Unit of competency Outline
Date retreived
22/07/2026 2:38 PM AWST
22/07/2026 2:38 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.
Manage loading, discharging and stowing of cargo
Manage loading, discharging and stowing of cargo
Unit of competency
National Code
MARA003
MARA003
State Code
WH790
WH790
TGA Status
Replaced
Replaced
DTWD Status
Replaced
Replaced
State Implementation and Classification
Approved Date
04/02/2014
Field of Education
031705 - Marine Craft Operation
Original Release Date
04/02/2014
Nominal Hours
18
Description
This unit involves the skills and knowledge required to manage the loading, discharging and stowage of cargo to prevent damage or deterioration and to deliver it, as far as is possible, in as good a condition and order as it was when received aboard.This unit applies to people working in the maritime industry in the capacity of Master on a range of vessels up to 80 metres.This unit has links to legislative and certification requirements.
Notes
Elements and Performance Criteria
1 Plan the stow
- 1.1 Loading manual is interpreted to determine operational loading conditions
- 1.2 Still water shear forces and bending moments in any load or ballast condition are known and not exceeded
- 1.3 Load is planned to ensure stresses in vessel are minimised by evenly distributing cargo
- 1.4 Load is planned to avoid incompatible cargo stowage
- 1.5 Regulations relating to hazardous materials/dangerous goods are observed, where appropriate
- 1.6 Load is planned for unloading sequence
- 1.7 Vessel cargo carrying capacity is not exceeded for appropriate load line
- 1.8 Vessel trim is calculated to allow for optimum vessel performance at sea
2 Plan load/unload with stevedores
- 2.1 Available port/vessel cargo handling gear and equipment is determined
- 2.2 Handling capacity of cargo handling gear and equipment is established
- 2.3 Pumping capacity of cargo pumps is verified
- 2.4 Availability and status of human resources is resolved
- 2.5 Cargo manifest is made available
- 2.6 Cargo stowage plan is completed and agreed with stevedores
- 2.7 Stability calculation is made and checked against vessel stability information manual
- 2.8 Notice of readiness to load/unload is provided
3 Prepare for loading
- 3.1 Holds are checked to ensure they are clean, dry and free of smell
- 3.2 Safety arrangements in holds are verified to ensure they are operational
- 3.3 Supplies of dunnage and mats are reviewed to ensure there are sufficient available
- 3.4 Bilges are covered with tarpaulins/wrappers before loading
- 3.5 Checks are made to ensure cargo is correctly identified, inspected and confirmed against documentation
- 3.6 Preparations for loading are monitored according to stowage plan and organisational procedures
4 Control loading/unloading of cargo
- 4.1 Instructions are given to crew and stevedores involved in cargo loading/unloading according to cargo stowage plan
- 4.2 Compliance with regulations, procedures and instructions pertaining to type of cargo being handled is managed during loading/unloading operations
- 4.3 Loading/unloading is monitored to ensure loading rate is not exceeded in the case of bulk or liquid cargo
- 4.4 Vessel stability is observed during loading/unloading operations
- 4.5 Loading/unloading operations are checked against stowage plan
- 4.6 Cargo is secured and lashed according to lashing plan
- 4.7 All cargo handling documentation is completed according to organisational procedures and regulatory requirements
5 Manage ballast management operations
- 5.1 Ballast discharge requirements of port authority are complied with
- 5.2 Ballast management activities are monitored according to organisational procedures and port authority requirements
- 5.3 Ballast management problems are identified and appropriate action is taken to minimise risk to the environment
6 Monitor care of cargo during voyage
- 6.1 Vessel plan for care of cargo during the voyage is implemented according to organisational and customer requirements, and relevant regulations
- 6.2 Ventilation and humidity control systems are checked
- 6.3 Action required to maintain the wellbeing of cargo during the voyage is initiated according to customer requirements and organisational procedures
- 6.4 Compliance with safety and hazard minimisation procedures and regulations related to cargo care is managed at all times during the voyage to maintain safety of personnel, cargo and vessel
- 6.5 Appropriate action is taken in the event of a cargo-related incident or emergency to rectify problem, secure cargo and maintain safety of vessel and personnel
No information
No information
Replaces
| State Code | National Code | Title | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| WG353 | MARA4001A | Manage loading, discharging and stowage of cargo | Unit of competency |
| S5349 | TDMMA907B | PREPARE A CARGO PLAN FOR CARGO LOADING AND UNLOADING OPERATIONS WITHIN THE LIMITS OF RESPONSIBILITY OF A MASTER 4 | Unit of competency |
Replaced By
| State Code | National Code | Title | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| OCH67 | MARA022 | Manage loading, discharging and stowing of cargo | Unit of competency |
| State Code | National Code | Title | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| J717 | MAR40613 | Certificate IV in Maritime Operations (Master up to 35 metres Near Coastal) | Qualification |
| BDT9 | MAR40618 | Certificate IV in Maritime Operations (Master up to 35 metres Near Coastal) | Qualification |