Unit of competency Outline

Date retreived
22/07/2026 9:05 AM AWST

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Sail small boats in open coastal waters and moderate wind conditions

Sail small boats in open coastal waters and moderate wind conditions

Unit of competency
National Code
SISOSAI003
State Code
OBE89
TGA Status
Current
DTWD Status
Approved
Current Release Number
1.00
Current Release Date
11/09/2019
View on TGA
State Implementation and Classification
Approved Date
13/12/2019
Field of Education
092101 - Sport And Recreation Activities
Original Release Date
13/12/2019
Nominal Hours
30
Description
This unit describes the performance outcomes, skills and knowledge required to sail small boats, under 8.5 metres length of deck, in moderate wind conditions within open coastal waters. It requires the ability to launch, land and sail; steer on all points of sail, and to tack and gybe. It also requires the ability to rescue crew members from the water, recover from a capsize, and to operate small boats under tow.This unit provides the skills to sail in open coastal waters between 2 to 5 nautical miles seaward from the coast. Sailors at this level can sail in moderate winds of 11 to 16 knots (Beaufort Scale).Water could feature small white capping waves up to 1.25 metres.It applies to leaders, guides or instructors, who use these skills when leading participants during sailing activities. Leadership skills are provided in complementary units.This unit applies to any type of organisation that delivers outdoor recreation activities including commercial, not-for-profit and government organisations.Recreational boating is regulated by specific laws in each Australian state and territory with variable rules. General and specific waterway rules apply to the operation of small boats. All training and assessment activities must comply with the local state or territory requirements. No occupational licensing or certification requirements apply to this unit at the time of publication.
Notes
Elements and Performance Criteria
1. Prepare for the sail.
  • 1.1. Select clothing, footwear and personal protective equipment suitable for conditions, and check for safe working condition.
  • 1.2. Select a suitable site for sailing activities according to current conditions.
  • 1.3. Confirm activity safety and emergency response procedures to ensure compliance during activities.
  • 1.4. Confirm protocols for communications between party members and with other water users.
  • 1.5. Fit and adjust lifejacket to ensure comfort and safety.
2. Rig small boat.
  • 2.1. Select lines and other rigging equipment to suit design of small boat in use.
  • 2.2. Rig sails to mast and boom using appropriate tension.
  • 2.3. Secure lines by tying knots suitable for rigging.
  • 2.4. Complete safety checks according to organisational procedures.
3. Launch small boats.
  • 3.1. Determine wind direction to enable easy launching.
  • 3.2. Embark and launch small boat from bank, shore or wharf while maintaining stability, direction, speed and control.
  • 3.3. Secure or drop the centreboard, where present, and rudder.
4. Sail small boat in open coastal waters and moderate wind conditions.
  • 4.1. Comply with waterway rules throughout all activities, including use of boat within permitted areas.
  • 4.2. Manoeuvre boat using primary boat controls, safely approach, and negotiate obstacles and hazards to minimise risk of injury.
  • 4.3. Analyse wind indicators to anticipate gusts, lulls, lifts and knocks and use wind shifts when sailing upwind and downwind.
  • 4.4. Respond to changing wind conditions; adjust sails to effectively manoeuvre boat using techniques appropriate for wind conditions.
  • 4.5. Heave to and back the mainsail to control speed of boat.
  • 4.6. Reduce sail in response to variable wind conditions.
  • 4.7. Trim sails, and steer boat efficiently in moderate wind conditions.
5. Recover crew member lost overboard.
  • 5.1. Provide clear and concise instructions to person being rescued and others assisting.
  • 5.2. Engage a lookout to maintain sight of crew overboard at all times and to consistently indicate position in water.
  • 5.3. Reduce speed to safe level, approach and stop to leeward side of crew member in water.
  • 5.4. Rescue crew member from water using reach techniques.
  • 5.5. Utilise throw resources to reach and recover crew member in water.
  • 5.6. Position boat appropriately and assist injured crew to re-enter boat.
6. Recover from a capsize.
  • 6.1. Recognise warning signs and take immediate action to prevent capsize.
  • 6.2. Signal for assistance following capsize, as required, and implement organisational capsize procedures.
  • 6.3. Check safety of crew, provide instruction, and stay clear of rigging in water.
  • 6.4. Maintain contact with boat, secure floating items, as able, and ease sheets.
  • 6.5. Utilise all crew members to right small boat using counterweight methods and smooth transitions; maintain head to wind.
  • 6.6. Re-enter crew to boat gradually as sufficient freeboard is regained after first crew member has re-entered and started bailing.
7. Operate small boats under tow.
  • 7.1. Drop and secure sails and secure all equipment.
  • 7.2. Receive and secure towline using appropriate fixtures, knots and tensions to spread load on towline.
  • 7.3. Seat crew in positions to provide balance to small boat.
  • 7.4. Signal towing vessel when ready to proceed.
  • 7.5. Maintain communication with towing vessel and monitor towline and response of small boat, adjust any equipment as required.
8. Land and secure small boats.
  • 8.1. Bring small boat to anchor, using techniques appropriate for situation.
  • 8.2. Drop sails, raise centreboard, where present, and rudder and prepare lines in preparation for return to shore.
  • 8.3. Account for effects of wind and tide to safely manoeuvre boat into landing position.
  • 8.4. Maintain stability, direction, speed and control to land boat into a range of free and tight positions.
  • 8.5. Secure small boat to bank or shore or wharf using appropriate knots, and retrieve boat from water.
  • 8.6. De-rig and pack all components.
  • 8.7. Secure boat for road transport using suitable methods
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Replaces
State Code National Code Title Type
D6531 SISOYSB403A Sail a small boat in moderate and variable conditions Unit of competency
State Code National Code Title Type
BHO5 SIS40621 Certificate IV in Outdoor Leadership Qualification
BEU1 SIS40619 Certificate IV in Outdoor Leadership Qualification