Unit of competency Outline
Date retreived
22/07/2026 2:16 PM AWST
22/07/2026 2:16 PM AWST
Whilst all efforts are made to provide accurate and timely information from the relevant source/documentation, please be aware that the information supplied may not be the most current version. The accuracy of the detail has not been confirmed by the Department and therefore should not be relied upon without first confirming the contents.
Demonstrate basic knowledge of marine auxiliary boilers
Demonstrate basic knowledge of marine auxiliary boilers
Unit of competency
National Code
MARL054
MARL054
State Code
OCH14
OCH14
TGA Status
Current
Current
DTWD Status
Approved
Approved
State Implementation and Classification
Approved Date
09/04/2021
Field of Education
031701 - Maritime Engineering
Original Release Date
09/04/2021
Nominal Hours
40
Description
This unit involves the skills and knowledge required to operate and maintain marine auxiliary boilers on a commercial vessel. This unit applies to people working in the maritime industry in the capacity of:Electro-Technical Officer (STCW Electro-Technical Officer Unlimited) Engineer Class 3 Near CoastalEngineer Watchkeeper (STCW Engineer Watchkeeper Unlimited). Licensing/Regulatory InformationLegislative and regulatory requirements are applicable to this unit. Regulatory requirements include STCW International Maritime Organization (IMO) model course competencies and areas of knowledge, understanding and proficiency, together with the estimated total hours required for lectures and practical exercises. Teaching staff should note that timings are suggestions only and should be adapted to suit individual groups of trainees depending on their experience, ability, equipment and staff available for training.Near Coastal Qualifications:This unit is one of the requirements to obtain Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA) certification as an Engineer Class 3 Near Coastal as defined in the Marine Order 505 (Certificates of competency - National Law) 2013.Blue Waters Qualifications:This unit is one of the requirements to obtain Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA) certification as an Electro-Technical Officer (STCW Electro-Technical Officer Unlimited) or Engineer Watchkeeper (STCW Engineer Watchkeeper Unlimited) and to meet regulatory requirements this unit must be delivered consistent with Marine Orders and with the relevant sections of the International Convention on Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping for Seafarers (STCW).
Notes
Elements and Performance Criteria
1 Distinguish between different types of auxiliary boilers
- 1.1 Design and use of water tube and fire tube auxiliary boilers are compared and contrasted
- 1.2 Movement of water and gas in an operating boiler is sketched
- 1.3 How variations to operating pressure and saturation temperature in an auxiliary boiler can be used to get wet, dry or superheated steam is explained
2 Recognise different functions of steam and different components of steam systems
- 2.1 Key features of steam and other heating systems are compared and contrasted
- 2.2 Steam side requirements of an auxiliary steam turbo alternator are compared and contrasted with other steam-powered machinery
- 2.3 Typical steam and condensate system are outlined
3 Explain fuel oil system of auxiliary boilers
- 3.1 Combustion process is explained and factors that affect combustion in a boiler are outlined
- 3.2 Differentiation is made between different burner types
- 3.3 Operation of a complete fuel oil system for an auxiliary boiler, including the functions of components for automatic combustion control, is outlined
4 Explain procedures for operating fired and unfired boilers
- 4.1 Locations of all mountings and fittings on auxiliary boilers are identified and their functions are outlined
- 4.2 Purpose of all alarms and shutdowns incorporated in auxiliary boilers is clarified
- 4.3 Types and operation of safety valves are outlined
- 4.4 Procedure for lighting off a boiler from cold is clarified
- 4.5 Procedure for laying up for short and long periods, including full blow down and shutdown procedures, is clarified
- 4.6 Procedure for isolating an auxiliary boiler after shutdown is clarified
5 Explain procedures for sampling and testing boiler water
- 5.1 Effects of poor water treatment practices on safety and boiler function are identified
- 5.2 Correct procedure for taking boiler and feed water sample and possible errors that might occur are clarified
- 5.3 Common water tests carried out are outlined and typical results are stated
- 5.4 Chemicals used for treatment of boiler water are named and acceptable range of chemical reserves found in boiler waters are confirmed
6 Explain procedure for maintaining water level in the boiler
- 6.1 Method of testing and changing a gauge glass is outlined
- 6.2 Effects of blockages in water, steam and drain cocks on levels in gauge glass are outlined
- 6.3 Procedure for when a gauge glass apparently shows no water is clarified
7 Explain common hazards and defects and relevant prevention/ control procedures
- 7.1 Hazards and defects associated with auxiliary boilers are identified
- 7.2 How water hammer can be prevented in auxiliary boilers is outlined
- 7.3 Symptoms, causes, effects and actions to be taken in the event of oil contamination of boiler water are determined
- 7.4 Difference between and measures taken to avoid fire and water side explosions are clarified
- 7.5 Causes, mechanism, prevention and control of economiser fires are detailed
No information
No information
Replaces
| State Code | National Code | Title | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| WH870 | MARL003 | Demonstrate basic knowledge of marine auxiliary boilers | Unit of competency |
| State Code | National Code | Title | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| BFV7 | MAR50120 | Diploma of Marine Engineering | Qualification |