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 special purpose missions 
SAQA US ID UNIT STANDARD TITLE
244652  Direct special purpose missions 
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  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 will be useful for people who have completed the introductory courses to warship safety management and bridge watchkeeping within a naval context. These two qualifications are foundational for further progression as an officer into warship operations management, and ultimately to command and control in a maritime surface warfare environment.

This unit standard will give them the opportunity to develop and balance their practical skills with the essential knowledge needed to direct special purpose missions Warfare Operations Management.

People credited with this unit standard are able to:
  • Demonstrate an understanding of national and international legislation, regulations and policy in relation to a specified special purpose mission.
  • Contribute to establishing and communicating the mission scope and aim.
  • Direct special purpose missions.
  • Evaluate operational effectiveness for a specified special purpose mission. 
    		•

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

    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:
  • Special purpose missions include peacetime and operational missions. 
    		•

    Specific Outcomes and Assessment Criteria: 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 1 
    Demonstrate an understanding of national and international legislation, regulations and policy in relation to a specified special purpose mission. 
    OUTCOME RANGE 
    Legislation, regulations and policy includes:
  • MARPOL, SOLAS, STCW; UN Regulations; AU Regulations; treaties applicable to southern oceans and applicable ROE. 
    		•

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    Mission objectives and mandates are received, clarified where necessary, and confirmed with Command. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    The regulations and treaty frameworks of the commanding authority are described with reference to protocols, conventions and limitations applicable to the current mission. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    The mission objectives are examined for compliance and/or conflict with international regulations governing protection of the environment and safety at sea. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Regulations include:
  • MARPOL (pollution and environment); SOLAS (safety at sea); STCW (international regulations governing merchant shipping.
     
    		•

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    The mission is evaluated for compliance and/or conflict with specific treaties governing areas of planned operations. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Treaties include regulations governing:
  • Piracy; territorial limits; limits to jurisdiction; powers of arrest; boarding.
     
    		•

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 2 
    Contribute to establishing and communicating the mission scope and aim. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    Research and intelligence gathering includes all relevant sources in own area of responsibility. Contributions to planning are based on accurate and up to date information. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    Contributions to mission planning assist in clarifying the aim of the mission, and ensuring that it is specific, realistic and achievable in terms of force capability and set time parameters. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    Communication of the mission aim to own team is clear, concise, and promotes effective information transfer to operators and other key personnel. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    Scope of authority and limitations on engagement are established, and these are reflected in the detailed operational instructions. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Scope and limitations includes:
  • ROE in territorial waters; boarding rights; ROE for pirates; responses to refuges and stowaways; joint operations; combined operations.
     
    		•

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    Specific requirements for skilled personnel and/or equipment are established and ensured to be available by the agreed time. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 3 
    Direct special purpose missions. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    Roles and responsibilities for command during special purpose operations are clearly defined with respect to envisaged support and assistance. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Support and assistance includes:
  • Escort duties; meeting 'area'; blockade (search and investigate); diplomatic mission; disaster relief; search and rescue; submarine rescue; non-combatant evacuation operations.
     
    		•

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    Rules of engagement for the special purpose operation are clearly communicated to each role player with particular reference to the scope and limitations of their actions under the banner of the commanding authority. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    Communications with supporting forces, own and other, are within the agreed frameworks and protocols for the specified operation, and consistent with the established chain of command. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    Own country and/or authority is represented faithfully and in a manner that promotes positive relations in line with the mission objectives. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    Special purpose missions are carried out in accordance with existing international regulations, and established naval doctrine and procedures for each type of operation. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 6 
    The selection and direction of specialised equipment is appropriate to the demands of the particular context. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Specialised equipment includes:
  • Submarine search and rescue (deep sea rescue vessel; dive bell; Sub escape routes).

    International organisations and procedures include:
  • Submarine S&R rescue organisation; submiss/subsunk/sublook procedures.
     
    		•

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 7 
    Decisions and responses made as the mission unfolds are consistent with available information, the emerging situational picture and the regulations of the commanding authority. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Decisions include:
  • Vessel boarding; deployment of available assets (search and rescue); submarine rescue.
     
    		•

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 8 
    Decisions are made with a degree of urgency appropriate to the demands of the current situation and with proper regard for the political implications of considered actions. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 9 
    Decisions are communicated clearly, concisely, and in a manner that promotes confidence and effective responses from officers and crew and in a manner that complies with established requirements for voice procedures, codes, and communication channels. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 4 
    Evaluate operational effectiveness for a specified special purpose mission. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    Debriefing sessions are conducted in a positive and constructive manner, and include all participants involved in the special purpose mission, in accordance with established naval debriefing procedures. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    Information gathered is collated and areas for improvement in approach and execution are identified, together with suggested improvements and/or recommendations to the commanding authority. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    Own role is evaluated for impact on the special purpose operation, and the contribution to achievement of the mission aim and objectives. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    Information relating to the special purpose operation is disseminated via approved channels to assist with refinement of equipment, responses and procedures. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    Debriefs are conducted to validate and/or contribute to the development of effective training evolutions. 


    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 
  • SOLAS Convention (specifically Chapter V).
  • STCW Convention (specifically Chapters II and VIII).
  • MARPOL.
  • UN Regulations; AU Regulations.
  • 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. 

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

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

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

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

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

    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. 

    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. 
    		•

    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 
    Elective  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.