Elements and Performance Criteria

General context
Work must be carried out in compliance with relevant maritime regulations.

Work is performed relatively independently under broad operational requirements, with limited accountability and responsibility for self and others in achieving the prescribed outcomes.

Work involves the application of established communication principles and practice and the standard nautical vocabulary in written, electronic, verbal and non-verbal communications with others in the course of officer duties. Limited accountability and responsibility for self and others in achieving the outcomes is involved. Work requires the judgement and ability to communicate effectively with others in the course of maritime duties.

Worksite environment
Vessel may include any Australian or international commercial vessel.

Communications may include:
reading and interpretation of nautical charts and publications
reading and interpretation of signs and symbols used on-board vessels
communications with other vessels and coast stations using appropriate equipment
electronic communications including email
written, verbal and non-verbal communications with crew, officers and others in the course of normal duties.

Communications may be with:
English speaking persons
multilingual crew
persons with limited ability to communicate in English.

Communication problems may include:
misunderstanding
limited ability of others to communicate in English
noisy environments or communications channels
illegible writing or print
use of non-standard vocabulary
incorrect assumption that message has been received and/or correctly understood
faulty communications equipment.

Sources of information/documents
Documentation/records may include:
ISM Code safety management system plans, procedures, checklists and instructions
'IMO Standard Marine Communication Phrases'
operational orders
navigational charts
navigational warning records
annual and weekly notices to mariners
protocols for vessel-to-vessel and vessel-to-shore communications
company communication procedures
vessel's log
industrial award requirements
instructions of relevant Maritime Authorities.

Applicable International, Australian and State/Territory regulations and legislation
Applicable procedures and codes may include:
IMO STCW 95 Code and Convention
relevant sections of AMSA Marine Orders
Australian USL Code
relevant international, Australian and State/Territory OH&S legislation
Australian equal employment legislation and related policies.

Critical aspects of evidence to be considered
Assessment must confirm appropriate knowledge and skills to:
Communicate with others effectively using written, verbal and non-verbal methods when performing duties
Use the standard nautical vocabulary when communicating with others on-board a vessel and with other vessels and coast stations
Read and interpret charts, signs and symbols relevant to duties
Identify typical communication problems and take appropriate action.

Interdependent assessment of units
This unit of competency must be assessed in conjunction with other mandatory units that form part of a job role of an officer in charge of a watch on a commercial vessel.

Required knowledge and skills
Knowledge of relevant maritime regulations
Relevant OH&S legislation and policies
Maritime communication techniques including barriers to effective communication and how to overcome them
Established written, verbal and non-verbal communications practices
Relevant industrial award requirements as they relate to shipboard personnel responsibilities, obligations and entitlements
Principles of effective communication
Standard nautical vocabulary as described in the 'IMO Standard Marine Communication Phrases' publication
Protocols and procedures for communicating with others on-board a vessel and with other vessels and coast stations
Techniques for communicating effectively with a multilingual crew
Typical communication problems and appropriate action and solutions.

Resource implications
Access is required to opportunities to either:
demonstrate performance in a range of suitably-simulated communication exercises and case studies covering communication situations that are typically experienced on a vessel; and/or
demonstrate communications skills and knowledge in an appropriate range of operational situations on board an operational commercial or training vessel.

Consistency in performance
Applies underpinning knowledge and skills when:
communicating on board a vessel
identifying and evaluating communication problems and determining appropriate courses of action
identifying and implementing improvements to communication methods
assessing the effectiveness of communications.

Shows evidence of application of relevant workplace procedures including:
relevant sections of IMO STCW 95 Code and Convention and AMSA Marine Orders
ISM Code and associated vessel's Safety Management System and procedures
equal employment and OHS regulations policies and procedures
job procedures and work instructions
relevant manufacturer's guidelines relating to the use of machinery, including instructions on equipment capability and limitations.

Action taken promptly to report and/or rectify communication problems in accordance with statutory requirements and company procedures.

Work is completed systematically with required attention to detail.

Context for assessment
Assessment of competence must comply with the assessment requirements of the relevant maritime regulations.

Assessment of this unit must be undertaken within relevant marine authority approved and audited arrangements by a registered training organisation:
As a minimum, assessment of knowledge must be conducted through appropriate written/oral examinations
Appropriate practical assessment must occur:
at the registered training organisation, and/or
on an appropriate working or training vessel.