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 UNIT STANDARD THAT HAS PASSED THE END DATE: 

Steer a commercial vessel and keep watch 
SAQA US ID UNIT STANDARD TITLE
113979  Steer a commercial vessel and keep watch 
ORIGINATOR
SGB Transport and Logistics Operations 
PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QUALITY ASSURANCE FUNCTIONARY
-  
FIELD SUBFIELD
Field 11 - Services Transport, Operations and Logistics 
ABET BAND UNIT STANDARD TYPE PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL CREDITS
Undefined  Regular  Level 3  NQF Level 03  6 
REGISTRATION STATUS REGISTRATION START DATE REGISTRATION END DATE SAQA DECISION NUMBER
Passed the End Date -
Status was "Reregistered" 		 2018-07-01  2023-06-30  SAQA 06120/18 
LAST DATE FOR ENROLMENT LAST DATE FOR ACHIEVEMENT
2024-06-30   2027-06-30  

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 unit standard does not replace any other unit standard and is not replaced by any other unit standard. 

PURPOSE OF THE UNIT STANDARD 
The person credited with this unit standard will be able to follow instructions from the officer in charge of the watch while in the process of steering a commercial fishing vessel on a steady course. They will also be able to engage and disengage on autopilot on a commercial vessel.

People credited with this unit standard are able to:
  • relieve and handover a watch at sea in accordance with established procedures
  • steer a vessel and comply with helm orders
  • assist with keeping a watch and the safe navigation of the vessel
  • assist in obtaining a vessels position 
    		•

    LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
    The credit calculation is based on the assumption that learners are already competent in terms of the following outcomes or areas of learning when starting to learn towards this unit standard:
  • Competence equivalent to qualification as Ordinary Seaman.
  • Communication, level 2.
  • Mathematics Literacy, level 2 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD RANGE 
    The following scope and context applies to the whole unit standard:
    This unit standard involves the skills and knowledge required to steer a commercial vessel under the direction of the Officer in Charge of the Watch and in compliance with current Maritime Legislation, Codes and Practices. It involves keeping the vessel on a steady course within acceptable limits, having regard to the area of navigation and prevailing sea state. This also includes making smooth and controlled alterations of course when required, maintaining clear and concise communications at all times and acknowledging orders in a seamanlike manner.
    In addition, this standard covers the watch-keeping operations on the vessel whilst at sea. 

    Specific Outcomes and Assessment Criteria: 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 1 
    Relieve and handover a watch at sea in accordance with established procedures. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    Watch relief follows the rest period specified in the International Conventions, and meets vessel specific handover schedules. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    Information and instructions dealing with situations relevant to current conditions are received and acknowledged as per standing instructions. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    Information or instructions received are clarified as required to ensure accurate handover, as per standing instructions. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    Use of nautical terminology is appropriate to the handover context, and complies with International guidelines. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    The consequences of inadequate rest are described with reference to safety of vessel and crew. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 2 
    Steer a vessel and comply with helm orders. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    The course maintained, using either gyro or magnetic compass, is steady and variation is within acceptable limits, as per standing instructions for navigation and prevailing sea-state. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    Alterations of course are carried out in a safe, smooth and controlled manner as defined in Standing Operating Procedures. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    Operation of the vessel's steering systems are within the safe operating limits at all times. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    Steering techniques are consistent with the prevailing weather and sea conditions or possible states of emergency. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    Communication is clear, concise and acknowledged at all times according to accepted maritime communication practices and codes. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 6 
    The directions of the Officer of the Watch and helm orders are correctly understood, acknowledged and promptly acted upon. Confirmation or clarification of directions and helm orders is sought where they are not clearly understood. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 7 
    Steering is changed from automatic pilot to manual steering and vice versa in accordance with to the directions of the Officer of the Watch, helm orders, vessel's procedures and manufacturer's instructions. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 8 
    The consequences of exceeding safe operation limits are described in terms of safety of personnel, vessel and equipment. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 3 
    Assist with keeping a watch and the safe navigation of the vessel. 
    OUTCOME RANGE 
    Keeping watch includes but is not limited to criteria listed in: Marine Polution Regulation (IMO regulations, MARPOL Regulations), safety regulations, lookout duties, signals, inspections and patrols. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    A look-out is maintained at all times in such a way as to conform to accepted principles and procedures and regulatory requirements. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Principles include, but are not limited to: proper lookout must be maintained at all times; duties of look out and helmsman must be kept separate; look-out must give full attention to keeping a proper look out and must not carry out other duties which could interfere with the task; all necessary precautions must be taken to avoid pollution of the marine environment; appropriate assistance must be available to be summoned to the bridge if required by a change in the vessel's situation.
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    Lights, shapes and sound signals are correctly identified and their purpose and/or meaning explained in line with the International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    Changes and/or malfunctions with the vessel, its equipment or the immediate environment are reported in the required manner and degree of urgency, as per standing instructions. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Changes or malfunctions include, but are not limited to: steering gear failure, navigation lights, reduced visibility, traffic.
    Reporting includes, but are not limited to: bearing of sounds, lights and objects either in points or as per standing instructions.
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    Environmental protection measures are implemented at all times in accordance with prescribed precautions and procedures and Marine Polution Regulation (MARPOL Regulations). 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    Fatigue within the bridge management team is managed in accordance with established fatigue management strategies. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Fatigue management strategies include, but are not limited to: recognition of symptoms of fatigue; break when symptoms of fatigue are identified; maintenance of personal fitness and health; appropriate dietary habits; avoidance of excessive consumption of alcohol prior to watchkeeping duties.
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 6 
    Visual and audible signals given and/or received are consistent with International Conventions, Regulations and procedures. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 7 
    Inspections and patrols of all areas under watch-keepers jurisdiction are undertaken as per the agreed schedule, and as laid down in regulations. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 8 
    Where pollution occurs, actions are consistent with watch keeper's scope of authority, and vessel environmental policies and operating procedures. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 4 
    Assist in obtaining a vessels position. 
    OUTCOME RANGE 
    Obtaining position includes but is not limited to: landmarks, bearings and navigational aids. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    Navigational landmarks are identified and reported as per standing instructions. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    Transit bearings are identified and reported as per standing instructions. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    Aids to navigation are identified and reported as per standing instructions. 


    UNIT STANDARD ACCREDITATION AND MODERATION OPTIONS 
    Providers of learning towards this unit standard will need to meet the accreditation requirements of the relevant ETQA.

    Moderation Option:
    The moderation requirements of the relevant ETQA must be met in order to award credit to learners for this unit standard. 

    UNIT STANDARD ESSENTIAL EMBEDDED KNOWLEDGE 
    The following essential embedded knowledge will be assessed through assessment of the specific outcomes in terms of the stipulated assessment criteria. Candidates are unlikely to achieve all the specific outcomes, to the standards described in the assessment criteria, without knowledge of the listed embedded knowledge. This means that for the most part, the possession or lack of the knowledge can be directly inferred from the quality of the candidate's performance. Where direct assessment of knowledge is required, assessment criteria have been included in the body of the unit standard.
  • Knowledge underpinning this unit standard includes: boat handling theory, and relevant sections of associated legislation.
  • Guidance in correct operation of equipment is provided in The Code of Safe Working Practices for Seamen.
  • Prevention of pollution of the marine environment is governed by regulation, (MARPOL) legislated by the International Maritime Organisation. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD DEVELOPMENTAL OUTCOME 
    N/A 

    UNIT STANDARD LINKAGES 
    N/A 


    Critical Cross-field Outcomes (CCFO): 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO IDENTIFYING 
    Identify and solve problems when steering various vessels of different sizes in different situations. 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO WORKING 
    Work effectively with others when preparing to switch between autopilot and manual steering. 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO ORGANISING 
    Organise and manage oneself and one's activities when preparing to steer a vessel. 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO COLLECTING 
    Collect, analyse, organise and critically evaluate information from the Officr of the Watch, helm orders, vessel procedures and manufacturers instructions when changing from autopilot to manual steering. 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO COMMUNICATING 
    Communicate effectively when steering a vessel in prevailing weather and sea conditions. 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO SCIENCE 
    Use science and technology when steering a vessel. 

    UNIT STANDARD ASSESSOR CRITERIA 
    Assessors should keep the following general principles in mind when designing and conducting assessments against this unit standard:
  • Focus the assessment activities on gathering evidence in terms of the main outcome expressed in the title to ensure assessment is integrated rather than fragmented.
  • Make sure that evidence is gathered across the entire range, wherever it applies. Assessment activities should be as close to the real performance as possible, and where simulations or role-plays are used, there should be supporting evidence to show the candidate is able to perform in the real situation.
  • The assessment criteria provide the specifications against which assessment judgements should be made. In most cases, knowledge can be inferred from the quality of the performances, but in other cases, knowledge and understanding will have to be tested through questioning techniques. Where this is required, there will be assessment criteria to specify the standard required.
  • The task of the assessor is to gather sufficient evidence, of the prescribed type and quality, as specified in this unit standard, that the candidate can achieve the outcomes again and again and again. This means assessors will have to judge how many repeat performances are required before they believe the performance is reproducible.
  • All assessments should be conducted in line with the following well documented principles of assessment: appropriateness, fairness, manageability, integration into work or learning, validity, direct, authentic, sufficient, systematic, open and consistent.


    The following particular issues should be taken into consideration when assessing against this unit standard:
  • All candidates to be assessed for this unit standard are required to provide portfolio of evidence in the following

    (i) Basic First Aid.
    (ii) Fire Fighting
  • Evidence is required with regard to the candidate being medically fit.
  • The importance of both safety and due care and consideration for the environment is to be kept in mind when assessing a candidate for this unit standard. 
    		•

    REREGISTRATION HISTORY 
    As per the SAQA Board decision/s at that time, this unit standard was Reregistered in 2012; 2015. 

    UNIT STANDARD NOTES 
    Definition of Terms:

    Terms have been clarified as far as possible through the use of range statements. Further clarification of terms is provided as follows:

    SAMSA - South African Maritime Safety Authority.
    This body is responsible for issuing certificates of competence at all levels in terms of the Merchant Shipping (Training and Certification) Regulations, 1999.
    Issued by the Minister of Transport, under section 356 of the Merchant Shipping Act, 1951 (Act No. 57 of 1951). GG 20772/RG 6707

    ISM - International Safety Management
    This refers to a safety management system stipulated by regulation of the International Maritime Organisation. (IMO)

    SOPEP- Ship Oil pollution Emergency Plan
    Pollution plan in place for a particular ship, as required by the marine pollution regulations (MARPOL) legislated by IMO.

    FFA: - Fire fighting Appliances

    LSA: -Life saving Appliances

    IOPP: -International Oil Pollution Prevention

    MARPOL: -Marine Pollution 

    QUALIFICATIONS UTILISING THIS UNIT STANDARD: 
      ID QUALIFICATION TITLE PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL STATUS END DATE PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QA FUNCTIONARY
    Elective  48535   National Certificate: Maritime Operations  Level 3  NQF Level 03  Passed the End Date -
    Status was "Reregistered"     		 2017-10-26  TETA 


    PROVIDERS CURRENTLY ACCREDITED TO OFFER THIS UNIT STANDARD: 
    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. Limadi Industrial Projects 
    2. South African Fire and Medical Academy (SAFMA) 


    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.