Elements and Performance Criteria

General context
Work must be carried out in compliance with relevant maritime regulations.

Work is performed under broad guidelines, with accountability and responsibility for self and others in achieving the prescribed outcomes within the limits of responsibility and skill of an Engineer (Class 3). It involves the application of marine engineering practice to the dismantling, inspecting, repair and re-assembly of machinery typically found on a vessel of less than 3,000 kW propulsion power across a range of machinery malfunctions or faults. 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 some judgement in planning and carrying out machinery repair operations and procedures. This includes analysis of the faulty machinery and decision-making on the repairs required and the processes to be used.

Worksite environment
Machinery may include that typically found on any Australian or international commercial vessel of up to 3,000 kW propulsion power operating within offshore limits.

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 (where relevant)
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
air compressor 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
CPP
direct drive shaft
diesel electric
steam
gas turbine
water jets and control systems
reduction gears
thrust blocks, detuners and shaft bearings.

Testing and repair equipment may include:
meters and gauges
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 engine and/or transmission control
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:
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 maritime regulations
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 relevant maritime regulations, including sections of the Australian USL Code related to shipboard machinery maintenance and repair on vessels of less than 3,000 kW propulsion power
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:
Investigate machinery malfunctions and faults
Dismantle inspect and repair vessel machinery within the limits of responsibility and skill of an Engineer (Class 3)
Re-assemble and check repaired machinery
Complete maintenance and repair documentation
Exercise all required safety, environmental and hazard control precautions and procedures when carrying out maintenance and repair of shipboard machinery
Identify machinery maintenance and repair problems and hazards and take appropriate action
Communicate effectively with others during maintenance and repair operations
Ensure adherence to national and international regulations, IMO Conventions and Codes (where applicable).

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 3).

Required knowledge and skills
Knowledge of relevant maritime regulations
Relevant OH&S and pollution control legislation and policies
Established engineering practice for the checking, maintenance and repair of marine machinery on commercial vessels of less than 3,000 kW propulsion power operating within offshore limits, including:
fitting
machining
gas cutting and welding
arc welding
workshop practice
Operational characteristics and performance specifications for the different types of shipboard machinery usually found on vessels of less than 3,000 kW 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 and skills of an Engineer (Class 3)
The nature and causes of shipboard machinery malfunctions and the available methods for their detection and repair, including marine machinery malfunction fault-finding techniques
Maintenance and repair hazards and problems and appropriate preventative and remedial action and solutions
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 basic 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 less than 3,000 kW 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
Mathematical techniques required to solve engineering problems falling within the limits of responsibility of an Engineer (Class 3)
Basic properties of common marine engineering materials and principles and methods of cutting, joining and heat treatment
Basic properties of liquids and gases commonly used aboard vessels
Principles and precautions that must be taken when carrying out 'hot work'
Precautions that must be taken to minimise danger of fire or explosion
safety precautions that must be taken before entering tanks or confined spaces
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
Basic principles of mechanics as they relate to forces, pressures, stress and strains in shipboard dynamic machinery, including:
statics (non-concurrent systems only)
friction
dynamics
balancing
radial, circumferential and, longitudinal stress
shear stress
fluid mechanics
torsion, hollow and solid shafts
loads due to liquid head
Basic 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
Basic 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
The construction features of a ship that impact on its watertight integrity and stability.
Principles involved in the alignment of machinery and machinery parts
Elementary principles and care and management of the various types of auxiliary pumps and pumping and piping systems and other shipboard auxiliaries
The basic principles of engine cooling, fuel and lubricating systems and fuel consumption.
The basic principles of air compressors, their care and maintenance
The basic principles of operation and safety of boilers, steam and feed systems, steam engines and turbines
The colour coding system used for electric conductors
Definitions of electrical terms and solve basic electrical problems using mathematics
The basic principles of operation and operating procedures for A.C. and D.C. generators
Basic principles of preventative and remedial maintenance
Basic principles of the operation and maintenance of two and four stroke compression ignition engines, including engine construction and starting and reversing systems
Safety precautions and procedures during repair and inspection of electrical circuitry and equipment
Basic principles of electrotechnology, marine electrical practice and marine automation and control relevant to detection, identification and repair of faults falling within the limits of responsibility of an Engineer (Class 3), including:
the electric circuit
electrolytic action and cells
basic principles of relevant AC and DC machines
cabling, distribution and lighting systems
control gear
switch gear
deck machinery.

Resource implications
Access is required to opportunities to:
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 commercial vessel of less than 3,000kW 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 less than 3,000 kW propulsion power.

Consistency in performance
Applies underpinning knowledge and skills when:
investigating machinery malfunctions and faults
dismantling, inspecting and repairing vessel machinery
re-assembling and checking repaired machinery
completing maintenance and repair documentation
applying safety precautions relevant to mechanical and electrical machinery and equipment maintenance and repair operations.

Shows evidence of application of relevant workplace procedures including:
relevant maritime regulations
OHS regulations pollution control and hazard prevention policies and procedures
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 and safety incidents in accordance with regulations, 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.