Elements and Performance Criteria

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.
Weather conditions must include:
Air masses and fronts
Cloud classifications
Cyclones, storms and gales
Heat exchange process
Ocean currents
Pressure systems and cold fronts
Sea state
Synoptic chart analysis
Tide prediction
Tropical revolving storms
Use of tide tables
Vertical division of the atmosphere
Weather data provided by shipboard instruments
Dangerous oceanographic conditions may include:
Excessively high sea state and swells
Ice formations
Tornados, tropical revolving storms, hurricanes and gales
Appropriate action may include:
Avoiding storm centres and dangerous quadrants by adjusting course and speed
Ensuring all crew and passengers are informed
Ensuring all vessel equipment is properly secured
Securing cargo and stores
Taking action to avoid extreme adverse weather conditions

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:
supporting reasons for intended action with statistical data and observations of actual conditions
ensuring currency of relevant reference material.
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:
industry-approved marine operations site where forecasting weather and oceanographic conditions to plan a safe passage may be conducted
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 forecasting weather and oceanographic conditions to plan a safe passage
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.