MARA022 — Manage loading, discharging and stowing of cargo

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What an assessment for MARA022 must cover

72 assessable components: 6 elements (37 performance criteria), 4 performance evidence and 31 knowledge evidence requirements. An audit-defensible tool maps every question and task back to these — that mapping is the coverage matrix Auditori generates alongside the assessment.

Elements & performance criteria

1 Plan the stow

1.1Loading manual is interpreted to determine operational loading conditions
1.2Still water shear forces and bending moments in any load or ballast condition are identified and not exceeded
1.3Load is planned to ensure stresses in vessel are minimised by evenly distributing cargo
1.4Load is planned to avoid incompatible cargo stowage
1.5Regulations relating to hazardous materials/dangerous goods are observed, where appropriate
1.6Load is planned for unloading sequence
1.7Vessel cargo carrying capacity is not exceeded for appropriate load line
1.8Vessel trim is calculated to allow for optimum vessel performance at sea

2 Plan load/unload with stevedores

2.1Available port/vessel cargo handling gear and equipment are determined
2.2Handling capacity of cargo handling gear and equipment are established
2.3Pumping capacity of cargo pumps is verified
2.4Availability and status of human resources are resolved
2.5Cargo manifest is made available
2.6Cargo stowage plan is completed and agreed with stevedores
2.7Stability calculation is made and checked against vessel stability information manual
2.8Notice of readiness to load/unload is provided

3 Prepare for loading

3.1Holds are checked to ensure they are clean, dry and free of odour
3.2Safety arrangements in holds are verified to ensure they are operational
3.3Supplies of dunnage and mats are reviewed to ensure there are sufficient available
3.4Bilges are covered with tarpaulins/wrappers before loading
3.5Checks are made to ensure cargo is correctly identified, inspected and confirmed against documentation
3.6Preparations for loading are monitored according to stowage plan and organisational procedures

4 Control loading/unloading of cargo

4.1Instructions are given to crew and stevedores involved in cargo loading/unloading according to cargo stowage plan
4.2Compliance with regulations, procedures and instructions pertaining to type of cargo being handled is managed during loading/unloading operations
4.3Loading/unloading is monitored to ensure loading rate is not exceeded in the case of bulk or liquid cargo
4.4Vessel stability is observed during loading/unloading operations
4.5Loading/unloading operations are checked against stowage plan
4.6Cargo is secured and lashed according to lashing plan
4.7All cargo handling documentation is completed according to organisational procedures and regulatory requirements

5 Manage ballast management operations

5.1Ballast discharge requirements of port authority are complied with
5.2Ballast management activities are monitored according to organisational procedures, ballast water management plan and port authority requirements
5.3Ballast management problems are identified and appropriate actions are taken to minimise risk to the environment

6 Monitor care of cargo during voyage

6.1Vessel plan for care of cargo during the voyage is implemented according to organisational and customer requirements, and relevant regulations
6.2Ventilation and humidity control systems are checked
6.3Actions required to maintain the wellbeing of cargo during the voyage is initiated according to customer requirements and organisational procedures
6.4Compliance with safety and hazard minimisation procedures and regulations related to cargo care is managed at all times during the voyage to maintain safety of personnel, cargo and vessel
6.5Appropriate action is taken in the event of a cargo-related incident or emergency to rectify problem, secure cargo and maintain safety of vessel and personnel

Performance evidence

developing effective cargo stowage plans, including: - cargo weight - correct description and stowage of hazardous and dangerous goods - description of cargo to be loaded - load/discharge port - segregation of non-compatible cargo
monitoring use of cargo handling gear and equipment involved in loading, stowage, security and unloading of cargo
using and applying instructions, regulations, procedures and information relevant to loading, stowage, security and unloading of cargo
using stability manual and ensuring stability calculations are within appropriate parameters for proposed cargo operation

Knowledge evidence

actions to be taken in the event of cargo-related incidents or emergencies, including: - cargo handling gear failure - cargo shift - leakage - spontaneous combustion
ballast management issues and procedures, including: - ballast water management plan - confirming that the stowage plan conforms to stability requirements at all stages of loading and discharging - contaminated ballast - failure of ballast pumps
cargo handling documentation requirements
design of vessel hold
effects on cargo handling of sea conditions, wind and weather
effects of different types of cargo operations on vessel trim and stability
effects upon stability during loading and discharging operations, including heeling moments from gear and loads
emergency procedures for incidents involving dangerous and hazardous cargo, including: - enhanced survey regime - safety data sheets (SDS)/material safety data sheets (MSDS)
monitoring of cargo stowage areas for damage, defects and corrosion, including causes and prevention
safe working loads
hazardous materials/dangerous goods, including: - any cargo described in the International Maritime Dangerous Goods (IMDG) Code as hazardous or dangerous - relevant documentation
homogeneous loading
main stresses set up by cargo, hogging, sagging and shearing
methods of handling various types of cargo
methods of handling and problems related to loading, stowage, security and unloading of cargo, including: - bulk cargo - containerised cargo - deck cargo - liquid cargo - refrigerated cargo - any other material, equipment or machinery that may be safely handled and stowed on the vessel
operational characteristics of different types of shipboard and terminal-based cargo handling equipment and facilities
principles of cargo care for various types of cargo monitoring procedures and scheduling of inspections
procedures for carrying out calculations involving weights, capacities, stowage factors and load densities
regulations relating to hazardous materials/dangerous goods, including the IMDG Code
relevant sections of applicable maritime regulations
relevant work health and safety (WHS)/occupational health and safety (OHS) and cargo handling legislation, codes of practice, policies and procedures
shipboard and terminal-based cargo handling equipment involved in loading, stowage, security and unloading of cargo, including: - cargo pumps - cranes - derricks - grabs - hooks, wires and shackles - slings
standard stowage position numbering systems used on container vessels
static and dynamic loads
survey and inspection requirements for cargo handling equipment
types of lashing and securing devices
typical types and sizes of shipping containers
use of cargo handling gear including tackles
usual methods of packing, loading and discharging, stowage and dunnage
various types of cargo likely to be carried; their peculiar characteristics, liability to damage, decay or deterioration; their measurements; their hazards and problems, and appropriate preventative and remedial actions and solutions
ways of restricting vessel stress levels within permitted levels within permitted limits during loading/discharging cargo

Unit content sourced from training.gov.au — © Commonwealth of Australia, licensed under CC BY 4.0. Auditori is not affiliated with the Department of Employment and Workplace Relations.

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Questions about assessing MARA022

What does an assessment tool for MARA022 need to cover?

To satisfy the Principles of Assessment and Rules of Evidence, an assessment for MARA022 needs to address all 72 unit components: 6 elements with 37 performance criteria, 4 performance evidence requirements, 31 knowledge evidence requirements, and the foundation skills. A coverage matrix mapping each question and task to these components is what an auditor looks for.

How does Auditori generate an assessment tool for MARA022?

Auditori pulls the current release of MARA022 from training.gov.au and generates a complete package: candidate assessment, assessor guide with model answers and observation criteria, and a coverage matrix mapping every component. A suitably qualified person then reviews and approves the draft in a built-in workflow — consistent with ASQA's guidance on AI use in VET — before export as branded PDF and editable Word.

Is the first assessment tool really free?

Yes. Every new account includes one free credit — enough to generate the complete assessment tool for MARA022 — with no card and no subscription required. After that it's pay-as-you-go per unit.

Can I check my existing MARA022 assessment instead of generating a new one?

Yes — upload your existing assessment or learner guide and Auditori maps it against every element, performance criterion, PE and KE of MARA022, showing exactly what's covered and what's missing. Mapping costs a quarter of a credit.

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