Unit of competency Outline
Date retreived
23/07/2026 5:04 AM AWST
23/07/2026 5:04 AM 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 electrical systems
Demonstrate intermediate knowledge of marine electrical systems
Unit of competency
National Code
MARL6015A
MARL6015A
State Code
WG485
WG485
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
35
Description
This unit involves the skills and knowledge required to analyse complex switchboards, perform fault finding on electrical circuits, maintain circuit breakers, synchronise alternators and maintain emergency battery systems to ensure supply of shipboard electrical power on board a commercial vessel.
Notes
Elements and Performance Criteria
1 Analyse common faults in shipboard electrical machinery
- 1.1 Effects and ways of detecting earth on 3wire insulated and 4wire earthed neutral systems are explained
- 1.2 Effects of short circuits and operation of discrimination protection are explained
- 1.3 Symptoms and effects of ‘light’ and ‘heavy’ short circuits on components and circuits are compared
- 1.4 Effects of open circuits on systems and components transformers are analysed
- 1.5 Causes and effects of ‘hot spots’ in circuits are identified
- 1.6 Cause and effects of static electricity on shafting and when cleaning tanks are identified
2 Perform fault- finding on electrical circuits
- 2.1 Safe procedure for determining insulation resistance of a 3phase motor or alternator including protection of solidstate components and selection of suitable minimum insulation for the component is applied
- 2.2 Procedure for safely drying out an electrical machine with a low IR is outlined
- 2.3 Open circuit in a 3phase motor is safely tested
- 2.4 Procedure for testing internal short circuit in a 3phase motor is clarified
3 Analyse complex shipboard switchboard layouts
- 3.1 Switchboard layouts are interpreted
- 3.2 Effects and indications of earths on the system including intermittent and multi earths are explained
- 3.3 Safe procedure for locating earths on main and low voltage circuits including 24 V system is outlined
- 3.4 Operation of preferential tripping arrangements for overload protection is explained
- 3.5 Relationship between main and emergency switchboards is explained
- 3.6 Different methods of start up after black outs are outlined
4 Explain electrical safety procedures for ship and shore personnel
- 4.1 Potential problems associated with shore maintenance personnel working on ship electrical equipment are identified
- 4.2 Safe procedure of isolating electrical machinery for repair or maintenance is applied
- 4.3 Safe method of working on live electrical circuitry for purpose of repair or maintenance is explained
- 4.4 Problems associated with shipboard electrical fires are explained
- 4.5 Safe procedures for fighting shipboard electrical fires including fires in switchboards are clarified
5 Synchronise, parallel and load share alternators on manual and auto modes
- 5.1 Process of manually synchronising alternator and sharing kW and kVAR loading under all loading conditions is explained
- 5.2 Process of starting, testing and where applicable, of transferring emergency generator power on to main board, is explained
- 5.3 Operation of synchronising lights, synchroscope and all meters associated with synchronising is outlined
- 5.4 Operation of AVR and prime mover governor with respect to synchronising is outlined and how these can be adjusted at set points is explained
6 Examine operation, construction and maintenance of circuit breakers
- 6.1 Features and applications of different types of circuit breakers are differentiated
- 6.2 Closing and opening systems of circuit breakers are explained
- 6.3 Arc extinguishing systems are explained
- 6.4 Method for accessing an air circuit breaker for inspection is analysed
- 6.5 Function and operation of protection devices associated with air circuit breaker and molded case circuit breaker are examined
7 Analyse function of emergency battery systems
- 7.1 Different types and characteristics of batteries used for emergency supplies are identified
- 7.2 Methods of battery charging and ways in which charge condition of the battery can be determined are explained
- 7.3 Requirements of emergency supply and how transfer can occur without adversely affecting solid state components are explained
- 7.4 Safety hazards associated with batteries, and procedures to be adopted to minimise explosion and short circuits are appraised
8 Explain hazards associated with marine high voltage installations
- 8.1 Functional and operational requirements for a marine high voltage system are outlined
- 8.2 High voltage marine installations are identified
- 8.3 Design features of high voltage installations are explained
- 8.4 Risks and safety procedures associated with working in high voltage environments are identified
- 8.5 Procedure for assisting suitably qualified personnel to carry out maintenance and repair of high voltage installation is 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.
Systems and components may include:
Motors
Transformers
Switchboard layouts may include:
DC systems
Dedicated power supplies
Dual supply for steering gear
Feed back and feed forward arrangements
Interconnection with low voltage
Problems may include:
Electric shock
Enclosed space work
Noncompliance with safe working procedures
Unfamiliar with marine electrical systems
Using equipment beyond safe working limits
Working at heights
Systems and components may include:
Motors
Transformers
Switchboard layouts may include:
DC systems
Dedicated power supplies
Dual supply for steering gear
Feed back and feed forward arrangements
Interconnection with low voltage
Problems may include:
Electric shock
Enclosed space work
Noncompliance with safe working procedures
Unfamiliar with marine electrical systems
Using equipment beyond safe working limits
Working at heights
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 electrical systems can be demonstrated
technical reference library with current publications on marine electrical systems
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 electrical systems
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 electrical systems can be demonstrated
technical reference library with current publications on marine electrical systems
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 electrical systems
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.
Replaced By
| State Code | National Code | Title | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| AUG41 | MARL028 | Demonstrate intermediate knowledge of marine electrical systems | Unit of competency |
| State Code | National Code | Title | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| J567 | MAR60113 | Advanced Diploma of Maritime Operations (Marine Engineering Class 2) | Qualification |