Unit of competency Outline
Date retreived
22/07/2026 5:29 PM AWST
22/07/2026 5:29 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.
Demonstrate intermediate knowledge of marine control systems and automation
Demonstrate intermediate knowledge of marine control systems and automation
Unit of competency
National Code
MARL6013A
MARL6013A
State Code
WG483
WG483
TGA Status
Replaced
Replaced
DTWD Status
Replaced
Replaced
State Implementation and Classification
Approved Date
05/02/2014
Field of Education
031701 - Maritime Engineering
Original Release Date
05/02/2014
Nominal Hours
25
Description
This unit involves the skills and knowledge required to operate control systems on board a commercial vessel.
Notes
Elements and Performance Criteria
1 Analyse open and closed loop systems
- 1.1 Open loop systems are distinguished from closed loop systems
- 1.2 Closed loop manual, time based automatic open loop and feed forward open loop are explained
2 Explain principles and operation ofpneumatic control element and systems
- 2.1 Operation of a nozzle flapper and pneumatic amplifier unit is analysed and applied to transmitters, basic controllers and valve positioners
- 2.2 Control air supply system is defined
- 2.3 Principle of operation of direct and reverse acting pneumatic relays and application is clarified
- 2.4 Application of computing relays is analysed
3 Compare temperature transmitters
- 3.1 Pneumatic temperature transmitter is defined
- 3.2 Effect of changes in ambient temperature on thermocouples and RTDs is explained
- 3.3 Testing procedures and methods of simulation for both RTDs and thermocouples are explained
- 3.4 Characteristics and application of thermistors are outlined
4 Analyse application of differential pressuretransmitters
- 4.1 Application of differential pressure transmitters on board ships is confirmed
- 4.2 Arrangements of differential pressure transmitters for measurement of liquid levels in both closed and open tanks are explained
- 4.3 Mechanics for viscosity measurement using a differential pressure transmitter are analysed
- 4.4 Principle of using a differential pressure transmitter for flow measurement and the need for a square root extractor is explained
- 4.5 Use of a differential pressure transmitter for flow measurement is compared and contrasted with other types of meters
5 Explain engine room monitoring systems
- 5.1 Application of different speed sensing systems is analysed
- 5.2 Operating principles of torque monitoring systems applied to propeller shafting are explained
- 5.3 Arrangements of shaft power and indicated power monitoring are compared
- 5.4 Horizontal and vertical float level systems are compared with other tank level monitoring system in common use
- 5.5 Operating principle of oil-water interface sensor is explained
- 5.6 Methods of bearing temperature monitoring applied to diesel engine rotating parts are outlined
- 5.7 Machinery space monitoring and alarm system from a central control room are outlined
6 Explain procedure for transmitter calibration
- 6.1 Procedure for transmitter calibration for both pneumatic and electronic transmitters is applied
- 6.2 Test equipment is used for transmitter calibration
- 6.3 Relationship between process variables and output signals is demonstrated in a graph
- 6.4 Effects of transmitter dead band are defined
7 Explain operation of pneumatic 3term controller and controller adjustment procedures
- 7.1 Common controller actions and applications are outlined
- 7.2 Operating principle of pneumatic 3term controllers is outlined
- 7.3 Procedure for adjusting 3term pneumatic controllers is applied and effects if incorrectly adjustment are explained
- 7.4 Typical controller settings for a PID controller are detailed
- 7.5 Integrated hand/auto station and 3term controller are outlined and bumpless transfer is demonstrated
8 Explain actuators and control valves
- 8.1 Arrangements to provide fail safe requirements are outlined
- 8.2 Control valve and actuator are explained
- 8.3 Different types of actuators are identified
- 8.4 Operating principle of pneumatic valve positioners is explained
9 Analyse operation of hydraulic governors
- 9.1 Operating principle of proportional action hydraulic governors is explained
- 9.2 Importance of spring stiffness in relation to response is clarified
- 9.3 Purpose of an isochronous governor is outlined
- 9.4 Principle of operation of an isochronous hydraulic governor is outlined
- 9.5 Governor droop and its requirements for stable load sharing and engine stability is explained
10 Interpret electronic systems circuit diagrams
- 10.1 Electrical symbols commonly used in electronic circuits and sub-circuits are defined
- 10.2 Printed and colour codes used in electronic circuits are defined
- 10.3 Operation and maintenance manuals commonly used in the fault finding electronic circuits are used correctly
11 Explain basic operation of programmable logic controllers
- 11.1 Principles and operation of integrated circuit gates are explained
- 11.2 Operational function of input/output devices connected to a digital programmable logic controller is detailed
- 11.3 Methods of operation of flip flops, adders, counters, multiplexers and decoders are outlined
- 11.4 Methods employed when changing set point values in a digital programmable logic controller are outlined
12 Explain typical machinery space control loops and unmanned machinery spaces requirements
- 12.1 Fuel oil heating, LO cooling and JW cooling loop showing cascade and split range systems are outlined
- 12.2 Fuel oil viscosity control loop is outlined
- 12.3 Common methods of boiler water control and simple combustion control with burner management for an auxiliary boiler are outlined
- 12.4 Requirements and system arrangements for bridge control of main propulsion machinery including change over from local to bridge are explained
- 12.5 Common pressure control loops found in a ship’s engine room are identified
- 12.6 Unmanned machinery spaces (UMS) requirements are outlined
- 12.7 Troubleshooting procedures associated with control systems are outlined
- 12.8 Procedures for software version control are outlined
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.
Meters may include:
Area meter
Rotometer
Target meter
Types of actuators may include:
Electric
Hydraulic
Pneumatic
Meters may include:
Area meter
Rotometer
Target meter
Types of actuators may include:
Electric
Hydraulic
Pneumatic
The evidence guide provides advice on assessment and must be read in conjunction with the performance criteria, the required skills and knowledge, the range statement and the Assessment Guidelines for the Training Package.
Critical aspects for assessment and evidence required to demonstrate competency in this unit
The evidence required to demonstrate competence in this unit must be relevant to and satisfy all of the requirements of the Elements, Performance Criteria, Required Skills, Required Knowledge and include:
providing accurate and reliable information
providing appropriate level of detail in responses.
Context of and specific resources for assessment
Performance is demonstrated consistently over time and in a suitable range of contexts.
Resources for assessment include access to:
industry-approved marine operations site where intermediate knowledge of marine control systems and automation can be demonstrated
technical reference library with current publications on automation and process control
tools, equipment and personal protective equipment currently used in industry
relevant regulatory and equipment documentation that impacts on work activities
range of relevant exercises, case studies and/or other simulated practical and knowledge assessments
appropriate range of relevant operational situations in the workplace.
In both real and simulated environments, access is required to:
relevant and appropriate materials and equipment
applicable documentation including workplace procedures, regulations, codes of practice and operation manuals.
Method of assessment
Practical assessment must occur in an:
appropriately simulated workplace environment and/or
appropriate range of situations in the workplace.
A range of assessment methods should be used to assess practical skills and knowledge. The following examples are appropriate to this unit:
direct observation of the candidate demonstrating intermediate knowledge of marine control systems and automation
direct observation of the candidate applying relevant WHS/OHS requirements and work practices.
Guidance information for assessment
Holistic assessment with other units relevant to the industry sector, workplace and job role is recommended.
In all cases where practical assessment is used it should be combined with targeted questioning to assess Required Knowledge.
Assessment processes and techniques must be appropriate to the language and literacy requirements of the work being performed and the capacity of the candidate.
Critical aspects for assessment and evidence required to demonstrate competency in this unit
The evidence required to demonstrate competence in this unit must be relevant to and satisfy all of the requirements of the Elements, Performance Criteria, Required Skills, Required Knowledge and include:
providing accurate and reliable information
providing appropriate level of detail in responses.
Context of and specific resources for assessment
Performance is demonstrated consistently over time and in a suitable range of contexts.
Resources for assessment include access to:
industry-approved marine operations site where intermediate knowledge of marine control systems and automation can be demonstrated
technical reference library with current publications on automation and process control
tools, equipment and personal protective equipment currently used in industry
relevant regulatory and equipment documentation that impacts on work activities
range of relevant exercises, case studies and/or other simulated practical and knowledge assessments
appropriate range of relevant operational situations in the workplace.
In both real and simulated environments, access is required to:
relevant and appropriate materials and equipment
applicable documentation including workplace procedures, regulations, codes of practice and operation manuals.
Method of assessment
Practical assessment must occur in an:
appropriately simulated workplace environment and/or
appropriate range of situations in the workplace.
A range of assessment methods should be used to assess practical skills and knowledge. The following examples are appropriate to this unit:
direct observation of the candidate demonstrating intermediate knowledge of marine control systems and automation
direct observation of the candidate applying relevant WHS/OHS requirements and work practices.
Guidance information for assessment
Holistic assessment with other units relevant to the industry sector, workplace and job role is recommended.
In all cases where practical assessment is used it should be combined with targeted questioning to assess Required Knowledge.
Assessment processes and techniques must be appropriate to the language and literacy requirements of the work being performed and the capacity of the candidate.
Replaces
| State Code | National Code | Title | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| S5367 | TDMMB4207A | TEST, DETECT FAULTS AND MAINTAIN AND RESTORE ELECTRONIC CONTROL EQUIPMENT TO OPERATING CONDITION ON VESSELS OVER 750 KW PROPULSION POWER | Unit of competency |
Replaced By
| State Code | National Code | Title | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| AUG22 | MARL026 | Demonstrate intermediate knowledge of marine control systems and automation | Unit of competency |
| State Code | National Code | Title | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| J567 | MAR60113 | Advanced Diploma of Maritime Operations (Marine Engineering Class 2) | Qualification |