Unit of competency Outline

Date retreived
23/07/2026 9:23 AM AWST

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Maintain vessel stability

Maintain vessel stability

Unit of competency
National Code
MARA5001A
State Code
WG355
TGA Status
Replaced
DTWD Status
Replaced
Current Release Number
1.00
Current Release Date
06/06/2013
State Implementation and Classification
Approved Date
10/02/2014
Field of Education
031705 - Marine Craft Operation
Original Release Date
10/02/2014
Nominal Hours
60
Description
This unit involves the skills and knowledge required to determine the stability and trim of a vessel to ensure that stability conditions of vessel comply with intact stability criteria under all conditions of loading.
Notes
Elements and Performance Criteria
1 Calculate stability
  • 1.1 Vessel stability data book is accessed and checked for endorsement
  • 1.2 Data is interpreted to determine vessel safety parameters
  • 1.3 Stability is accurately calculated using data extracted from vessel stability data book
  • 1.4 Stability calculations are checked to ensure they correlate with data set out in vessel stability book
  • 1.5 Spurious or incorrect information is recognised and recalculated
  • 1.6 Trim, draughts and list are adjusted as required
  • 1.7 Stability calculations are conducted at a time, frequency and scope appropriate to voyage
2 Manage weight distribution
  • 2.1 Stability calculations are used to plan weight distribution to ensure assigned load line conditions are not exceeded
  • 2.2 Weight distribution is controlled to maintain vessel within acceptable stability and stress limits for loading operation and at all stages of voyage
  • 2.3 Appropriate action is taken when weight distribution is compromising vessel safety
3 Maintain records of stability management
  • 3.1 Data and information related to stability management is accurately recorded
  • 3.2 Data and information related to stability management is filed and stored according to organisational procedures
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.
Stability calculations must include:
Calculation of areas under the curve
Changes in draft and trim due to differing water densities
Correction for free surface effect
Draft and trim
Metacentric height
Moment of statical stability at small angles of heel
Transverse and longitudinal stability
Values for righting levers and construction of the curve of stability
Appropriate action may include:
Amending the vessel loading plan
Ballast management
Reduction of free surface
Data and information related to stability management may include:
Cargo stowage and loading plan
Records of stability calculations
Safety management system
Stability and trim booklet

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:
ensuring accuracy of calculations
attention to appropriate level of detail in recordkeeping.
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 or simulation where maintaining vessel stability can be demonstrated
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 maintaining vessel stability
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.

Replaces
State Code National Code Title Type
S5341 TDMMA1707A DETERMINE THE STABILITY AND TRIM OF THE VESSEL Unit of competency
Replaced By
State Code National Code Title Type
WH792 MARA005 Maintain vessel stability Unit of competency