Elements and Performance Criteria

General context
Work must be carried out in compliance with Safe Working Code of Practice for the Australian Offshore Support Vessel Industry, relevant maritime regulations and the Petroleum (Submerged Lands) Act.

Work is performed in accordance with established operational procedures, with some accountability and responsibility for self and others in achieving the required outcomes. It involves the application of established procedures and techniques for the operation and maintenance of the windlasses at an offshore oil and/or gas rigs when running or recovering anchors or for the repositioning of the rig. Following of orders and instructions of the Rig Captain or the officer in charge of the watch is required.

Worksite environment
Vessel may include any commercial off-shore oil and gas rig.

Windlass operation and pre-operational checks may be carried out:
by day or night in both normal and emergency situations
under any possible conditions of weather and sea
when running anchors
when recovering anchors
when repositioning of the rig.

Windlass operations may include:
hauling in
dynamic pay out
emergency pay out.

Pre-operation checks and routine maintenance activities may include:
pre operational checks of windlass performance and condition
checks that spline clutch is engaged prior to operation of a windlass
identification of any deterioration of winch performance
pre-shift greasing of windlasses
action to ensure auto greasing system has adequate grease
reporting of identified operational problems
shutting down of windlasses if required as a result of ou-of specification performance.

Pre-operational precautions include:
attendance at briefing meeting on windlass operations
checks that the chain locker seals are open prior to operating the winch to prevent damage to the seals
checks that the spline clutch is engaged prior to windlass operation
confirmation that hand held radios are operational and communications is established prior to and during windlass operations.

Operational hazards may include:
noise
speed of pay out
moving heavy loads using unsafe lifting procedures
unsecured machinery, components or equipment
ropes, wires and cables
slippery deck
sharp tools and implements
moving and rotating machinery
faulty machinery equipment handling equipment and lifting gear
using equipment beyond safe working limits
poor housekeeping procedures
non-compliance with safe working procedures.

Personal protective equipment may include:
ear muffs/plugs and goggles
gloves
life jacket
overalls
steel capped boots
sun glasses and sun hat
vests
wet weather gear.

Sources of information/documents
Documentation/records may include:
Safe Working Code of Practice for the Australian Offshore Support Vessel Industry
ISM Code safety management system plans, procedures, checklists and instructions
relevant IMO Conventions and Codes
AMSA Marine Orders
operational orders and instructions
manufacturer's manuals and specifications
material safety data sheets
rig and company procedures
instructions of relevant Maritime Authorities.

Applicable International, Australian and State/Territory regulations and legislation
Applicable legislation and codes may include:
Safe Working Code of Practice for the Australian Offshore Support Vessel Industry
relevant sections of IMO Conventions and Codes
relevant sections of AMSA Marine Orders
ISM Code
Marine Pollution Act (MARPOL)
Petroleum (Submerged Lands) Act
relevant international, Australian and State/Territory OH&S legislation.

Critical aspects of evidence to be considered
Assessment must confirm appropriate knowledge and skills to:
Perform pre-operational checks on windlasses
Carry out pre-operational precautions
Grease windlass machinery prior to operation
Operate windlasses for the running of anchors, when recovering anchors and when repositioning the rig
Coordinate windlass operations with other vessel operations
Ensure the exercise of all required safety, environmental and hazard control precautions and procedures during windlass operations
Communicate effectively with others during windlass operations.

Interdependent assessment of units
This unit of competency must be assessed in conjunction with other competency units that form part of a job role of an integrated rating on a support vessel or an off-shore oil and/or gas rig.

Required knowledge and skills
Knowledge of sections of Safe Working Code of Practice for the Australian Offshore Support Vessel Industry and relevant maritime regulations
ISM Code safety management system plans, procedures, checklists and instructions as they relate to the operation and maintenance of the windlasses on an off-shore oil and/or gas rig
Relevant OH&S and pollution control legislation and policies
Procedures for the pre-operational checks and operation of the windlasses on an off-shore oil and/or gas rig
Basic maintenance procedures for windlasses on a rig
Precautions to be taken prior to operating a windlass on a rig, including:
attendance at briefing meeting on windlass operations
checking that the chain locker seals are open prior to operating the winch to prevent damage to the seals
ensuring that the spline clutch is engaged prior to windlass operation
ensuring that hand held radios are operational and communications is established prior to and during windlass operations
Operating characteristics and features of windlasses used when servicing an off-shore oil and/or gas rig
Established procedures for using windlasses on a rig
Procedures for identifying and reporting of faulty or out-of-specification operation of windlasses
Rig mooring procedures
Hazards and related safety precautions when operating and maintaining windlasses, including:
excessive pay out speed
excessive chain tension
noise
fouling of chain by the PCC during the repositioning of a rig
Communication equipment and techniques required during winch operations including hand held radios.

Resource implications
Access is required to opportunities to either:
demonstrate the ability to carry out and pre-operational checks and operate windlasses on an oil or gas rig through appropriate case studies and practical exercises; and/or
carry out supervised pre-operational checks and operate windlasses on operational off-shore oil and/or gas rig.

Consistency in performance
Applies underpinning knowledge and skills when:
performing pre-operational checks on windlasses
operating windlasses for the running of anchors, when recovering anchors and when repositioning the rig
exercising all required safety, environmental and hazard control precautions and procedures during windlass operations
communicating effectively with others during windlass operations.

Shows evidence of application of relevant workplace procedures, including:
with Safe Working Code of Practice for the Australian Offshore Support Vessel Industry
sections of relevant maritime regulations dealing with windlass operations on a rig
ISM Code and associated vessel's Safety Management System and procedures
OHS regulations and hazard prevention policies and procedures
job procedures and work instructions
windlass manufacturer's operating and maintenance specifications and instructions
following shipboard housekeeping processes.

Action taken promptly to report operational incidents and problems in accordance with regulations and shipboard 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.