SAQA

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SOUTH AFRICAN QUALIFICATIONS AUTHORITY

REGISTERED UNIT STANDARD THAT HAS PASSED THE END DATE:

Operate the internal and external communications network on a submarine

SAQA US ID	UNIT STANDARD TITLE
244653	Operate the internal and external communications network on a submarine
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 4	NQF Level 04	4
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 within a naval context, and wish to progress as officers within a sub-surface environment. This qualification will give them the opportunity to develop and balance their practical skills with the essential knowledge needed to communicate using the range of communications equipment aboard a submarine. This is part of the essential competence required to earn a formal qualification in Submarine Bridge Watchkeeping.

People credited with this unit standard are able to:

Demonstrate knowledge of the internal and external communications network on a submarine.

Initiate different types of alarms.

Send and receive internal and external communications.

LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING

It is assumed that learners are competent in:

Communications at NQF Level 4.

Mathematics at NQF Level 4.

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

Demonstrate knowledge of the internal and external communications network on a submarine.

ASSESSMENT CRITERIA

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1

The components of the communication system are identified and described in terms of their purpose, location and function.

ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE

Components include:

Hand-held devices; internal FOCON system; ship-to-shore; ship-to-ship; ship-to-air; underwater telephone.

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2

Types of communication are categorised according to purpose and channel.

ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE

Types of communication include:

Provision of general information to ship's company; communication between departments whilst at sea; communication of internal emergencies; communication of movement and intentions; situation reports; tactical information; classified information.

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3

Basic operation of equipment is described with reference to frequency, range, characteristics and equipment limitations.

ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE

Limitations include:

Covert submarine operation, dived states.

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4

Voice procedures are described with reference to type of equipment, purpose of communication and current combat state.

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5

Use of internal and external communication systems in emergencies is described with reference the nature of the emergency and required procedures.

SPECIFIC OUTCOME 2

Communicate using the internal communication system.

ASSESSMENT CRITERIA

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1

Communication equipment used for internal communications is described in terms of its functions and limitations.

ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE

Limitations include:

Frequency, range, characteristics, sonar signature.

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2

Communication between the bridge and ship in surface and dived states is performed to ensure the accurate coordination and reporting of information to appropriate personnel and/or Command as per standard operating procedures and standing orders.

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3

Routine communication with shipboard personnel provides timeous and accurate information to facilitate the coordination of effort and effective execution of duties.

ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE

Information includes:

Coordination of routines, loading stores, provision and munitions.

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4

Communications during emergencies are carried out clearly and decisively, and to promote calm and effective responses from personnel, in accordance with standard operating procedures.

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5

Communication during action operations ensures that the allocation and/or transfer of control between operations and Command is done appropriate to the immediate and present danger, and complies with established emergency combat procedures.

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 6

All internal communications are clear and concise, and follow standard procedures.

SPECIFIC OUTCOME 3

Communicate externally using the communication system.

OUTCOME RANGE

External includes:

Other ships, shore, aircraft, external communications, except via specific emergency means, are in a surfaced state.

ASSESSMENT CRITERIA

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1

Communication equipment used for external communications is described in terms of its functions and limitations.

ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE

Limitations include:

Frequency, range, characteristics, dived state.

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2

Instructions to communications personnel are done clearly and concisely and promote effective and purposeful communications with shore, other vessels, and aircraft as required.

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3

External communications are established for specified purposes using designated equipment and agreed channels, according to standard operating procedures and standing orders.

ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE

Specified purposes include:

Contact with shore base/harbour; relay of signal traffic; communication of vessel's position; establishing and conveying intended movement; situational reports; tactical situation.

Procedures include:

Appropriate language and terminology; correct protocol, signals/words; designated channels.

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4

Communications with other vessels are performed decisively and promote accurate identification, and the safe manoeuvre of own and other vessel with respect to collision avoidance.

SPECIFIC OUTCOME 4

Select and use signalling equipment under maritime surface and sub-surface distress conditions.

OUTCOME RANGE

Signalling equipment includes:

Lights, flags, emergency position indicating radio beacons (EPIRBs), hand signals, flares (including smoke), sound signals, flames, search and rescue radar transponders (SARTS); Global Maritime Distress and Safety System (GMDSS); underwater telephones.

ASSESSMENT CRITERIA

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1

A description of the legal obligations with respect to distress calls is given that is consistent with international codes and naval regulations.

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2

Signalling equipment is selected appropriate in terms of the intended purpose and specified conditions and the rationale for the choice is consistent with particular context.

ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE

Conditions include - visibility, sea, weather, proximity to the shore or other vessels, dived state.

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3

The consequences of inappropriate choices are explained with examples.

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4

Operation of signalling equipment complies with intended purpose, manufacturer's directions and legislative requirements.

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5

The procedures to be followed when a distress signal is accidentally activated are described, and are consistent with navy and international maritime codes and company operating policies.

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 6

Distress calls and messages are handled in a manner consistent with the degree of urgency required, and is appropriate to the given situation, in accordance with the standard operating procedures.

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 7

"Mayday received" and "mayday relay" are handled in a manner consistent with the particular context, in accordance with guidelines and regulations.

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 8

Urgency and/or emergency calls are handled in a manner consistent with the particular context, in accordance with guidelines and regulations.

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 9

Special equipment to signal emergencies in dived states is used so as to comply with SAN doctrine and procedures.

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.

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.

QUALIFICATIONS UTILISING THIS UNIT STANDARD:

	ID	QUALIFICATION TITLE	PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL	NQF LEVEL	STATUS	END DATE	PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QA FUNCTIONARY
Elective	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.

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