Unit of competency Outline

Date retreived
22/07/2026 7:17 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.

Operate vessel deck machinery and lifting appliance

Operate vessel deck machinery and lifting appliance

Unit of competency
National Code
SFIFISH311A
State Code
D9230
TGA Status
Replaced
DTWD Status
Replaced
Current Release Number
1.00
Current Release Date
22/07/2011
View on TGA
State Implementation and Classification
Approved Date
02/05/2012
Field of Education
031701 - Maritime Engineering
Original Release Date
02/05/2012
Nominal Hours
45
Description
This unit of competency involves operating basic deck machinery and lifting appliances aboard an aquaculture or fishing vessel, including loading and discharging goods, rope work, assisting in mooring operations, and operating cranes, winches, capstans and windlasses.Licensing, legislative, regulatory or certification requirements may apply to these duties. Therefore it will be necessary to check with the relevant state or territory regulators for current licensing, legislative or regulatory requirements before undertaking these duties.
Notes
Elements and Performance Criteria
1. Use and maintain ropes, slings and chains used for lifting or hauling operations
  • 1.1. Operations are carried out safely.
  • 1.2. Rope, sling and chain materials, methods of construction, measurement methods, physical characteristics and common areas of use are correctly identified for the operation.
  • 1.3. Load is constantly monitored to ensure load and structural stability
  • 1.4. Ropes, slings and chains are checked for wear, maintained and stowed correctly.
  • 1.5. Ropes, slings and chains are used for lifting or hauling operations according to their correct application.
  • 1.6. Routine post-operational equipment checks are carried out according to manufacturer specifications.
2. Operate cranes, winches, capstans and windlasses
  • 2.1. Operations are undertaken according to safe operating procedures of the enterprise and manufacturer guidelines.
  • 2.2. Cranes, winches, capstans and windlasses are selected, as appropriate to their design specifications, checked and prepared for operation prior to use.
  • 2.3. Required signals are correctly given, interpreted and followed according to appropriate Australian standards.
  • 2.4. Securing of the vessel at anchor, to another vessel, to a sea cage or wharf is carried out according to established safety rules and regulations.
  • 2.5. Load mass is assessed and correlated with lifting capacity of equipment being used throughout proposed operation.
  • 2.6. Cranes, winches, capstans and windlasses are safely operated to carry out lifting or hauling operations.
  • 2.7. Work area is kept free of loose ropes, wires and debris throughout all operations.
  • 2.8. Equipment controls are operated smoothly.
3. Maintain the stability of the vessel whilst conducting lifting or hauling operations
  • 3.1. Stability data is accessed and correctly interpreted.
  • 3.2. Stability criteria are applied whilst conducting lifting and hauling operations.
  • 3.3. Vessel stability is monitored against criteria appropriate to the type and nature of the operation.
  • 3.4. Appropriate and prompt action is taken where stability factors have or could exceed acceptable safety limits.
  • 3.5. Special precautions are taken where vessel operations may affect the stability and watertight integrity of the vessel.
  • 3.6. Timely and appropriate action is taken in anticipation of environmental changes that may affect the stability of the vessel.
  • 3.7. Appropriate action is taken in emergency situations to maintain the stability of the vessel within safe limits.
  • 3.8. Instructions to others concerning vessel stability and related action are appropriate, timely, clear and concise.
4. Shut down and stow deck machinery and lifting equipment
  • 4.1. All deck machinery and lifting and hauling equipment components are checked for any signs of deterioration or damage according to company guidelines and manufacturer instructions.
  • 4.2. Damaged or worn equipment is segregated and reported to an authorised person for testing/repair/destruction.
  • 4.3. Lifting and hauling equipment is correctly stowed and secured according to company policy and procedures and manufacturer instructions
  • 4.4. Deck machinery and equipment is immobilised and secured for travel according to manufacturer instructions, workplace guidelines and regulatory requirements
  • 4.5. Required workplace records are updated accurately and promptly and processed according to workplace procedures.
  • 4.6. All certified lifting equipment is regularly checked and authorised according to government OHS regulations.
RANGE STATEMENT
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. Essential operating conditions that may be present with training and assessment (depending on the work situation, needs of the candidate, accessibility of the item, and local industry and regional contexts) may also be included.
Relevant government regulations, licensing and other compliance requirements may include:
biodiversity and genetically modified organisms
biosecurity, translocation and quarantine
business or workplace operations, policies and practices
environmental hazard identification, risk assessment and control
OHS hazard identification, risk assessment and control.
OHS guidelines may include:
appropriate workplace provision of first aid kits and fire extinguishers
clean, uncluttered, hygienic workplace
codes of practice, regulations and/or guidance notes which may apply in a jurisdiction or industry sector
enterprise-specific OHS procedures, policies or standards
hazard and risk assessment of workplace, maintenance activities and control measures
induction or training of staff, contractors and visitors in relevant OHS procedures and/or requirements to allow them to carry out their duties in a safe manner
OHS training register
safe lifting, carrying and handling techniques, including manual handling, and the handling and storage of hazardous substances
safe systems and procedures for outdoor work, including protection from solar radiation, fall protection, confined space entry and the protection of people in the workplace
systems and procedures for the safe maintenance of property, machinery and equipment, including hydraulics and exposed moving parts
the appropriate use, maintenance and storage of PPE.
ESD principles may include:
controlling effluents, chemical residues, contaminants, wastes and pollution
improving energy efficiency
increasing use of renewable, recyclable and recoverable resources
minimising noise, dust, light or odour emissions
preventing live cultured or held organisms from escaping into environment
reducing energy use
reducing emissions of greenhouse gases
reducing use of non-renewable resources
undertaking environmental hazard identification, risk assessment and control
undertaking facility quarantine, biosecurity and translocation of livestock and genetic material
using and recycling of water, and maintaining water quality.
PPE may include:
hard hat or protective head covering
non-slip and waterproof boots (gumboots) or other safety footwear
sunscreen, protective eyewear, glasses and face mask
uniforms, overalls or protective clothing (e.g. mesh and waterproof aprons, and gloves)
two-way radios
high visibility clothing
Operations may include:
anchoring:
emergency
letting go and recovery
routine
anchor winches
at sea and ashore
cable and rope winches
communications and signalling
day or night
hydraulic, electric and mechanical
in a variety of weather conditions
mooring:
mooring and unmooring to a single point
berthing and unberthing to a wharf
berthing and unberthing to a sea cage
berthing and unberthing to another vessel
adjustment from both fore and aft mooring positions
rigging and recovering means of access to the vessel
net haulers
pot or trap haulers
powered winch, capstan and windlass
three, four or eight-strand rope
vessel mounted crane
wire rope.
Enterprise and manufacturer guidelines may include:
communications technology equipment, oral, aural or signed communications
competency standards and training materials
induction documentation
job specifications and procedures
manufacturer specifications for deck machinery, lifting and hauling equipment
material safety data sheets (MSDS)
operations manuals for deck machinery, lifting and hauling equipment
personal and work area work procedures and practices
safe working load (SWL) and working load limit (WLL)
workplace operating procedures and policies.
Environmental changes that may affect vessel stability may include:
movement of:
equipment
goods/cargo
materials
other vessel traffic
sea cage
vessel as a result of weather or sea conditions.
EVIDENCE GUIDE
The evidence guide provides advice on assessment and must be read in conjunction with the performance criteria, required skills and knowledge, range statement and the Assessment Guidelines for the Training Package.
Overview of assessment

Critical aspects for assessment evidence required to demonstrate competence in this unit
Assessment must confirm the ability to:
assist in mooring operations
communicate effectively with others when operating deck machinery and lifting equipment
safely operate vessel deck machinery and lifting appliances according to enterprise procedures and manufacturer guidelines whilst maintaining the stability of the vessel.

Assessment must confirm knowledge of:
correct application of common knots, bends and hitches
factors that affect the stability of a vessel
principles of maintaining stability whilst operating vessel deck machinery and lifting appliances
OHS hazards and control mechanisms associated with the operation of vessel deck machinery and lifting appliances
operation principles of deck machinery and lifting equipment
principles relating to mooring systems.
Context of and specific resources for assessment
Assessment is to be conducted at the workplace or in a simulated work environment.

Resources may include:
appropriate ropes, slings and/or chains
other crew
relevant vessel deck machinery and lifting appliances and associated manufacturer guidelines and enterprise procedures for its use
vessel or simulator that can respond to a range of stability variables.
Method of assessment
The following assessment methods are suggested:
third-party evidence from supervisor
practical simulated activities on shore
range of appropriate activities undertaken on a vessel and documented in a log
written and/or oral tests.
Guidance information for assessment
This unit may be assessed holistically with other units within a qualification.
Replaced By
State Code National Code Title Type
OAR59 SFIFSH301 Operate vessel deck machinery and lifting appliance Unit of competency