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: 

Control, conduct and respond to search and rescue operation 
SAQA US ID UNIT STANDARD TITLE
244522  Control, conduct and respond to search and rescue operation 
ORIGINATOR
SGB Maritime Defence 
PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QUALITY ASSURANCE FUNCTIONARY
-  
FIELD SUBFIELD
Field 08 - Law, Military Science and Security Safety in Society 
ABET BAND UNIT STANDARD TYPE PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL CREDITS
Undefined  Regular  Level 6  Level TBA: Pre-2009 was L6  8 
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 will be useful for people who have completed warship safety management and bridge watch-keeping within a naval context, as well as warship operations management, and wish to progress to positions of command in a maritime surface warfare environment. This standard will give them the opportunity to develop and balance their practical skills with the essential knowledge needed to earn a formal qualification in Warship Command and Control.

More specifically, this unit standard will give recognition to the integrated skills and knowledge required to manage a search and rescue operation at sea, as part of the required competence for Warship Command.

People credited with this unit standard are able to:
  • Respond to a request for assistance.
  • Plan a coordinated search and rescue at sea.
  • Implement a coordinated rescue approach at sea.
  • Debrief a search and rescue operation. 
    		•

    LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
    It is assumed that learners are competent in:
  • Watchkeeping.
  • Warfare operations management skills and knowledge.
  • Surface warfare command in the SAN. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD RANGE 
    Specific range statements are provided in the body of the unit standard where they apply to particular specific outcomes or assessment criteria.

    The following scope and context applies to the whole unit standard:
  • Planning, and coordination of search and rescue operations at sea in accordance with IMO/ICAO International Aeronautical and Maritime Search and Rescue Manual.
  • Consistent with STCW 95 Code. 
    		•

    Specific Outcomes and Assessment Criteria: 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 1 
    Respond to a request for assistance. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    Distress and emergency signals and communications are recognised and evaluated in accordance with procedures and relevant SAN and/or international regulations and conventions. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    Emergency is assessed and level and nature of assistance required and its practicability is established. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    Requests for assistance are recorded promptly and responses are executed with the minimum delay, in accordance with International Regulations and naval procedures. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    Information gathered on the position and nature of distress is as comprehensive as time and conditions permit. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    Records are accurately kept of all communications made during the emergency including frequencies and content of messages. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 6 
    Complete reports of the distress are made to the appropriate authorities within a time frame consistent with the nature and severity of the distress. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 2 
    Plan a coordinated search and rescue at sea. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    Communications are established where possible with the parties in distress, other search vessels and/or aircraft and other organisations and persons who may be involved in the search and rescue operation. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    Communications are maintained in line with International Regulations and Procedures and SAN procedures. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    Plans for search and rescue comply as closely as possible with relevant SAN and/or international regulations and conventions. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    Organisation and command chain with other stations involved in the search and rescue operation is established in collaboration with search and rescue authorities, and in line with SAN and MERSAR procedures. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    Plans for search and rescue procedures are designed to minimise risk to own vessel and crews, and comply with MERSAR, SOLAS and SAN regulations. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 3 
    Implement a coordinated rescue approach at sea. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    The level and nature of assistance provided is based on a realistic assessment of the practicality and ability of own vessel to help, as well as Naval Command priorities. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    Vessel's officers and crew are briefed on their role during the emergency and are deployed to the required stations. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    Directions are given to others involved in the search and rescue operation in accordance with the agreed plan and the established chain of command. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    Manoeuvres to implement search and rescue are taken promptly and with due regard to the existing circumstances and conditions, in accordance with the agreed plan. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    Manoeuvres of vessel are made safely with due regard to the limits of propulsion, steerage and vessel stability and the prevailing weather and sea conditions. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 6 
    Information concerning the emergency is regularly collected from all vessels, aircraft and other parties involved in the search and rescue operation. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 7 
    Duration of search and rescue operation meets the severity and type of distress, and the existing conditions and circumstances. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 8 
    Records of incidents are complete, accurate and comply with international regulations and conventions, and SAN requirements. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 4 
    Debrief a search and rescue operation. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    Debriefing sessions are conducted in a positive and constructive manner, and include all participants involved in the search and rescue operation in accordance with established naval debriefing procedures. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    Information gathered is collated and areas for improvement in capability and execution are identified, together with suggested improvements and/or recommendations to Naval Command. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    Own command role is evaluated for impact on the operation, and the contribution to achievement of the search and rescue operation. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    Information relating to the search and rescue operation is disseminated via approved channels to assist with refinement of equipment, responses and procedures. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    Debriefs are conducted to validate and/or contribute to the development of effective training evolutions. 


    UNIT STANDARD ACCREDITATION AND MODERATION OPTIONS 
  • Anyone assessing a learner or moderating the assessment of a learner against this unit standard must be registered as an assessor with the relevant ETQA.
  • Any institution offering learning that will enable the achievement of this unit standard must be accredit as a provider with the relevant ETQA.
  • Assessment and moderation of assessment will be overseen by the relevant ETQA according to the ETQA's policies and guidelines for assessment and moderation.
  • Moderation must include both internal and external moderation of assessments at exit points of the qualification, unless ETQA policies are specified otherwise. Moderation should also encompass achievement of the competence described both in individual unit standards as well as the integrated competence described in the qualification. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD ESSENTIAL EMBEDDED KNOWLEDGE 
    Embedded knowledge includes:
  • IMO Performance Standards.
  • SOLAS Convention, as amended.
  • STCW Convention, as amended.
  • Merchant Shipping Notices.
  • Marine Radar Performance Specifications.
  • Automatic Radar Plotting Aids Performance Specifications.
  • Reports of Courts of Marine Enquiry relevant to safe navigation.
  • Marine Accident Investigation Bureau reports relevant to safe navigation. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD DEVELOPMENTAL OUTCOME 
    N/A 

    UNIT STANDARD LINKAGES 
    N/A 


    Critical Cross-field Outcomes (CCFO): 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO IDENTIFYING 
    Identify and solve problems and make decisions using critical and creative thinking. 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO WORKING 
    Work effectively with others as members of a team, group, organisation or community. 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO ORGANISING 
    Organise and manage themselves and their activities responsibly and effectively. 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO COLLECTING 
    Collect, analyse, organise and critically evaluate information. 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO COMMUNICATING 
    Communicate effectively, using visual, mathematical and/or language skills in the modes of oral and/or written presentations. 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO SCIENCE 
    Use science and technology effectively and critically showing responsibility towards the environment and health of others. 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO DEMONSTRATING 
    Demonstrate an understanding of the world as a set of related systems by recognising that problem-solving contexts do not exist in isolation. 

    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 
    Notes to Assessors:

    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. Remember we want to declare the person competent in terms of the title. Where assessment at title level is unmanageable, then focus assessment around each specific outcome, or groups of specific outcomes.
  • 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.
  • Do not focus the assessment activities on each assessment criterion. Rather make sure the assessment activities focus on outcomes and are sufficient to enable evidence to be gathered around all the assessment criteria.
  • 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:

    Every candidate for certification shall:
  • Be required to demonstrate the competence to undertake, at operational level, the tasks, duties and responsibilities listed in the STCW Code (Table A-II/1).
  • At least hold an appropriate certificate for performing VHF radio-communications in accordance with the requirements of the Radio Regulations.
  • If designated to have primary responsibility for radio-communications during distress incidents, hold an appropriate certificate issued or recognised under the provisions of the Radio Regulations.

    In addition, every candidate for certification shall:
  • Be required to provide evidence of having achieved the required standard of competence in accordance with the methods for demonstrating competence and the criteria for evaluating competence tabulated in STCW Code (Table A-II/1).

    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:
  • Officer means a member of the crew, other than the Captain (or Master), designated as such by international law or regulations or, in the absence of such designation, by collective agreement or custom.
  • Deck officer means an officer qualified in accordance with the provisions of Chapter II of the STCW Convention.
  • Rating means a member of the ship's crew other than the Captain (or Master) or an officer.
  • STCW Code means the Seafarer's Training, Certification and Watchkeeping (STCW) Code as adopted by the 1995 Conference resolution 2, as it may be amended.
  • Seagoing service means service on board a ship relevant to the issue of a certificate or other qualification.
  • Standard of competence means the level of proficiency to be achieved for the proper performance of functions on board ship in accordance with the internationally agreed criteria.
  • Management level means the level of responsibility associated with:
    > Serving as captain (or master) or first officer on board a seagoing ship.
    > Ensuring that all functions within the designated area of responsibility are properly performed.
  • Operational level means:
    > Serving as officer in charge of a navigational watch on board a seagoing ship.
    > Maintaining direct control over the performance of all functions within the designated area of responsibility in accordance with proper procedures and under the direction of an individual serving in the management level for that area of responsibility.
  • Naval architecture means engineering discipline dealing with the design, construction and repair of marine vehicles.
  • Stability is normally broken into two classes: Intact and Damage.
    > Intact: The vessel is in normal operational configuration. The hull is not breached in any compartment. The vessel will be expected to meet various stability criteria such as GMt, area under the Gz curve, range of stability, trim, etc. while subjected to sustained winds, passenger heeling, manouvering, lifting, etc.
    > Damage: Based on the Worst Operating Condition the vessel is analytically damaged by opening various combinations of watertight compartments to the sea. The vessel will be expected to meet various stability criteria such as freeboard, trim, list, GMt, etc. 
    		•

    QUALIFICATIONS UTILISING THIS UNIT STANDARD: 
      ID QUALIFICATION TITLE PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL STATUS END DATE PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QA FUNCTIONARY
    Elective  58783   National Certificate: Warship Command and Control  Level 6  Level TBA: Pre-2009 was L6  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.