Unit of competency Outline

Date retreived
22/07/2026 8:48 PM AWST

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Steer a vessel under direction of the Master

Steer a vessel under direction of the Master

Unit of competency
National Code
MARK012
State Code
OCH03
TGA Status
Current
DTWD Status
Approved
Current Release Number
1.00
Current Release Date
27/10/2020
View on TGA
State Implementation and Classification
Approved Date
09/04/2021
Field of Education
031705 - Marine Craft Operation
Original Release Date
09/04/2021
Nominal Hours
12
Description
This unit involves the skills and knowledge required to steer a vessel under the direction of the Master, complying with helm orders.This unit applies to people working in the maritime industry in the capacity of:Able Seafarer - Deck on a range of vesselsIntegrated RatingNavigational Watch - Deck/Engine.Licensing/Regulatory InformationLegislative and regulatory requirements are applicable to this unit.This unit is one of the requirements to obtain Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA) certification as an Able Seafarer - Deck, Integrated Rating or Navigational Watch - Deck/Engine and to meet regulatory requirements this unit must be delivered consistent with Marine Orders and with the relevant sections of the International Convention on Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping for Seafarers. (STCW)Those regulatory requirements include STCW International Maritime Organization (IMO) model course competencies and areas of knowledge, understanding and proficiency, together with the estimated total hours required for lectures and practical exercises. Teaching staff should note that timings are suggestions only and should be adapted to suit individual groups of trainees depending on their experience, ability, equipment and staff available for training.
Notes
Elements and Performance Criteria
1 Steer a steady course within acceptable limits in normal conditions under the direction of the Master
  • 1.1 Features of vessel that relate to its handling characteristics are recognised
  • 1.2 Navigational equipment is used to steer a steady course
  • 1.3 Situational awareness is maintained to ensure safety of vessel
  • 1.4 Propulsion equipment is used and monitored to assist in steering a steady course within acceptable limits, having regard to the area of navigation and prevailing state of sea
  • 1.5 Safe operating limits of propulsion and steering equipment are not exceeded
  • 1.6 Automatic pilot and hand steering are used to steer a steady course, and course is altered smoothly and in a controlled way
  • 1.7 Helm orders are followed and effective communication maintained with the Master on matters relevant to the safety and integrity of the vessel
2 Steer a vessel in adverse weather conditions under the direction of the Master
  • 2.1 Nature of adverse weather conditions is identified and potential impact on the manoeuvrability of the vessel is determined and confirmed with the Master
  • 2.2 Propulsion equipment is used and monitored to assist in steering a steady course within acceptable limits, having regard to the area of navigation and prevailing state of sea
  • 2.3 Safe operating limits of propulsion and steering equipment are not exceeded
  • 2.4 Situational awareness is maintained at all times to review actions and ensure the safety of the vessel
  • 2.5 Automatic pilot and hand steering are used to steer a steady course, and course is altered smoothly and in a controlled way
  • 2.6 Helm orders are followed and effective communication maintained with the Master on matters relevant to the safety and integrity of the vessel
3 Steer a vessel in emergencies under the direction of the Master
  • 3.1 Nature of the emergency is established and required action is determined and confirmed with the Master
  • 3.2 Helm orders are followed and effective communication maintained with the Master on matters relevant to the safety and integrity of the vessel
  • 3.3 Vessel is steered during the emergency to maintain the safety of the vessel and those onboard, and any other vessels or persons involved in the emergency
  • 3.4 Propulsion equipment is used under the direction of the Master and is monitored to assist in completing steering safely
  • 3.5 Safe operating limits of propulsion and steering equipment are not exceeded
4 Steer a vessel while towing and being towed under the direction of the Master
  • 4.1 Correct towing procedures and precautions are applied when towing and being towed in relation to helm orders
  • 4.2 Helm orders are followed and effective communication maintained with the Master on matters relevant to the safety and integrity of the vessel
No information
No information
Replaces
State Code National Code Title Type
AWK76 MARK005 Steer a vessel under direction of the Master Unit of competency