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: 

Direct underwater warfare at unit and force level 
SAQA US ID UNIT STANDARD TITLE
262180  Direct underwater warfare at unit and force level 
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  10 
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 Sovereignty of the State sub-field who wish to work in the maritime environment as a warfare operations officer on a warship. The learner successfully completing this Unit Standard will gain essential knowledge and practical skills needed to anticipate and develop responses to underwater threats.

The competencies achieved by the learner in this Unit Standard will contribute to 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 an understanding of the combat context.
  • Demonstrate an understanding of anti-submarine warfare doctrine.
  • Anticipate and develop a response to sub-surface threats.
  • React to unfolding sub-surface threats.
  • Direct frigate mine warfare operations.
  • Evaluate underwater warfare tactics. 
    		•

    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.
  • Mathematics at NQF Level 4. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD RANGE 
    N/A 

    Specific Outcomes and Assessment Criteria: 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 1 
    Demonstrate an understanding of the combat context. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    A description is given of the three domains of warfare with reference to the difference between typical threats, weapon allocation and tactical responses. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Domains include anti-air, anti-surface and anti-submarine.
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    A description is given of internal seniority of command in terms of the differences between the chain of command and scope of authority and principal focus areas. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Seniority of command is under combat conditions.
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    A description is given of the five phases of warfare in terms of their purpose, key components and logical progression. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Phases include planning, scouting and approach, combat and post-combat.
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    An explanation is given of the successful contribution of each phase to each domain of warfare with reference to knowledge of enemy, own capability and preparation with respect to tactical options and counter-measures. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    An explanation is given of the importance of the rules of engagement in each domain of warfare with reference to detection, classification, target acquisition, weapons allocation and defensive and offensive options. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 6 
    An explanation is given of the relationship between the strategic, operational and tactical levels with reference to persons involved at each level, their scope of authority and areas of responsibility. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 2 
    Demonstrate an understanding of anti-submarine warfare doctrine. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    A description is given of anti-submarine combat with reference to its key characteristics and those features which distinguish it from other forms of combat. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Characteristics include avoidance or search modes, time period prior to engagement, detection challenges, intelligence gathering challenges and range of threats.
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    An explanation is given of the importance of the environment and the effect of noise on sensors with reference to challenges in detecting sub-surface threats. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    The explanation includes references to the use of vessels and air assets in detection and the challenges with respect to their placement for detection purposes.
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    An explanation is given of the effect water temperature, salinity and depth has on sensors and their detection range and capability. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    An explanation is given of anti-submarine warfare doctrine in terms the scope of the submarine, its optimal firing point and the impact of weapons on sensor capability. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    An explanation is given of the relationship between political context, doctrine and tactics with reference permissible and non-permissible actions in combat situations. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    The explanation includes references to current South African National Defence Force and allied publications.
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 6 
    A description is given of anti-submarine warfare doctrine in terms of priorities, levels of readiness, appropriate responses and approaches to combat doctrine. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 3 
    Anticipate and develop a response to sub-surface threats. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    A description is given of relevant South African Navy and multi-national publications for sub-surface threats in terms of their content and guidance provided for positioning, configuration, and deployment. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    Tactics, procedures and factors influencing procedures are used for effective responses to sub-surface threats. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
  • Tactics include screening, manoeuvring, counter fire and decoy as developed for a specific torpedo.
  • Threats include underwater mines and submarines.
     
    		•

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    Intelligence on possible sub-surface threats is drawn from all relevant and available sources and provides comprehensive insight into enemy capability. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Intelligence includes information gathered throughout planning, scouting and approach phases.
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    Underwater sensor information is interpreted to allow for the effect of the environment, noise, water temperature, salinity and depth. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    Possible responses to sub-surface threats are developed which are appropriate in terms of intelligence on enemy capability, as well as own current capability and state of readiness. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 6 
    Options are prepared for advisement to command in terms of optimal response. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 4 
    React to unfolding sub-surface threats. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    The current sub-surface threats is continually assessed in order to develop threat responses. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    Responses are applied in order of priority as determined in the planning phase and/or as determined by the principal warfare officer in response to the unfolding combat situation. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    Defensive screen design and manoeuvres are initiated to limit and negate enemy submarine scope and firing options. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    Submarine detection activities are co-ordinated by own and wider force assets. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    Water space management is applied which complies with anti-submarine warfare doctrine and maximises the safety of own force and neutral shipping. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Water space management includes weapon related safety and the firing of chaff.
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 6 
    Weapons and counter measures are deployed and co-ordinated in terms of enemy capability, perceived threat, own capability, the combat environment and mission objectives. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
  • Weapons include own aircraft assets and surface action group.
  • Counter measures include anti-torpedo counter measures and tactics, screening, manoeuvring, counter fire and decoy as developed for a specific torpedo.
     
    		•

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 7 
    Responses are applied which are consistent with the nature of the conflict, scope of responsibility and the rules of engagement. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 8 
    Area and zone co-ordination is applied so as to ensure the promotion of optimal responses the the safety of own forces throughout the combat. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 5 
    Direct frigate mine warfare operations. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    Mine positions are designated and referenced in accordance with standard procedures. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    Lead-through operations are conducted in accordance with standard operating procedures, and in a manner that promotes the safety of own vessel and wider force. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    Minefield transit is conducted using all available information from sensor systems and complies with procedures for detection, reporting detection and mine avoidance. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Procedures include noise reduction, magnetic field reduction, speed reduction and entry and departure screens.
     

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 6 
    Evaluate underwater warfare tactics. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    Debriefing sessions are conducted in a positive and constructive manner. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    Information pertinent to the evaluation is gathered from all relevant sources and involved personnel. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    Personnel involved are debriefed in accordance with established debriefing procedures. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    The evaluation report produced complies with format and content requirements and is forwarded to the appropriate authority via approved channels. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    Information relating to the evaluation is disseminated via approved channels to assist with refinement of equipment, responses and procedures. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 6 
    Debriefs are conducted to validate and/or contribute to the development of effective training evolutions. 


    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 
    N/A 

    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:
  • Anticipating and developing a response to sub-surface threats.
  • React to unfolding sub-surface threats.
  • Direct frigate mine warfare operations.
  • Evaluate underwater warfare tactics. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO WORKING 
    Working effectively with others as a member of a team, group, organisation, and community during:
  • The anticipation and development of a response to sub-surface threats.
  • The reaction to unfolding sub-surface threats.
  • The directing of frigate mine warfare operations.
  • The evaluation of underwater warfare tactics. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO ORGANISING 
    Organising and managing oneself and one's activities responsibly and effectively when:
  • Anticipating and developing a response to sub-surface threats.
  • React to unfolding sub-surface threats.
  • Direct frigate mine warfare operations.
  • Evaluate underwater warfare tactics. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO COLLECTING 
    Collecting, analysing, organising and critically evaluating information to better understand and explain:
  • The combat context.
  • Anti-submarine warfare doctrine. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO COMMUNICATING 
    Communicating effectively using visual, mathematical and/or language skills in the modes of oral and/or written persuasion when:
  • Anticipating and developing a response to sub-surface threats.
  • React to unfolding sub-surface threats.
  • Direct frigate mine warfare operations.
  • Evaluate underwater warfare tactics. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO SCIENCE 
    Using science and technology effectively and critically, showing responsibility towards the environment and health of others when:
  • Anticipating and developing a response to sub-surface threats.
  • React to unfolding sub-surface threats.
  • Direct frigate mine warfare operations. 
    		•

    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 
    N/A 

    QUALIFICATIONS UTILISING THIS UNIT STANDARD: 
      ID QUALIFICATION TITLE PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL STATUS END DATE PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QA FUNCTIONARY
    Core  64129   National Certificate: Warship 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.