SAQA

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SOUTH AFRICAN QUALIFICATIONS AUTHORITY

REGISTERED QUALIFICATION THAT HAS PASSED THE END DATE:

National Diploma: Meteorology

SAQA QUAL ID	QUALIFICATION TITLE
72615	National Diploma: Meteorology
ORIGINATOR
Tshwane University of Technology (TUT)
PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QUALITY ASSURANCE FUNCTIONARY			NQF SUB-FRAMEWORK
CHE - Council on Higher Education			HEQSF - Higher Education Qualifications Sub-framework
QUALIFICATION TYPE	FIELD		SUBFIELD
National 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	360	Level 6	NQF Level 06	Regular-Provider-ELOAC
REGISTRATION STATUS		SAQA DECISION NUMBER	REGISTRATION START DATE	REGISTRATION END DATE
Passed the End Date - Status was "Reregistered"		SAQA 06120/18	2018-07-01	2018-12-31
LAST DATE FOR ENROLMENT		LAST DATE FOR ACHIEVEMENT
2019-12-31		2023-12-31

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 replaces:

Qual ID	Qualification Title	Pre-2009 NQF Level	NQF Level	Min Credits	Replacement Status
1713	National Diploma: Meteorology	Level 6	Level TBA: Pre-2009 was L6	360	Complete

PURPOSE AND RATIONALE OF THE QUALIFICATION

The purpose of this qualification is to supply the Atmospheric Science Industry with competent Meteorological Technicians-in-training. Persons achieving this qualification will be competent to independently perform meteorological observations, maintain meteorological instruments, must be able to perform basic synoptic analyses and do inspection of climatological- and observation stations.

LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING

Further Education and Training (FET) certificate at NQF 4 or equivalent with numerical skills at least at NQF 45 and English Second Language skills at NQF 4.

RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING?

EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES

1. Demonstrate the ability to relate his theoretical knowledge to the practical application of meteorological observations and synoptic weather analysis with accompanying weather patterns.

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

Specified outcomes:

1.1. Maintain and replace Meteorological Instruments, according to prescribed procedures and codes.

60 credits (c) NQF 5.

1.2. Perform surface observations at a Weather Office record these observations using relevant codes and compile the daily and monthly reports required.

1.3 Perform upper - air observations at a Weather Office by preparing upper air instruments, launching of upper air balloon, monitoring the launching, record these observations using relevant codes and compile the daily and monthly reports required.
70 CREDITS (C) NQF 6.

1.4 Gather, evaluate and process climatological and rainfall reports from 2st 2nd 3rd order and rainfall stations; compile and submit these data to the relevant Meteorological headquarters.
55 CREDITS (C) NQF 5.

1.5 Apply basic forecasting techniques, recognition of weather systems in synoptic weather analysis.
80 CREDITS (C) NQF 6

2.1- Manage yourself effectively a person within a meteorological environment and society.
5 CREDITS (F) NQF 5.

2.2 Work effectively in a team environment.
10 CREDITS (F) NQF 6.

2.3 Communicate effectively to all people.
10 CREDITS (F) NQF 6.

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 an 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. Maintenance or replacing of the following Electronic instruments executed in accordance with the prescribed procedures and codes and recorded in the required documentation:

a) Temperature sensor
b) Humidity sensor
c) Wind sensor
d) Tipping bucket or rain gauge
e) Ceilometers
f) Runway Visual Range equipment
g) Automatic Weather Station
h) Radiation sensors

Installation and maintenance of the equipment used by rainfall 1st 2nd and 3rd order Weather Stations, executed in accordance with the prescribed procedures and codes and recorded in the required documentation:

a) Stevenson Screens
b) Standard rain gauge
c) Sunshine recorder
d) Pressure plate anemometer
e) Micro barograph
f) Thermograph
g) Thermo hydrograph

Functional operation of instrument to perform observations.

1.2 Hourly surface observations are executed according to prescribed procedures of:

a) Pressure
b) Temperature
c) Humidity
d) Present and past weather
e) Horizontal Visibility
f) Wind speed and direction
g) Identification of cloud type
h) Estimation of cloud amount and base

Recording of observations, as listed in paragraph 1.1.1 above, in the observation book using the relevant coding procedures.

Compilation of METAR, SPECI and SYNOP reports according to the World Meteorological Organisation (WMO) codes and procedures, using the hourly observations made as listed in paragraph 1.1.1 above, and send these reports to the relevant meteorological headquarters.

Encoding of the KLIM and CLIMAT messages according to WMO codes.

Compilation of the monthly returns based on these hourly observations to the relevant meteorological headquarters.

1.3 Preparation of the upper air instruments that includes:

a) Inflating of the upper air balloon
b) Execution of the daily, weekly and monthly maintenance inspections on hydrogen generator
c) Obtain upper wind by means of optical theodolite
d) Preparation and inspection of the radiosonde sensors for flight according to the prescribed procedures.
e) Preparation of the ground equipment eg the Vaisala MW15.

Releasing of the balloon according to specified procedures.

Monitoring of the progress of the accent of the balloon to ensure that the data obtained is of an acceptable quality.

Coding of the obtained data according to TTAA, TTBB and other WMO codes.

Preparation and transmission of the required messages on the Global Telecommunication System (GTS).

Compilation of the CLIMAT TEMP reports at the end of each month and dispatch of the report by the 3rd of the next month to the required meteorological institutions.

1.4 Gathering and processing of weekly and monthly climatologically and rainfall reports from 1st, 2nd, 3rd order and rainfall stations by:

a) Inspection of recorded values and making corrections where necessary.
b) Reducing autographic charts
c) Adding and entering of the values using the relevant software
d) Transmission of the collected information to Climate section at Meteorological Head Office.

1.5 Hand plotting of surface, shipping, upper air charts and Tephigrams.

Synoptic analyses encompassing surface-shipping- and upper air charts such as

a) identifying pressure areas
b) frontal systems

Interpretation of basic radar pictures and / or plots to:

a) identifying cloud
b) and precipitation types

Interpretation of the basic weather synoptic model to:

a) identifying progression of weather systems

2.1. Manages own time and complete work timeously

Exercises initiative in the work situation

Deals effectively with change

Demonstrates ethical behaviour in meteorological activity.

Pursues professional development on an ongoing basis

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 Recognising challenges and opportunities brought by changing situations

Apply industrial relations legislation and principles

Take different 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 meteorological 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 perform a simulation of the real task on the computer.

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.

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.

REREGISTRATION HISTORY

As per the SAQA Board decision/s at that time, this qualification was Reregistered in 2006; 2009; 2012; 2015.

LEARNING PROGRAMMES RECORDED AGAINST THIS QUALIFICATION:

When qualifications are replaced, some (but not all) of their learning programmes are moved to the replacement qualifications. If a learning programme appears to be missing from here, please check the replaced qualification.

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.

1.	Tshwane University of Technology (TUT)