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: 

Communicate using standard maritime verbal and visual communication procedures 
SAQA US ID UNIT STANDARD TITLE
261006  Communicate using standard maritime verbal and visual communication procedures 
ORIGINATOR
SGB Maritime Defence 
PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QUALITY ASSURANCE FUNCTIONARY
-  
FIELD SUBFIELD
Field 08 - Law, Military Science and Security Sovereignty of the State 
ABET BAND UNIT STANDARD TYPE PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL CREDITS
Undefined  Regular  Level 4  NQF Level 04  12 
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 
This unit standard is intended for learners within the Maritime Sector who work/wish to work as an officer on the bridge of a ship. This Unit Standard meets the needs of the sub-field and of the society by providing competent maritime officers who by being able to communicate using standard maritime verbal and visual communications procedures, contribute to a safer environment on the ship and at sea. The learner successfully completing this Unit Standard will gain essential knowledge and practical competence in internationally recognised maritime communications methods and procedures, both verbal and visual.

The competencies achieved by the learner in this Unit Standard will, in the case of the Merchant Navy and the Fishing Industry, contribute to the economic upliftment of the country, and in the case of the South African Navy, contribute the preservation of human life and the defence of South African warships, territorial waters and/or area of responsibility, thus providing a safer and secure society for South African citizens.

Learners credited with this unit standard will be able to:
  • Demonstrate an understanding of both visual and verbal communication used in a maritime environment.
  • Issue, receive and execute verbal and written orders.
  • Signal intentions and/or communicate information using naval communication procedures.
  • Communicate with persons visiting and working on board the ship. 
    		•

    LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
    It is assumed that the learner has the following knowledge and skills:
  • Communication at NQF Level 3. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD RANGE 
    N/A 

    Specific Outcomes and Assessment Criteria: 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 1 
    Demonstrate an understanding of both visual and verbal communication used in a maritime environment. 
    OUTCOME RANGE 
    Communication methods may include but are not limited to voice (using internationally accepted code words), flashing lamps and flags. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    Maritime and/or naval flags are correctly identified in terms of their purpose, meaning and correct deployment. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    A description is given of all international code of signals in terms of their meaning, purpose and functions at sea. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Signal codes include but are not limited to BR69 (South African Navy only), Morse and International Code of Signals.
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    An explanation is given of maritime terminology in terms of its accurate usage. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    A description is given of the purpose of communication, signalling apparatus and pyrotechnics. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    Equipment and apparatus are applied according to the manufacturers' instructions and international maritime codes. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 6 
    An explanation is given on the significance of nautical information on visual and verbal communication used in a maritime environment with reference to decision making within own scope of responsibility. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Information includes:
  • Charts, nautical publications, meteorological information, messages concerning the ship's safety and operation.
     
    		•

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 2 
    Issue, receive and execute verbal and written orders. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    Orders received are acknowledged by accurate verbal repetition as required by standard operating procedures. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    Issue routine, emergency, written and verbal instructions using correct naval terminology and in accordance with naval regulations and international codes. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    Orders are responded to in an appropriate manner and degree of urgency using the appropriate nautical term. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    Orders are issued using the established chain of command. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 3 
    Signal intentions and/or communicate information using naval communication procedures. 
    OUTCOME RANGE 
    Procedures include flags, flashing lights, communication systems and replenishment procedures (South African Navy only). 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    Incoming signals are decoded in order to generate responses appropriate to the decoded signal and degree of urgency. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    Correctly coded signals are despatched to designated recipients with a degree of urgency appropriate to the context. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    Signals to manoeuvre the vessel are communicated to the necessary stations as per standard procedures. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    Communication equipment is used in accordance with manufacturer's specifications and standard operating procedures. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    Vessels in close proximity are communicated with using the appropriate method in order to facilitate the correct manoeuvring of vessels in accordance with plans and/or safety requirements. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Manoeuvring includes but is not limited to passing, working in fishing fleets and navy fleetwork.
     

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 4 
    Communicate with persons visiting and working on board the ship. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    The correct tone and language used which appropriate to the particular situation and complies with standing orders. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    A positive of the vessel is promoted by communicating clearly, concisely and politely. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    Requests for information from visitors and fellow crew members are responded to in appropriate terms of content and detail and in accordance with naval procedures and standing orders. 


    UNIT STANDARD ACCREDITATION AND MODERATION OPTIONS 
  • An individual wishing to be assessed (including through RPL) against this Unit Standard may apply to an assessment agency, assessor or provider institution accredited by the relevant ETQA, or an ETQA that has a Memorandum of Understanding with the relevant ETQA.
  • Anyone assessing a learner against this Unit Standard must be registered as an assessor with the relevant ETQA or with an ETQA that has a Memorandum of Understanding with the relevant ETQA.
  • Any institution offering learning that will enable achievement of this Unit Standard or assessing this Unit Standard must be accredited as a provider with the relevant ETQA or with an ETQA that has a Memorandum of Understanding with the relevant ETQA.
  • Moderation of assessment will be conducted by the relevant ETQA at its discretion. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD ESSENTIAL EMBEDDED KNOWLEDGE 
    Embedded knowledge includes:
  • International Maritime Organisation Performance Standards.
  • Convention on the International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea (COLREGS), 1972, as amended.
  • Safety of Life At Sea Convention, as amended.
  • Seafarer's Training, Certification and Watchkeeping Convention, as amended. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD DEVELOPMENTAL OUTCOME 
    N/A 

    UNIT STANDARD LINKAGES 
    N/A 


    Critical Cross-field Outcomes (CCFO): 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO IDENTIFYING 
    Identifying and solving problems in which responses display that responsible decisions using critical and creative thinking have been made when:
  • Issuing, receiving and executing verbal and written orders.
  • Signaling intentions and/or communicating information using naval communication procedures.
  • Communicating with persons visiting and working on board the ship. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO WORKING 
    Working effectively with others as a member of a team, group, organisation, and community during:
  • The issuing, receiving and executing of verbal and written orders.
  • The communicating with persons visiting and working on board the ship. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO ORGANISING 
    Organising and managing oneself and one's activities responsibly and effectively when:
  • Issuing, receiving and executing verbal and written orders.
  • Signaling intentions and/or communicating information using naval communication procedures. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO COLLECTING 
    Collecting, analysing, organising and critically evaluating information to better understand and explain:
  • Visual and verbal communication used in a maritime environment. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO COMMUNICATING 
    Communicating effectively using visual, mathematical and/or language skills in the modes of oral and/or written persuasion when:
  • Issuing, receiving and executing verbal and written orders.
  • Signaling intentions and/or communicating information using naval communication procedures.
  • Communicating with persons visiting and working on board the ship. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO SCIENCE 
    Using science and technology effectively and critically, showing responsibility towards the environment and health of others when:
  • Issuing, receiving and executing verbal and written orders.
  • Signaling intentions and/or communicating information using naval communication procedures. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO DEMONSTRATING 
    Demonstrating an understanding of the world as a set of related systems by recognising that problem-solving contexts do not exist in isolation when:
  • Demonstrating an understanding of both visual and verbal communication used in a maritime environment. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD ASSESSOR CRITERIA 
    N/A 

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

    UNIT STANDARD NOTES 
    The following scope and context applies to the whole unit standard:
  • Seafarer's Training, Certification and Watchkeeping Code, Table A-II/1 - 'Use the Standard Marine Navigational Vocabulary' and 'Transmit and receive information by visual signalling'.
  • South African Maritime Safety Authority - Merchant Shipping (Training and Certification) Amendment Regulations, 2006 - Standard Marine Navigational Vocabulary as replaced by the International Maritime Organisation Standard Marine Communication Phrases; English in written and oral form. 
    		•

    QUALIFICATIONS UTILISING THIS UNIT STANDARD: 
      ID QUALIFICATION TITLE PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL STATUS END DATE PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QA FUNCTIONARY
    Core  64929   National Certificate: Vessel Safety Practices  Level 5  Level TBA: Pre-2009 was L5  Passed the End Date -
    Status was "Reregistered"     		 2023-06-30  SAS SETA 


    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.
     
    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.