Unit of competency Outline
Date retreived
22/07/2026 4:04 AM AWST
22/07/2026 4:04 AM AWST
Whilst all efforts are made to provide accurate and timely information from the relevant source/documentation, please be aware that the information supplied may not be the most current version. The accuracy of the detail has not been confirmed by the Department and therefore should not be relied upon without first confirming the contents.
Apply deckhand skills aboard a fishing vessel
Apply deckhand skills aboard a fishing vessel
Unit of competency
National Code
SFIFISH215B
SFIFISH215B
State Code
D9226
D9226
TGA Status
Replaced
Replaced
DTWD Status
Replaced
Replaced
State Implementation and Classification
Approved Date
28/02/2012
Field of Education
031705 - Marine Craft Operation
Original Release Date
28/02/2012
Nominal Hours
40
Description
This unit of competency involves basic deckhand duties aboard a fishing vessel, including rope work, assisting in anchoring, mooring, operating winches and windlasses, and preparing a fishing vessel for sea.Licensing, legislative, regulatory or certification requirements may apply to this unit. Therefore it will be necessary to check with the relevant state or territory regulators for current licensing, legislative or regulatory requirements before undertaking this unit.
Notes
Elements and Performance Criteria
1. Use and maintain ropes and perform basic knots, bends, hitches, splices and common whipping
- 1.1. Operations are carried out safely.
- 1.2. Rope materials, methods of construction, measurement methods, physical characteristics and common areas of use are correctly identified.
- 1.3. Ropes are checked for wear, maintained, coiled and stowed correctly.
- 1.4. Knots, bends and hitches are tied neatly and securely and used according to their correct application.
- 1.5. Ropes are spliced neatly and securely according to their correct application and rope ends are whipped, where appropriate, to maintain good condition.
2. Operate winches, capstans and windlasses
- 2.1. Winches, capstans and windlasses are selected, as appropriate, checked and prepared for operation prior to use.
- 2.2. Winches, capstans and windlasses are safely operated to carry out fishing vessel deck operations.
3. Secure the vessel at anchor
- 3.1. Securing of the vessel is carried out.
- 3.2. Preparation of the anchor and equipment prior to letting go is appropriate to the depth of water, weather and sea conditions, and tidal range in area of operation.
- 3.3. Quantity of anchor cable run out or recovered complies with orders provided.
- 3.4. Control of the cable is maintained within safe operating limits during normal operation.
- 3.5. Degree to which the anchor and equipment is secured on completion of anchoring operations is appropriate to forecast conditions and complies with orders provided.
- 3.6. Manufacturer recommendations and anchoring requirements are followed during anchor winch operations.
- 3.7. Anchoring area is kept free of loose ropes, wires and debris throughout all operations.
4. Secure and adjust the vessel's position during mooring operations
- 4.1. Mooring of the vessel is carried out correctly.
- 4.2. Mooring lines and associated equipment are handled safely and efficiently at all times.
- 4.3. Mooring area is kept free of loose ropes, wires and debris throughout all operations.
- 4.4. Tension on mooring lines is maintained at a level appropriate to the stage and nature of the operation when warping the vessel or maintaining position.
- 4.5. Reports of incidents made to supervisory personnel are complete, clear and concise, and at a time designed to maximise the mooring security of the vessel.
- 4.6. Mooring lines are secured according to orders provided, forecast tidal conditions and planned vessel operations.
- 4.7. Equipment malfunction or problems during operations are promptly recognised and appropriate corrective action taken.
5. Monitor the situation of the vessel when moored or anchored
- 5.1. Monitoring operations are planned and carried out for safe operations.
- 5.2. Frequency, timing and coverage of scheduled checks and inspections comply with watch-keeping instructions.
- 5.3. Action taken in the event of irregularities or abnormal conditions is appropriate to their significance and within own responsibility to implement.
- 5.4. Reports of incidents made to supervisory personnel are complete, clear and concise, and at a time designed to maximise the safety and integrity of the vessel.
- 5.5. Restrictions on access to the vessel by visitors are in accordance with watch-keeping instructions.
6. Secure the vessel
- 6.1. Checks on vessel security are planned and carried out safely.
- 6.2. Coverage and frequency of checks and inspections on the vessel's seaworthiness comply with orders received.
- 6.3. Watertight integrity is checked and appropriate action taken to prepare for prevailing and forecast weather and sea conditions.
- 6.4. Degree to which the vessel is secured is appropriate to prevailing and forecast conditions and complies with orders received.
- 6.5. Action taken in the event of irregularities is appropriate to their significance and within own responsibility to implement.
- 6.6. Reports of conditions made to supervisory personnel are completed accurately and correctly.
- 6.7. Reports to supervisory personnel on irregularities beyond own ability to rectify are clear and concise, and made in time to enable remedial action to be taken.
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.
Relevant government regulations, licensing and other compliance requirements may include:
business or workplace operations, policies and practices
correct marketing names and labelling
ESD principles, environmental hazard identification, risk assessment and control
maritime and occupational diving operations, safety at sea and pollution control
OHS hazard identification, risk assessment and control.
OHS guidelines may include:
appropriate workplace provision of first aid kits and fire extinguishers
clean, uncluttered, hygienic workplace
codes of practice, regulations and/or guidance notes which may apply in a jurisdiction or industry sector
enterprise-specific OHS procedures, policies or standards
hazard and risk assessment of workplace, maintenance activities and control measures
induction or training of staff, contractors and visitors in relevant OHS procedures and/or requirements to allow them to carry out their duties in a safe manner
OHS training register
safe lifting, carrying and handling techniques, including manual handling, and the handling and storage of hazardous substances
safe systems and procedures for outdoor work, including protection from solar radiation, fall protection, confined space entry and the protection of people in the workplace
systems and procedures for the safe maintenance of property, machinery and equipment, including hydraulics and exposed moving parts
the appropriate use, maintenance and storage of PPE.
Food safety and hygiene regulations and procedures may include:
Australian Shellfish Sanitation program
equipment design, use, cleaning and maintenance
exporting requirements, including Australian Quarantine Inspection Service (AQIS) Export Control (Fish) orders
Hazard Analysis Critical Control Point (HACCP) and other risk minimisation systems
people, product and place hygiene and sanitation requirements
Primary Products Standard and the Australian Seafood Standard (voluntary)
requirements set out in Australian and New Zealand Food Authority (ANZFA) Food Standards Code
temperature and contamination control along chain of custody.
ESD principles may include:
applying animal welfare ethics and procedures
controlling effluents, chemical residues, contaminants, wastes and pollution
controlling weeds, pests, predators and diseases, stock health maintenance
improving energy efficiency
increasing use of renewable, recyclable and recoverable resources
minimising noise, dust, light or odour emissions
reducing emissions of greenhouse gases
reducing use of non-renewable resources
reducing energy use
reducing interactions with native and protected flora and fauna, marine or land parks or areas
reducing live cultured or held organisms from escaping into environment
undertaking environmental hazard identification, risk assessment and control
undertaking facility quarantine, biosecurity and translocation of livestock and genetic material
using and recycling of water, and maintaining water quality.
PPE may include:
buoyancy vest or personal floatation device (PFD)
gloves, mitts or gauntlets, and protective hand and arm covering
hard hat or protective head covering
hearing protection (e.g. ear plugs and ear muffs)
insulated protective clothing for freezers or chillers and refrigeration units
non-slip and waterproof boots (gumboots) or other safety footwear
personal locator beacon or Emergency Position Indicating Radio Beacon (EPIRB)
protective eyewear, glasses and face mask
protective hair, beard and boot covers
protective outdoor clothing for tropical conditions
respirator or face mask
safety harness
sun protection (e.g. sun hat, sunscreen and sunglasses)
uniforms, overalls or protective clothing (e.g. mesh and waterproof aprons)
waterproof clothing (e.g. wet weather gear and waders).
Operations may include:
anchoring:
emergency
letting go and recovery
routine
anchor winches
at sea and ashore
cable and rope winches
communications and signalling
hydraulic, electric and mechanical
manual handling of equipment
monitoring:
departure
display of signals, flags, lights and shapes
environmental impact
mooring integrity during tidal movements
routine fire and security rounds and inspections
safe access to and about the vessel
visitors to the vessel
mooring:
adjustment from both fore and aft mooring positions
berthing and unberthing to a wharf
mooring and unmooring to a single point
rigging and recovering means of access to the vessel
net haulers
pot or trap haulers
powered winch, capstan and windlass
rope work
securing:
completion of operations and maintenance
heavy weather
long or short voyages
prior to departure
routine situations
three, four or eight-strand rope
varying weather conditions
wire rope.
Mooring may mean :
at a single point
berthed alongside a wharf.
Corrective action may include:
adjustment
reporting incident to supervisory personnel
temporary line repair.
Carried out may include:
by day
by night
in adverse weather conditions.
Irregularities or abnormal conditions are those that may affect the safety and integrity of:
crew
equipment
materials, such as cargo
vessel.
Coverage may include:
accommodation spaces
deck area
engine room
galley
personal facilities
processing area
storage spaces
wheelhouse.
Secured may include:
accommodation and storage spaces
anchors
galley, stores and equipment
large objects likely to move in a sea way
lifting appliances and associated equipment
material on deck and below, such as cargo
openings
slack tanks pressed up.
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.
Relevant government regulations, licensing and other compliance requirements may include:
business or workplace operations, policies and practices
correct marketing names and labelling
ESD principles, environmental hazard identification, risk assessment and control
maritime and occupational diving operations, safety at sea and pollution control
OHS hazard identification, risk assessment and control.
OHS guidelines may include:
appropriate workplace provision of first aid kits and fire extinguishers
clean, uncluttered, hygienic workplace
codes of practice, regulations and/or guidance notes which may apply in a jurisdiction or industry sector
enterprise-specific OHS procedures, policies or standards
hazard and risk assessment of workplace, maintenance activities and control measures
induction or training of staff, contractors and visitors in relevant OHS procedures and/or requirements to allow them to carry out their duties in a safe manner
OHS training register
safe lifting, carrying and handling techniques, including manual handling, and the handling and storage of hazardous substances
safe systems and procedures for outdoor work, including protection from solar radiation, fall protection, confined space entry and the protection of people in the workplace
systems and procedures for the safe maintenance of property, machinery and equipment, including hydraulics and exposed moving parts
the appropriate use, maintenance and storage of PPE.
Food safety and hygiene regulations and procedures may include:
Australian Shellfish Sanitation program
equipment design, use, cleaning and maintenance
exporting requirements, including Australian Quarantine Inspection Service (AQIS) Export Control (Fish) orders
Hazard Analysis Critical Control Point (HACCP) and other risk minimisation systems
people, product and place hygiene and sanitation requirements
Primary Products Standard and the Australian Seafood Standard (voluntary)
requirements set out in Australian and New Zealand Food Authority (ANZFA) Food Standards Code
temperature and contamination control along chain of custody.
ESD principles may include:
applying animal welfare ethics and procedures
controlling effluents, chemical residues, contaminants, wastes and pollution
controlling weeds, pests, predators and diseases, stock health maintenance
improving energy efficiency
increasing use of renewable, recyclable and recoverable resources
minimising noise, dust, light or odour emissions
reducing emissions of greenhouse gases
reducing use of non-renewable resources
reducing energy use
reducing interactions with native and protected flora and fauna, marine or land parks or areas
reducing live cultured or held organisms from escaping into environment
undertaking environmental hazard identification, risk assessment and control
undertaking facility quarantine, biosecurity and translocation of livestock and genetic material
using and recycling of water, and maintaining water quality.
PPE may include:
buoyancy vest or personal floatation device (PFD)
gloves, mitts or gauntlets, and protective hand and arm covering
hard hat or protective head covering
hearing protection (e.g. ear plugs and ear muffs)
insulated protective clothing for freezers or chillers and refrigeration units
non-slip and waterproof boots (gumboots) or other safety footwear
personal locator beacon or Emergency Position Indicating Radio Beacon (EPIRB)
protective eyewear, glasses and face mask
protective hair, beard and boot covers
protective outdoor clothing for tropical conditions
respirator or face mask
safety harness
sun protection (e.g. sun hat, sunscreen and sunglasses)
uniforms, overalls or protective clothing (e.g. mesh and waterproof aprons)
waterproof clothing (e.g. wet weather gear and waders).
Operations may include:
anchoring:
emergency
letting go and recovery
routine
anchor winches
at sea and ashore
cable and rope winches
communications and signalling
hydraulic, electric and mechanical
manual handling of equipment
monitoring:
departure
display of signals, flags, lights and shapes
environmental impact
mooring integrity during tidal movements
routine fire and security rounds and inspections
safe access to and about the vessel
visitors to the vessel
mooring:
adjustment from both fore and aft mooring positions
berthing and unberthing to a wharf
mooring and unmooring to a single point
rigging and recovering means of access to the vessel
net haulers
pot or trap haulers
powered winch, capstan and windlass
rope work
securing:
completion of operations and maintenance
heavy weather
long or short voyages
prior to departure
routine situations
three, four or eight-strand rope
varying weather conditions
wire rope.
Mooring may mean :
at a single point
berthed alongside a wharf.
Corrective action may include:
adjustment
reporting incident to supervisory personnel
temporary line repair.
Carried out may include:
by day
by night
in adverse weather conditions.
Irregularities or abnormal conditions are those that may affect the safety and integrity of:
crew
equipment
materials, such as cargo
vessel.
Coverage may include:
accommodation spaces
deck area
engine room
galley
personal facilities
processing area
storage spaces
wheelhouse.
Secured may include:
accommodation and storage spaces
anchors
galley, stores and equipment
large objects likely to move in a sea way
lifting appliances and associated equipment
material on deck and below, such as cargo
openings
slack tanks pressed up.
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
Critical aspects for assessment evidence required to demonstrate competence in this unit
Assessment must confirm the ability to:
deal with security contingencies
identify malfunctions or possible problems and implement contingency plans
monitor and control access
perform knots, bends, hitches, splicing and whipping
perform routine checks and inspections of vessel:
security
seaworthiness
watch-keeping duties
prepare anchor equipment for use and control during operation
prepare winches and capstans associated with fishing for use and control during operation
progress mooring operations to completion
report on conditions
secure anchoring equipment, winches and capstans on completion of operations
secure mooring area on completion of operations
use, maintain and repair ropes and lines
secure the vessel.
Assessment must confirm knowledge of:
procedures for entering dangerous and enclosed spaces
safety rules and regulations during operation.
Context of and specific resources for assessment
Assessment is to be conducted at the workplace or in a simulated work environment.
Resources may include:
facilities for negotiating buoyage systems and traffic
operational vessel with a range of equipment.
Method of assessment
The following assessment methods are suggested:
observation of practical demonstration
practical exercises
project work
written or oral short-answer testing.
Guidance information for assessment
This unit may be assessed holistically with other units within a qualification.
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
Critical aspects for assessment evidence required to demonstrate competence in this unit
Assessment must confirm the ability to:
deal with security contingencies
identify malfunctions or possible problems and implement contingency plans
monitor and control access
perform knots, bends, hitches, splicing and whipping
perform routine checks and inspections of vessel:
security
seaworthiness
watch-keeping duties
prepare anchor equipment for use and control during operation
prepare winches and capstans associated with fishing for use and control during operation
progress mooring operations to completion
report on conditions
secure anchoring equipment, winches and capstans on completion of operations
secure mooring area on completion of operations
use, maintain and repair ropes and lines
secure the vessel.
Assessment must confirm knowledge of:
procedures for entering dangerous and enclosed spaces
safety rules and regulations during operation.
Context of and specific resources for assessment
Assessment is to be conducted at the workplace or in a simulated work environment.
Resources may include:
facilities for negotiating buoyage systems and traffic
operational vessel with a range of equipment.
Method of assessment
The following assessment methods are suggested:
observation of practical demonstration
practical exercises
project work
written or oral short-answer testing.
Guidance information for assessment
This unit may be assessed holistically with other units within a qualification.
Replaces
| State Code | National Code | Title | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| S4231 | SFIFISH215A | Apply deckhand skills aboard a fishing vessel | Unit of competency |
Replaced By
| State Code | National Code | Title | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| OAR62 | SFIFSH205 | Apply deckhand skills aboard a fishing vessel | Unit of competency |
| State Code | National Code | Title | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| W986 | SFI30111 | Certificate III in Aquaculture | Qualification |
| W984 | SFI20111 | Certificate II in Aquaculture | Qualification |
| AC721 | SFISS00011 | Deckhand Induction Skill Set | Skill set |
| W983 | SFI10211 | Certificate I in Fishing Operations | Qualification |
| W985 | SFI20211 | Certificate II in Fishing Operations | Qualification |