Elements and Performance Criteria

The range of variables places the competency in context and allows for differences between enterprises and workplaces, including practices, knowledge and requirements. The range of variables also provides a focus for assessment and relates to the unit as a whole. The following variables may be present.

Operations:
· start up and shut down of engine as a routine with the system functioning correctly
· emergency shut down to minimise damage
· operate under direct instruction for malfunctioning engine system
· manual adjustment of controls to correct minor deviation
· monitoring of remote operation
· fuelling and lubrication requirements are met.

Safety rules and regulations:
· code of safe working practices
· enterprise's Occupational Health and Safety procedures.

Engine:
Diesel engines burning diesel oil or marine diesel oil as the power source for the propulsion of the vessels, the power source for an auxiliary system.

Parameters:
· pressure
· levels
· flow
· temperature
· speeds.

Monitoring:
· frequency
· scope
· timing
· checks
· tests
· inspections
· fuel requirements (including energy efficiency)
· noise
· oil or fuel leaks.

Schedules:
· parameters and instructions
· manufacturers' information
· enterprise requirements
· onboard management requirements.

Action:
To be taken in the event of irregularities includes:
· informing authority
· adjustment of engine and systems
· appropriate investigative techniques and safety procedures
· fuel and lubrication transfer contained and disposed meeting International Convention for the Prevention of Pollution from Ships (MARPOL) requirements.

Each unit of competency has an evidence guide that relates directly to the performance criteria and the range of variables. Its purpose is to guide assessment of the unit in the workplace and/or training program. The following components provide information to assist this purpose.

Underpinning knowledge
The underpinning knowledge identified for this unit is comprehensive due its likely inclusion in a group of units that may be used as the basis for the issue of licences by regulatory bodies.

The essential knowledge and understanding a person needs to perform work to the required standard include:
· information relating to:
· engine and system operating instructions
· operating parameters and values
· alarm and emergency shut down parameter values
· different types of diesel engines and their variations likely to be encountered
· government requirements affecting operations and International Convention for the Prevention of Pollution from Ships (MARPOL) compliance
· method of operation of control systems
· optimising fuel efficiency
· procedures relating to:
· sequence and timing of operations and adjustments
· response to alarms and emergencies affecting engines including contingency plans
· fuel isolation procedures and likely hazards.
· principles relating to:
· operation of marine diesel engines sufficient to recognise malfunction, implement initial corrective action and seek advice
· engineering science to appreciate the reasons for the method of safe operations.

Practical skills
The essential skills a person needs to perform work to the required standards include:
· operating high, medium and slow speed diesel engines including the associated systems:
· fuel, such as diesel oil or marine diesel oil
· cooling
· lubrication
· purification, transfer and storage
· control
· starting and stopping
· battery power generation and use.
· carrying out the start up from both warm and cold conditions to standby or full operating condition including pre- and post-start up checks
· carrying out emergency shut down and normal shut down for short and long term periods including checks and isolation to organisational requirements
· operating the engine in various modes including:
· monitoring and setting restrictions on remote operation
· local manual operation
· emergency modes of operation
· monitoring aspects of the engine and system condition including:
· pressure
· flows
· temperatures
· levels
· speeds
· vibrations
· expansion
· emissions
· abnormalities.
· fuel efficiency
· fuel or oil leaks
· noise

Literacy skills used for:
· reading manufacturer's technical information
· reading and recording operating parameters
· reading and producing reports for enterprise and authorities
· reading statutory regulations.

Numeracy skills used for:
· reading pressure, temperature and levels.

Critical aspects of evidence
Assessment must confirm the ability to:
· operate, start up and shut down low powered diesel engines and respond appropriately to irregularities
· ensure that preparations for the operations are complete
· start up, shut down, monitor and operate engines in a safe manner
· maintain steady running of the engine and comply with alarm acceptance procedures
· carry out adjustment and regulation of engine, including to achieve optimal fuel efficiency
· carry out alteration of output as required.

Assessment must confirm knowledge of:
· contingency actions to be taken
· implementation of emergency response
· process of seeking advice and informing management.

Interdependent assessment of units
This unit may be assessed after/with:
· SFISHIP205B - Maintain marine plant.

Context of assessment
Assessment is to be conducted at the workplace or in a simulated work environment.

Method of assessment
The following assessment methods are suggested:
· written or oral short answer testing
· practical exercises
· project work
· observation of practical demonstration.

Resources required for assessment
Resources may include:
· operational diesel engine and system
· operation procedures and policies.