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: 

Use maritime communications system for internal and external communication 
SAQA US ID UNIT STANDARD TITLE
261078  Use maritime communications system for internal and external communication 
ORIGINATOR
SGB Maritime Defence 
PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QUALITY ASSURANCE FUNCTIONARY
-  
FIELD SUBFIELD
Field 08 - Law, Military Science and Security Sovereignty of the State 
ABET BAND UNIT STANDARD TYPE PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL CREDITS
Undefined  Regular  Level 5  Level TBA: Pre-2009 was L5  3 
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 is intended for learners within the Maritime Sector who work/wish to work as an officer on the bridge of a ship. This Unit Standard meets the needs of the sub-field and of the society by providing competent maritime officers who by correctly applying the communications systems of a ship, contribute to a safer environment on the ship and at sea. The learner successfully completing this Unit Standard will gain essential knowledge and practical skills in a range of specific equipment for internal and external communications on board ship, which is needed to operate with confidence on a ships bridge.

The competencies achieved by the learner in this Unit Standard will, in the case of the Merchant Navy and the Fishing Industry, contribute to the economic upliftment of the country, and in the case of the South African Navy, contribute the preservation of human life and the defence of South African warships, territorial waters and/or area of responsibility, thus providing a safer and secure society for South African citizens.

Learners credited with this unit standard will be able to:
  • Demonstrate understanding of the ship's communication systems.
  • Communicate using communication systems.
  • Select and use signalling equipment under maritime distress conditions. 
    		•

    LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
    It is assumed that the learner has the following knowledge and skills:
  • Communication at NQF Level 4. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD RANGE 
    N/A 

    Specific Outcomes and Assessment Criteria: 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 1 
    Demonstrate understanding of the ship's communication systems. 

    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 systems, ship-to-shore, ship-to-ship and ship-to-air.
     

    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 bridge and ship whilst at sea, communication of internal emergencies, communication of movement and intentions and situation reports.
  • Types of communication include tactical information and classified information (SA Navy only).
     
    		•

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    A description is given of the basic operation of equipment with reference to frequency, range, characteristics and equipment limitations. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    A description is given of voice procedures with reference to type of equipment, purpose of communication and current state of readiness. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    States of readiness include but are not limited to the combat state (SA Navy only).
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    A description is given of the use of internal and external communication systems in emergencies with reference the nature of the emergency and required procedures. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 2 
    Communicate using communication systems. 
    OUTCOME RANGE 
    Communicate using communication systems. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    Communication equipment used for internal and external communications is applied in terms of its functions and limitations. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Limitations include but are not limited to frequency, range and characteristics.
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    Co-ordination and reporting of information between the bridge and ship is ensured as per standard operating procedures and standing orders. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Information includes coordination of routines, loading stores and provision and loading munitions (SA Navy only).
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    Communications during emergencies is applied so as to ensure and promote calm and effective responses from personnel in accordance with standard operating procedures. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
  • Communication includes but is not limited to the transfer of control between bridge and operations room (SA Navy only).
  • Emergencies includes but is not limited to immediate and present danger in action operations (SA Navy only).
  • Procedures includes but is not limited to emergency combat procedures (SA Navy only).
     
    		•

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    Instructions to communications personnel are given clearly and concisely in order to promote effective and purposeful communications with shore, other vessels and aircraft. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    External communications are established for specific purposes according to standard operating procedures and standing orders. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
  • Specific purposes include but are not limited to contact with shore base/harbour; relay of signal traffic, communication of vessel's position, establishing and conveying intended movement and situational reports (SA Navy only).
  • Procedures include appropriate language and terminology, correct protocol, signals/words and designated channels.
     
    		•

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 6 
    Other vessels are communicated with in a decisive manner which promotes accurate identification and safe manoeuvring of own and other vessels. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 3 
    Select and use signalling equipment under maritime distress conditions. 
    OUTCOME RANGE 
    Signalling equipment includes but is not limited to lights, flags, emergency position indicating radio beacons (EPIRBs), hand signals and flares (including smoke), sound signals, flames, search and rescue radar transponders (SARTS) and the Global Maritime Distress and Safety System (GMDSS). 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    A description of legal obligations is given which is consistent with international codes and maritime and/or naval regulations. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    Signal equipment is selected which is appropriate in terms of the intended purpose and specific conditions. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Conditions include visibility, sea, weather and proximity to the shore or other vessels.
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    Distress calls and messages are handled according to organisational standard operating procedures and international guidelines and regulations. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    Signal equipment is applied operationally according to its intended purpose, manufacturer's directions and legislative requirements. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    The procedure to be followed when distress signal is accidentally activated are applied according to international maritime codes and organisational operating policies. 


    UNIT STANDARD ACCREDITATION AND MODERATION OPTIONS 
  • An individual wishing to be assessed (including through RPL) against this Unit Standard may apply to an assessment agency, assessor or provider institution accredited by the relevant ETQA, or an ETQA that has a Memorandum of Understanding with the relevant ETQA.
  • Anyone assessing a learner against this Unit Standard must be registered as an assessor with the relevant ETQA or with an ETQA that has a Memorandum of Understanding with the relevant ETQA.
  • Any institution offering learning that will enable achievement of this Unit Standard or assessing this Unit Standard must be accredited as a provider with the relevant ETQA or with an ETQA that has a Memorandum of Understanding with the relevant ETQA.
  • Moderation of assessment will be conducted by the relevant ETQA at its discretion. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD ESSENTIAL EMBEDDED KNOWLEDGE 
    Embedded knowledge includes:
  • International Maritime Organisation Performance Standards.
  • Convention on the International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea (COLREGS), 1972, as amended.
  • Safety of Life At Sea Convention, as amended.
  • Seafarer's Training, Certification and Watchkeeping Convention, as amended. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD DEVELOPMENTAL OUTCOME 
    N/A 

    UNIT STANDARD LINKAGES 
    N/A 


    Critical Cross-field Outcomes (CCFO): 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO IDENTIFYING 
    Identifying and solving problems in which responses display that responsible decisions using critical and creative thinking have been made when:
  • Communicating using communication systems.
  • Selecting and using signalling equipment under maritime distress conditions. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO WORKING 
    Working effectively with others as a member of a team, group, organisation, and community during:
  • The use of communication systems.
  • The selection and use of signalling equipment under maritime distress conditions. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO COLLECTING 
    Collecting, analysing, organising and critically evaluating information to better understand and explain:
  • The ship's communication systems. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO COMMUNICATING 
    Communicating effectively using visual, mathematical and/or language skills in the modes of oral and/or written persuasion when:
  • Using communication systems.
  • Selecting and using signalling equipment under maritime distress conditions. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO SCIENCE 
    Using science and technology effectively and critically, showing responsibility towards the environment and health of others when:
  • Demonstrating and understanding of the ship's communication systems.
  • Communicating using communication systems.
  • Selecting and using signalling equipment under maritime distress conditions. 
    		•

    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 
    The following scope and context applies to the whole unit standard:
  • Seafarer's Training, Certification and Watchkeeping Code, Table A-II/1 (distress signals; radio communications).
  • Applicable sections of the International Maritime Organisation Merchant Ship Search and Rescue Manual.
  • South African Maritime Safety Authority - Merchant Shipping (Training and Certification) Amendment Regulations, 2006 - Communications; Emergency Procedures. 
    		•

    QUALIFICATIONS UTILISING THIS UNIT STANDARD: 
      ID QUALIFICATION TITLE PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL STATUS END DATE PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QA FUNCTIONARY
    Core  64929   National Certificate: Vessel Safety Practices  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.