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: 

Conduct a safe navigational passage 
SAQA US ID UNIT STANDARD TITLE
261004  Conduct a safe navigational passage 
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  24 
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 being able to plan and execute a safe passage, thereby contributing to a safer environment on the ship and at sea. The learner successfully completing this Unit Standard will gain essential knowledge and practical skills required to navigate a vessel safely in open passage, in compliance with international maritime conventions.

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:
  • Plan a navigational passage.
  • Execute a safe navigational passage.
  • Demonstrate understanding of international regulations for preventing collisions at sea.
  • Maintain a safe navigational watch. 
    		•

    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.
  • Mathematical Literacy at NQF Level 4.
  • The Unit Standard "Use electronic navigation systems other than radar to maintain safety of navigation" at NQF Level 5.
  • The Unit Standard "Use radar and automatic radar plotting aids to maintain safety of navigation" at NQF Level 5. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD RANGE 
    Navigational passage includes coastal and deep sea passage, harbour departure and entry and blind navigation (reduced visibility). 

    Specific Outcomes and Assessment Criteria: 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 1 
    Plan a navigational passage. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    A navigational passage plan is drawn up which reflects calculations in relation to the ordered passage route. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Calculation refers to tides, estimated times of arrival and departure, weather, waves, currents, methods of fixing a vessel, speed, time zones, arrival and departure times, speed, distance, fuel economy, consumption rates and vessel replenishment.
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    The navigational plan reflects all navigational information required for an ordered passage route. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Navigational information includes astro/celestial navigation, global positioning system, dead reckoning, great circle sailing, maritime warnings, buoyage systems, visual navigation, blind navigation and rumb lines (SA Navy only).
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    Blind and visual arrival and departure navigational plans are drawn up which accurately reflect calculations and correct use of navigational aids. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Navigational aids include radar, global positioning system, differential global positioning system, magnetic compass, chart symbols, abbreviations, gyro compass, geographic references, tools, rules and dividers.
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    Navigational aids are used in the planning of a passage in accordance with their purpose, specifications and standard operating procedures. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    An understanding of maritime publications is demonstrated through their application in planning a navigational passage. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Maritime publications may include but not limited to the Admiralty Manual of Navigation (SA Navy only).
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 6 
    Navigational plans are confirmed with vessel command, and communicated as per standard operating procedures and standing orders. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 2 
    Execute a safe navigational passage. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    The position of the ship is established using navigational charts at each relevant stage of the navigational passage. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    Navigational tracks are drawn on the navigational chart which reflect each stage of the planned passage. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    The navigators notebook and log are filled in in order to accurately reflect the vessel's location, situation, calculations, research and entries and departures on the course of the planned passage. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Situation includes extra-ordinary events in an area such as hurricanes, abnormal waves, currents etc.
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    Harbour departure and entry are safely executed by means of both visual and blind navigation and in compliance with standard operating procedures and standing orders. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Blind navigation includes electronic charting (ECS), radar and compass bearings (precise pilotage).
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    The vessel's passage and position is continuously updated in relation to the navigational plan by means of visual and electronic navigation. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 6 
    The vessel is sailed safely from point of departure to the planned destination in accordance with the navigation plan. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 7 
    Environmental changes and/or hazards and confidence with respect to navigation and position within each area sailed are communicated as per standing orders. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Communication includes notes to mariners for each area sailed through.
     

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 3 
    Demonstrate understanding of international regulations for preventing collisions at sea. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    A description is given of the rules for prevention of collision according to international regulations. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    The description includes in all conditions of visibility.
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    A description is given of the use of signals for prevention of collision in non-restricted and restricted conditions of visibility according to international regulations. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
  • Restricted conditions include radar, relative movement and position.
  • Signals include but are not limited to towing, run aground, underway, stopped, overtake, altering course, emergencies and blind corners signals.
     
    		•

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    A description is given of the frequency and extent of the monitoring of traffic, the ship and the environment with reference to purpose and consequences. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 4 
    Maintain a safe navigational watch. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    Adjustments are made to ship's engine and wheel orders and speed on navigation deviations in order to meet the requirements of the planned passage within prevailing conditions and the capacity of the vessel. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    Actions are taken when approaching ships and/or contacts at sea which comply with international regulations and is appropriate to the particular situation. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Necessary action includes relative velocity procedures and adjustments to ship's course and speed.
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    Lookout routines are monitored for effectiveness and according to standard operating procedures. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Effectiveness includes but is not limited to the rotation of lookouts and quartermasters.
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    Navigational equipment is maintained so as to ensure accuracy of navigation. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Equipment includes but is not limited to radar, global positioning system, differential global positioning system, compasses and sextant.
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    All navigational and general information with respect to the vessel and passage is recorded n the appropriate logs for reporting to the appropriate authority. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Logs include include but are not limited to the ship's log, ops narrative and key registers.
     


    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:
  • International Maritime Organisation Performance Standards.
  • 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:
  • Planning a navigational passage.
  • Executing a safe navigational passage.
  • Demonstrating an understanding of international regulations for preventing collisions at sea.
  • Maintaining a safe navigational watch. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO WORKING 
    Working effectively with others as a member of a team, group, organisation, and community during:
  • The planning of a navigational passage.
  • A navigational passage.
  • The prevention of collisions at sea.
  • A navigational watch. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO ORGANISING 
    Organising and managing oneself and one's activities responsibly and effectively when:
  • Planning a navigational passage.
  • Executing a safe navigational passage.
  • Maintaining a safe navigational watch. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO COMMUNICATING 
    Communicating effectively using visual, mathematical and/or language skills in the modes of oral and/or written persuasion when:
  • Planning a navigational passage.
  • Executing a safe navigational passage.
  • Maintaining a safe navigational watch. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO SCIENCE 
    Using science and technology effectively and critically, showing responsibility towards the environment and health of others when:
  • Planning a navigational passage.
  • Executing a safe navigational passage.
  • Maintaining a safe navigational watch. 
    		•

    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 Code - Table A-II/1 (plan and conduct a passage and determine position).
  • South African Maritime Safety Authority - Merchant Shipping (Training and Certification) Amendment Regulations, 2006 - Chartwork; Plan and conduct a safe passage. 
    		•

    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.