Unit of competency Outline

Date retreived
22/07/2026 3:37 PM AWST

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Demonstrate advanced knowledge of marine diesel engines and systems

Demonstrate advanced knowledge of marine diesel engines and systems

Unit of competency
National Code
MARL050
State Code
OCG60
TGA Status
Current
DTWD Status
Approved
Current Release Number
1.00
Current Release Date
27/10/2020
View on TGA
State Implementation and Classification
Approved Date
09/04/2021
Field of Education
031701 - Maritime Engineering
Original Release Date
09/04/2021
Nominal Hours
90
Description
This unit involves the skills and knowledge required to analyse the operation and maintenance of marine diesel engines and systems on a commercial vessel. This includes evaluating fuel, cooling and lubrication systems; analysing starting, manoeuvring and reversing systems; analysing causes of vibration, scavenge fires and explosions; and interpreting combustion diagnostic equipment faults.This unit applies to people working in the maritime industry in the capacity of:Engineer Class 1 (STCW Chief Engineer Unlimited)Engineer Class 2 (STCW Second Engineer Unlimited).Licensing/Regulatory InformationLegislative and regulatory requirements are applicable to this unit. This unit is one of the requirements to obtain Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA) certification as an Engineer Class 1 (STCW Chief Engineer Unlimited) or Engineer Class 2 (STCW Second Engineer Unlimited) and to meet regulatory requirements this unit must be delivered consistent with Marine Orders and with the relevant sections of the International Convention on Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping for Seafarers (STCW).Those regulatory requirements include STCW International Maritime Organization (IMO) model course competencies and areas of knowledge, understanding and proficiency, together with the estimated total hours required for lectures and practical exercises. Teaching staff should note that timings are suggestions only and should be adapted to suit individual groups of trainees depending on their experience, ability, equipment and staff available for training.
Notes
Elements and Performance Criteria
1 Evaluate diesel fuel systems
  • 1.1 Optimum combustion parameters, means of adjustment and legislation requirements limiting exhaust emissions are determined and analysed
  • 1.2 Design modifications of pumps, camshafts and injectors for standard fuel types are evaluated
  • 1.3 Variable injection timing and fuel quality adjustments in service are justified, specifying common methods of adjustment
  • 1.4 Injection requirements for common diesel engine types, including combustion modifications for changes in engine service rating, are compared
  • 1.5 Faults and symptoms of common diesel fuel injection problems are analysed and appropriate adjustments are explained
  • 1.6 Work health and safety (WHS)/occupational health and safety (OHS) aspects of testing and handling fuel injection systems are explained
  • 1.7 Operation and normal operating pressures and temperatures of fuel systems are analysed, including uni-fuel and dual fuel systems of varying viscosity fuel types
2 Analyse cooling systems for main and auxiliary diesel engines
  • 2.1 Thermal efficiency optimisation of diesel engines and causes of thermal loads on engine components are explained
  • 2.2 Cooling media selection is justified, and advantages and disadvantages of various diesel cooling methods are evaluated
  • 2.3 Requirements of a coolant are identified and recorded
  • 2.4 Corrosion principles and combustion side corrosion problems are explained
  • 2.5 Appropriate action to be taken with common cooling system faults is established and evaluated
  • 2.6 How cooling systems are commissioned, monitored and stored during idle periods is explained
  • 2.7 Reasons for load-dependant cooling of diesel alternators on heavy fuels is explained
  • 2.8 Use of additives in cooling water is explained, including water treatment
  • 2.9 Normal operating temperatures, pressures and flow paths of typical methods of cooling medium and slow speed diesel engine pistons, exhaust valves, cylinders, turbochargers and cylinder heads are specified
3 Evaluate diesel engine lubrication requirements
  • 3.1 Principles of engine lubrication are explained
  • 3.2 Different lubrication systems and different lubricant properties are explained and assessed
  • 3.3 Methods for lubricating marine diesel engine components are specified and common faults are interpreted
  • 3.4 Conventional and synthetic lubricant properties and applications are identified
  • 3.5 Sources of contamination and deterioration of lubricants are analysed; treatment, monitoring and testing methods are explained; results are evaluated and appropriate actions to be taken are outlined
  • 3.6 Diagrams showing direction of flow, typical clearances and stating normal operating temperatures and pressures are used to explain how lubricating oil is distributed to the guides, top-end, bottom-end and main bearings of diesel engines
  • 3.7 Methods of crosshead lubrication are outlined and compared
  • 3.8 Methods of medium and slow-speed cylinder lubrication are evaluated
  • 3.9 Bearing materials and faults are evaluated and remedies to prevent them from occurring are determined
4 Analyse diesel engine starting and manoeuvring
  • 4.1 Starting procedures for diesel engines for power generation, propulsion and emergency use are specified
  • 4.2 Starting and manoeuvring sequences/requirements for direct-coupled reversible and geared propulsion diesels, including controllable pitch propeller (CPP) applications, are determined
  • 4.3 Common faults are analysed and appropriate actions to be taken with diesel starting and manoeuvring systems are determined
  • 4.4 Major components of a propulsion diesel engine typical manoeuvring and reversing system are outlined using labelled diagrams, explaining how remote, local and emergency manoeuvring is achieved
  • 4.5 Methods of achieving reversing capability with direct-coupled propulsion diesels are evaluated
  • 4.6 Layout of a diesel-electric drive is compared and contrasted with the layout of a turbo-electric drive
5 Analyse causes of vibration
  • 5.1 Common materials used in diesel engine construction are identified, justifying selection and specifying typical compositions and physical properties of components
  • 5.2 Dynamic loads and stresses are summarised, identifying service limitations, and different methods of component fabrication and reclamation are evaluated
  • 5.3 Two- and four-stroke operating cycle forces, couples and moments, relating to design principles of crankshafts, bedplates, foundations and crossheads are analysed
  • 5.4 Out-of-balance gas and inertia forces, couples and moments, and their relationship with flywheels, balance weights, first/second order balancing and hull vibration are explained
  • 5.5 Factors contributing to torsional vibration are specified and methods of minimising or eliminating harmful effects of critical speeds are outlined
  • 5.6 Torsional vibration dampers/detuners are explained using labelled diagrams, indicating construction features and operating principles
  • 5.7 Calibration is applied to identify wear patterns, limits and means of restoring working clearances and limits of pistons, liners, piston rings, bearings and crankshafts, sliding surfaces and interference fits of typical diesel engines
  • 5.8 Alignment and adjustment criteria of crankshafts, chain-drives, integral thrust bearings and crossheads are specified
  • 5.9 Crankshaft deflection measurements are prepared and evaluated, alignment diagrams are constructed, and realignment procedures, including restoration of crankshaft shrink-fit slippage, are proposed
6 Analyse scavenge and uptake fires, air line, crankcase and gearbox explosions
  • 6.1 Operational and design factors contributing to waste heat unit fires are assessed
  • 6.2 Appropriate strategies for extinguishing/containing soot and hydrogen fires are selected
  • 6.3 Hazard reduction, inspection and isolation of waste heat units in service procedures are established
  • 6.4 Operational factors that may contribute to scavenge fires are identified and methods of extinguishing and hazard reduction are determined
  • 6.5 Factors contributing to explosive mixtures are analysed and hazard reduction procedures for starting air systems are proposed and evaluated
  • 6.7 Causes of gearbox and crankcase explosions in propulsion and auxiliary drives are revised
  • 6.9 Procedures to be implemented for hazardous atmosphere warning in oil and dual-fuel engines are evaluated
  • 6.10 Relevant diagrams are used to identify operating principles of oil-mist detectors, crankcase breathers and explosion relief doors
  • 6.11 Maintenance strategies are developed and criteria for piston rod scraper box inspection and maintenance intervals are specified
7 Plan safe working practices associated with diesel engine maintenance, operation and repair
  • 7.1 Safe working practices for isolating main and propulsion diesels under all operational contingencies are planned, including use of protective devices, interlocks and evaluation of their status
  • 7.2 Safe working practices for machinery in enclosed spaces are planned
  • 7.3 Hazard reduction procedures for safe working with flammable liquids under pressure, chemicals, acids and hydrocarbons associated with engine overhaul and maintenance are planned
  • 7.4 Safe working strategies for diesel engine maintenance are planned according to manufacturer instruction manuals and product safety data sheets (SDS)/material safety data sheets (MSDS)
  • 7.5 Safe working practices associated with safe handling of hydraulic tools and dangers of lifting/isolating heavy components both unaided and with lifting gear are explained
8 Interpret combustion diagnostic equipment faults and relate to fuel injection and pressure charging systems
  • 8.1 Two and four-stroke theoretical cycle diagrams are produced and discrepancies with results recorded by diagnostic tools are accounted for
  • 8.2 Combustion faults related to fuel injection and pressure charging systems are diagnosed, corrective action is specified and service values with trials or test bed figures are analysed
  • 8.3 Methods of pressure charging diesel engines are evaluated, efficiencies are determined from records, efficiency losses are accounted for and means of correction are identified
  • 8.4 Maintenance and emergency procedures for turbochargers and charge air coolers are planned
  • 8.5 Design features of turbochargers and charge air coolers are evaluated
  • 8.6 Relevant diagrams are applied to evaluate diesel scavenging systems, under normal and emergency operation modes
9. Analyse construction and operation of marine gas turbines
  • 9.1 Flow of air and gas through a simple cycle marine gas turbine is analysed
  • 9.2 Materials and construction of compressor, combustion system and turbine in single and two-shaft designs are outlined
  • 9.3 Controls required for control and protection of marine gas turbines are detailed
  • 9.4 Functions of accessories necessary for safe operation of marine gas turbines are explained
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State Code National Code Title Type
BFV8 MAR60120 Advanced Diploma of Marine Engineering (Class 1) Qualification