COMPETENCE OF LIFEBOAT COXSWAINS

Transcription

1 STANDARD FOR CERTIFICATION NO COMPETENCE OF LIFEBOAT COXSWAINS OCTOBER 2009

2 FOREWORD (DNV) is an autonomous and independent foundation with the objectives of safeguarding life, property and the environment, at sea and onshore. DNV undertakes classification, certification, and other verification and consultancy services relating to quality of ships, offshore units and installations, and onshore industries worldwide, and carries out research in relation to these functions. Standards for Certification Standards for Certification (previously Certification Notes) are publications that contain principles, acceptance criteria and practical information related to the Society's consideration of objects, personnel, organisations, services and operations. Standards for Certification also apply as the basis for the issue of certificates and/or declarations that may not necessarily be related to classification. A list of Standards for Certification is found in the latest edition of Pt.0 Ch.1 of the Rules for Classification of Ships and the Rules for Classification of High Speed, Light Craft and Naval Surface Craft. The list of Standards for Certification is also included in the current Classification Services Publications issued by the Society, which is available on request. All publications may be ordered from the Society s Web site The Society reserves the exclusive right to interpret, decide equivalence or make exemptions to this Standard for Certification. Amendments and Corrections This document is valid until superseded by a new revision or withdrawn. Minor amendments and corrections will be published in a separate document normally updated twice per year (April and October). For a complete listing of the changes, see the Amendments and Corrections document located at: under category Standards for Certification. The electronic web-versions of the DNV Standards for Certification will be regularly updated to include these amendments and corrections. Comments may be sent by to rules@dnv.com Comprehensive information about DNV and the Society's services is found at the Web site Det Norske Veritas Computer Typesetting (Adobe FrameMaker) by Det Norske Veritas If any person suffers loss or damage which is proved to have been caused by any negligent act or omission of Det Norske Veritas, then Det Norske Veritas shall pay compensation to such person for his proved direct loss or damage. However, the compensation shall not exceed an amount equal to ten times the fee charged for the service in question, provided that the maximum compensation shall never exceed USD 2 million. In this provision "Det Norske Veritas" shall mean the Foundation Det Norske Veritas as well as all its subsidiaries, directors, officers, employees, agents and any other acting on behalf of Det Norske Veritas.

3 Page 3 CONTENTS 1. INTRODUCTION Scope Target groups Professional profile Required Performance Standard TAXONOMY General Levels of Cognition Professional behaviour verbs COMPETENCE REQUIREMENTS General REFERENCES... 11

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5 Page 5 1. INTRODUCTION 1.1 Scope Operating lifeboats poses special challenges for the Lifeboat Coxswain and crew with reference to launching and recovery, boat-handling and survival in a hostile environment, following abandonment. This overview of competencies may help the shipping industry and offshore industry, both from a safety management perspective as well as from a training & assessment perspective. This standard addresses the competencies needed by Lifeboat Coxswains who are responsible for preparing, launching and operating the lifeboat, with the aim to successfully launch the lifeboat, with its full complement of passengers and crew, reach a safe area and await rescue. The emphasis of the standard lies on the emergency evacuation, using a motor propelled survival craft, further to be referred to as lifeboat. Both conventional lifeboats and free-fall lifeboats are covered by the competencies in the standard. The competencies also apply to operating a designated lifeboat for rescue or towing purposes. Since davit-launched life-rafts are often used as a back-up means in case a lifeboat is unavailable the coxswain must also possess a skill-set to prepare and launch this type of craft, with the crew assigned to him. If these rafts are used as a primary means of evacuation (cruise vessels and ferries), the emergency organisation on board will have dedicated people for both the launching stations and the rafts, whose tasks differ from the lifeboat coxswain addressed in this standard. Basic sea-survival competencies as required for all seafarers (e.g. turning a capsized raft, use of life-jackets) are not part of the scope. 1.2 Target groups This DNV Standard of Competence is applicable to those people who are assigned the duties, tasks and responsibilities of Lifeboat Coxswain or Lifeboat Commander, either on board a vessel or offshore installation. 1.3 Professional profile The Lifeboat Coxswain must able to coordinate and launch the lifeboat, take command and operate it in wind and waves, reach a safe area and coordinate the survival, thereby ensuring safety for all on board. He must be able to use a secondary means to evacuate in case the assigned lifeboat is not available. 1.4 Required Performance Standard The performance standard describes how well the Lifeboat Coxswain should perform his/her duties and tasks. Whilst undertaking the duties described in 1.3 the Lifeboat Coxswain will, under controlled circumstances, comply with all international, national and local regulations and requirements. Under all circumstances he/she shall aim to operate the lifeboat safely without damage to life, environment or property. 2. Taxonomy 2.1 General Taxonomy of the required professional behaviour specifies the level on which the person should be able to operate. It is a hierarchical arrangement, in four (4) levels, of what a person has to master from simple to complex requirements, based on instructional design principles. For every next level, it is a prerequisite that the preceding level is mastered. The required professional behaviour is expressed by means of a verb. 2.2 Levels of Cognition Each competence requirement can be classed by the level of cognition required to meet the competence requirement. Level 1: Knowledge (K) Level 2: Understanding (U) Level 3: Application (A) Level 4: Integration (I) To remember or to reproduce on basis of appropriate, previously learned information. To give meaning to new situations and or new material by recollection and using necessary present information. To give evidence of insight in certain activities. To use previously acquired information in new and concrete situations to solve problems that have single or best answers. To separate information into their component parts, to examine such information to develop divergent conclusions by identifying motives or causes, making inferences, and or finding evidence to support generalizations. To creatively apply prior knowledge and skills to produce a new or original whole. To judge the value of material based on personal values or opinions, resulting in an end product, with a given purpose, without real right or wrong answers. 2.3 Professional behaviour verbs The lists of verbs in the table below are not exhaustive and should be used as guidance only. Level of cognition Knowledge (K) Understanding (U) Application (A) Integration (I) Relevant action verbs Choose, Cite, Describe, Distinguish, Find, Give example, Group, Identify, Indicate, Know, Label, List, Listen, Locate, Match, Memorise, Name, Outline, Quote, Read, Recall, Recognise, Record, Recite, Relate, Repeat, Reproduce, Retrieve, Review, Select, Show, Sort, State, Underline, Write Account for, Annotate, Associate, Classify, Compare, Define, Describe, Discuss, Estimate, Exemplify, Explain, Give examples of, Give main idea, Identify, Infer, Interpret, Observe, Outline, Paraphrase, Recognise, Reorganise, Report, Restate, Retell, Research, Review, Summarise, Translate Adapt, Apply, Arrange, Calculate, Carry out, Change, Collect, Compute, Conclude, Construct, Demonstrate, Dramatise, Draw, Exhibit, Execute, Extract, Illustrate, Implement, Include, Instruct, Interpret, Interview, Make, Manipulate, Obtain, Operate, Paint, Practice, Prepare, Sequence, Show, Sketch, Solve, Translate, Use Analyse, Appraise, Argue, Arrange, Assess, Attribute, Calculate, Categorise, Check, Choose, Combine, Compare, Contrast, Criticise, Critique, Debate, Decide, Deconstruct, Deduce, Defend, Design, Detect, Determine, Develop, Diagram, Differentiate, Discriminate, Dissect, Distinguish, Evaluate, Examine, Experiment, Find, Formulate, Group, Hypothesise, Infer, Investigate, Integrate, Interpret, Inspect, Inquire, Judge, Justify, Measure, Monitor, Order, Organise, Outline, Plan, Predict, Prioritise, Probe, Question, Rank, Rate, Recommend, Reject, Relate, Research, Revise, Score, Separate, Select, Sequence, Sift, Structure, Survey, Tell why, Test, Validate, Value

6 Page 6 3. COMPETENCE REQUIREMENTS 3.1 General Each competence requirement is derived from a task that needs to be performed at some stage in the operation of a motor-propelled lifeboat. The competence requirement is stated in objective format to clearly define what has to be done to satisfy the requirements of the competence. At the same time it facilitates the derivation of assessment criteria and the assessments to measure individual competencies. The 224 competence requirements are grouped into 7 distinct functional domains that are further sub-divided into 32 task groups. Each competence requirement is allocated a level of cognition that can be used to determine the type of assessment required to measure competence. The competence requirements for this operation require theoretical knowledge, intellectual and physical skills. 1. EMERGENCY ORGANISATION ON BOARD 1.1 Tasks & Responsibilities Recognize the emergency alarms used on board U Describe a typical emergency abandonment organization on board a ship U Describe the command structure during abandonment U Clarify the roles, tasks and responsibilities of the lifeboat-coxswain and crew in an abandonment U Describe the arrangements for devolved command in the lifeboat U Determine if the assigned lifeboat is stowed in its designated location and ready for use I Explain the requirements with regards to lifeboat drills & exercises and the role of the coxswain U 2. Lifeboat design & components 2.1 General Describe different lifeboat-types and their characteristics U Verify the capacity limitations of survival craft A Describe the maintenance requirements for lifeboats U 2.2 Hull Perform a visual integrity-check of the hull I Check the condition of the bilges / engine compartment (presence of oil/water) I Demonstrate how to empty the bilges of a lifeboat A State when to open or close the drain openings in a lifeboat K 2.3 Engine Locate the fuel, bilge, oil pressure and temperature alarms and RPM-indicator K Demonstrate how to test the proper operation of the clutch and throttle A Interpret the oil-pressure and temperature readings when the engine is running I Show the different stopping devices, including the emergency fuel shut off valves K Perform pre-start engine-checks (e.g. oil-level, fuel) A Describe the function of the batteries and how to switch them on and off U Demonstrate how to prime the fuel system A Describe different starting features found on different engines (e.g. hydraulic start, air start, pre-heating etc.) and necessary U steps in order to start the engine Pressurize an air-starting system A Demonstrate starting and stopping of the engine A Demonstrate the secondary starting method on the lifeboat A Explain the importance of shutting down the engine when out of the water U Describe different engine cooling systems U Explain the cooling problems which may occur during sailing in ice-infested waters U 2.4 Propeller & Rudder Perform a visual check of the condition of the propeller and rudder I Test proper rudder operation I Describe the steering devices and emergency steering devices found on lifeboats U 2.5 Release system operation Describe the working principle of release hooks and their safety features in general U Explain the difference between off-load release and on-load release U Describe in which situations to use the on-load release feature of a release system U

7 Page Discuss the common causes of un-intentional releases of hooks U Describe the working principle of the release hooks found on own ship / installation and their safety features, for both off load U and on load Demonstrate the safe operation of the release system found on own ship / installation under safe conditions A Determine if the hooks found on own ship / installation are properly closed and secured I Demonstrate how to correctly reset the hooks found on own ship / installation A 2.6 Fire & Gas Protection Recognise the different types of hand-held extinguishers and when to use each type U Find the operating pressure of a fixed fire fighting system K Explain the reason and function of the external water-spray system on a lifeboat and when it is to be activated U Activate the water-spray system A Explain the importance of flushing the water-spray system with fresh water after in water tests / use U Explain the importance of closing the lifeboat's ventilation, hatches and other openings in case of an abandonment in a fire U and/or gas situation Explain the reasons and function of the compressed air system on a lifeboat, its limitations and when it is to be activated U Describe the discomfort and risks of air-release from the compressed air system within the boat s interior U Activate the compressed air system A 3. INVENTORY & EQUIPMENT 3.1 Emergency Equipment List the emergency equipment on board survival craft, as required by SOLAS K Check availability and condition of required emergency equipment and other inventory on board a lifeboat, in accordance I with SOLAS Describe the use of oil to quell breaking seas along the ship's side U Demonstrate how to rig an oil bag A Explain how and when to use a drogue or sea-anchor U Demonstrate the ability to stream, trip and retrieve a drogue or sea-anchor A Operate the searchlight A Locate the radar-reflector and antenna K Mount a radar-reflector A Identify life-saving signals as indicated in the 'Illustrated table of life-saving signals' (Ref. IAMSAR / SOLAS, Ch.V) U 3.2 Signalling equipment / Location aids List the signalling equipment found in a survival craft K Demonstrate the use of the location aids onboard A Explain in which conditions to use each location aid U Demonstrate the use of the non-pyrotechnic signalling equipment onboard A Explain the operational principle of a Search And Rescue Transponder (SART) U Explain when and how to activate the SART U Explain the operational principle of an Emergency Position Indicating Radio Beacon (EPIRB) U Explain when and how to activate the EPIRB U 3.3 Communications Operate communication devices available in survival craft A Contact a vessel or station in the vicinity, using a VHF radio A State the VHF emergency channel K Agree on the communication channels between survival craft, rescue party and shore A Use basic Standard Marine Communication Phrases and radio etiquette during radio communications A 4. LAUNCHING & RECOVERY 4.1 General Describe the launching methods used for lifeboats U Describe the different launching arrangements used for lifeboats, their operating principles and advantages / disadvantages U Describe the points of attention related to the use of davit winches, including limit switches and brake operation (remote / U davit) Demonstrate safe operation of the winch (hoisting and lowering), both using the winch-motor as well as manually A Describe the dangers of losing control of the crank-handle, how to avoid this and immediate actions should this occur U Familiarise crew and passengers with the boarding and launching procedures U

8 Page Point out the primary and secondary muster station under his/her responsibility K Point out the stowage locations for lifejackets on board the vessel/installation K State the periodical launching requirements for lifeboats K 4.2 Pre-launch checks Assess hazards caused by the abandoned vessel / installation which may interfere with a safe launch (e.g. heel/trim, overboard I discharges, gas, oil, fire, explosions, toxicity) Assess hazards caused by external conditions which may interfere with a safe launch (e.g. other vessel, sea state, current, I wind influence, collision, ice, visibility, rocks and shallows) Make decision based on assessed hazards (e.g. launch, wait, use secondary station) I State additional equipment and provisions which could be valuable to take in case of an abandonment K Remove the mechanical restraints which prevent the accidental launch of the lifeboat A Verify if doors and hatches are properly secured I Carry out pre-launch checks A Verify that the remote brake-wire is running freely and controlled by the coxswain U Perform visual checks to ensure the immediate launch area is clear and safe A 4.3 Mustering Recognise if Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) is issued and used (lifejackets, immersion suits) U Register missing/additional crew/passengers reporting at the muster station U Report status/headcount to command/bridge U Direct and inform the mustering party / boat crew A Verify suitable lifejackets are issued (regular, oversized, children, babies) A 4.4 Embarkation Coordinate the boarding, considering weight-distribution and boarding sequence (e.g. people with special needs, injured people, I children, key personnel) Explain why all crew/passengers/equipment must be properly seated/secured U 4.5 Communications Verify communication with boat deck / winch operator prior to launching or hoisting A Demonstrate the hand-signals for lowering, stopping and hoisting during launching & recovery operations A Explain actions when confronted with loss of communication during an evacuation U 4.6 Launching Describe the challenges when launching a lifeboat into a heavy swell U Explain actions required when launching a lifeboat while a ship is still making headway U Explain the use and function of a painter line, pendants, gripes and tricing gear / bowsing tackle U Demonstrate the release of pendant-wires A Demonstrate how to rig and use bowsing tackle A Demonstrate lowering a lifeboat to the boat-deck (if applicable) A Demonstrate launching a lifeboat in a safe manner, in accordance with on board procedures A Assign crew to a safe position in case hooks are released remotely by the coxswain A Demonstrate releasing and clearing the forward and aft hooks when the lifeboat is waterborne A Describe the in-water checks to be performed once the lifeboat is in the water U 4.7 Recovery Describe the sequential steps involved in recovering and stowing a lifeboat U Prepare the lifeboat for recovery A Signal winch-operator when the lifeboat is connected and ready for recovery A Explain the importance and reason for interrupting hoisting once the lifeboat is clear of the water / waves U Explain how to recover the lifeboat using recovery strops U Demonstrate the proper recovery and stowage of the lifeboat in its original stowage position A Describe the tasks involved in preparing a lifeboat for future use U 4.8 Freefall additions - (if applicable) Describe the primary and secondary method of launching the free-fall lifeboat found on board U

9 Page Inspect if the boat s occupants and crew are properly distributed, seated and secured I Launch a free-fall lifeboat using the primary release system A Launch a free-fall lifeboat using the secondary release system A Describe the influence of the rudder position on the in water trajectory of a freefall lifeboat after entering the water U Describe the recovery-method for a free-fall lifeboat U Explain the concept of simulated launching of a freefall lifeboat U Prepare a free-fall lifeboat for a simulated launch (simul-drop) A Demonstrate a simulated freefall launch (simul-drop) A Restore a free-fall lifeboat to operational condition, following a simulated launch A 5. OPERATING A LIFEBOAT 5.1 Boat characteristics Discuss how environmental conditions influence the design of the lifeboat U Demonstrate an awareness of the lifeboat's stability throughout the operation (list, trim, weight distribution) A Determine the characteristics and behaviour of the lifeboat (e.g. throttle/propeller/rudder reaction, stopping distance, turning I circle, draught, freeboard) Recognise the difference in handling an empty lifeboat versus one which is fully loaded U 5.2 Boat control Demonstrate a continuous awareness of debris and objects in the water A Explain the particular difficulty of clearing the weather side of a ship / installation U Demonstrate clearing the ship / installation A Control a lifeboat in rough weather, optimising its behaviour by selecting a favourable heading A Demonstrate holding position, compensating for set and drift A Demonstrate making turns A Manoeuvre a lifeboat alongside a vessel not making way, enabling a transfer of people A Pace a vessel making way, enabling a transfer of people A Demonstrate approaching and connecting the falls to recover the lifeboat A Discuss the use of lines to assist in docking/undocking U Demonstrate safe docking and undocking at a pier or a similar construction A 5.3 Emergency boat handling Demonstrate actions in case of engine failure or loss of propulsion at sea A Describe actions in case of a collision (boat, obstacle) U Demonstrate how to operate the emergency steering configuration A Explain the corrective actions to be taken when the steering device fails U Demonstrate remaining on course when the rudder device fails A 5.4 Use of oars (if applicable) Demonstrate turning the lifeboat into the waves using oars A Demonstrate making headway using oars A 5.5 Recovery of survivors List different devices that can be used to recover survivors from the water K Explain the safety precautions if someone has to enter the water in order to assist a survivor U Demonstrate actions in case of a person falling overboard from the lifeboat A Demonstrate casualty approach /man overboard pick-up A 5.6 Towing Demonstrate basic rope-handling skills A Recognise the limited possibilities for towing using a lifeboat U Describe in what situation towing may be considered U Evaluate the hazards of a towing operation I Explain the safety measures to take during a tow U Recognise pre-fixed short ends and towing points which may be fitted on a lifeboat U Describe why and under what circumstances a tow line should be shortened or extended U Explain why a sea-anchor should be retrieved when towing another survival craft away from immediate danger U

10 Page Group other survival craft A 5.7 Using a compass Determine a course to steer to reach a safe area A Steer a course, using a compass and visual methods A Take a compass bearing A Communicate compass bearing to a rescue unit / assisting vessel A 6. THE SURVIVAL PHASE 6.1 Management & Leadership Distribute tasks amongst the crew in the lifeboat (backup coxswain, release, painter, etc.) and organize onboard duties A Apply effective problem-solving skills, taking prompt corrective action in response to actual or potential deviations from A plans and procedures Recognise general reaction patterns of passengers and crew in emergency situations U Demonstrate how to inform people in a clear and calm manner, describing current situation and developments regarding the A emergency Motivate, encourage and re-assure others in an emergency situation I Control a group of people and maintain discipline under stressful circumstances A Monitor condition of people onboard A Respond appropriately when persons are not seated and secured A Establish watchkeeping routines inside and outside the survival craft A Establish contact with other survival craft A Provide updates of the status of the craft to the command authority A 6.2 Organization Define safe area U Discuss the effects of weather conditions on the safety and detectability of personnel and survival craft U Prepare the survival craft to withstand different weather conditions A Describe how to optimise detectability of the survival craft U Organize equipment to be used onboard the survival craft A Establish sanitation procedures onboard the survival craft A Establish routines to ration and issue anti-seasickness tablets, water and emergency food A Demonstrate collecting and storing rainwater A 6.3 First aid Describe the contents of the first aid kit U Use the contents of a first aid kit A Describe the signs of cardiac arrest U Apply resuscitation techniques alone A Apply resuscitation techniques together with someone else A Describe the signs of hypothermia U Explain how to prevent or slow down the development of hypothermia U Explain how to minimize dehydration in hot conditions U Describe how to deal with cuts and bleedings U Describe how to deal with fractures U Describe how to deal with scalds and burns U Describe the signs and treatment of shock U 6.4 Rescue by ship Recognise a rescue zone on a vessel U Describe different ways of transferring people from a survival craft to a vessel U Assess the risks involved in transferring people from a survival craft to a vessel I Prioritize the transfer of people I Decide how to transfer a person in a stretcher from a survival craft to a vessel I

11 Page Rescue by helicopter Demonstrate cooperation with a helicopter, following their instructions with reference to maintaining a course to steer and A boat handling Discuss the importance of grounding the winch-cable during helicopter-operations and how this is achieved U Describe methods used by SAR-helicopters to transfer a casualty from the water or from a boat U Demonstrate the correct way how to use a rescue sling A 6.6 Beaching Explain the risks involved in beaching a lifeboat U Assess suitability of a beaching location I Explain how to prepare the lifeboat and persons onboard for beaching U Describe how to beach a lifeboat under oars through surf U Describe how to beach a lifeboat under power U Describe the benefit and method of using a sea-anchor / drogue during beaching U Explain the importance of salvaging the lifeboat and its inventory after beaching U 7. OPERATING DAVIT LAUNCHED LIFERAFTS 7.1 Davit-launched life rafts Describe the operation of a single-fall davit, used to launch davit-launched life-rafts U Explain the operation of the remote-brake release mechanism of a single-fall davit U Identify the securing lines, container retaining line and firing-line/painter line on a davit-launched raft U Explain the function of all lines found on a davit-launched raft and its container U Prepare a davit launched life raft for boarding A Coordinate boarding of a davit-launched raft, ensuring safe entry of all passengers I Demonstrate how to launch a davit-launched life raft in a safe and correct way, using the remote brake release from within A the raft Demonstrate how to launch a davit-launched life raft in a safe and correct way, using the davits brake release from the deck A Demonstrate how and when to arm an Automatic Release Hook used for davit-launched life rafts A Perform a sequential launch of multiple davit-launched life rafts stowed at a life raft station within the required time-frame A 4. REFERENCES STCW 95 Section A-VI/2-1 Specification of the minimum standard of competence in survival craft and rescue boats other than fast rescue boats SOLAS - Chapter 3 IMO Model course 1.23 Proficiency in survival craft and rescue boats other than fast rescue boats Various offshore standards and guidelines (OLF, OPITO, NOGEPA).