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: 

Apply meteorological concepts to shipboard operations 
SAQA US ID UNIT STANDARD TITLE
261014  Apply meteorological concepts to shipboard operations 
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  6 
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 are able to interpret meteorology and thereby 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 needed to interpret weather and use the information for purposes of safe navigation.

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:
  • Describe how weather information is applied to the operations of a ship.
  • Forecast weather for a ship in given conditions within a climatic zone.
  • Demonstrate an understanding of the effect of the earth's atmosphere on the climatic conditions.
  • Demonstrate knowledge of currents and seasonal weather patterns on the South African coast.
  • Record weather observations in the ship's deck log. 
    		•

    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 
    Describe how weather information is applied to the operations of a ship. 
    OUTCOME RANGE 
    Sources of information include local and international sources. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    A description is given of the World Meteorological Organisation with reference to its structure, functions and objectives. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    A description is given of the sources of weather information available to shipping with reference to the manner in which information flow is directed to a ship. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    A description is given of the type and details of the weather information flow between weather offices and ships with reference to the Ship's Code and Decode Book and the interpretation of a ship or shore station plot. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Codes include meteorological codes, synoptic and prognostic charts, isobars, and Beaufort wind force and letter abbreviations.
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    An explanation is given of the effect of impending adverse weather on the ship's operations with reference to precautionary measures. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 2 
    Forecast weather for a ship in given conditions within a climatic zone. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    The barometer is used to determine the onset of weather conditions by applying the basic principles of barometers and atmospheric pressure. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
  • Barometers include mercury and aneroid barometers.
  • Basic principles include atmospheric pressure and units of pressure, meaning of fall or rise in surface pressure and the application of corrections.
     
    		•

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    Wind strength and direction is determined by observation of sea conditions and reference to the Beaufort Wind Scale. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Determining conditions includes applying Buys-Ballot's Law, factors affecting appearance of sea surface, apparent and true wind and vector diagrams.
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    Cloud formations are identified and observed for weather forecasting information. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Observations include:
  • Ten basic cloud types and their probable base heights.
     
    		•

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    A description is given of the various types of precipitation and particles in the atmosphere with reference to the implications for visibility near the sea surface by day or night. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    The onset of precipitation is determined by applying the basic principles of the hygrometer and whirling psychrometer. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Explanation includes:
  • Saturation vapour pressure; dew point; relative humidity; Hygrometric Tables; Stevenson's Screen.
     
    		•

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 3 
    Demonstrate an understanding of the effect of the earth's atmosphere on the climatic conditions. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    An explanation is given of the earth's atmosphere with reference to the system of theoretical layers and the differing features attributed to their composition. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Features include water vapour, temperature and pressure.
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    A description is given of sun's role as the principal source of energy for atmospheric processes in relation to its latitude and declination at any place on the earth's surface. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    A description is given of atmospheric pressure. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    The description includes force per unit area, basic unit of pressure, average pressure at sea level, the relationship between - pressure on a unit area of surface and height of air column, surface pressure and air above the surface, pressure and height above sea level.
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    An explanation is given of wind formation and its effect on weather and climate. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    The explanation includes mean surface pressure and wind distribution, sea areas and seasons for strong winds, circulation cells, doldrums, inter tropical convergence zone, trade winds, sub-tropical oceanic highs; westerlies, polar easterlies, anabatic and katabatic winds, local winds and diurnal variations in pressure.
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    An explanation is given of the process of cloud formation with respect to identified types in the maritime context. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    The explanation includes adiabatic cooling, condensation nuclei, ice crystals, super cooled water droplets, convection, orographic ascent, formation by turbulence or convergence, dissolution.
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 6 
    An explanation is given of the process factors affecting visibility in typical areas and seasons with respect to the classification of fogs. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Classification includes advection, radiation, mist, haze, sea smoke, mixing, cooling and evaporation fogs.
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 7 
    A description is given of depressions and their effect on the weather, stages of the life cycle and weather changes experienced on the passing of a frontal depression. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    The explanation includes isobars, low pressure trough, air mass, source region, depression, warm and cold front, family of depressions and occlusion.
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 8 
    A description is given of monsoons and monsoon regimes with reference to the particular areas and seasons and their implications for shipping. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 9 
    An explanation is given of anticyclones, the weather associated with a cool, and changes in the weather experienced on the passing of a ridge of high pressure. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 10 
    A description is given of tropical revolving storms in terms of areas, seasons, dangers and probable tracks in relevant ocean areas. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    The explanation includes patterns, behaviour, areas of occurrence, pressure conditions, and effects of land mass and maneuvering rules for avoidance.
     

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 4 
    Demonstrate knowledge of currents and seasonal weather patterns on the South African coast. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    A description is given of currents in terms of their locations, strength and temperature. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    An explanation is given of local winds and their causes with reference to their implications for maritime operations, in accordance with accepted meteorological understanding. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    An explanation is given of the formation of abnormal waves on the eastern seaboard of South Africa in terms of the factors required and their frequency. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 5 
    Record weather observations in the ship's deck log. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    Entries are made using maritime English which reflect actual environmental events at the time they occur and weather conditions at the designated times. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    A description is given of the necessity of meteorological codes and accurate recording in terms of a ship's weather observations and implications for operations. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Meteorological codes include Beaufort letter abbreviations, wind direction and speed, synoptic and prognostic charts, areas of heavy weather, fog and ice.
     


    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 
  • Seafarer's Training, Certification and Watchkeeping Code - Table A-II/2 forecast weather and oceanographic conditions. 
    		•

    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:
  • Forecasting weather for a ship in given conditions within a climatic zone. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO ORGANISING 
    Organising and managing oneself and one's activities responsibly and effectively when:
  • Forecasting weather for a ship in given conditions within a climatic zone.
  • Recording weather observations in the ship's deck log. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO COLLECTING 
    Collecting, analysing, organising and critically evaluating information to better understand and explain:
  • Describe how weather information is applied to the operations of a ship.
  • Demonstrate an understanding of the effect of the earth's atmosphere on the climatic conditions.
  • Demonstrate knowledge of currents and seasonal weather patterns on the South African coast. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO COMMUNICATING 
    Communicating effectively using visual, mathematical and/or language skills in the modes of oral and/or written persuasion when:
  • Recording weather observations in the ship's deck log. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO SCIENCE 
    Using science and technology effectively and critically, showing responsibility towards the environment and health of others when:
  • Forecasting weather for a ship in given conditions within a climatic zone. 
    		•

    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 and South African Maritime Safety Authority code - SAMSA - Merchant Shipping (Training and Certification) Amendment Regulations, 2006 - Meteorology.
  • Seafarer's Training, Certification and Watchkeeping Code - Table A-II/2 forecast weather and oceanographic conditions. 
    		•

    QUALIFICATIONS UTILISING THIS UNIT STANDARD: 
      ID QUALIFICATION TITLE PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL STATUS END DATE PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QA FUNCTIONARY
    Elective  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.