SKILL  KNOWLEDGE  SAFETY

PUASES009A - Undertake inland floodboat operations

Description

This unit covers the competency required to act as a member of a crew of a floodboat on inland waterways in low risk water environments, including in times of flood.

This unit replaces PUASES003B Undertake flood and inland waterways rescue boat operations.

Licensing requirements may apply to this unit.

Prior to this unit, persons should have met organisational policies and procedures for swimming competence.

Pre Requisites

Nil

Application

The application of this unit would inform roles and responsibilities of members of a crew operating a floodboat undertaking low risk operations in inland waterways, which may or may not include flooded environments.
The requirements for operation of the floodboat and crew tasks will be determined by the nature of the incident and/or operation, legislative requirements, emergency management plans, organisational policies and procedures and incident context.
Floodboat operators are expected to act as both driver and/or crew of a floodboat. A minimum of two operators is required on a floodboat; one person will be considered to be in charge of the floodboat.
Typical operations may include evacuations, transport, searches, rescues and resupply operations. Floodboat operations may be conducted in urban or rural environments, but do not include offshore operations.
Applicable roles and jobs may involve emergency services personnel, marine operators and waterways management organisations, marine rescue organisation.

Performance Criteria

1. Prepare for floodboat operation    
1.1 Operational and task information is obtained
1.2 Operational and task information is used to determine response and equipment requirements
1.3 Equipment is checked for serviceability and is stowed for road transportation to prevent loss or damage
1.4 Pre-launch checks are conducted in accordance with organisational policies and procedures
1.5 Protective equipment is selected and worn, as appropriate
    
2. Operate floodboat    
2.1 Hazard identification, risk assessment and control measures are undertaken as required by organisational policies and procedures
2.2 Vessel is launched safely
2.3 Pre-start checks are conducted in accordance with organisational policies and procedures
2.4 Start-up procedures are followed in accordance with organisational policies and procedures, and manufacturers' guidelines
2.5 Vessel is correctly boarded, loaded and trimmed safety
2.6 Vessel is operated applying appropriate techniques
2.7 Emergency drills are conducted as appropriate and when required
2.8 Look-out procedures are conducted in accordance with organisational policies and procedures
    
3. Undertake floodboat tasks    
3.1 Floodboat search procedures are conducted as required by organisational standard operating procedures
3.2 People, supplies, equipment and livestock are transported safely and efficiently
3.3 People or objects in the water are recovered safely and efficiently
3.4 Bodies are recovered using organisational procedures to meet coronial requirements
    
4. Recover and restore floodboat    
4.1 Vessel is recovered
4.2 Vessel and associated equipment are restored, cleaned and serviced according to organisational policies and procedures and manufacturers' guidelines
4.3 Signs and symptoms of operational stress in self and others are recognised and reported
4.4 Debriefing requirements are contributed to as required by organisational policies and procedures
4.5 Operational documentation is completed in accordance with organisational policies and procedures
    


Required Skills & Knowledge

Required Skills
  • communicate clearly as coxswain of the vessel
  • communicate effectively with people recovered from the water and crew, specifically in relation situational awareness, safety and operational requirements
  • handle casualty safely
  • implement floodboat handling techniques
  • implement techniques for conducting waterway search
  • implement techniques for securing vessels
  • rescue persons and recover objects from the water
  • return equipment to organisational readiness after use, including appropriate wash-down and motor flush
  • work safely

Required Knowledge
  • boat handling under adverse conditions including fast flowing currents and operating in towns, around fences and in the vicinity of power lines
  • effects of water moving over objects and obstacles
  • emergency drills
  • local hazards and environmental threats
  • local operating procedures
  • nature of flood water hazards
  • organisational policies and procedures (such as relevant legislation; operational, corporate and strategic plans; operational performance standards; operational policies and procedures; organisational personnel and occupational health and safety practices and guidelines; organisational quality standards; organisation's approach to environmental management and sustainability)
  • personal hygiene protocols
  • reconnaissance processes
  • relevant state/territory legislation, management and inter-service arrangements
  • roles and responsibilities of, and relationship with, other emergency services

Range Statement

Operational and task information may include    
  • Access and egress routes
  • Flood water
  • Nearby ramps or launching points
  • Number and nature of casualties
  • Potential hazards
  • Resupply or evacuation requirements
  • Tidal information
  • Weather forecast

Equipment may include    
  • Appropriate equipment required for task, as per organisational procedures
  • Appropriate trailer
  • Equipment required under state/territory legislation
  • Organisational approved floodboat/vessel
  • Personal protective equipment, including protection from sun, heat, cold and appropriate footwear

Hazards may include    
  • Domestic animals
  • Eddies
  • Fast flowing streams and near still waters
  • Floating and submerged debris and snags
  • Heat and cold
  • Night or low light
  • Time pressure
  • Undertows
  • Underwater hazards such as underwater powerlines and fences
  • Weather
  • Wildlife

Emergency drills may include    
  • Abandon ship
  • Break down
  • Capsize
  • Distress
  • Emergency stop
  • Fire
  • Manoeuvring without motor
  • Person overboard
  • Towing

Operational documentation may include    
  • Activity reports
  • Floodboat running logs
  • Notes or sketches and other relevant information required for potential coronial or other legal proceedings
  • Passenger/cargo manifest


Evidence Guide

Critical aspects for assessment and evidence required to demonstrate competency in this unit    
Assessment must confirm the ability to:
  • operate a floodboat safely.
Consistency in performance
Competency should be demonstrated over one or more exercises, scenarios or incidents. Confident boat handling is developed over time.
    
Context of and specific resources for assessment    
Context of assessment
Competency should be assessed completing floodboat operations, exercises or scenarios.

Specific resources for assessment
Access is required to:
  • relevant exercise, scenarios, simulation, or series of tasks
  • equipment used in floodboat operations
  • floodbaot crew.

Method of assessment    
In a public safety environment assessment is usually conducted via direct observation in a training environment or in the workplace via subject matter supervision and/or mentoring, which is typically recorded in a competency workbook.
Assessment is completed using appropriately qualified assessors who select the most appropriate method of assessment.
Assessment may occur in an operational environment or in an industry-approved simulated work environment. Forms of assessment that are typically used include:
  • direct observation
  • interviewing the candidate
  • journals and workplace documentation
  • third party reports from supervisors
  • written or oral questions.

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