Unit of competency Outline

Date retreived
22/07/2026 7:09 AM AWST

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Safely operate a mechanically powered recreational boat

Safely operate a mechanically powered recreational boat

Unit of competency
National Code
MEM50009B
State Code
W5345
TGA Status
Replaced
DTWD Status
Replaced
Current Release Number
1.00
Current Release Date
01/12/2005
State Implementation and Classification
Approved Date
18/06/2009
Field of Education
031705 - Marine Craft Operation
Original Release Date
18/06/2009
Nominal Hours
18
Description
This unit covers safely handling/operating a powered recreational boat on coastal and inland waters. It includes manoeuvring and handling the boat as well as safe navigation and anchoring.This unit was developed by the National Marine Safety Committee (NMSC).
Notes
Elements and Performance Criteria
1. Manoeuvre and handle the boat
  • 1.1. A pre-start check is undertaken.
  • 1.2. Motor is prepared and started.
  • 1.3. Boat is manoeuvred safely according to conditions and in accordance with water traffic regulations.
  • 1.4. Performance of the boat and personnel is monitored at all times.
  • 1.5. Impact of boat use on others and the environment is considered.
  • 1.6. Safety equipment is used, stowed and, if required, worn in accordance with legislation and recognised regulations and rules.
2. Navigate safely
  • 2.1. Aids to small craft navigation are identified.
  • 2.2. Collision avoidance techniques are applied when required in accordance with relevant legislation, recognised regulations and rules.
  • 2.3. Operation of the boat is carried out at all times in accordance with relevant legislation, recognised regulations and rules.
  • 2.4. Navigational aids and landmarks are used to determine and monitor boat position.
  • 2.5. Hazards and conditions are taken into account in navigating the boat.
3. Anchor the boat
  • 3.1. Anchorage site is selected in accordance with prevailing and forecast conditions and in accordance with legislation.
  • 3.2. Type of anchor used is suitable for location.
  • 3.3. Anchor is lowered, set and monitored according to prevailing conditions.
  • 3.4. Anchor is retrieved and securely stowed.
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.
Pre-start check
Pre-start check may include:
fuel is connected
battery is charged and connected
kill switch
fumes, petrol
fuel and water leaks
hatches/windows/doors are open
ventilation
sea-cock opening
loose gear is secured
marine radio is turned on and radio aerials raised
bilge water levels checked
navigation lights
Manoeuvred safely according to conditions
Manoeuvring conditions may include:
from or to a ramp, pontoon, wharf, mooring, anchor, confined areas such as narrow channels, marinas, moorings, obstructions
sea-states such as bars, waves, rips, high seas, tidal surges, choppy conditions, wakes
low speed/high speed
poor visibility
effect of wind
large vessels
Safe manoeuvring may include:
steer straight line
astern
figure-eight
right of way
port-starboard
throttle control
emergency stop
trim and stability of vessel
towing or being towed
berthing
standing-on/stemming the tide
retrieval of person overboard
Monitored
Monitoring may include:
cooling system
bilge
portholes and hatches
location and welfare of persons on board
oil, fuel and water
radio
position of boat
other water users
battery and electrical systems
Environment
Impact of boat use on others/environment may include:
noise
wake
safety of others
disturbance or injury to wildlife
disposal of waste and bilge water
effects of detergent and anti-foul
fuelling arrangements
Aids to small craft navigation
Aids to navigation may include:
IALA Buoyage System 'A'
charts
compasses
GPS
sounder
tide tables
passage plan
marine references
notices to mariners
radio navigational warnings
Relevant legislation, recognised regulations and rules
Collision regulations such as:
navigating in narrow channels
giving way to other vessels
overtaking, proper lookout
sound signals
lights and shapes
responsibilities and duty of care
use of buoyage system
speed
recognition of lights and markers
rules of road
recognition of operation areas
specific activity rules, e.g. PWCs, water skis, equipment requirements
accident/incident reporting
Marine regulations such as:
safety regulations
licensing and registration
speed limit restrictions
distance off requirements
port limits/rules
marine incident reporting
carrying capacity
drug and alcohol limits/effects
age of operators
Environmental and wildlife regulations as relevant and applicable to the operation of boats
Hazards and conditions
Hazards and conditions may include:
weather
set and drift
effect of wind, tide and currents
submerged objects
other boats and wash
restricted waters
crossing bars
Type of anchor
Types of anchor may include:
Danforth
Grapnel/Reef
Bruce
Plough
Admiralty
Sarca
sea anchor
Anchoring systems may include:
multiple anchors
bow and stern anchors
mooring buoy
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
A person who demonstrates competency in this unit must be able to safely handle/operate a powered recreational boat on coastal and inland waters, including basic navigation and anchoring.
Critical aspects for assessment and evidence required to demonstrate competency in this unit
Assessors must be satisfied that the candidate can competently and consistently perform all elements of the unit as specified by the criteria, including required knowledge, and be capable of applying the competency in new and different situations and contexts.
Context of and specific resources for assessment
This unit may be assessed on the job, off the job or a combination of both on and off the job. Where assessment occurs off the job, that is the candidate is not in productive work, then an appropriate simulation must be used where the range of conditions reflects realistic workplace situations. The competencies covered by this unit would be demonstrated by an individual working alone or as part of a team. The assessment environment should not disadvantage the candidate.
This unit could be assessed in conjunction with any other units addressing the safety, quality, communication, materials handling associated with a marine environment, or other units requiring the exercise of the skills and knowledge covered by this unit.
Method of assessment
Assessors should gather a range of evidence that is valid, sufficient, current and authentic. Evidence can be gathered through a variety of ways including direct observation, supervisor's reports, project work, samples and questioning. Questioning techniques should not require language, literacy and numeracy skills beyond those required in this unit of competency. The candidate must have access to all tools, equipment, materials and documentation required. The candidate must be permitted to refer to any relevant workplace procedures, product and manufacturing specifi-cations, codes, standards, manuals and reference materials.
Guidance information for assessment
Replaced By
State Code National Code Title Type
OAS96 MEM50009 Safely operate a mechanically powered recreational boat Unit of competency