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.

Records:
For personal production and maintenance covering own areas of responsibility during duty periods:
· as required by:
· legislation
· enterprise procedures
· line management
· good practice
· kept by:
· computer
· manual methods
· recording devices
· for recording:
· routine activities
· unusual or hazardous occurrences
· incidents affecting the safe prosecution and concerns of the voyage.

Legislative requirements:
· the International Convention for the Prevention of Pollution from Ships (MARPOL 73/78)
· fuelling and bunkering
· environmental legislation/regulations
· Occupational Health and Safety standards
· taxation
· workers' compensation
· antidiscrimination
· fisheries licensing
· marine safety regulations:
· fire appliances
· life saving appliances
· musters and drills
· automatic pilot and testing of steering gear
· distress signals and prevention of collision
· codes of safe working practice
· general duties
· protective clothing and equipment
· guarding of machinery
· means of access
· entry into dangerous spaces
· hatches and lifting equipment
· safe movement on board a vessel
· navigational equipment
· pilot ladders and hoists
· regulations on vessel construction and closing of openings.

Operations:
· navigation
· fishing
· cargo
· engineering
· maintenance
· drills
· port operations
· towage
· sub-sea
· contingency response services
· catering procedures.

Responsibility:
· covering the areas for which the job holder is directly responsible
· offering advice to others
· actions of crew
· actions of contractors
· use and maintenance of equipment.

Advice:
· given on request
· given on own instigation.

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 essential knowledge and understanding a person needs to perform work to the required standard include:
· use of computers for record keeping
· use of recording instruments and charts
· entitlement or authorisations to view records
· importance of maintaining accurate records
· personal and corporate penalties for non-compliance
· organisational procedures for dealing with non-compliance
· content of relevant regulations to a level sufficient to carry out watch keeping and maintenance duties
· a general understanding of other legislation pertaining to the operation of the vessel
· what can and cannot be discharged at sea
· procedures for monitoring and disposal of pollutants at sea and by other methods.

Practical skills
The essential skills a person needs to perform work to the required standards include:
· maintaining clear and accurate records.

Literacy skills used for:
· reading regulations and procedures
· making records.

Numeracy skills used for:
· making records.

Critical aspects of competence
Assessment must confirm the ability to:
· maintain and secure a range of records as detailed in the range of variables, in particular produce records, distribute records, store and secure records, maintain procedures and routines, deal with possible non-compliance, advise others, identify problems and remedial action to be taken, and ensure others comply with regulations.

Assessment must confirm knowledge of how to gain access to:
· enterprise procedures
· International Convention for the Prevention of Pollution from Ships (MARPOL 73/78) regulations.

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:
· examples of applicable regulations.