Elements and Performance Criteria

General context
Work must be carried out in compliance with the relevant maritime regulations.

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 required outcomes. It involves the operation, testing and maintenance of batteries, starter motors and the power distribution systems on a vessel up to 3,000 kW propulsion power and the application of solutions to a defined range of operational and maintenance problems falling within limits of responsibility of an Engineer (Class 3).
Note: All installation, maintenance and repair of AC (50 volts or above) DC (above 115 volts) must be carried out only by a suitably qualified engineer or licensed tradesman. Relevant State/Territory electrical licensing requirements must be fulfilled by any persons carrying out installation, maintenance and repair of electrical circuits and systems at such voltages on a vessel.

Worksite environment
Power generation equipment, batteries, starter motors and the power distribution systems may include those typically found on a commercial vessel of up to 3,000 kW propulsion power operating within inshore limits.

Performance monitoring and repair of shipboard batteries, starter motors and the power distribution systems may be carried out:
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.

Power distribution systems may include:
distribution circuits and wiring
protection devices
circuit breakers
a.c. motors generators and alternators
d.c. motors and generators
electronic instrumentation and power supply circuits
emergency supply systems including emergency generators, emergency switchboard and battery banks.

Emergencies may include:
loss of electrical power
short circuits and open-circuits in distribution systems
loss of electronic/electrical control of systems
damaged batteries
flooding of vessel
fire or explosion onboard vessel
failure of emergency alarm and control systems
loss of refrigeration
overloading of electrical systems.

Testing and repair equipment may include:
electronic instrumentation meters and gauges
computer displays of performance parameters
hand tools, such as soldering irons, pliers, cutters, wire-strippers, spanners, wrenches, screwdrivers, hacksaws, etc.
electric and pneumatic power tools, such as drills, etc.
portable and manual lifting equipment including block and tackle and hydraulic jacks
material safety data sheets
protective clothing and equipment such as:
eye and ear protection
safety boots and helmet
dust and fume masks
boilersuit/overalls.

Maintenance and repair hazards may include:
exposed live circuits and faulty earth connections
moving heavy loads using unsafe lifting procedures
unsecured machinery and equipment
sharp tools and implements
power tools
moving and rotating electrical machinery and electronic control equipment
faulty equipment, handling equipment and lifting gear
using equipment beyond safe working limits
poor housekeeping procedures
non-compliance with safe working procedures
electrical wiring and systems
working at heights
overspeed of electrical machinery, emergency trips.

Sources of information/documents
Documentation/records may include:
ISM Code safety management system plans, procedures, checklists and instructions
maintenance and repair procedures and instructions
specifications, instructions and recommended procedures of the manufacturer's of the vessel's batteries, starter motors and the power distribution systems
maintenance logs and records
vessel's survey procedures and instructions as they relate to vessel's batteries, starter motors and the power distribution systems
vessel's safety and emergency contingency plans and procedures
relevant sections of the Australian USL Code dealing with maintenance and repair.

Applicable International, Australian and State/Territory regulations and legislation
Applicable procedures and codes may include:
sections of AMSA Marine Orders and USL Code related to shipboard batteries, starter motors and the power distribution systems maintenance and repair on vessels up to 3,000 kW propulsion power
ISM Code
relevant Australian and State/Territory OH&S and pollution control legislation
requirements of relevant State/Territory electrical licensing authorities.

Critical aspects of evidence to be considered
Assessment must confirm appropriate knowledge and skills to:
Operate and monitor the performance of batteries, starter motors and the power distribution systems against specifications on a vessel up to 3,000 kW propulsion power
Identify malfunctioning and faulty batteries, starter motors and the power distribution systems and components and initiate appropriate action for repair or replacement
Make safe faulty electrical systems and equipment
Trouble-shoot malfunctioning and faulty batteries, starter motors and the power distribution systems and carry out required repairs within limits of responsibility of an Engineer (Class 3) and relevant electrical licensing authority restrictions
Exercise all required safety and hazard control precautions and procedures when overseeing the operation, maintenance and repair of vessel's batteries, starter motors and the power distribution systems
Identify typical operational and maintenance and repair problems and hazards and take appropriate action within limits of responsibility of an Engineer (Class 3)
Communicate effectively with others during maintenance and repair operations including effective use of internal communication systems
Ensure adherence to relevant maritime regulations and requirements of relevant State/Territory electrical licensing authorities.

Interdependent assessment of units
This unit of competency must be assessed in conjunction with other mandatory units that form part of a job role of an Engineer (Class 3).

Required knowledge and skills
Knowledge of relevant maritime regulations applicable to the operation and maintenance of batteries, starter motors and the power distribution systems on vessels up to 3,000 kW propulsion power
Regulations of relevant State/Territory electrical licensing authorities
Note: All installation, maintenance and repair of AC (50 volts or above) DC (above 115 volts) must be carried out only by a suitably qualified engineer or licensed tradesman. Relevant State/Territory electrical licensing requirements must be fulfilled by any persons carrying out installation, maintenance and repair of electrical circuits and systems at such voltages on a vessel.
Relevant OH&S and pollution control legislation, policies and procedures
Procedures for carrying out shipboard batteries, starter motors and the power distribution systems testing, trouble-shooting and repair as part of routine maintenance procedures falling within limits of responsibility of an Engineer (Class 3)
A basic understanding of the power distribution and control circuits used on board vessels of up to 3,000 kW propulsion power and their associated operational electrical machinery and electronic control equipment
Typical operational characteristics and performance specifications for the different types of batteries, starter motors and the power distribution systems found on a vessel up to 3,000 kW propulsion power
The nature and causes of malfunctions in batteries, starter motors and the power distribution systems and the available methods for their detection and repair
Mathematical techniques to solve basic engineering and maintenance problems procedures falling within limits of responsibility of an Engineer (Class 3)
Procedures for the use of instruments and meters to monitor and measure
The colour coding system used for electric conductors
Definitions of electrical terms and solve basic electrical problems using mathematics
Principles of battery operation and maintenance including parallel operation of batteries
The basic principles of operation and operating procedures for A.C. and D.C. generators
Basic principles of preventative and remedial maintenance.
Precautions and procedures for electrical safety during repair and inspection of electrical circuitry and equipment
Principles and procedures for electrical measurement, including the use of relevant instruments
Knowledge and ability to read and interpret performance readings and instrumentation
Maritime communication techniques needed during maintenance and repair operations
Knowledge and ability to read and interpret material safety data sheets
Knowledge and ability to read and interpret specifications, drawings, and manuals
Principles of electrotechnology, including:
the electric circuit
basics of cabling, distribution and lighting systems typically used on a small vessel
deck electrical machinery and related electronic control equipment
instruments, calibration and testing
fire and emergency alarm systems
Safety, environmental and hazard control precautions and procedures relevant to maintenance operations on marine batteries, starter motors and the power distribution systems
Safe procedures for the use of hand and power tools and maintenance equipment.

Resource implications
Access is required to opportunities to either:
participate in a range of practical and theoretical assignments, exercises, case studies, simulated fault situations and other assessments that demonstrate the skills and knowledge to operate, test and maintain batteries, starter motors and the power distribution systems; and/or
operate, test and maintain batteries, starter motors and the power distribution systems over a range of operational situations on a commercial or training vessel.

Consistency in performance
Applies underpinning knowledge and skills when:
operating and testing batteries, starter motors and the power distribution systems
identifying shipboard malfunctions in batteries, starter motors and the power distribution systems on a vessel up to 3,000 kW propulsion power
applying safety precautions relevant to batteries, starter motors and the power distribution systems maintenance and repair operations
completing maintenance and repair documentation and records.

Shows evidence of application of relevant workplace procedures including:
relevant maritime regulations
OHS and electrical licensing regulations
manufacturers specifications and instructions for the operation, testing and maintenance of batteries, starter motors and power distribution systems
following on-board housekeeping processes.

Action taken promptly to report and/or rectify malfunctions in batteries, starter motors and the power distribution system.

Work is managed, controlled and 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.