Elements and Performance Criteria

General context
Work must be carried out in compliance with the relevant sections of the Australian Uniform Shipping Laws (USL) Code applicable to small commercial vessels.

Work is performed within broad operational requirements, with responsibility for own outputs in relation to specified quality standards and limited responsibility for others in achieving the specified quality and quantity of outcomes. It involves the organisation of maintenance operations on a vessel and the application of solutions to a defined range of maintenance problems.

Worksite environment
Vessel may include any small commercial vessel up to 1,500 kW propulsion power.

Operation and maintenance of internal combustion engines and propulsion systems may be conducted:
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.

Internal combustion engines and propulsion systems may include:
low speed, medium and high speed diesel propulsion
stern tube bearing
CPP
direct drive shaft
diesel electric
reduction gears
thrust blocks, detuners and shaft bearings.

Maintenance may include:
preventative and remedial maintenance and basic repairs of internal combustion engines and propulsion systems and related equipment and components
lubrication of internal combustion engines and propulsion systems
routine servicing in accordance with established procedures
routine visual and performance checks
identification of poor performance or faults in the operation of internal combustion engines and propulsion systems
identification of faulty equipment or fittings and arranging for repair or replacement
assisting contractors in repair operations.

Maintenance tools and equipment may include:
hand tools including screwdrivers, spanners, wrenches
greasing and lubrication tools
lifting gear and equipment
protective clothing and equipment such as:
eye and ear protection
safety boots and helmet
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
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.

Sources of information/documents
Documentation/records may include:
vessel's planned maintenance system, repair procedures and instructions
manufacturer's specifications, instructions and recommended procedures
maintenance records
vessel's safety and emergency contingency plans and procedures
relevant material safety data sheets
relevant sections of the Australian USL Code.

Applicable International, Australian and State/Territory regulations and legislation
Applicable procedures and codes may include:
relevant sections of the Australian USL Code related to the operation and maintenance of internal combustion engines and propulsion systems on small vessels
relevant international, Australian and State/Territory OH&S and pollution control legislation
relevant Australian engineering standards.

Critical aspects of evidence to be considered
Assessment must confirm appropriate knowledge and skills to:
Operate internal combustion engines and propulsion systems on a small vessel
Carry out preventative servicing and remedial maintenance on small internal combustion engines and propulsion systems on a small vessel within limits of responsibility of a Marine Engine Driver (Grade 1)
Identify typical problems related to the operation, servicing and maintenance of internal combustion engines and propulsion systems on a small vessel and take appropriate action within limits of responsibility of a Marine Engine Driver (Grade 1)
Exercise all required safety, environmental and hazard control precautions and procedures during operation and routine maintenance of maintenance of internal combustion engines and propulsion systems
Communicate effectively with others when operating and carrying out maintenance on internal combustion engines and propulsion systems on a small vessel.

Interdependent assessment of units
This unit of competency must be assessed in conjunction with other units that form part of a job role of a Marine Engine Driver (Grade 1).

Required knowledge and skills
Relevant OH&S and pollution control legislation and codes of practice
Types of engines and propulsion systems used on small vessels up to 1,500 kW propulsion power, including their principle features and operating characteristics
Procedures for the operation, servicing and routine maintenance of internal combustion engines and propulsion systems on a small vessel
Safety, environmental and hazard control precautions and procedures relevant to the operation and routine maintenance of internal combustion engines and propulsion systems
Problems related to the operation and maintenance of internal combustion engines and propulsion systems on small vessels and appropriate action and solutions within limits of responsibility of a Marine Engine Driver (Grade 1)
Maritime communication techniques needed during the operation and maintenance of internal combustion engines and propulsion systems on small vessels
Types of maintenance records that must be maintained on a vessel to meet the requirements of the company and regulatory authorities.

Resource implications
Access is required to opportunities to either:
participate in a range of exercises, case studies and other simulated practical and knowledge assessments that demonstrate the skills and knowledge to operate and maintain internal combustion engines and propulsion systems on small vessels up to 1,500 kW propulsion power and/or
operate and maintain internal combustion engines and propulsion systems on an operational small commercial or training vessel up to 1,500 kW propulsion power.

Consistency in performance
Applies underpinning knowledge and skills when:
operating internal combustion engines and propulsion systems on a small vessel vessels up to 1,500 kW propulsion power
carrying out preventative servicing and remedial maintenance on internal combustion engines and propulsion systems on a small vessel within limits of responsibility of a Marine Engine Driver (Grade 1)
identifying and evaluating typical operational, servicing and maintenance problems and determining appropriate courses of action within limits of responsibility of a Marine Engine Driver (Grade 1)
applying safety and pollution control precautions when operating internal combustion engines and propulsion systems on a small vessel.

Shows evidence of application of relevant workplace procedures including:
relevant sections of Australian USL Code
OHS regulations and hazard prevention policies and procedures
job procedures and work instructions
relevant vessel manufacturer's guidelines relating to operating and carrying out routine maintenance on internal combustion engines and propulsion systems on a small vessel
environmental protection procedures when carrying out maintenance operations.

Action is taken promptly to report and/or rectify problems identified with operating and maintaining internal combustion engines and propulsion systems in accordance with manufacturer's instructions.

Work is 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.