MAR Maritime Towage
Project scope
Vessel towing has the potential to be catastrophic for not only the vessel being towed but also the towing vessel and the environment. Specific skills around vessel towing methods, towing equipment selection and required communications between vessels during towing operations is critical to the safety of vessels and all crew members onboard. Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA) and the maritime industry have requested the development of vocational skills in direct response to commercial vessel towing incidents that have recently occurred in Australian waters.
The Maritime Industry Reference Committee (IRC) proposed this project to develop a new Maritime Towing Skill Set and three new Units of Competency. The project’s outcomes will enable seafarers to attain the required skills and knowledge to safely tow other vessels under routine and emergency conditions. It will also incorporate environmental planning considerations, risk management procedures and safe maritime towing practices to ensure AMSA regulatory compliance.
Deliverables
The project will develop:
- One new Skill Set and
- Three new Units of Competency that provide the required skills and knowledge to safely tow other vessels under routine and emergency conditions.
It will also incorporate environmental planning considerations, risk management procedures and safe maritime towing practices to ensure AMSA regulatory compliance.
Timeline
The Case for Endorsement is expected to be submitted to the Australian Industry and Skills Committee by 30 October 2020.
How to get involved
A Technical Advisory Committee will be formed to provide expertise for this work. If you have any questions about this project, or are a subject matter expert and would like to be considered for the TAC for this project, please contact the Industry Manager.
The Maritime Industry Reference Committee (IRC) proposed this project to develop a new Maritime Towing Skill Set and three new Units of Competency. The project’s outcomes will enable seafarers to attain the required skills and knowledge to safely tow other vessels under routine and emergency conditions. It will also incorporate environmental planning considerations, risk management procedures and safe maritime towing practices to ensure AMSA regulatory compliance.
Technical advisory committee
MARITIME SUBJECT MATTER EXPERTS NEEDED
Work on this project has commenced and the Maritime IRC is forming a TAC.
Your industry expertise and insight is welcome to develop a new Maritime Towing Skill Set and three new Units of Competency. The project’s outcomes will enable seafarers to attain the required skills and knowledge to safely tow vessels under routine and emergency conditions.
TAC nominations closed on Tuesday, 20 August 2019.
Consultation
18 MAY 2020
DRAFT MATERIAL
The Maritime TAC has finalised draft materials for this project.
The TAC has developed three new Maritime Towing Skill Sets and three new Units of Competency to enable seafarers to attain the required skills and knowledge to carry out safe marine towage operations.
Feedback on draft materials closed on Monday, 15 June 2020 for consideration by the TAC.
Feedback will be collated and discussed at the next TAC meeting.
5 FEBRUARY 2020
The Technical Advisory Committee (TAC) for this project is continuing the development of Training Package materials.
Draft material is expected to be available in April/May 2020 for public consultation and feedback.
Summary of development
Draft units, skill sets and/or qualifications are developed in consultation with Subject Matter Experts and industry stakeholders.
Initial drafting of Training Package material (Units of Competency, Skill Sets and/or qualifications) is being undertaken by a Technical Advisory Committee established by the IRC. Comprising people with diverse expertise and experience in Maritime Towage, it has ensured that the draft Units are informed by the needs of industry.
Quality Assurance
10 SEPTEMBER 2020
FINAL DRAFT CASE FOR ENDORSEMENT
The draft Training Package materials have undergone independent edit and quality assurance.
The Case for Endorsement is scheduled to be submitted to the AISC in October 2020.
Consultation
13 JULY 2020
DRAFT MATERIAL
The Maritime TAC has finalised draft materials for this project and would like your feedback.
Feedback on draft materials closed on Wednesday, 27 July 2020 for consideration by the TAC.
Feedback will be collated and discussed at the next TAC meeting.
Summary of feedback
- Include hydrodynamic interaction as an essential area of understanding for those conducting towage operations
- Remove reference to IMDG as it is contained in MARPOL
- 3 should read “Tow lines are adjusted as directed by the Master”
- unit has good points about the method of towing and description of towage operations. Why not include the same
- In these skill sets, and in future maritime units, it is essential that training include reference to WHS legislation, Safety Management Systems and relevant codes of practice including OSH(MI) and the Code of practice for Health and Safety in Shipboard work, including Offshore Support Vessels.
Submission
27 OCTOBER 2020
CASE FOR ENDORSEMENT SUBMITTED TO AISC
The draft Training Package materials have been submitted to the AISC.
Thank you to all stakeholders who provided valuable feedback and contributed to this project.
Ron Horne
Industry Manager - Transport and Logistics, Rail, Maritime and Water