Elements and Performance Criteria

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

Work is performed within defined emergency procedures with limited accountability and responsibility for self and others in achieving the prescribed outcomes.

Work involves the application of basic emergency procedures and the use of emergency equipment on board a vessel. Taking of immediate action in accordance with company procedures and limits of responsibility is required.

Work requires some judgement in recognising and confirming the nature and extent of the emergency and taking appropriate initial action within the established limits of responsibility.

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

Potential emergencies may occur:
by day or night
under any possible conditions of weather and loading
while underway
during berthing and unberthing operations
while anchoring or mooring

Emergencies may include:
collision with another vessel
explosion on board vessel
fire on board vessel
impairment of integrity of hull and ingress of water
loss of steering control
loss of motive power
foundering
grounding
person overboard
rescue and evacuation of injured personnel

Emergency and distress alerting systems may include:
pyrotechnic distress signals
GMDSS survival craft VHF radios
satellite emergency position indicating radio beacons (EPIRBs)
search and rescue transponders (SARTs)
whistles.

Sources of information/documents
Documentation/records may include:
relevant maritime regulations dealing with emergency equipment and procedures
SOLAS regulations
AMSA publication 'Survival at Sea - a Training and Instruction Manual'
instructions from official search and rescue authorities
vessel's procedures for emergency response
vessel's safety management system plans, procedures, checklists and instructions (where applicable)
manufacturer's instructions for the use of emergency and distress alerting systems
instructions of relevant Maritime Authorities related to survival at sea
relevant OH&S legislation, codes of practice, policies and procedures
relevant Australian and international standards.

Applicable International, Australian and State/Territory regulations and legislation
Applicable procedures and codes may include:
relevant sections of the IMO STCW 95 Code, the Australian USL Code and/or AMSA Marine Orders (dependent on the type of vessel and the role of the person concerned)
Safety of Life at Sea (SOLAS) Convention
relevant international, Australian and State/Territory OH&S legislation.

Critical aspects of evidence to be considered
Assessment must confirm appropriate knowledge and skills to:
Recognise emergency or abnormal situations
Take appropriate initial action on becoming aware of an emergency or abnormal situation
Operate emergency equipment
Maintain the integrity of emergency and distress alerting systems
Communicate clearly, concisely and effectively with others during an emergency onboard vessel.

Interdependent assessment of units
This unit of competency may be assessed in conjunction with other units that form part of a job role of any seafarer. (It is a mandatory requirement for all seagoing personnel)

Required knowledge and skills
Knowledge of relevant maritime regulations dealing with emergency equipment and procedures
ISM Code and associated ship's Safety Management System and procedures (where applicable)
Relevant OH&S legislation and policies applicable to the use of emergency equipment
SOLAS Convention and related regulations
Duties and responsibilities of shipboard personnel during emergencies
Procedures for emergency response on board a commercial vessel
Incidents that may result in an emergency on board vessel and the appropriate response in each case
Functions and purpose of pyrotechnic distress signals, satellite emergency position indicating radio beacons (EPIRBs), and search and rescue transponders (SARTs)
Precautions to maintain the integrity of emergency and distress alerting systems
The meaning of various maritime emergency alarms, the guidelines and procedures for their activation and signals and the action to be taken when they are activated
Techniques for avoiding false distress alerts and the action that must be taken in the event of accidental activation
Maritime communication techniques.

Resource implications
Access is required to opportunities to either:
carry out a range of suitably simulated practical and knowledge assessments that demonstrate the skills and knowledge to respond to emergencies on board a vessel, and/or
participate in emergency response drills on board an operational commercial or training vessel.

Consistency in performance
Applies underpinning knowledge and skills when:
responding to a real or simulated emergency situation
taking appropriate initial action on becoming aware of an emergency or abnormal situation
applying safety precautions relevant to emergency procedures
maintaining the integrity of emergency and distress alerting systems.

Shows evidence of application of relevant workplace procedures including:
relevant maritime regulations
OHS regulations and hazard prevention policies and procedures
established emergency procedures
vessel's safety management procedures
relevant manufacturer's guidelines relating to the operation and use of emergency equipment, including instructions on equipment capability and limitations.

Action taken promptly to report and/or act upon an emergency or abnormal situation on board vessel.

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.