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: 

Manoeuvre the ship using control systems 
SAQA US ID UNIT STANDARD TITLE
261057  Manoeuvre the ship using control systems 
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 safely manoeuvre a ship at sea. The learner successfully completing this Unit Standard will gain essential knowledge and practical skills in the basic principles of operation and use of steering systems, rate of turn indicators and anchoring and berthing equipment and systems, which is needed to operate with confidence on a ships bridge during a watch.

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:
  • Operate an automatic pilot and steering controls.
  • Describe the function of rudders and propellers in steering a ship.
  • Bring a ship up to anchor.
  • Manoeuvre a ship.
  • Demonstrate knowledge of the mooring and unmooring of a ship. 
    		•

    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 
    Operate an automatic pilot and steering controls. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    An explanation is given of the purpose and functioning of an automatic pilot with reference to its capabilities and operational limitations. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    The changeover procedures from automatic pilot to manual steering and vice versa are carried out as per standard operating procedures. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    The course and steering set by automatic pilot is confirmed for accuracy and efficiency after a changeover from manual steering. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Settings includes but is not limited to 360 degree course notation, allowance for wind and current, yawing and rate of turn indicator.
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    An accurate course is maintained during manual steering on the open sea and under pilotage in confined waters within the agreed variance limits. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Steering includes steering by magnetic compass, steering by gyro compass, holding a course to leading marks and helm orders and procedures for responding to helm orders.
     

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 2 
    Describe the function of rudders and propellers in steering a ship. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    A description is given of the basic types of common rudders in current use with reference to their operation, capabilities and limitations. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Types of rudder include but not limited to semi-balanced, balanced and spade rudders and connection of the rudder to the ship.
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    A description is given of the action of the rudder in steering the ship with reference to speed and turning capabilities. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    A description is given of fixed and controllable pitch propellers in terms of their function and impact on turning capabilities of the vessel. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Propellers include but not limited to single and twin configurations, pods, shrouds and thrusters.
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    A description is given of the impact of the propulsion systems with reference to turning and general manoeuvrability whilst underway. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Propulsion includes gas turbines (SA Navy only).
     

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 3 
    Bring a ship up to anchor. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    The anchoring procedures on a ship are applied with reference to the functions of the personnel involved, preparations, equipment and machinery to be used. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    An anchoring position is planned which takes into consideration the effect of weather, tides, current, holding ground and traffic density. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    The ship is handled during the approach to the anchorage while accounting for the effects of deadweight, trim, speed and stopping distances. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 4 
    Manoeuvre a ship. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    The effects of deadweight, draught, trim, speed and under keel clearance on turning circles and stopping distances of a ship are considered when manoeuvring a ship in restricted waters. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    The effects with respect to the sides of channels and interaction with both passing ships and those tied up are are considered when manoeuvring a ship. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    The description includes concepts of squat, shallow water, narrow channel effects, interaction between ships and bank effect.
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    Manoeuvring controls in the wheelhouse and engine room are applied in terms of their purpose and function. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    The ship is conned for a given manoeuvre. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Given manoeuvres include but not limited to stopping and going astern, turning short round, use of thrusters, picking up or dropping a pilot, approaching a quay, jetty and another ship, approaching buoys and entering a dock.
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    The effects of propellers on the turning circle of a ship in terms of their differing handling techniques are considered when manoeuvring a ship. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 6 
    The ship is manoeuvred by means of specific wheel and engine room commands to bringing a ship up to a man overboard or persons on a small craft in distress. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 7 
    The ship is manoeuvred so as to counter the effects of wind and current on a ship under way. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 5 
    Demonstrate knowledge of the mooring and unmooring of a ship. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    A description is given of the preparations for leaving and entering a port with respect to the duties of personnel at mooring stations. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    A description is given of the equipment and machinery used in a berthing or unberthing operations with reference to the functions of shipboard personnel. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Equipment includes mooring ropes, wires, head and stern ropes, breast lines, springs, stoppers, windlass, capstan, self-tensioning mooring winches, fenders and rat guards.
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    A description is given of a mooring and an unmooring operation at the foc'sle or poop mooring stations. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    A description is given of the controls and operation of a windlass, capstan and a self-tensioning mooring winch in accordance with standard operating procedures. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    A description is given of the basic manoeuvres of the ship during berthing and unberthing operations in accordance with standard operating procedures. 


    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:
  • 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:
  • Bringing a ship up to anchor.
  • Manoeuvring a ship. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO WORKING 
    Working effectively with others as a member of a team, group, organisation, and community during:
  • The operation of automatic pilot and steering controls.
  • The bringing of a ship up to anchor.
  • The manoeuvring of a ship. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO ORGANISING 
    Organising and managing oneself and one's activities responsibly and effectively when:
  • Bringing a ship up to anchor.
  • Manoeuvring a ship. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO COLLECTING 
    Collecting, analysing, organising and critically evaluating information to better understand and explain:
  • The function of rudders and propellers when steering a ship. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO COMMUNICATING 
    Communicating effectively using visual, mathematical and/or language skills in the modes of oral and/or written persuasion when:
  • Operating an automatic pilot and steering controls.
  • Bringing a ship up to anchor.
  • Manoeuvring a ship. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO SCIENCE 
    Using science and technology effectively and critically, showing responsibility towards the environment and health of others when:
  • Operating an automatic pilot and steering controls.
  • Describing the function of rudders and propellers in steering a ship.
  • Bringing a ship up to anchor.
  • Manoeuvring a ship. 
    		•

    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:
  • The standard meets the requirements of Seafarer's Training, Certification and Watchkeeping and South African Maritime Safety Authority Code for 'Manoeuvre the ship'. SAMSA; Merchant Shipping (Training and Certification) Amendment Regulations, 2006; Part 2AA Ship Manoeuvring and Handling. 
    		•

    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.