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Master Shipboard Safety: Essential Skills for Maritime Professionals!

MARSS00008 Shipboard Safety Skill Set

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6 weeks

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MARSS00008 Shipboard Safety Skill Set Overview

This industry-recognised training program prepares maritime professionals to handle onboard emergencies and uphold safety standards. Ideal for crew members and shipboard personnel, it covers:

  • Fire Safety: Equipment use and fire prevention
  • Survival Skills: Evacuation and life-saving techniques
  • Emergency Response: Medical, chemical, and crisis management
  • Personal Safety: PPE use and safe onboard practices

Why Choose This Course?
Recognised Industry Standard: Required for many maritime roles.
Hands-On Training: Practical, real-world emergency scenarios prepare you for actual shipboard challenges.

This unit is one of the requirements to obtain Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA) certification as a General Purpose Hand NC, Coxswain Grade 2 NC, Coxswain Grade 1 NC, Marine Engine Driver Grade 3 NC, Master (Inland waters), Master up to 24 m NC, Marine Engine Driver Grade 2 NC, Mate up to 100 m NC, Master up to 45 m NC and Marine Engine Driver Grade 1 NC, as specified in Marine Order 505.

The entry requirements for the MARSS00008 Shipboard Safety Skill Set may vary depending on the training provider, but typically, the following prerequisites apply:

  • Minimum Age:
    • Participants are generally required to be at least 16 years old to enroll in this course, as safety-related roles on vessels often require individuals to be legally recognized as adults.
  • Basic English Language Skills:
    • Since maritime safety procedures and emergency protocols must be understood and followed precisely, a basic understanding of English is required. Participants must be able to understand instructions, communicate clearly during emergency situations, and read safety materials. Some providers may have a language proficiency test.
  • Physical Fitness:
    • As the course involves practical training, such as fire-fighting drills and life-saving exercises, participants should be in good physical health and able to perform basic physical tasks related to shipboard safety. There are no specific medical requirements, but it is expected that learners can meet the demands of the physical components of the course.
  • Work Experience or Interest in the Maritime Industry:
    • Although no formal maritime qualifications are required, it is beneficial for participants to have a basic understanding or interest in working in the maritime industry (e.g., as a deckhand, crew member, or marine engineer). Some courses may be designed specifically for individuals already employed in the industry.
  • Valid Identification:
    • Participants are required to provide proof of identity (e.g., passport, driver’s license) to enroll in the course.

The MARSS00008 Shipboard Safety Skill Set is designed for individuals working in the maritime industry or those looking to pursue a career in maritime operations. It is especially suited for individuals who need to develop or enhance their safety skills for working on board vessels, ensuring they can respond effectively to emergencies and adhere to industry safety standards.

Target Audience for this Course:

  • Maritime Crew Members
    • Deckhands, engineers, and other shipboard crew members who are responsible for maintaining safety standards and ensuring the safety of passengers and crew during emergencies.
  • Aspiring Shipboard Workers
    • Individuals aiming to start a career in the maritime industry, including deckhands and marine engineers, who want to gain essential safety skills before embarking on their maritime journey.
  • Maritime Safety Officers
    • Individuals who want to specialize in safety roles, such as shipboard safety officers, responsible for overseeing safety protocols, conducting drills, and ensuring that the crew is trained to respond to emergencies.
  • Offshore and Oil Rig Workers
    • Workers involved in offshore oil, gas, or industrial operations where emergency preparedness and safety procedures are critical to protecting lives and the environment.
    • Veteran Maritime Workers Seeking Refresher Training
      • Experienced maritime workers who want to refresh or update their knowledge of current safety standards, particularly in handling emergency situations, survival tactics, and fire safety.

This skill set is ideal for anyone who plays a role in the safe operation of a vessel, ensuring that all maritime workers have the knowledge and skills required to respond effectively to any emergency, while maintaining a strong culture of safety on board.

 

Completing the MARSS00008 Shipboard Safety Skill Set unlocks diverse career paths within the maritime industry, especially for roles prioritising vessel safety and emergency preparedness. This qualification is essential for professionals tasked with maintaining safe operations and responding effectively to emergencies at sea.

Potential Roles Include:

  • Deckhand: Supporting vessel operations and safety protocols.
  • Marine Crew Member: Assisting in fire-fighting, safety drills, and emergency procedures.
  • Shipboard Safety Officer: Managing safety compliance and emergency responses onboard.
  • Maritime Operations Coordinator: Overseeing safety training and protocol adherence.
  • Emergency Response Personnel: Specialising in incident response like oil spills and fires.
  • Offshore Oil Rig Crew: Applying critical safety skills in high-risk environments.
  • Cruise Ship Staff: Ensuring passenger safety and regulatory compliance.
  • Maritime Trainer/Assessor: Teaching safety skills to maritime personnel.
  • Port Operations Worker: Managing safety during vessel loading and maintenance.
  • Marine Environmental Specialist: Handling hazardous material incidents and environmental risks.

Upon completion of this skill set, learners will be equipped to demonstrate essential survival skills, effectively manage fire risks, handle emergencies, apply personal safety practices, safely manage hazardous materials, ensure compliance with maritime safety standards, participate in safety drills, and communicate clearly during emergencies.

This course provides a clear educational pathway to achieving the MARSS00008 Shipboard Safety Skill Set qualification. To be awarded the full qualification, learners must demonstrate competency in all units and meet all course requirements. Should any units not be successfully completed, Serco’s Assessment Policy permits learners to re-attend specified classes and re-sit assessments as needed.

    The MRSS00008 Shipboard Safety Skill Set is made up of specific units of competency that reflect the skills required to manage shipboard safety effectively. The packaging rules refer to the rules governing the combination of these units of competency needed to achieve the qualification or skill set.

    To successfully complete the MRSS00008 Shipboard Safety Skill Set, learners must complete the following:

    Total Units Required:

      • The skill set requires the completion of 4 core units of competency.

     

    Important Notes:

    • The skill set is designed to equip maritime workers with the essential competencies required to operate safely aboard vessels.
    • It is important to check with your Registered Training Organisation (RTO) for any additional specific electives or requirements as they may vary.
    • The MRSS00008 skill set is specifically structured to ensure that individuals are capable of handling shipboard safety, including emergency response, fire safety, and survival techniques, without the need for a full qualification like a Certificate III or IV.

     

    The core units required for this skill set include:

    Unit CodeUnit Name
    MARF004 Fight fire on board ship
    MARF005 Survive at sea using personal life-saving appliances
    MARF006 Respond to emergencies on board a vessel
    MSMWHS200 Work safely

    This program has an entry requirement of Year 10 level reading, writing and comprehension level and/or ACSF Level 1 and basic computer skills for assessment submission. Participants will also need to be aware of the work requirements that need to be met to complete the course successfully.

    The MARSS00008 Shipboard Safety Skill Set typically includes both theory-based and practical assessments to ensure that participants can effectively demonstrate their knowledge and skills in real-world maritime safety situations. Below is an overview of the typical assessment methods used for this course:

    Written Theory Assessments:

      • Participants will complete written assessments to test their understanding of key concepts related to shipboard safety, including:
        • Safety regulations and standards.
        • Procedures for responding to emergencies (e.g., medical incidents, vessel abandonment).
        • Fire safety and firefighting techniques.
        • The handling and stowing of dangerous goods and hazardous materials.

     

    Practical Skills Assessment:

      • Fire Fighting Drills: Learners will participate in hands-on firefighting drills, demonstrating their ability to operate firefighting equipment, control fires, and evacuate safely if necessary.
      • Survival Skills: Participants will practice survival techniques, such as using life-saving appliances (e.g., life rafts, life jackets) in a simulated vessel abandonment scenario.
      • Emergency Response Scenarios: Learners will be assessed on their ability to respond to simulated emergency situations, such as man-overboard drills or medical emergencies. This may include evacuation procedures and communication under stress.
      • Hazardous Materials Handling: Learners will be assessed on their ability to safely handle and store hazardous materials and dangerous goods, ensuring compliance with safety procedures and regulations.

     

    Practical Observation:

      • During the course, instructors will observe participants as they perform safety drills and exercises. Feedback will be provided, and learners must demonstrate competence in all critical areas, such as maintaining personal safety, following emergency protocols, and using safety equipment properly.

     

    Verbal Questioning and Discussion:

      • Throughout the course, learners may engage in discussions or be asked to answer verbal questions related to maritime safety practices. This helps assess their understanding of the theoretical aspects of the training in a practical context.

     

    Completion of Safety Drills:

      • Participants will be assessed on their ability to actively participate in safety drills, such as lifeboat drills, man-overboard drills, and fire safety drills, demonstrating teamwork and the ability to execute safety procedures under pressure.

     

    Assessment Requirements for Completion:

    • Competency-based assessment: Participants must demonstrate competency in all areas of the course to successfully complete the skill set. This includes meeting the required safety standards in practical exercises and passing the written assessments.
    • No formal exams: There is generally no formal written exam, but assessments are designed to ensure learners can apply their knowledge and skills effectively in a real-world maritime setting.

    Upon successful completion, participants will receive a Statement of Attainment, through DMS Maritime (90694) accredited by the Australian Skills Quality Authority (ASQA).

    This document confirms competency in key shipboard safety procedures, including firefighting, survival techniques and appropriate emergency response. It serves as formal proof of your qualifications and can be presented to employers within the maritime industry.

    All learners have the right to apply for Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) for any course or unit in which they are currently enrolled. However, RPL applications will only be accepted for units of competency or qualifications that fall within Serco Defence RTO’s scope of registration. While learners may submit an RPL application at any time, it is recommended that applications be made prior to the commencement of training. RPL assessments will be conducted in accordance with the principles of assessment and the rules of evidence and may only be granted for entire units of competency. For further details, please refer to the Student Handbook.

    The MARSS00008 Shipboard Safety Skill Set is typically delivered over a period of approximately five days through onsite training, complemented by a required eLearning component that participants must complete prior to or during the course.

    This nationally accredited skill set is specifically designed to provide intensive, fast-track training for individuals working or intending to work in the maritime industry. It equips learners with the essential knowledge and practical skills to implement shipboard safety practices and respond effectively to emergency situations.

    Please note that due to the specialised content and training requirements, all maritime courses are currently only available exclusively to Serco employees. For further enquiries, feel free to contact sercorto@serco-ap.com.

    Course Essentials

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    MARSS00008 Shipboard Safety Skill Set

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