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: 

Forecast weather and oceanographic conditions 
SAQA US ID UNIT STANDARD TITLE
244536  Forecast weather and oceanographic conditions 
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 warship safety management and bridge watch-keeping within a naval context, as well as warship operations management, and wish to progress to positions of command in a maritime surface warfare environment. This standard will give them the opportunity to develop and balance their practical skills with the essential knowledge needed to earn a formal qualification in Warship Command and Control.

More specifically, this unit standard will provide for the recognition of essential weather forecasting skills as part of the required competence for warship Command.

People credited with this unit standard are able to:
  • Collect and interpret weather and oceanographic data.
  • Forecast local weather and oceanographic conditions.
  • Maintain records of, and report, weather and oceanographic information and forecasts. 
    		•

    LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
    It is assumed that learners are competent in:
  • Watchkeeping.
  • Warfare operations management skills and knowledge.
  • Surface warfare command in the SAN. 
    		•

    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:
  • This unit standard covers the forecasting of weather and sea conditions, including: Application of theories of pressure systems, cloud structures associated with systems, fog, other forms of precipitation, sea states and swells.
  • Instruments used include: Barometer, barograph, thermometer, anomometer, coater temperature thermometers.
  • Observation of weather and sea states includes: Sea and swell heights and directions, cloud structure and movement, wind speed and direction, cyclones, freak waves, effects of coastal lows off SA coast; typical summer/winter maritime patterns for South Africa.
  • The unit is consistent with the related functional standards in STCW 95 Code. 
    		•

    Specific Outcomes and Assessment Criteria: 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 1 
    Collect and interpret weather and oceanographic data. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    Ocean and weather conditions are observed and correctly interpreted in accordance with established nautical and meteorological practice. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    Measurements of current local meteorological and oceanographic parameters are correctly made and recorded using appropriate shipboard instruments in accordance with established practice. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    Meteorological charts, publications and related documentation are updated, stored and maintained in accordance with company procedures and chart and/or publication publisher's instructions. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    Meteorological charts, publications and related documentation are handled and used in ways that ensure continued availability, utility and length of life. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    Observations of weather and cloud formations are made and interpreted in accordance with established practice. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 6 
    Weather charts and satellite images are acquired and interpreted in line with generally accepted practice. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 7 
    Weather reports are obtained and accurately interpreted in terms of available data. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 8 
    Data gathered for atmospheric and sea state predictions include broadcast weather and sea state information with observed weather and sea conditions, and data received from instrumentation. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 2 
    Forecast local weather and oceanographic conditions. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    A wave forecast is made based on observation of ocean and weather conditions and collected weather data. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    Calculations are made for the height of the tide at a given time and place using appropriate tide charts and/or diagrams. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    The effects of local topographical features on wind flow and weather conditions are correctly predicted from available information. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    Effects of landmass on weather and sea states are predicted and their effects on the vessel's operation are accurately evaluated. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    Information is sought where the effect of local conditions is unclear and likely to place the vessel's safety at risk. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 6 
    Forecasts of local weather and oceanographic conditions are correctly made using available weather information. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 7 
    Potentially dangerous weather conditions are identified and correctly predicted and appropriate action is taken to secure the vessel. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 8 
    Forecast predictions are conveyed to personnel for action where these predictions are likely to affect changes to planned activity, or where the vessel is predicted to experience adverse sea and weather conditions. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 9 
    Broadcast weather and sea states are compared with current conditions and predictions of future condition are supported by assumptions made on this combined data. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 3 
    Maintain records of, and report, weather and oceanographic information and forecasts. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    Weather and oceanographic measurements, observations, reports and forecasts are recorded and filed in accordance with company procedures and regulatory requirements. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    Action on vessel operations initiated as a result of weather and oceanographic forecasts is documented as required. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    Experienced weather and sea state conditions are reported in accordance with international conventions for meteorological observations. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    Reporting and recording related to weather and sea state conditions are completed accurately and concisely in accordance with naval operating procedures and meteorological office requirements. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    Voluntary synoptic weather reports are submitted to specified radio stations for forwarding in accordance with international coded message formats. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Reports are submitted in accordance with routine Greenwich Mean Time (GMT) requirements.
     


    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 
    Embedded knowledge includes:
  • IMO Performance Standards.
  • SOLAS Convention, as amended.
  • STCW Convention, as amended.
  • 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. Further clarification of terms is provided as follows:
  • Officer means a member of the crew, other than the Captain (or Master), designated as such by international law or regulations or, in the absence of such designation, by collective agreement or custom.
  • Deck officer means an officer qualified in accordance with the provisions of Chapter II of the STCW Convention.
  • Rating means a member of the ship's crew other than the Captain (or Master) or an officer.
  • STCW Code means the Seafarer's Training, Certification and Watchkeeping (STCW) Code as adopted by the 1995 Conference resolution 2, as it may be amended.
  • Seagoing service means service on board a ship relevant to the issue of a certificate or other qualification.
  • Standard of competence means the level of proficiency to be achieved for the proper performance of functions on board ship in accordance with the internationally agreed criteria.
  • Management level means the level of responsibility associated with:
    > Serving as captain (or master) or first officer on board a seagoing ship.
    > Ensuring that all functions within the designated area of responsibility are properly performed.
  • Operational level means:
    > Serving as officer in charge of a navigational watch on board a seagoing ship.
    > Maintaining direct control over the performance of all functions within the designated area of responsibility in accordance with proper procedures and under the direction of an individual serving in the management level for that area of responsibility.
  • Naval architecture means engineering discipline dealing with the design, construction and repair of marine vehicles.
  • Stability is normally broken into two classes: Intact and Damage.
    > Intact: The vessel is in normal operational configuration. The hull is not breached in any compartment. The vessel will be expected to meet various stability criteria such as GMt, area under the Gz curve, range of stability, trim, etc. while subjected to sustained winds, passenger heeling, manouvering, lifting, etc.
    > Damage: Based on the Worst Operating Condition the vessel is analytically damaged by opening various combinations of watertight compartments to the sea. The vessel will be expected to meet various stability criteria such as freeboard, trim, list, GMt, etc. 
    		•

    QUALIFICATIONS UTILISING THIS UNIT STANDARD: 
      ID QUALIFICATION TITLE PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL STATUS END DATE PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QA FUNCTIONARY
    Core  58783   National Certificate: Warship Command and Control  Level 6  Level TBA: Pre-2009 was L6  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.