SAQA All qualifications and part qualifications registered on the National Qualifications Framework are public property. Thus the only payment that can be made for them is for service and reproduction. It is illegal to sell this material for profit. If the material is reproduced or quoted, the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA) should be acknowledged as the source.
SOUTH AFRICAN QUALIFICATIONS AUTHORITY 
REGISTERED QUALIFICATION THAT HAS PASSED THE END DATE: 

National Higher Diploma: Meteorology 
SAQA QUAL ID QUALIFICATION TITLE
1615  National Higher Diploma: Meteorology 
ORIGINATOR
Committee of Technikon Principals 
PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QUALITY ASSURANCE FUNCTIONARY NQF SUB-FRAMEWORK
Was CHE until Last Date for Achievement  HEQSF - Higher Education Qualifications Sub-framework 
QUALIFICATION TYPE FIELD SUBFIELD
National Higher Diploma  Field 10 - Physical, Mathematical, Computer and Life Sciences  Earth and Space Sciences 
ABET BAND MINIMUM CREDITS PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL QUAL CLASS
Undefined  490  Level 7  Level TBA: Pre-2009 was L7  Regular-Provider-ELOAC 
REGISTRATION STATUS SAQA DECISION NUMBER REGISTRATION START DATE REGISTRATION END DATE
Passed the End Date -
Status was "Registered" 		 SAQA 1536/01  2003-07-01  2006-06-30 
LAST DATE FOR ENROLMENT LAST DATE FOR ACHIEVEMENT
2007-06-30   2010-06-30  

In all of the tables in this document, both the pre-2009 NQF Level and the NQF Level is shown. In the text (purpose statements, qualification rules, etc), any references to NQF Levels are to the pre-2009 levels unless specifically stated otherwise.  

This qualification is replaced by: 
Qual ID Qualification Title Pre-2009 NQF Level NQF Level Min Credits Replacement Status
72651  National Higher Diploma: Meteorology  Level 7  Level TBA: Pre-2009 was L7  490  Complete 

PURPOSE AND RATIONALE OF THE QUALIFICATION 
The purpose of this qualification is to supply the Atmospheric Science Industry with competent Meteorological Technicians. Persons achieving this qualification will be competent to independently perform and interpret synoptic analyses to the accepted standards required, Interpret model analyses as well as radar and satellite imagery, and to compile and communicate to clients short and medium term forecasts by using sound meteorological reasoning. This will include forecasts to specified clients like the marine and aviation industries. 

LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
Higher Educaiton and Training: First Degree in Meteorology at NQF level 6. 

RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING? 
N 

EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES 
1. Demonstrate the ability to relate his theoretical knowledge to the practical application of meteorological predictions, do basic meteorological research and climatological applications, recognise and understand radar limitations in the practical application of meteorology.

2. Apply management principles in the context of Meteorological activities and applications.

Specified outcomes:

1.1 Analyse all charts in prescribe time limitations.
30 credits (c) NQF 7.

1.2 Assess and compare all meteorological prediction models
25 credits (c) NQF 7.

1.3- Apply forecasting techniques, recognition of weather systems in synoptic weather analysis and interpret radar and satellite imagery.
30 credits (c) NQF 7.

1.4 Compile all types of forecasts required.
20 credits (c) NQF 7.

2.1. Manage yourself effectively as a person within the meteorological environment and society.
10 credits (f) NQF 6.
  • 2.2 Work effectively in a team environment.
    10 credits (f) NQF 7.

    2.3 Communicate effectively to all people.
    15 credits (f) NQF 7.

    Critical cross-field outcomes
  • identify and solve problems in which responses display that responsible decisions using critical and creative thinking have been made.
  • work effectively with others as a member of a team, group, organisation, or community.
  • organise and manage myself and my activities responsibly and effectively.
  • collect, organise and critically evaluate information.
  • communicate effectively using visual, mathematical and/or language skills in the modes of oral and/or written persuasion.
  • use science and technology effectively and critically, showing responsibility towards the environment and health of others.
  • demonstrate and understanding of the world as a set of related systems by recognising that problem-solving contexts do not exist in isolation. 
    		•

    ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA 
    1.1. analysis of the following charts within the specified times:

    a) Surface chart - 30 minutes
    b) Shipping chart - 90 minutes
    c) Upper air chart - 60 minutes
  • There must be continuity between the different charts as well as with the previous set of charts.

    1.2. Comparison of the actual charts that have been analysed, to the initialisation of the numerical prediction models to determine which model compares best to the actual data.
  • Awareness of the model limitations as well as the role of the topography must be understood.

    1.3 Must be able to identify the main feature of the weather charts and the related weather associated with such systems.
  • Radar images must be correctly interpreted to confirm actual weather reported on the charts.
  • Radar limitations must be recognised and understood in the practical application of meteorology.
  • Satellite images must be correctly interpreted to confirm growth and decay of actual weather patterns reported on the charts as well as to identify frontal positions for the shipping chart.
  • Satelite image limitations must be recognised and understood in the practical application of meteorology.
  • Interpretation of Tephigrams and related diagrams to identify cloud base, stabilities and instabilities and all the other thermodynamic features that can be calculated from these diagrams.
  • Must be able to trace the progression and intensity of these weather patterns on the numerical weather charts.
  • Must be able to identify the associated weather of the numerical predictions twking into account the limitations of the numerical models.
  • All the theoretical knowledge must be practically applied with these interpretations mentioned above.

    1.4 Compilation of the interference under the following format:

    a) state which model was used with reasons
    b) briefly describe actual weather systems
    c) detailed model prognoses description of main systems identified with related weather
    d) expected weather conditions must be stated in brief for the specified area with particular attention to severe weather warnings
  • Compilation of the regional forecasts for the different specified areas. Warnings must be stipulated.
  • Compilation of the daily forecast charts for discussion purposes and the TV displays.
  • Compilation of the required aviation reports which includes the TAF, SIGMET and significant weather charts according to the World Meteorological Organisation (WMO) codes and procedures.
  • Compilation of the required marine reports which includes coastal and deep sea areas of interest.
  • Compilation of the medium term forecast for the following six days.

    2.1 Manages own time and complete work timeously
  • Exercises initiative in the work situation
  • Deals effectively with change
  • Demonstrates ethical behaviour in meteorological activities
  • Pursues professional development on an ongoing basis.
  • Apply basic project management principles.

    2.2 Recognises and discharges own responsibilities in team
  • Makes critical contributions to team activity.
  • Communicates effectively with team members.
  • Builds and maintain trust relationships and respect with team members.
  • Work in team situation to effect change.
  • Set priorities to achieve stated goals.
  • Prepares implements, monitors and review work plans.

    2.3 Must be able to brief aviation personnel in the correct aviation terms.
  • Recognising challenges and opportunities brought by changing situations.
  • Apply industrial relations legislation and principles
  • Take differing values, social and cultural factors into account and dealing with colleagues, clients and stakeholders.
  • Provides regular and complete progress reports.
  • Write clear, concise effective technically, legally and additionally correct
    reports using a structure and style which meets WMO communication objectives and user/audience requirements.
  • Read and evaluate meteorological matter relevant to the function of the technician.
  • Receive instructions, ensuring correct interpretation.

    Integrated assessment:

    Combinations of the following forms of assessment will be used in the context of the typical roles played by the Meteorological Technician.

    1. Observation. The assessor will watch the candidate perform a task that is part of his/her normal workplace responsibility.

    2. Demonstration. The assessor will watch the candidate perform a typical meteoroligcal task especially for the assessment, because the task is not part of his/her normal workplace responsibility at that specific time.

    3. Computer simulation. The assessor will watch the candidate perform a simulation of the real task on the computer.

    4. Role play simulation. The assessor will watch the candidate in a typical workplace scenario to assess his/her interpersonal skills.

    5. Written test/examination. The assessor will evaluate the candidate's knowledge and understanding by giving him/her written tests and examinations.

    6. Oral questioning. The assessor will evaluate the candidate's knowledge and understanding by asking him/her to verbally answer questions.

    7. Projects. The assessor will evaluate the candidate's level of competence by setting him/her individual and team projects to complete.

    8. Portfolios. The assessor will evaluate the candidate's level of competence by considering a portfolio of his/her work. 
    		•

    ARTICULATION OPTIONS 
    B.Sc (Hons) in Atmospheric Sciences and in some cases, enhance into M.Sc for Atmospheric Sciences with portfolio of experience. 

    MODERATION OPTIONS 
    Currently SERTEC. 

    CRITERIA FOR THE REGISTRATION OF ASSESSORS 
    Assessors must be qualified at a minimum of one level higher than the qualification for which they are assessing candidates. 

    NOTES 
    While South Africa still had Technikons, all of their qualifications were registered under the Committee of Technikon Principals. After the Technikons became Universities of Technology or merged with Universities, the qualifications were registered under each of these institutions, and the CTP qualifications fell away (hence the end date of 2006, above). Where relevant, replacement information is s
    hown in the table above. 

    LEARNING PROGRAMMES RECORDED AGAINST THIS QUALIFICATION: 
    When qualifications are replaced, some of their learning programmes are moved to being recorded against the replacement qualifications. If a learning programme appears to be missing from here, please check the replacement.
     
    NONE 


    PROVIDERS CURRENTLY ACCREDITED TO OFFER THIS QUALIFICATION: 
    This information shows the current accreditations (i.e. those not past their accreditation end dates), and is the most complete record available to SAQA as of today. Some Primary or Delegated Quality Assurance Functionaries have a lag in their recording systems for provider accreditation, in turn leading to a lag in notifying SAQA of all the providers that they have accredited to offer qualifications and unit standards, as well as any extensions to accreditation end dates. The relevant Primary or Delegated Quality Assurance Functionary should be notified if a record appears to be missing from here.
     
    NONE 


    All qualifications and part qualifications registered on the National Qualifications Framework are public property. Thus the only payment that can be made for them is for service and reproduction. It is illegal to sell this material for profit. If the material is reproduced or quoted, the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA) should be acknowledged as the source.