Unit of competency Outline

Date retreived
22/07/2026 1:06 PM 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.

Operate and maintain outboard motors

Operate and maintain outboard motors

Unit of competency
National Code
SFISHIP207C
State Code
D9300
TGA Status
Replaced
DTWD Status
Replaced
Current Release Number
1.00
Current Release Date
22/07/2011
View on TGA
State Implementation and Classification
Approved Date
29/02/2012
Field of Education
030717 - Plant And Machine Operations
Original Release Date
29/02/2012
Nominal Hours
20
Description
This unit of competency involves operating and maintaining outboard motors and diagnosing and rectifying basic faults when in isolated situations. Licensing, legislative, regulatory or certification requirements may apply to this unit. Therefore it will be necessary to check with the relevant state or territory regulators for current licensing, legislative or regulatory requirements before undertaking this unit.
Notes
Elements and Performance Criteria
1. Operate outboard motors
  • 1.1. Pre-start checks are performed on the motor.
  • 1.2. Outboard motors are started and stopped safely and correctly.
  • 1.3. Outboard motor controls are used to manoeuvre a dinghy both ahead and astern, and port and starboard.
  • 1.4. Outboard motor cooling systems are checked for operation.
  • 1.5. Trim and tilt mechanisms are operated.
2. Maintain outboard motors
  • 2.1. Fuel filters are changed and fuel quality is maintained.
  • 2.2. Electrical systems are maintained to ensure reliable electrical supply to the outboard motor.
  • 2.3. Seawater is flushed from the internal and external parts of the outboard motor using the appropriate tools and freshwater, keeping water away from sensitive equipment.
  • 2.4. Engine and gearbox oil is checked and changed, and lubrication applied.
  • 2.5. Engine mounting gear is secured and checked, as necessary.
3. Identify and rectify basic outboard motor faults
  • 3.1. Operating difficulties caused by fuel-related factors are identified and rectified, where possible, according to troubleshooting guides and manufacturer instructions.
  • 3.2. Electrical faults are identified and rectified.
  • 3.3. Outboard engines that were immersed are serviced correctly.
  • 3.4. Outboard motor propulsion faults are identified and rectified.
RANGE STATEMENT
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. Essential operating conditions that may be present with training and assessment (depending on the work situation, needs of the candidate, accessibility of the item, and local industry and regional contexts) may also be included.
Relevant government regulations, licensing and other compliance requirements may include:
business or workplace operations, policies and practices
ESD principles, environmental hazard identification, risk assessment and control
OHS hazard identification, risk assessment and control.
OHS guidelines may include:
appropriate workplace provision of first aid kits and fire extinguishers
codes of practice, regulations and/or guidance notes which may apply in a jurisdiction or industry sector
enterprise-specific OHS procedures, policies or standards
hazard and risk assessment of workplace and maintenance activities and control measures
induction or training of staff, contractors and visitors in relevant OHS procedures and/or requirements to allow them to carry out their duties in a safe manner
OHS training register
safe lifting, carrying and handling techniques, including manual handling, and the handling and storage of hazardous substances
sea survival, fire fighting at sea and first aid techniques
safe systems and procedures for outdoor work, including protection from solar radiation, fall protection, confined space entry and the protection of people in the workplace
systems and procedures for the safe maintenance of property, machinery and equipment, including hydraulics and exposed moving parts
the appropriate use, maintenance and storage of PPE.
ESD principles may include:
applying animal welfare ethics and procedures
controlling effluents, chemical residues, contaminants, wastes and pollution
improving energy efficiency
increasing use of renewable, recyclable and recoverable resources
minimising noise, dust, light or odour emissions
reducing emissions of greenhouse gases
reducing use of non-renewable resources
reducing energy use
reducing interactions with native and protected flora and fauna, marine or land parks or areas
undertaking environmental hazard identification, risk assessment and control.
PPE may include:
buoyancy vest or personal floatation device (PFD)
hearing protection (e.g. ear plugs and ear muffs)
non-slip and waterproof boots (gumboots) or other safety footwear
personal locator beacon or Emergency Position Indicating Radio Beacon (EPIRB)
protective outdoor clothing for tropical conditions
safety harness
sun protection (e.g. sun hat, sunscreen and sunglasses)
uniforms, overalls or protective clothing (e.g. mesh and waterproof aprons)
waterproof clothing (e.g. wet weather gear).
Pre-start checks may include:
amount of fuel in the fuel tank
appropriate fuel
cooling water intake submerged
fuel hose connected, full and free of constrictions
fuel tank depressurised
motor attachment points
water depth.
Started may include:
electric start
pull start.
Controls may include:
remote throttle and gear levers
steering wheel
tiller
tilt and trim mechanisms.
Checked may include:
cooling water circulation indicator
temperature gauge
temperature warning sound.
Fuel quality may include:
by estimating fuel consumption at turning points
contamination
filter type and quality
fuel to oil ratio.
Electrical systems may include:
batteries:
capacity
charge rate
fuses
spark plugs.
Propulsion faults may include:
bent or broken propeller
broken shear pin or drive spline
fouling
pitch.
EVIDENCE GUIDE
The evidence guide provides advice on assessment and must be read in conjunction with the performance criteria, required skills and knowledge, range statement and the Assessment Guidelines for the Training Package.
Overview of assessment

Critical aspects for assessment evidence required to demonstrate competence in this unit
Assessment must confirm the ability to:
operate all controls on an outboard motor to propel a dinghy ahead and astern
operate and maintain outboard motors and be able to diagnose and rectify basic faults when in isolated situations
perform basic maintenance on an outboard motor
start and stop an outboard motor
store an outboard motor.

Assessment must confirm knowledge of:
indicators of engine faults.
Context of and specific resources for assessment
Assessment is to be conducted at the workplace or in a simulated work environment.

Resources may include:
fully operational small vessel powered by an outboard motor
remote steering and controls.
Method of assessment
The following assessment methods are suggested:
observation of practical demonstration
practical exercises
project work
written or oral short-answer testing.
Guidance information for assessment
This unit may be assessed holistically with other units within a qualification.
Replaces
State Code National Code Title Type
S4298 SFISHIP207B Operate and maintain outboard motors Unit of competency
Replaced By
State Code National Code Title Type
OAR18 SFIVOP204 Operate and maintain outboard motors Unit of competency