Elements and Performance Criteria

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.
Survival equipment may include:
EPIRBs
Flares
Immersion suit
Life jackets
Person overboard combination light and smoke float
Search and rescue transponders (SARTs)
Survival craft
Radio equipment may include:
HF
VHF
Lifesaving and survival equipment may include:
Immersion suit
Lifebuoy
Personal floatation devices
Certificates and documentation may include:
Instructions for use of lifesaving equipment
Pyrotechnic expiry dates
Record of inspection of equipment
Emergency alarms and types of alarm systems may include:
Electronic alarms
Muster and abandon vessel alarms
Verbal communication
In-water survival techniques may include:
Floating with or without a lifejacket
Heat loss techniques
Swimming with a lifejacket
Threats to survival may include:
Dehydration
Hypothermia
Ingestion of seawater
Rescue craft may include:
Another vessel
Helicopter
Pyrotechnic and distress signals may include:
Orange smoke flare
Red handheld flare
Risks and hazards may include:
Expired pyrotechnics
Inaccessible lifejackets
No defined abandon ship procedures established
Poorly maintained equipment

The evidence guide provides advice on assessment and must be read in conjunction with the performance criteria, the required skills and knowledge, the range statement and the Assessment Guidelines for the Training Package.
Critical aspects for assessment and evidence required to demonstrate competency in this unit
The evidence required to demonstrate competence in this unit must be relevant to and satisfy all of the requirements of the Elements, Performance Criteria, Required Skills, Required Knowledge and include:
donning a lifejacket in water
ensuring behaviour reflects statutory requirements pertaining to lifesaving appliances
locating survivors in simulated darkness
swimming in a lifejacket for a minimum of 50 metres
towing with a life jacket for a minimum of 25 metres
remaining afloat without a lifejacket for at least 10 minutes
assisting a survivor to don a lifejacket
maintaining a group huddle for at least 10 minutes
swimming in a group congo line for a minimum of 50 metres
holding heat escape lessening posture for at least 10 minutes.
Context of and specific resources for assessment
Performance is demonstrated consistently over time and in a suitable range of contexts.
Resources for assessment include access to:
industry-approved marine operations site where applying basic survival skills in the event of vessel abandonment can be conducted
tools, equipment and personal protective equipment currently used in industry
relevant regulatory and equipment documentation that impacts on work activities
range of relevant exercises, case studies and/or other simulated practical and knowledge assessments
appropriate range of relevant operational situations in the workplace.
In both real and simulated environments, access is required to:
relevant and appropriate materials and equipment
applicable documentation including workplace procedures, regulations, codes of practice and operation manuals.
Method of assessment
Practical assessment must occur in an:
appropriately simulated workplace environment and/or
appropriate range of situations in the workplace.
A range of assessment methods should be used to assess practical skills and knowledge. The following examples are appropriate to this unit:
direct observation of the candidate applying basic survival skills in the event of vessel abandonment
direct observation of the candidate applying relevant WHS/OHS requirements and work practices.
Guidance information for assessment
Holistic assessment with other units relevant to the industry sector, workplace and job role is recommended.
In all cases where practical assessment is used it should be combined with targeted questioning to assess Required Knowledge.
Assessment processes and techniques must be appropriate to the language and literacy requirements of the work being performed and the capacity of the candidate.