD Status
Replaced
Replaced
State Implementation and Classification
Approved Date
10/02/2014
Field of Education
031705 - Marine Craft Operation
Original Release Date
10/02/2014
Nominal Hours
90
Description
This unit involves the skills and knowledge required to apply the accepted principles and procedures to be observed in maintaining a watch according to bridge resource management principles to ensure a safe navigational watch on a vessel.
Notes
Elements and Performance Criteria
1 Maintain watch on the bridge
- 1.1 Own responsibility for the safety of navigation is clearly defined at all times including periods when the Master is on the bridge and while under pilotage
- 1.2 Proper lookout is maintained at all times according to organisational procedures and regulatory requirements
- 1.3 Lights, shapes and sound signals are correctly recognised and acted upon
- 1.4 Frequency and extent of monitoring traffic, vessel and environment are scheduled to conform with organisational procedures and regulatory requirements
- 1.5 Bridge communication is maintained with other team members on matters relevant to the safety and integrity of the vessel
- 1.6 Clear and unambiguous bridge communications are maintained and clarification is sought from or given to other team members when watch information or instructions are not clearly understood
- 1.7 Internal and external communications systems are used according to organisational procedures
- 1.8 Conduct, handover and relief of the watch is completed according to organisational procedures and regulatory requirements
2 Maintain watch when anchored
- 2.1 Organisational procedures and regulatory requirements are complied with through frequency, timing and coverage of scheduled checks and inspections
- 2.2 Appropriate action is taken in the event of irregularities or abnormal conditions to maximise the safety and integrity of the vessel
- 2.3 Restrictions on access to the vessel by non-authorised persons are followed according to organisational procedures and regulatory requirements
- 2.4 Internal and external communications systems are used according to organisational procedures
3 Respond to potential collision and emergency situations
- 3.1 Potential collision situations are analysed and appropriate action is taken in ample time according to regulatory requirements
- 3.2 Correct responses are made to emergencies and situations that pose a danger to the vessel and personnel on board
- 3.3 Distress signals are recognised and appropriate action is taken to initiate search and rescue operations
- 3.4 Master is called in the event of a navigational incident which falls outside own responsibility
4 Resource the bridge according to bridge resource management principles
- 4.1 Bridge resource management principles are interpreted to establish the functions and responsibilities of the watchkeeping team on board a vessel
- 4.2 Resources are allocated and assigned as needed in correct priority to perform necessary tasks to obtain and maintain situational awareness
- 4.3 Watchkeeping schedule is developed with due consideration to team experience
- 4.4 Instructions on watchkeeping and lookout requirements are clearly and unambiguously given in relation to monitoring traffic, vessel and environment
- 4.5 Clear and unambiguous roles and responsibilities of watchkeeping team are determined and allocated
- 4.6 Effective communication is maintained with team on matters relevant to safety and integrity of vessel
- 4.7 Questionable decisions and/or actions are dealt with using an appropriate challenge and response
5 Maintain navigation records
- 5.1 Proper record of the movements and activities related to the navigation of the vessel is maintained
- 5.2 Records are filed and stored according to organisational procedures
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.
Lights, shapes and sound signals must include:
Alternative power source for lights
Day time shapes for a vessel more than 500 gross tonnage
Emergency lights for a vessel more than 500 gross tonnage
Means of making sound signals for a vessel more than 500 gross tonnage
Navigation lights for a vessel more than 500 gross tonnage
Bridge communication may include:
Communication with engine room
Verbal instruction relating to watchkeeping duties
Written Masters instructions
Irregularities or abnormal conditions may include:
Dragging anchor
Fog and restricted visibility
Heavy weather, including cyclones
Emergencies may include:
Person overboard
Search and rescue operations
Matters relevant to safety and integrity of vessel may include:
Maintenance of proper lookout
Navigation path and maintenance of vessels position
Traffic density
Visibility
Weather and sea conditions
Questionable decisions and/or actions may include:
Excessive speed in heavy weather or reduced visibility
Inappropriate action to avoid collision
Incorrect helm orders
Proper records may include:
Course recorder
Courses steered and vessel position
Echo sounder recordings
Log book entries
Passage plan
Radar log book
Weather reports
Lights, shapes and sound signals must include:
Alternative power source for lights
Day time shapes for a vessel more than 500 gross tonnage
Emergency lights for a vessel more than 500 gross tonnage
Means of making sound signals for a vessel more than 500 gross tonnage
Navigation lights for a vessel more than 500 gross tonnage
Bridge communication may include:
Communication with engine room
Verbal instruction relating to watchkeeping duties
Written Masters instructions
Irregularities or abnormal conditions may include:
Dragging anchor
Fog and restricted visibility
Heavy weather, including cyclones
Emergencies may include:
Person overboard
Search and rescue operations
Matters relevant to safety and integrity of vessel may include:
Maintenance of proper lookout
Navigation path and maintenance of vessels position
Traffic density
Visibility
Weather and sea conditions
Questionable decisions and/or actions may include:
Excessive speed in heavy weather or reduced visibility
Inappropriate action to avoid collision
Incorrect helm orders
Proper records may include:
Course recorder
Courses steered and vessel position
Echo sounder recordings
Log book entries
Passage plan
Radar log book
Weather reports
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:
ensuring behaviour reflects relevant current legislative and regulatory requirements
ensuring currency of relevant legislative and regulatory knowledge.
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:
appropriate vessel or simulator to demonstrate maintaining a safe navigational watch
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 maintaining a safe navigational watch
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.
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:
ensuring behaviour reflects relevant current legislative and regulatory requirements
ensuring currency of relevant legislative and regulatory knowledge.
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:
appropriate vessel or simulator to demonstrate maintaining a safe navigational watch
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 maintaining a safe navigational watch
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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| S5411 | TDMMF3007B | MAINTAIN A SAFE NAVIGATIONAL WATCH | Unit of competency |
Replaced By
| State Code | National Code | Title | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| WH883 | MARO002 | Maintain a safe navigational watch | Unit of competency |
| State Code | National Code | Title | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| J568 | MAR60213 | Advanced Diploma of Maritime Operations (Master Unlimited) | Qualification |
| J565 | MAR50413 | Diploma of Maritime Operations (Master up to 500 GT or Master 80 metres) | Qualification |
| J564 | MAR50313 | Diploma of Maritime Operations (Watchkeeper Deck) | Qualification |