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: 

Plan and evaluate sub-surface naval operations at tactical level 
SAQA US ID UNIT STANDARD TITLE
244633  Plan and evaluate sub-surface naval operations at tactical level 
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 5  Level TBA: Pre-2009 was L5  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 will be useful for people who have completed the introductory courses to warship safety management and bridge watch-keeping (submarine) within a naval context. These two qualifications are foundational for further progression as an officer into submarine operations management, and ultimately to command and control in a maritime sub-surface warfare environment.

This unit standard will give them the opportunity to develop and balance their practical planning and execution skills with the essential knowledge needed to evaluate operations, as part of earning a formal qualification in Submarine Operations Management.

People credited with this unit standard are able to:
  • Interpret and respond to directives within the operational chain of command.
  • Develop a threat appreciation.
  • Establish internal and external communications for a submarine.
  • Establish emission control and security policies.
  • Allocate weapons, systems and counter-measures at the planning stage.
  • Evaluate the mission planning process. 
    		•

    LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
    It is assumed that learners are competent in:
  • Communications equivalent to NQF Level 4.
  • Signals formats.
  • International law governing naval operations. 
    		•

    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. 

    Specific Outcomes and Assessment Criteria: 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 1 
    Interpret and respond to directives within the operational chain of command. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    Mission instructions are identified and categorised in terms of their origin and security classification. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    Mission Instructions are interpreted and responded to consistent with standing orders and standard operating procedures for sub-surface warfare. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    The detail of the mission plan is formulated in accordance with command instructions and available intelligence. Team involvement in planning is appropriate to the classification of the order and the potential contribution of team members. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Details include:
  • Location, duration, approach, threat, special personnel and/or equipment, force size, modus operandi.
     
    		•

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    The mission plan is clear, concise and specific with respect to roles and responsibilities, as well as provision for contingencies. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    The plan is updated as required by changing circumstances during the planning phase, within the parameters of command instructions and current naval doctrine for sub-surface warfare. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 6 
    Passage and navigational planning is done consistent with the requirements of the mission. Planning provides as far as possible for controllable and uncontrollable elements. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Planning includes:
  • Weather and currents as they affect passage and ETA; water temperature, salinity and density; nature of operations: covert/overt, day/night, state of the moon; nature of environment, surveillance and reconnaissance.

    Controllable elements include:
  • Submarine, force.

    Uncontrollable elements include:
  • Environment and enemy.
     
    		•

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 7 
    Communication of the plan to key personnel is done at a level of detail appropriate to each target group and with opportunity for feedback and questions of clarification, to verify understanding. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Communication includes:
  • Face-to-face briefings; written.
     
    		•

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 8 
    Written instructions are clear, concise, accurately reflect the mission plan, and provide effective guidance for further briefings to personnel affected by the planned sub-surface operations. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 9 
    Conduct, planning and instructions are consistent with the current political policy indicators and established laws of conduct and engagement. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Policy includes:
  • Escalation, de-escalation, status quo.
     
    		•

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 10 
    Planning for joint maritime exercises and operations is thorough, and provides clear outlines for own role. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 11 
    Staff duties are assigned to those under tactical command. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Joint operations include:
  • Individual unit; force level (Red Lion); joint (includes other service arms); combined (includes foreign).
     
    		•

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 2 
    Develop a threat appreciation. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    Information gathering ahead of the planned mission draws from all relevant sources and is evaluated for reliability. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    Information gathered is accurately categorised according to type, content and source, and the threat appreciation updated accordingly. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Threat includes:
  • Type of enemy vessels and craft; radar parameters (range and implications); weapons (type and range); electronic warfare suite and capabilities.
     
    		•

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    Target classification requirements are clarified in terms of the rules of engagement, and intelligence information is organised to facilitate classification during contact situations. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    Information is processed and integrated for decision-making purposes with respect to target identification and classification, in accordance with standard operating procedures. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Process includes:
  • Expectation; identification; classification; response.
     
    		•

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    Briefings provide threat appreciation updates to command teams and other personnel directly affected by the information and its implications for the mission plan. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Information includes:
  • Briefing on enemy platforms, weapons, sensors.
     
    		•

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 3 
    Establish internal and external communications for a submarine. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    Types of communication are accurately identified and set up to meet the requirements of the mission. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Signal intelligence organisation includes:
  • Ship to shore, ship to ship, broadcast, maritime REAR, link set up, underwater telephone.
     
    		•

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    Rules for communication during the mission are established and communicated to all involved vessels and communication organisations. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Rules include:
  • Sub-surface times; silent times; classification of messages for encoding; grades of encryption; manoeuvring signals; correct procedures for verification; codes/call signs; communication security.
     
    		•

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    Communication security is promoted by assigning specific roles, responsibilities and authority to the signal intelligence organisation with respect to signal transmission. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Signals include:
  • Ship to shore; ship-to-ship; broadcast; maritime REAR link set up; air asset; underwater telephone.
     
    		•

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    Rules and procedures for signal writing and release are clearly understood and communications comply with established rules and procedures for content, format and security classification of messages. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    Signal formats and frequencies for incoming signals are clarified to assist with effective interpretation and response. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 6 
    Content of signals meets the information requirements of the mission with respect to planning, operational tasks, and required actions and reactions to achieve the mission purpose. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 4 
    Establish emission control and security policies. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    Types of detectable emissions are accurately identified together with their source and the likely application of emission sources to meet the requirements of the mission. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Emissions includes:
  • Radar, acoustic, radio, electronic counter-measures, laser.
     
    		•

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    Rules for testing and use of equipment causing emissions during the mission are established and communicated in the form of an emissions control plan to all involved vessels and sensor sources. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Rules include:
  • Silent times; emission security.
     
    		•

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    Emission control and security is promoted by assigning specific roles, responsibilities and authority to the intelligence organisation with respect to use of equipment and emissions. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    Transmission frequencies and strengths for emissions are clarified for various stages of the mission to assist with the evaluation of risk and possible counter-measures. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    The emission control plan is monitored at intervals prescribed in the plan, and emission control maintained in accordance with mission security requirements and intelligence and/or detection needs. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 5 
    Allocate weapons, systems and counter-measures at the planning stage. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    Type of weapons to counter anticipated threat and/or carry out the mission aim are pre-allocated in accordance with recognised naval sub-surface doctrine and tactics. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    Weapons and munitions allocated for the mission plan are secured and loaded as per standard operating procedures. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    Documentation necessary for the weapons and required munitions request is complete and accurate as per standard operating procedures. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    Designation of own vessel and/or vessels in accompanying force is clarified in terms of mission aim and anticipated threat, and communicated to relevant command personnel. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 6 
    Evaluate the mission planning process. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    Debriefing sessions are conducted in a positive and constructive manner. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    Information pertinent to the evaluation is gathered from all relevant sources and involved personnel. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    Personnel involved in sub-surface mission planning are debriefed in accordance with established naval debriefing procedures. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    The evaluation report produced complies with format and content requirements and is forwarded to the appropriate authority via approved channels. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    Information relating to the mission planning process is disseminated via approved channels to assist with refinement of equipment, responses and procedures. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 6 
    Debriefs are conducted to validate and/or contribute to the development of effective sub-surface 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 
  • SOLAS Convention (specifically Chapter V).
  • STCW Convention (specifically Chapters II and VIII).
  • 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.
  • 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 submarine.
    > 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 submarine.
    > 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. 
    		•

    QUALIFICATIONS UTILISING THIS UNIT STANDARD: 
      ID QUALIFICATION TITLE PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL STATUS END DATE PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QA FUNCTIONARY
    Core  58840   National Certificate: Submarine Operations  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.