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: 

Pilot a vessel within port limits 
SAQA US ID UNIT STANDARD TITLE
242841  Pilot a vessel within port limits 
ORIGINATOR
SGB Maritime 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 5  Level TBA: Pre-2009 was L5  24 
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 qualifying learner will be able to safely pilot a vessel within port limits, which will include docking, undocking, shifting and dry-docking vessels in all conditions. This learner will be able to navigate every vessel entering, leaving or moving in a port, to direct its movements and to determine and control the movements of tugs assisting the vessel under pilotage. The learner will possess recent navigation knowledge of the area and current International, National and local laws, regulations and other requirements and provisions relative to the pilotage area and the pilot's duties.

The qualifying learner should satisfy the competent pilotage authority's requirements that his/her medical fitness, particularly regarding eyesight, hearing and physical fitness meets the standards required for certification of masters and officers in charge of a navigational watch under the international Convention on Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping for Seafarers (STCW 1995) or as the relevant authorities consider appropriate.

Qualifying learners will be capable of:
  • Demonstrating knowledge of local port characteristics and procedures.
  • Demonstrating pilotage of a vessel in approaches to the port including entering and departing.
  • Demonstrating pilotage of a vessel within the harbour and confined waters.
  • Demonstrating the ability to manoeuvre a vessel including docking, un-docking, shifting, double-banking, anchoring and dry-docking.
  • Demonstrating an understanding of emergency, contingency and pollution prevention plans and procedures for the port. 
    		•

    LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
    It is assumed that a learner will be competent in:
  • Communication at NQF level 4 or equivalent.
  • Mathematics at NQF level 4 or equivalent.
  • Physical Science at NQF level 4 or equivalent. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD RANGE 
    N/A 

    Specific Outcomes and Assessment Criteria: 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 1 
    Demonstrate knowledge of local port characteristics and procedures. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    Limits of local pilotage areas are identified in relation to port rules. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    Local, national and International navigational safety and pollution-prevention regulations as may apply in the pilotage area. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Regulations include, but is not limited to: Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea, Marine Pollution (Prevention of pollution from ships) Act 2 of 1986, Marine Traffic Act (2 of 1981), the Merchant Shipping Act and MARPOL).
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    System of buoyage in the area is described in terms of local port conditions. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    Characteristics of electronic aids are described as in use in the area. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Electronic aids include, but is not limited to: lights, their angles of visibility, the fog signals, Racons and radio beacons.
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    Names, positions and characteristics of the light vessels, buoys, beacons, structures and other marks in the area are listed with reference to local resources. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 6 
    Names and characteristics of the channels, shoals, headlands and points in the area are described with reference to local conditions. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 7 
    Bridge and similar obstruction limitations including air-draft are listed according to local circumstances. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 8 
    Depths of water throughout the area, including tidal effects and related factors are described using local data. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 9 
    Proper steering courses, distances and turning basins are described in the local pilotage area. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 10 
    Anchorages are identified in the local pilotage area. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 2 
    Demonstrate piloting a vessel in approaches to the port including entering and departing. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    Communication with role players (VTS and ship) is established according to changing circumstances and procedures. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    Master-Pilot exchange is conducted in accordance with IMO recommendations. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    Resources are identified and co-ordinated in accordance with the vessel type and size and prevailing weather conditions. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    Knowledge of vessel types, size and handling characteristics are balanced against the current prevailing conditions of tide, sea state, visibility, traffic and weather conditions in order to maintain the safety of the vessel. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    The port approaches are safely navigated in terms of:
  • Appropriate speed.
  • Appropriate course corrections for set and drift.
  • Appropriate under keel clearance.
  • Compliance with International collision regulations and local port rules.
  • The ability to anchor the vessel in event of any emergency situation.
  • In reduced visibility utilise all appropriate available navigation aids including VTS remote pilotage.
  • Compliance with Traffic Separation Schemes in the pilotage area. 
    		•

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 6 
    Maintain directional stability whilst traversing the entrance channel taking cognisance of channel effects, weather and hydrodynamic influences. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 3 
    Demonstrate piloting a vessel within the harbour and confined waters. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    Directional stability of vessel, unaided by tugs, is maintained during a reduction of speed. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    Steering the vessel, indirectly, with a tug is demonstrated according to pilotage requirements. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    Optimal usage and positioning of tug/s is demonstrated according to pilotage requirements. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    Tug requirements are calculated and determined in terms of bollard pull, vessel's windage area and limitations of available tugs. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    Safe navigation, with or without tugs, is demonstrated in the port in terms of local practice. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 4 
    Demonstrate the ability to manoeuvre a vessel. 
    OUTCOME RANGE 
    Manoeuvres includes, but is not limited to: docking, un-docking, shifting, double-banking, anchoring and dry-docking. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    The principles of angle of approach of the vessel in relation to the quay/ berth are explained in terms of local weather conditions and vessel type. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    The speed of approach is appropriate to vessel type, displacement and weather conditions. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    Ability to modify the approach is demonstrated according to unforeseen and changing circumstances. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    Use of mooring lines, anchors, wind and tide to assist docking or un-docking is demonstrated without tugs in suitable weather conditions. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    Manoeuvring various vessels under various conditions is demonstrated. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Manoeuvres includes, but is not limited to: Docking, un-docking, shifting, double-banking, buoy mooring, anchoring and dry-docking.
     

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 5 
    Demonstrate an understanding of emergency, contingency and pollution prevention plans and procedures for the port. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    Emergency, contingency and pollution prevention plans and procedures (including reporting) are explained in relation to the specific port. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    Safe grounding areas, emergency turning circles and safe anchorages are described in relation to the specific port. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    Appropriate use of anchors is demonstrated in emergencies. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    Turning a vessel short round is demonstrated without tug assistance. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 6 
    Moor a vessel. 
    OUTCOME RANGE 
    Vessels includes, but is not limited to: standard and unusual ship types such as oil platforms. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    Moorings, mooring configuration and layouts are described to safely secure a vessel. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    Mooring plan is established in accordance with vessel type, size and weather conditions in consultation with the master. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    The mooring plan is adapted to the breaking strains and safe working loads of available ropes, wires, winches and bollards. 


    UNIT STANDARD ACCREDITATION AND MODERATION OPTIONS 
  • Any institution offering learning that will enable achievement of this unit standard and the related Exit Level Outcomes of the Qualification must be accredited by the relevant Education and Training Quality Assurance (ETQA) body.
  • External Moderation of assessment will be overseen by the relevant ETQA at its discretion.
  • The accredited Training Provider will oversee internal moderation of assessment.
  • Internal and external moderation should encompass achievement of competence described in the specific outcomes of the unit standard as well as the integrated competence described in the purpose of the unit standard. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD ESSENTIAL EMBEDDED KNOWLEDGE 
  • Local port characteristics and procedures.
  • Local weather conditions and port resources.
  • IMO recommendations on Master-Pilot exchange.
  • Traffic Separation Schemes.
  • Hydrodynamic influences on vessel stability.
  • Manoeuvring various vessels in all weather conditions.
  • Port rules.
  • Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea.
  • Marine Pollution (Prevention of pollution from ships) Act 2 of 1986.
  • Marine Traffic Act (2 of 1981).
  • The Merchant Shipping Act.
  • MARPOL. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD DEVELOPMENTAL OUTCOME 
    N/A 

    UNIT STANDARD LINKAGES 
    N/A 


    Critical Cross-field Outcomes (CCFO): 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO IDENTIFYING 
    Identify and solve problems in piloting a vessel within port limits which display that responsible decisions using critical and creative thinking have been made. 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO WORKING 
    Work effectively with others as a member of a team or group in piloting a vessel within port limits. 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO ORGANISING 
    Organise and manage oneself and one's activities responsibly and effectively in piloting a vessel within port limits. 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO COMMUNICATING 
    Communicate effectively using visual, mathematical and/or language skills in the modes of oral and/or written persuasion to pilot a vessel within port limits. 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO SCIENCE 
    Use science and technology effectively and critically, showing responsibility towards the environment and health of others, in piloting a vessel within port limits. 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO DEMONSTRATING 
    Demonstrate an understanding of the world as a set of related systems by recognising that problem-solving in piloting a vessel within port limits does not exist in isolation. 

    UNIT STANDARD ASSESSOR CRITERIA 
  • Assessors must be registered as assessors with a relevant ETQA or an ETQA that has a Memorandum of Understanding with the relevant ETQA.
  • Assessors must be in possession of a relevant qualification at a minimum of National Qualifications Framework (NQF) level 6. 
    		•

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

    UNIT STANDARD NOTES 
    Supplementary Information

    The following acronyms are used in this unit standard:
  • IMO: International Maritime Organisation.
  • VTS: Vessel Traffic System.
  • 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
    Core  57714   National Certificate: Marine Pilotage  Level 5  Level TBA: Pre-2009 was L5  Passed the End Date -
    Status was "Reregistered"     		 2015-06-30  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.
     
    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.