Demonstrate basic knowledge of marine auxiliary machinery and equipment

Unit of competency Outline

Date retreived
23/07/2026 12:24 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.

Unit of competency

National Code
MARL055

State Code
OCH13

TGA Status
Current

DTWD Status
Approved

Current Release Number
1.00

Current Release Date
27/10/2020

View on TGA

State Implementation and Classification

Approved Date

09/04/2021

Field of Education

031701 - Maritime Engineering

Original Release Date

09/04/2021

Nominal Hours

Description

This unit involves the skills and knowledge required to operate and maintain auxiliary machinery and associated systems onboard 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 Outline layout of engine room and functions of auxiliary machinery in engine room

1.1 Layout of a typical engine room is outlined
1.2 Types and functions of auxiliary machinery found in an engine room are explained
1.3 Location, function and operation of all safety devices found on main and auxiliary machinery and within engine room, including shutdowns and engine room escape routes are outlined
1.4 Common operating pressures and temperatures of fluids within engine room are identified, and how to respond to abnormal parameters is clarified

2 Explain duties and responsibilities of an Engineer Watchkeeper during a watch

2.1 Duties and responsibilities of an Engineer Watchkeeper with respect to safety of personnel and vessel during and taking over the watch are clarified
2.2 Importance of ensuring all events related to machinery are recorded in the log is explained
2.3 Duties and responsibilities of an Engineer Watchkeeper in prevention and extinction of fire in machinery spaces are clarified
2.4 Duties and responsibilities of an Engineer Watchkeeper in relation to prevention of flooding and avoidance of pollution are clarified
2.5 Routine duties and responsibilities of an Engineer Watchkeeper with respect to safe operation of propulsion and auxiliary machinery are clarified
2.6 Duties and responsibilities of an Engineer Watchkeeper on an unmanned machinery space (UMS) vessel are clarified
2.7 Procedure for familiarising oneself on joining a new vessel is clarified

3 Recognise key features, applications and treatment of fuels, lubricants and chemicals used onboard vessels

3.1 Types, properties, applications and treatments of various fuels used onboard vessels are outlined
3.2 Procedures to be followed before and during fuel bunkering are clarified
3.3 Types, properties, applications and treatments of various lubricants used onboard vessels are outlined
3.4 Uses and safe handling methods for various types of chemicals used onboard vessels are outlined
3.5 Fuel system layout, including fuel treatment method, is detailed
3.6 Working principles, construction and safe operation of purifiers and clarifiers are explained

4 Explain operation and maintenance of typical pumping systems used onboard vessels

4.1 Basic working principles, components and properties of different types of pumps are outlined
4.2 Types of heat exchangers, their basic working principles and applications are outlined
4.3 Correct operation and maintenance of pumps and heat exchangers are detailed
4.4 Key features of bilge, cargo and ballast pumping systems are outlined
4.5 Types, operating principles and requirements for oily-water separators or similar equipment are outlined
4.6 Other approved methods of disposing of oily water are identified
4.7 Procedure for completing oil record book is clarified

5 Explain operation and maintenance of marine air compressors

5.1 Types, characteristics, components and applications of various compressors used onboard vessels are compared and contrasted
5.2 Correct pre-operational checks, starting procedures, safe operation and basic maintenance required for air compressors are detailed
5.3 Potential safety hazards associated with compressed air are identified
5.4 Locations of all mountings, safety devices, alarms and shutdowns on compressors, air receivers and compressed air systems are identified, and their functions are outlined
5.5 Different requirements and production methods for control air, method of production and special requirements for a breathing apparatus compressor, are clarified

6 Explain different types, safe operation and testing of steering gear commonly used onboard vessels

6.1 Essential statutory regulations covering operation of steering gear are established
6.2 Operation of different types of steering gear used onboard vessels is clarified
6.3 Working principles of variable delivery pumps used in steering gear are explained
6.4 Location of all alarms and safety devices associated with steering gear is identified and their functions are outlined
6.5 Process for testing steering gear and monitoring its performance is explained

7 Explain operation of an evaporator

7.1 Why freshwater may have to be produced from seawater is explained
7.2 Function, construction and operation of evaporators is explained
7.3 Correct starting procedures, safe operation and basic maintenance required for an evaporator are clarified
7.4 Process for testing the evaporator and monitoring performance is explained
7.5 Treatment of distillate for domestic purposes is outlined
7.6 Quality necessary if water being produced by a distiller is to be used for human consumption is outlined

8 Explain basic operation of marine refrigeration systems

8.1 Properties of an ideal refrigerant are listed
8.2 Refrigerants commonly used onboard are listed and reasons for their use are clarified
8.3 Basic construction and operation of a marine refrigeration system is explained
8.4 Preparation, operation, fault detection and necessary actions to prevent damage in marine refrigeration systems are confirmed
8.5 Personal safety and environmental hazards associated with chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) and ozone depleting substances are identified

9 Explain basic operation of marine air conditioning and ventilation systems

9.1 Basic construction and operation of marine air conditioning and ventilation systems in routine and emergency situations are explained
9.2 Preparation, operation, fault detection and necessary actions to prevent damage in marine air conditioning and ventilation systems are confirmed

10 Explain basic operation of marine gas turbines

10.1 Basic flow of air and gas through a simple cycle marine gas turbine is outlined
10.2 Materials and construction of compressor, combustion system and turbine in a single and two-shaft design turbine are detailed
10.3 Basic controls required for the control and protection of the plant are outlined
10.4 Types, basic construction and operation of deck machinery are outlined, and accessories necessary for safe operation are listed

11 Explain types, safe operation and maintenance of deck machinery

11.1 Types, basic construction and operation of deck machinery are outlined
11.2 Preparation, operation, fault detection and necessary actions to prevent damage in deck machinery are confirmed

No information

Replaces

State Code	National Code	Title	Type
WH871	MARL004	Demonstrate basic knowledge of marine auxiliary machinery and equipment	Unit of competency

State Code	National Code	Title	Type
BFV7	MAR50120	Diploma of Marine Engineering	Qualification