Unit of competency Outline
Date retreived
23/07/2026 5:40 AM AWST
23/07/2026 5:40 AM 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
MARL5005A
MARL5005A
State Code
WG463
WG463
TGA Status
Replaced
Replaced
DTWD Status
Replaced
Replaced
State Implementation and Classification
Approved Date
04/02/2014
Field of Education
031701 - Maritime Engineering
Original Release Date
04/02/2014
Nominal Hours
20
Description
This unit involves the knowledge required to operate and maintain marine auxiliary boilers on a commercial vessel.
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 is 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 procedure 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 shut downs 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 shut down procedures is clarified
- 4.6 Procedure for isolating an auxiliary boiler after shut down is clarified
5 Explain procedure 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
The range statement relates to the unit of competency as a whole. It allows for different work environments and situations that may affect performance. Bold italicised wording, if used in the performance criteria, is detailed below.
Mountings and fittings on auxiliary boilers may include:
Air release cock
Auxiliary steam stop valve
Blow down valve
Feed check or control valve
Main steam stop valve
Pressure gauge connection
Safety valves
Sampling connection
Scum valve
Water level gauge
Whistle stop valve
Hazards and defects may include:
Chemical hazards
Enclosed space
Illumination of work area
Machine guarding
Manual handling
Materials
Rubbish and combustible
Steam and fuel leaks
Thermal hazards
Trips
Mountings and fittings on auxiliary boilers may include:
Air release cock
Auxiliary steam stop valve
Blow down valve
Feed check or control valve
Main steam stop valve
Pressure gauge connection
Safety valves
Sampling connection
Scum valve
Water level gauge
Whistle stop valve
Hazards and defects may include:
Chemical hazards
Enclosed space
Illumination of work area
Machine guarding
Manual handling
Materials
Rubbish and combustible
Steam and fuel leaks
Thermal hazards
Trips
The evidence guide provides advice on assessment and must be read in conjunction with the performance criteria, the required skills and knowledge, the range statement and the Assessment Guidelines for the Training Package.
Critical aspects for assessment and evidence required to demonstrate competency in this unit
The evidence required to demonstrate competence in this unit must be relevant to and satisfy all of the requirements of the Elements, Performance Criteria, Required Skills, Required Knowledge and include:
providing accurate and reliable information
providing appropriate level of detail in responses.
Context of and specific resources for assessment
Performance is demonstrated consistently over time and in a suitable range of contexts.
Resources for assessment include access to:
industry-approved marine operations site where basic knowledge of marine auxiliary boilers can be demonstrated
diagrams, specifications and other information required for performing basic calculations related to marine auxiliary boilers
technical reference library with current publications on basic marine auxiliary boilers
tools, equipment and personal protective equipment currently used in industry
relevant regulatory and equipment documentation that impacts on work activities
range of relevant exercises, case studies and/or other simulated practical and knowledge assessments
appropriate range of relevant operational situations in the workplace.
In both real and simulated environments, access is required to:
relevant and appropriate materials and equipment
applicable documentation including workplace procedures, regulations, codes of practice and operation manuals.
Method of assessment
Practical assessment must occur in an:
appropriately simulated workplace environment and/or
appropriate range of situations in the workplace.
A range of assessment methods should be used to assess practical skills and knowledge. The following examples are appropriate to this unit:
direct observation of the candidate demonstrating basic knowledge of marine auxiliary boilers
direct observation of the candidate applying relevant WHS/OHS requirements and work practices.
Guidance information for assessment
Holistic assessment with other units relevant to the industry sector, workplace and job role is recommended.
In all cases where practical assessment is used it should be combined with targeted questioning to assess Required Knowledge.
Assessment processes and techniques must be appropriate to the language and literacy requirements of the work being performed and the capacity of the candidate.
Critical aspects for assessment and evidence required to demonstrate competency in this unit
The evidence required to demonstrate competence in this unit must be relevant to and satisfy all of the requirements of the Elements, Performance Criteria, Required Skills, Required Knowledge and include:
providing accurate and reliable information
providing appropriate level of detail in responses.
Context of and specific resources for assessment
Performance is demonstrated consistently over time and in a suitable range of contexts.
Resources for assessment include access to:
industry-approved marine operations site where basic knowledge of marine auxiliary boilers can be demonstrated
diagrams, specifications and other information required for performing basic calculations related to marine auxiliary boilers
technical reference library with current publications on basic marine auxiliary boilers
tools, equipment and personal protective equipment currently used in industry
relevant regulatory and equipment documentation that impacts on work activities
range of relevant exercises, case studies and/or other simulated practical and knowledge assessments
appropriate range of relevant operational situations in the workplace.
In both real and simulated environments, access is required to:
relevant and appropriate materials and equipment
applicable documentation including workplace procedures, regulations, codes of practice and operation manuals.
Method of assessment
Practical assessment must occur in an:
appropriately simulated workplace environment and/or
appropriate range of situations in the workplace.
A range of assessment methods should be used to assess practical skills and knowledge. The following examples are appropriate to this unit:
direct observation of the candidate demonstrating basic knowledge of marine auxiliary boilers
direct observation of the candidate applying relevant WHS/OHS requirements and work practices.
Guidance information for assessment
Holistic assessment with other units relevant to the industry sector, workplace and job role is recommended.
In all cases where practical assessment is used it should be combined with targeted questioning to assess Required Knowledge.
Assessment processes and techniques must be appropriate to the language and literacy requirements of the work being performed and the capacity of the candidate.
Replaced By
| State Code | National Code | Title | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| WH870 | MARL003 | Demonstrate basic knowledge of marine auxiliary boilers | Unit of competency |
| State Code | National Code | Title | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| J563 | MAR50213 | Diploma of Maritime Operations (Engineer Watchkeeper) | Qualification |