Unit of competency Outline

Date retreived
23/07/2026 5:08 PM AWST

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Detect/identify cause of machinery malfunctions & repair faults - unlimited propulsion

Detect/identify cause of machinery malfunctions & repair faults - unlimited propulsion

Unit of competency
National Code
TDMMB1501A
State Code
S2068
TGA Status
Replaced
DTWD Status
Replaced
Current Release Number
1.00
Current Release Date
31/07/2001
State Implementation and Classification
Approved Date
15/02/2005
Field of Education
031701 - Maritime Engineering
Original Release Date
15/02/2005
Nominal Hours
57
Description
Notes
Elements and Performance Criteria
No information
General context
Work must be carried out in compliance with mandatory rules and regulations and IMO Conventions and Codes including the relevant sections of the AMSA Marine Orders and ensuring that applicable codes, guidelines and standards recommended by IMO, the classification societies and maritime industry organisations are taken into account.

Work is performed relatively independently under broad operational requirements, with accountability and responsibility for self and others in achieving the prescribed outcomes within the limits of responsibility of an Engineer (Class 2).

Work involves the application of marine engineering practice to the repair of machinery typically found on a vessel between 750 and unlimited propulsion power across a wide and often unpredictable variety of machinery malfunctions or faults. Contribution to the development and implementation of a broad plan or strategy for shipboard machinery maintenance and repair is required and accountability and responsibility for self and others in achieving the outcomes is involved.

Work requires significant judgement in planning, engineering and leadership functions related to machinery repair operations and procedures. This includes analysis of the situation and decision making.

Worksite environment
Machinery may include that typically found on any Australian or international commercial vessel of 750 kW propulsion power or more.

Machinery performance monitoring and repair may be carried out:
by day or night in both normal and emergency situations
under any conditions of weather
while underway
during berthing and unberthing operations
while anchored or moored
in dry dock
when bunkering
during cargo operations.

Types of machinery may include:
steam, diesel, diesel electric and gas turbine propulsion systems and controls
electrical systems and controls including primemovers
batteries, transformers, switchboard, distributions systems, lighting systems
steering gear, stabilizers, bow thrusters, rudders
fluid power systems and controls
deck machinery
pumps and pumping systems
auxiliary systems and controls, including:
fresh and salt water cooling systems
lubricating oil cooling systems
fuel, oil, gas, coal systems and centrifuges
compressed air and air starting systems
lubrication
bilge and ballast system, oily water separator
refrigeration and air-conditioning plant and equipment
onboard air compressors and compressed air and control air systems
waste management and pollution control systems as per the MARPOL Convention
evaporators
inert gas generator
cargo pumps, tank washing machines and associated systems
purifiers and clarifiers
heaters
sewage plant
fixed fire fighting installations and fire control systems
auxiliary boilers and waste heat generators
life saving appliances
maintenance to hull and vessel side valves.

Propulsion plant configurations may include:
low speed, medium and high speed diesel propulsion
stern tube bearing
fixed pitch and CPP
direct drive shaft
diesel electric
steam plant
gas turbine
reduction gears
thrust blocks, detuners and shaft bearings.

Testing and repair equipment may include:
meters, gauges and other test equipment
computer displays of performance parameters
hand tools, such as spanners, wrenches, screwdrivers, hacksaws, etc.
greasing and lubrication tools
electric power tools, such as grinders, lathes, drills, etc.
pneumatic power tools, such as grinders, sanders, drills, etc.
welding equipment
block and tackle
portable and manual lifting equipment and hydraulic jacks
material safety data sheets
protective clothing and equipment such as:
eye and ear protection
safety boots
dust and fume masks.

Maintenance and repair hazards may include:
moving heavy loads using unsafe lifting procedures
unsecured machinery, components or repair equipment
slippery deck
welding equipment
sharp tools and implements
power tools
moving and rotating machinery
flammable liquids, vapours and fuel
faulty machinery equipment handling equipment and lifting gear
using equipment beyond safe working limits
poor housekeeping procedures
non-compliance with safe working procedures
electrical wiring and systems
hot pipes and valves (steam, fuel oil, lubricating oil)
cold pipes and valves (refrigeration and liquefied gas cargoes)
working at heights.

Emergencies may include:
loss of propulsion
loss of electrical power
loss of steerage
flooding of engine room
fire or explosion in engine room
loss of refrigeration
loss of water making ability
fuel oil, lubrication oil, steam and gas leaks
overheating and overspeed of machinery, governors, emergency trips.

Sources of information/documents
Documentation/records may include:
ISM Code safety management system plans, procedures, checklists and instructions
vessel and company's planned maintenance system, repair procedures and instructions
machinery and vessel manufacturer's specifications, instructions and recommended procedures
maintenance log, running sheets and records
computer database of running information and maintenance records
vessel's survey as it relates to shipboard machinery
vessel's safety and emergency contingency plans and procedures
machinery and vessel manufacturer's specifications, instructions and recommended procedures
relevant sections of national and international regulations, IMO Conventions and Codes, including AMSA Marine Orders and class society rules dealing with shipboard machinery maintenance and repair
instructions of relevant Maritime Authorities and class societies concerning shipboard machinery maintenance and repair.

Applicable International, Australian and State/Territory regulations and legislation
Applicable procedures and codes may include:
sections of national and international regulations, IMO Conventions and Codes, including AMSA Marine Orders and class society rules related to shipboard machinery maintenance and repair
relevant international, Australian and State/Territory OH&S legislation
relevant international, Australian and State/Territory engineering practice standards.
Critical aspects of evidence to be considered
Assessment must confirm appropriate knowledge and skills to:
Monitor the performance of shipboard machinery against specifications within the limits of responsibility of an Engineer (Class 2)
Identify malfunctioning and faulty machinery and components and initiate appropriate action for repair or replacement
Carry out basic trouble-shooting of malfunctioning and faulty machinery and required repairs in accordance with established procedures falling within the limits of responsibility of an Engineer (Class 2)
Exercise all required safety, environmental and hazard control precautions and procedures when overseeing the operation, maintenance and repair of shipboard machinery
Identify typical machinery maintenance and repair problems and hazards and take appropriate action falling within the limits of responsibility of an Engineer (Class 2)
Communicate effectively with others during maintenance and repair operations
Ensure adherence to national and international regulations, IMO Conventions and Codes.

Interdependent assessment of units
This unit of competency must be assessed in conjunction with other mandatory competency units that form part of the job role of an Engineer (Class 2).

Required knowledge and skills
Knowledge of national and international regulations, IMO Conventions and Codes including AMSA Marine Orders applicable to the management of shipboard machinery maintenance and repair operations on vessels of typically 750 kW propulsion power or more
Relevant OH&S legislation, policies and procedures
Established engineering practice for the checking, maintenance and repair of marine machinery including electrical machinery, systems and equipment
Operational characteristics and performance specifications for the different types of shipboard machinery usually found on a vessel of over 750kW propulsion power
Procedures for carrying out shipboard machinery testing, trouble-shooting and repair as part of routine maintenance procedures falling within the limits of responsibility of an Engineer (Class 2)
Planned maintenance systems and procedures for the condition monitoring of machinery, including responsibilities and requirements covered by various forms of vessel survey
The nature and causes of typical shipboard machinery malfunctions and the available methods for their detection and repair, including basic marine machinery malfunction fault-finding techniques
Maintenance and repair hazards and problems and appropriate preventative and remedial action and solutions falling within the limits of responsibility of an Engineer (Class 2)
Safe procedures for handling heavy machinery and component parts during maintenance and repair of shipboard machinery
Safe procedures for the use of hand and power tools and maintenance equipment during maintenance and repair of shipboard machinery
Procedures for the initiation and coordination of temporary and permanent repair and/or replacement procedures on board vessels at sea, alongside and in dry dock
Safety, environmental and hazard control precautions and procedures relevant to shipboard machinery inspection and maintenance operations
Principle features of vessel construction and principles of transverse stability
A basic understanding of the properties and application of materials and structures typically used in the construction of a vessel of over 750kW propulsion power and its associated operational machinery
Types of maintenance and repair records that must be maintained on a vessel to meet the requirements of the company, survey requirements and regulatory authorities
Maritime communication techniques needed during maintenance and repair operations
Knowledge and ability to read and interpret material safety data sheets
Procedures for the testing of boiler water, machinery cooling water and lubricating oil
Knowledge and ability to read and interpret machinery performance readings and indications
Knowledge and ability to read and interpret vessel and machinery specifications, machinery design drawings, machine drawings, operational manuals, specifications and electrical and control circuit diagrams
Principles of fluid power control systems, including:
system function requirements
methods of displaying system functions
principles of programmable logic controllers (PLCs)
safety requirements
Principles of air-conditioning and refrigeration systems, including:
principles of operation
performance indicators
characteristics, hazards and handling requirements of CFCs and HCFCs
safety and environmental requirements associated with air-conditioning and refrigeration systems
Principles and procedures of machinery lubrication, including:
theory and types of lubrication
relative characteristics, and applications of mineral and synthetic oils
contaminants that may affect lubricants, their effect on machinery performance, and action that can be taken to avoid and remedy contamination of lubricants
Principles of mechanics as they relate to forces, pressures, stress and strains in shipboard dynamic machinery, including:
statics (mainly concurrent systems)
friction
dynamics
balancing
radial, circumferential and, longitudinal stress
shear stress
fluid mechanics
torsion, hollow and solid shafts
loads due to liquid head
Principles of transverse stability and principles of naval architecture and vessel construction relevant to detection, identification and repair of faults, including:
draught, trim and heel
propellers
structural strength and vibration of vessels
vessel measurement and classification
load line
basic principles of transverse stability
principles of free surface effects
drydocks
lifesaving equipment
hull repairs and maintenance
Principles of thermodynamics and heat and heat engines relevant to detection, identification and repair of faults, including:
heat transfer
gases
properties and expansion of steam
steam cycles
boilers and evaporators
steam turbines
combustion
refrigeration and air conditioning.
Principles of electrotechnology, marine electrical practice and marine automation and control relevant to detection, identification and repair of faults, including:
the magnetic circuit
electromagnetism and electrostatics
the electric circuit
electrolytic action and cells
principles of relevant AC and DC machines
cabling, distribution and lighting systems
control gear
switch gear
deck machinery
Principles of operation of shipboard electronic components and systems, including:
electronics principles
integrated circuits
microprocessors
PLCs
process control theory
instruments, calibration and testing
electronic control, surveillance, measurement and recording systems
telemetering devices
alarm systems
main and auxiliary machinery control and UMS.

Resource implications
Access is required to opportunities to either:
participate in a range of practical and theoretical assignments, exercises, case studies and other assessments that demonstrate the skills and knowledge to check and repair machinery and equipment typically found on a vessel between 750 kW and 3,000 kW propulsion power, including the ability to identify an appropriate range of possible machinery malfunctions and carry out related maintenance and repair solutions; and/or
carry out checks and related repairs of shipboard machinery in a range of operational situations on a commercial or training vessel between 750 kW and 3,000 kW propulsion power.

Consistency in performance
Applies underpinning knowledge and skills when:
assessing operational performance of shipboard mechanical and electrical machinery and equipment
identifying shipboard mechanical and electrical machinery and equipment malfunctions and faulty plant and equipment of a vessel between 750 kW and 3,000 kW propulsion power
taking action to minimise any damage and pollution that could be caused by machinery malfunctions
identifying and evaluating mechanical and electrical machinery and equipment maintenance and repair problems and determining an appropriate courses of action
applying safety precautions relevant to mechanical and electrical machinery and equipment maintenance and repair operations
completing mechanical and electrical machinery and equipment maintenance and repair documentation and records.

Shows evidence of application of relevant workplace procedures including:
relevant sections of international Conventions and Codes and AMSA Marine Orders
OHS regulations pollution control and hazard prevention policies and procedures
ISM Code safety management system procedures and work instructions on the checking and repair of shipboard machinery, including machinery specifications and directions on equipment capability and limitations
machinery security procedures
following on-board housekeeping processes
waste, pollution and recycling management processes.

Action taken promptly to report and/or rectify machinery malfunctions, non-conformities, accidents, hazardous occurrences and safety incidents in accordance with statutory requirements, company procedures and the ISM Code.

Work is managed, controlled and completed systematically with required attention to detail.

Context for assessment
Assessment of competence must comply with the assessment requirements of the relevant maritime regulations.

Assessment of this unit must be undertaken within relevant marine authority approved and audited arrangements by a registered training organisation:
As a minimum, assessment of knowledge must be conducted through appropriate written/oral examinations
Appropriate practical assessment must occur:
at the registered training organisation, and/or
on an appropriate working or training vessel.
State Code National Code Title Type
S215 TDM60201 Advanced Diploma of Transport and Distribution (Marine Engineering) Qualification