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: 

Demonstrate understanding of submarine systems and capabilities 
SAQA US ID UNIT STANDARD TITLE
244643  Demonstrate understanding of submarine systems and capabilities 
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 warship safety management and bridge watch-keeping (submarines) within a naval context, and wish to progress to managing sub-surface warfare operations on a submarine. This unit standard will give them the opportunity to develop and balance their practical skills with the essential knowledge needed to earn a formal qualification in Submarine Command and Control. The standard recognises the essential knowledge of the vessel and its systems, which is critical to those who manage operations on a submarine.

People credited with this unit standard are able to:
  • Demonstrate understanding of the propulsion system.
  • Demonstrate understanding of the diving system.
  • Demonstrate understanding of water, fuel, ventilation and disposal systems.
  • Demonstrate understanding of weapons electrical system. 

  • LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
    It is assumed that learners are competent in Communication at NQF Level 4.

    It is also assumed that learners have successfully completed the Navy course, "Orientation to SA Navy and bridge watchkeeping". 

    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:
  • Submarine Officers must understand all of the systems on their vessel: Safety systems, hydraulic system layout, air systems, electrical systems, propulsion systems, weapons systems. 

  • Specific Outcomes and Assessment Criteria: 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 1 
    Demonstrate understanding of the safety system. 
    OUTCOME RANGE 
    Safety system includes:
  • Fire fighting, life support, first aid equipment, submarine escape systems, mainline and trimline, casing fittings, knowledge of all major onboard safety evolutions. 

  • ASSESSMENT CRITERIA
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    The key components of the safety system are identified from sketches or on-line layouts, and are described with reference to their location, purpose and function. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    The description of the system as a whole accurately reflects its capabilities and limitations, and the impact of these on safety of the vessel and crew. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    Key features of the escape system are described in accordance with manufacturer's specifications, and with reference to its safe operating limits under normal operational conditions. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    Maintenance requirements are outlined with reference to routine on-board maintenance and scheduled maintenance requirements, as reflected in the annual ship's plan. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 2 
    Demonstrate understanding of the propulsion system. 
    OUTCOME RANGE 
    Propulsion system includes:
  • Diesel motors, battery power systems. 

  • ASSESSMENT CRITERIA
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    The key components of the propulsion are identified from sketches or on-line layouts, and are described with reference to their location, purpose and function. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    The description of the system as a whole accurately reflects its capabilities and limitations, and the impact of these on manoeuvrability and operational effectiveness. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Capabilities and limitations includes:
  • Capabilities of the vessel under different propulsion configurations.
     

  • ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    Key safety features of the propulsion system are described in accordance with manufacturer's specifications, and with reference to its safe operating limits under normal manoeuvring conditions. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    Maintenance requirements are outlined with reference to routine on-board maintenance and scheduled maintenance requirements, as reflected in the annual ship's plan. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 3 
    Demonstrate understanding of submersion system capabilities and limitations. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    The key components of the ballast system are identified from sketches or on-line layouts, and are described with reference to their location, purpose and function. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Ballast system includes:
  • Main ballast tanks, depth control tanks, fore and aft trim tanks, pumps, pipes.
     

  • ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    The key components of the control planes are identified from sketches or on-line layouts, and are described with reference to their location, purpose and function. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Control planes include:
  • Stern planes, fairwater planes, bow planes.
     

  • ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    Descriptions of the system as a whole are given which accurately reflect its capabilities and limitations, and the impact of these on manoeuvrability and operational effectiveness. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    System includes:
  • Hydrostatic effect of variable ballast tanks, hydrodynamic maneuvering.
     

  • ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    Key safety features of the submersion system are described in accordance with manufacturer's specifications, and with reference to its safe operating limits under normal manoeuvring conditions. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    The impact of emergency surfacing is described and explained with reference to the effect on submarine movement and the consequences for vessel systems and personnel. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 6 
    Maintenance requirements are outlined with reference to routine on-board maintenance and scheduled maintenance requirements, as reflected in the annual ship's plan. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 4 
    Demonstrate understanding of water, fuel, ventilation and disposal systems. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    The key components of the water, fuel, ventilation and disposal systems are identified from sketches or on-line layouts, and are described with reference to their location, purpose and function. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    The description of the water, fuel, ventilation and disposal systems as a whole accurately reflects its capabilities and limitations, and the impact of these on operational effectiveness. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    Key safety features of the water, fuel, ventilation and disposal systems are described in accordance with manufacturer's specifications, and with reference to its sailing limits under normal manoeuvring conditions. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    Maintenance requirements are outlined with reference to routine on-board maintenance and scheduled maintenance requirements, as reflected in the annual ship's plan. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 5 
    Demonstrate understanding of weapons electrical system. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    The key components of the weapons electrical system are identified from sketches or on-line layouts, and are described with reference to their location, purpose and function. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    The description of the weapons electrical system as a whole accurately reflects its capabilities and limitations, and the impact of these on operational effectiveness. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Capabilities and limitations includes:
  • Strike capabilities of the vessel under different weapons electrical system configurations.
     

  • ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    Key safety features of the weapons electrical system are described in accordance with manufacturer's specifications, and with reference to its safety under combat conditions. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    Maintenance requirements are outlined with reference to routine on-board maintenance and scheduled maintenance requirements, as reflected in the annual ship's plan. 


    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 
  • 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.

    Note: Core to the standard identifying and solving the problem. 

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

    Note: Implied responses will always be dependent on effective team work. 

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

    Note: Central will need effective and coordinated responses in dealing with emergencies. 

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

    Note: Central to the standard-gather the information, understand the emergency and make an effective response. 

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

    Note: Core reports must be communicated to appropriate authorities clearly, coherently and timeously. 

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

    Note: Implies understanding and use of the technology which indicates the emergency. 

    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.

    Note: Implies understanding of the implications of the emergency for the ship as a whole, and own role in addressing that. 

    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
    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.