4123 version 2
28-Jun-16
1 of 4
NAVIGATION AND SEAMANSHIP
Prepare ship for heavy weather
level:
5
credit:
4
planned review date:
June 1998
sub-field:
Maritime
purpose:
People credited with this unit standard are able to position
the vessel to minimise the effects of anticipated weather;
and adjust the course and speed of the ship to respond to
immediate weather and sea conditions.
entry information:
Open.
accreditation option:
Evaluation of documentation and visit by NZQA and
industry.
moderation option:
A centrally established and directed moderation system has
been established by the Maritime Qualifications New
Zealand (Inc).
special notes:
Heavy weather and potential hazards requiring reporting
include: tropical revolving storm (TRS), ice, ice accretion, or
force 10 or greater gales (not forecast).
Weather
information is gained from weather reports, maps, radio
transmissions and fax.
Regulations affecting the reporting of encountered
conditions are contained in International Convention of
Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping 1978;
and The Shipping and Seamans Act.
 New Zealand Qualifications Authority 2016
4123 version 2
28-Jun-16
2 of 4
NAVIGATION AND SEAMANSHIP
Prepare ship for heavy weather
Skills and knowledge supporting this unit standard include:
differentiating between weather, patterns, identifying
weather determining possible effects of weather; identifying
sea conditions and likely cause and effects; causes of stress
of vessel’s in heavy weather including pounding, vibration,
rolling, cargo movement; vessel construction and handling
characteristics and limitations; and contingency response
options.
Elements and Performance Criteria
element 1
Position the vessel to minimise the effects of anticipated weather.
performance criteria
1.1
Information on predicted weather conditions is collated and combined with
information on the status of current weather and sea conditions to create
forecast of future weather and sea conditions.
Range:
forecast weather and sea conditions include: swell direction and
pressures, wind strengths and direction, fog, ice accretion.
1.2
Decisions and action taken in response to forecast conditions reflects the
anticipated severity of the forecast weather and sea conditions.
1.3
Encounter with TRS, ice, and force 10 or greater gales (not forecast) are
reported by radio to other traffic within the region and the closest coastal radio
station in accordance with regulations.
element 2
Adjust course and speed of the ship to respond to immediate weather and sea conditions.
performance criteria
2.1
Actions taken to position and manoeuvre the vessel during heavy weather
minimise the stress on the vessel.
 New Zealand Qualifications Authority 2016
4123 version 2
28-Jun-16
3 of 4
NAVIGATION AND SEAMANSHIP
Prepare ship for heavy weather
2.2
Vessel course and speed are adjusted to reduce the potential occurrence of
water ingress, broaching, or structural damage.
2.3
Course and speed adjustments are completed within the operating parameters
of equipment and engine tolerances during planned manoeuvres.
element 3
Implement heavy weather security precautions.
performance criteria
3.1
Deck safety and security precautions are implemented to minimise the potential
effect of heavy weather on the vessel, its cargo and personnel, and to maintain
the safety of on-board personnel.
3.2
On-board personnel are briefed in accordance with Company and Master’s
Standing Orders of pending heavy weather and the precautions requiring
implementation.
3.3
Security precautions are implemented in accordance with procedure and within
a time frame which maintains vessel, cargo and on-board personnel safety and
security.
 New Zealand Qualifications Authority 2016
4123 version 2
28-Jun-16
4 of 4
NAVIGATION AND SEAMANSHIP
Prepare ship for heavy weather
Comments to:
Maritime Qualifications New Zealand (Inc)
Unit Standard Revision
PO Box 160
WELLINGTON
by June 1998.
Please Note:
Providers must be accredited by the Qualifications Authority
before they can offer programmes of education and training
assessed against unit standards.
Accredited providers assessing against unit standards must
engage with the moderation system that applies to those unit
standards. [Please refer to relevant Plan ref: 0054]
 New Zealand Qualifications Authority 2016