Elements and Performance Criteria

General context
Work must be carried out in compliance with mandatory rules and regulations and IMO Conventions and Codes including the relevant sections of the AMSA Marine Orders and ensure that applicable codes, guidelines and standards recommended by IMO, the classification societies and maritime industry organisations are taken into account.

Work is performed, in consultation with a senior engineer, relatively independently within broad operational requirements, with limited accountability and responsibility for self and others in achieving the prescribed outcomes.

Work involves the application of marine engineering practice to the operation of shipboard alternators, generators and control systems typically found on a vessel of unlimited propulsion power across a wide and often unpredictable variety of operational contexts. Monitoring and supervising the implementation of a broad plan or strategy for the operation of shipboard alternators, generators and control systems is required. Defined accountability and responsibility for self and others in achieving the outcomes is involved.

Work requires some responsibility for overseeing the operation of alternators, generators and control systems to supply shipboard power. This includes supervision and control of personnel, hazard minimisation, analysis of performance and operational situations, and related decision making.

Worksite environment
Shipboard alternators, generators and control systems may include those typically found on any Australian or international commercial vessel of unlimited propulsion power.

Safe watchkeeping procedures and operation of shipboard electrical power distribution systems and electrical generation and related control equipment may be carried out:
by day or night in both normal and emergency situations
under any permissible conditions of weather
while underway
during berthing and unberthing operations
while anchored or moored
in dry dock
when bunkering
during cargo operations.

Types of electrical and electronic control equipment may include:
main switchboard and shipboard power distribution systems including:
distribution circuits and wiring
protection devices
circuit breakers
three phase alternators
a.c. generators
three phase transformers
a.c. and d.c. motors, including:
three phase induction motors such as squirrel cage, double cage, wound rotor and slip ring, TEFC, splash proof and submersible
three phase synchronous motors
emergency supply systems including emergency generators, emergency switchboard and battery banks
electrical and electronic equipment space monitoring alarm and control systems
electronic instrumentation and power supply circuits
electronic governors
deck electrical machinery.

Operational hazards may include:
moving and rotating electrical equipment
using equipment beyond safe working limits
poor housekeeping procedures
non-compliance with safe working procedures
hot pipes and valves (steam, fuel oil, lubricating oil)
cold pipes and valves (refrigeration and liquefied gas cargoes)
working at heights and in confined spaces
dangerous atmosphere
overspeed of electrical machinery, emergency trips
noxious and dangerous cargoes
electric shock.

Emergencies may include:
loss of electrical power
short circuits and open-circuits in distribution systems
loss of electronic/electrical control of systems
flooding of engine room
fire or explosion in engine room
failure of emergency alarm and control systems
loss of refrigeration
overloading of electrical systems
electric shock.

Sources of information/documents
Documentation/records may include:
ISM Code safety management system plans, procedures, checklists and instructions
vessel and company's planned maintenance system, repair procedures and instructions
electrical and electronic equipment and vessel manufacturer's specifications, instructions and recommended procedures
power distribution system and electrical generation and control equipment running sheets, operations logs and other operational records, including computer database of running information, where relevant
vessel's survey procedures and instructions as they relate to shipboard electrical and electronic equipment
relevant sections of national and international regulations, IMO Conventions and Codes, including AMSA Marine Orders and class society rules dealing with shipboard electrical power distribution systems and electrical and electronic control equipment operation
instructions of relevant Maritime Authorities and class societies concerning shipboard electrical power distribution systems and electrical and electronic control equipment operation.

Applicable International, Australian and State/Territory regulations and legislation
Applicable procedures and codes may include:
sections of national and international regulations, IMO Conventions and Codes, including AMSA Marine Orders and class society rules related to shipboard electrical power distribution systems and electrical power generation and electronic control equipment operation on vessels of unlimited propulsion power
relevant international, Australian and State/Territory OH&S legislation
relevant international, Australian and State/Territory electrical and electronic engineering practice standards.

Critical aspects of evidence to be considered
Assessment must confirm appropriate knowledge and skills to:
Ensure a safe engineering watch during the operation of shipboard electrical power distribution systems and electrical power generation and associated electronic control equipment
Operate shipboard electrical power distribution systems and electrical power generation and associated electronic control equipment within specifications on a vessel of 3,0000 kW propulsion power or more
Prepare, start, synchronise and change over alternators and generators
Identify malfunctioning power distribution systems and electrical generation and electronic control equipment and components and, in consultation with a senior engineer, initiate appropriate action for repair or replacement
Exercise all required safety, environmental and hazard control precautions and procedures when overseeing the operation of electrical power distribution systems and electrical and electronic equipment
Identify typical power distribution and electrical and electronic control equipment operational problems and hazards and take appropriate action
Communicate effectively with others during operation of power distribution systems and electrical and electronic control equipment
Ensure adherence to national and international regulations, IMO Conventions and Codes.

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 officer in charge of an engineering watch on a commercial vessel of unlimited propulsion power.

Required knowledge and skills
Knowledge of national and international regulations, IMO Conventions and Codes including AMSA Marine Orders applicable to the operation of shipboard electrical and electronic control equipment on vessels of unlimited propulsion power
Relevant OH&S legislation, policies and procedures
Established engineering practice for the operation of marine electrical and electronic equipment, systems and equipment
Typical operational characteristics and performance specifications for the different types of shipboard electrical and electronic equipment usually found on a vessel of unlimited propulsion power
The nature and causes of typical shipboard electrical and electronic equipment operational problems and the appropriate preventative and remedial action to be taken in each case
A basic understanding of the power distribution and power generation systems typically used onboard a vessel of unlimited propulsion power and their associated operational electrical and electronic equipment
Characteristics and application of shipboard electrical machines including:
a.c. and d.c. motors
a.c. generators including requirements for the parallel operation and the process of synchronisation
three phase induction motors including the various starting methods
three phase motors
three phase synchronous motors
three phase alternators operating singly and in parallel
three phase transformers
Safety, environmental and hazard control precautions and procedures relevant to the operation of shipboard electrical power distribution systems and electrical and electronic equipment
Types of operations records that must be maintained on a vessel to meet the requirements of the company, survey requirements and regulatory authorities
Principles and procedures for electrical and electronic measurement, including the use of oscilloscopes and multimeters and insulation resistance measurement using a Megger
Knowledge and ability to read and interpret electrical and electronic equipment performance readings and instrumentation
Knowledge and ability to read and interpret Material Safety Data Sheets
Knowledge and ability to read and interpret vessel and electrical and electronic equipment specifications, equipment drawings, operational manuals, and electrical and control circuit diagrams
Concepts of Unattended Machinery Spaces (UMSs) and automated monitoring and control of machinery
Basic principles of electrotechnology, marine electrical practice and marine automation and control relevant to detection, identification and repair of faults, including:
electromagnetism and electrostatics
electrolytic action and cells
the electric circuit
AC and DC theory and electrical and electronic equipment
cabling, distribution and lighting systems
control and switch gear
deck electrical and electronic equipment
basic principles of electronics, integrated circuits and microprocessors
basic principles of electronic control, surveillance, measurement and recording systems
process control principles
instruments, calibration and testing
telemetering devices
alarm systems
main and auxiliary electrical and related electronic control equipment
fire and emergency alarm systems
Common active devices and their application in power electronic and electronic circuits typically used on a vessels of unlimited propulsion power, including:
ability to identify the devices and their circuit symbols
operating characteristics of common active devices
applications of common active devices
Common integrated circuit devices and their application in shipboard electronic instrumentation and power supply circuits, including:
operational amplifiers
voltage regulators
multivibrators
Maritime communication techniques needed when operating electrical power distribution systems and electrical and electronic equipment
Safe procedures for the use of hand and power tools and instrumentation.

Resource implications
Access is required to opportunities to either:
participate in a range of practical and theoretical assignments, exercises, case studies, simulated operational situations and other assessments that demonstrate the skills and knowledge to operate electrical power distribution systems and electrical power generation and control equipment typically found on a vessel of unlimited propulsion power, and/or
maintain a safe engineering watch and operate shipboard electrical power distribution systems and electrical power generation and control equipment in a range of operational situations on a commercial or training vessel of unlimited propulsion power.

Consistency in performance
Applies underpinning knowledge and skills when:
operating shipboard power distribution systems and electrical power generation and associated electronic control equipment
assessing operational performance of shipboard power distribution systems and electrical power generation and associated electronic control equipment
assist in the identification of operational problems with shipboard power distribution systems and electrical power generation and associated electronic control equipment and taking remedial action
taking action, in consultation with a senior engineer, to minimise any damage and safety risk that could be caused by malfunctions in shipboard power distribution systems and electrical power generation and associated electronic control equipment
applying safety precautions relevant to the operation of shipboard power distribution systems and power generation and associated electronic control equipment
completing operations documentation and records.

Shows evidence of application of relevant workplace procedures including:
relevant sections of international Conventions and Codes and AMSA Marine Orders
OHS regulations and hazard prevention policies and procedures
ISM Code safety management system procedures, quality procedures and work instructions on the operation of shipboard power distribution systems and power generation and associated electronic control equipment, including system and equipment specifications and directions on systems and equipment capability and limitations
following on-board housekeeping processes.

Action taken promptly to report and assist in the rectification of electrical and electronic equipment malfunctions, non-conformities, accidents, hazardous occurrences and safety incidents in accordance with statutory requirements, company 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.