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 established procedures, with responsibility for own outputs in relation to specified quality and safety standards. Limited responsibility for others in achieving outcomes is required including the application of solutions to a variety of predictable maintenance problems.

Worksite environment
Vessel may include any small commercial vessel between 75kW and 150 kW propulsion power.

Propulsion systems may include:
petrol and LPG outboard motors
petrol inboard engines
medium and high speed diesel propulsion equipment
reduction gears, gearboxes, V-drive boxes, drive legs, etc.
thrust blocks and shaft bearings.

Operation and basic user servicing of 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
when bunkering
during cargo operations.

Basic user service checks may include:
carrying out manufacturer's instructions for prestart checks
checking shaft glands
checking strainers
checking cooling system
visual check for oil leaks
visual check, identification and reporting of obvious equipment faults.

Sources of information/documents
Documentation/records may include:
relevant sections of the Australian USL Code dealing with the operation of small vessels
equipment manufacturer's instructions, specifications and procedures.

Applicable International, Australian and State/Territory regulations and legislation
Applicable procedures and codes may include:
Australian USL Code related to the operation of small vessels
relevant international, Australian and State/Territory OH&S and pollution control legislation.

Critical aspects of evidence to be considered
Assessment must confirm appropriate knowledge and skills to:
Operate propulsion systems on a small vessel
Carry out routine basic service checks of propulsion systems on a small vessel
Exercise all required safety, environmental and hazard control precautions and procedures during operation and routine user servicing of propulsion systems
Communicate effectively with others when operating and carrying out basic service checks on 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 3).

Required knowledge and skills
Procedures for the operation and routine basic servicing of propulsion systems on a small vessel to ensure compliance safety and pollution control rules and regulations
Safety, environmental and hazard control precautions and procedures relevant to the operation and routine servicing of propulsion systems on a small vessel
Basic features and operating characteristics of propulsion systems used on small vessels
Problems related to the operation and routine basic servicing of propulsion systems on small vessels and appropriate action and solutions
Operational and user maintenance records that must be maintained on a small commercial vessel.

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 carry out routine basic service checks on propulsion systems on a small vessel, and/or
operate and carry out routine basic service checks on propulsion systems on an operational commercial or training vessel.

Consistency in performance
Applies underpinning knowledge and skills when:
operating propulsion systems on a small vessel
carrying out basic routine servicing within the limits of responsibility and skill of a Marine Engine Driver (Grade 3) on propulsion systems on a small vessel
applying safety and pollution control precautions when operating 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 equipment manufacturer's guidelines relating to operating and carrying out routine service checks on engines and propulsion systems
environmental protection procedures when carrying out servicing operations.

Action is taken promptly to report problems identified with operating and carrying out routine basic service checks on propulsion systems.

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.