This unit involves the skills and knowledge required to forecast weather and oceanographic conditions to plan a safe passage.

This unit applies to people working in the maritime industry in the capacity of:

Master of a commercial vessel Unlimited.

Licensing/Regulatory Information

Legislative and regulatory requirements are applicable to this unit.

This unit is one of the requirements to obtain Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA) certification as a Master Unlimited and to meet regulatory requirements this unit must be delivered consistent with Marine Orders and with the relevant sections of the International Convention on Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping for Seafarers (STCW).

Those regulatory requirements include STCW International Maritime Organization (IMO) model course competencies and areas of knowledge, understanding and proficiency, together with the estimated total hours required for lectures and practical exercises. Teaching staff should note that timings are suggestions only and should be adapted to suit individual groups of trainees depending on their experience, ability, equipment and staff available for training.

ELEMENTS

PERFORMANCE CRITERIA

Elements describe the essential outcomes.

Performance criteria describe the performance needed to demonstrate achievement of the element.

1

Forecast area weather

1.1

Synoptic chart is interpreted and recorded

1.2

Information received by weather fax is interpreted and recorded

1.3

Weather reports are obtained, interpreted and recorded

1.4

Observations of weather and cloud formations are made, interpreted and recorded

1.5

Statistical data and observations are used to predict likely weather conditions for a determined period

2

Use information to predict oceanographic conditions

2.1

Information on ocean current systems is interpreted and recorded

2.2

Nautical publications on tides and currents are used to calculate tidal conditions

2.3

Wave height and swell forecast is made using available information

2.4

Potentially dangerous oceanographic conditions are identified and appropriate actions are taken to maintain safety of navigation and to minimise risk to safety of vessel

3

Maintain records of weather and oceanographic information and forecasts

3.1

Statistical data and observations are recorded and filed according to organisational procedures

3.2

Actions taken to maintain safety of navigation and to minimise risk to safety of vessel as a result of weather and oceanographic forecasts, are documented according to organisational procedures

3.3

Meteorological and nautical publications are updated and stored according to organisational procedures

Evidence required to demonstrate competence in this unit must be relevant to and satisfy all of the requirements of the elements and performance criteria on at least one occasion and include:

applying relevant work health and safety (WHS)/occupational health and safety (OHS) requirements and work practices

calculating tidal conditions

ensuring currency of relevant reference material

observing, interpreting and forecasting weather and oceanographic conditions

reading, interpreting and applying weather and oceanographic information

selecting and using shipboard instruments to assist in forecasting weather and oceanographic conditions

supporting reasons for intended action with statistical data and observations of actual conditions

undertaking appropriate actions

using appropriate nautical publications on tides and currents

using tide tables to calculate height of tide.

Evidence required to demonstrate competence in this unit must be relevant to and satisfy all of the requirements of the elements and performance criteria and include knowledge of:

air masses and fronts

appropriate actions, including:

avoiding storm centres and dangerous quadrants by adjusting course and speed

ensuring all crew and passengers are informed

ensuring all vessel equipment is properly secured

securing cargo and stores

taking action to avoid extreme adverse weather conditions

basic principles for making meteorological and oceanographic measurements

characteristics of various weather systems, including tropical revolving storms, and avoidance of storm centres and dangerous quadrants

cloud classifications

cyclones, storms and gales

dangerous oceanographic conditions, including:

excessively high sea state and swells

ice formations on ship super structure and remedies

tornados, tropical revolving storms, hurricanes and gales

effects on navigation and vessel handling of wind, currents and bottom topography

formation of sea waves and swell waves

heat exchange process

ocean current systems, including surface water circulation of the ocean and principal adjoining seas

pressure systems and cold fronts

principles and procedures of weather forecasting using information obtained from observations, charts, satellite images, email, reports and instruments

principles relating to the safety of navigation in ice

procedures for filing and maintaining weather and oceanographic information

procedures to be followed during gale or icy conditions and tropical revolving storms

sea state

sources of weather and oceanographic information, and methods for their interpretation

synoptic and prognostic charts

tide prediction

tropical revolving storms

types of floating ice, their origins and movements

typical problems in forecasting weather and oceanographic conditions

use of tide tables

vertical division of the atmosphere

voyage planning principles incorporating weather conditions, including:

air masses and fronts

cloud classifications

cyclones, storms and gales

heat exchange process

ocean currents and wave height

pressure systems and cold fronts

sea state

tide prediction

tropical revolving storms

use of tide tables

vertical division of the atmosphere

weather data provided by shipboard instruments

WHS/OHS requirements and work practices.

Assessors must hold credentials specified within the Standards for Registered Training Organisations current at the time of assessment.

Assessment must satisfy the Principles of Assessment and Rules of Evidence and all regulatory requirements included within the Standards for Registered Training Organisations current at the time of assessment.

Assessment processes and techniques must be appropriate to the language, literacy and numeracy requirements of the work being performed and the needs of the candidate.

Practical assessment must occur in a workplace, or realistic simulated workplace, under the normal range of workplace conditions.

Simulations and scenarios may be used where situations cannot be provided in the workplace or may occur only rarely, in particular for situations relating to emergency procedures and adverse weather conditions where assessment would be unsafe, impractical or may lead to environmental damage.

Resources for assessment must include access to:

applicable documentation, such as legislation, regulations, codes of practice, workplace procedures and operational manuals

tools, equipment, machinery, materials and relevant personal protective equipment (PPE) currently used in industry.

Foundation skills essential to performance are explicit in the performance criteria of this unit of competency.

Range is restricted to essential operating conditions and any other variables essential to the work environment.

Not applicable.

H – Navigation