Unit of competency Outline
Date retreived
23/07/2026 4:51 AM AWST
23/07/2026 4:51 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 basic knowledge of marine steam turbines and main boilers
Demonstrate basic knowledge of marine steam turbines and main boilers
Unit of competency
National Code
MARL013
MARL013
State Code
AUG81
AUG81
TGA Status
Replaced
Replaced
DTWD Status
Transition (Replaced)
Transition (Replaced)
State Implementation and Classification
Approved Date
28/08/2015
Field of Education
031701 - Maritime Engineering
Original Release Date
28/08/2015
Nominal Hours
70
Description
This unit involves the knowledge required to operate and maintain main steam propulsion plant and associated control systems on a commercial vessel.This unit applies to the work of Marine Engineering Watchkeepers on commercial vessels greater than 750 kW and forms part of the requirements for the Certificate of Competency Marine Engineer Watchkeeper issued by the Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA).No licensing, legislative or certification requirements apply to this unit at the time of publication.
Notes
Elements and Performance Criteria
1 Interpret an energy balance diagram for a shipboard steam plant
- 1.1 Ideal theoretical thermodynamic cycle for the operation of a steam plant is outlined
- 1.2 Why actual expansion of steam through a turbine differs from ideal cycle is explained
- 1.3 Typical heat losses around a steam plant are identified
- 1.4 Effect of air preheating, feed heating and economisation upon energy balance of steam plant’s thermodynamic cycle are explained
- 1.5 Typical heat (and/or mass) balance diagram for a ship’s steam plant is interpreted
2 Explain construction and operation of marine high-pressure water boilers
- 2.1 Advantages of water tube boiler over fire tube boiler for shipboard applications are outlined
- 2.2 Construction and operation of a ‘D’ type membrane furnace boiler with superheater, economiser and air pre-heater is explained
- 2.3 External fittings required by Classification Society Rules on any large boiler are identified
- 2.4 Internal fittings of a boiler’s main steam drum are identified
- 2.5 How automation is applied to boiler control is clarified
- 2.6 Start up, operation and shut down of a main propulsion steam boiler is outlined
3 Explain construction and operation of a main propulsion steam plant
- 3.1 How common forms of blading and rotor construction are manufactured is clarified
- 3.2 How casings of common marine steam turbines are fitted out is clarified
- 3.3 Principles of thermodynamics are applied to explain expansion of steam in a typical marine turbine
- 3.4 Importance of start up and warming-through procedures for a steam turbine set is conveyed
- 3.5 Checks required during routine turbine operation are explained
- 3.6 Safety devices for a steam turbine set are identified and normal emergency shut-down procedures are identified
- 3.7 Operation of turbines under normal and emergency conditions is outlined
4 Explain auxiliary machinery required to support operation of main propulsion steam turbines and boilers
- 4.1 Construction and operation of different types of auxiliary machinery needed to support main propulsion steam turbines and boilers is outlined
- 4.2 Construction and operation of steam and electric motor prime movers required for driving auxiliary machinery are outlined
5 Explain configuration and operating principles of different steam distribution systems used in steam-powered vessels
- 5.1 Configuration and operating principles of different steam distribution systems is outlined
- 5.2 Typical pressure reducing and pressure control valves suitable for steam service are outlined and illustrated
6 Explain operation principles of close feed systems used by boiler/turbine sets
- 6.1 Difference between an open and a closed feed system is clarified
- 6.2 Closed feed system is outlined
- 6.3 Pressure feed heaters are outlined
- 6.4 Chemical injection equipment suitable for use on any ship’s main feed system is explained
7 Explain feed and boiler water treatment
- 7.1 Recommended limits of characteristics for boiler water and recommended intervals at which tests are undertaken are clarified
- 7.2 Reasons for treating boiler water are outlined
- 7.3 Different types of hardness in water, their consequences if left untreated, and ways of minimising their effect are explained
- 7.4 How corrosion within a boiler is minimised by treating boiler water is explained
- 7.5 Causes and ways of avoiding carry-over and caustic embrittlement are explained
- 7.6 Safety requirements for handling feedwater and boiler water treatment chemicals are explained
8 Explain transmission of power from the steam turbine main engine to the propeller
- 8.1 Why reduction gearing is required between steam turbines and propeller is clarified
- 8.2 Generation of tooth form is outlined
- 8.3 Double helical gearing and difference between single and double reduction gearing are explained
- 8.4 Applications of epicyclic gearing are explained
- 8.5 Function of flexible couplings in a turbine/gearing set is clarified
- 8.6 Components of a driveline from main wheel connection, aft, to propeller are listed
- 8.7 Methods and mechanisms for lubricating a driveline are detailed
9 Explain procedures for preventing and responding to fires and explosions specific to steam propulsion plant
- 9.1 Causes, symptoms and means of preventing and extinguishing fires associated with steam propulsion plant are detailed
- 9.2 Protective devices associated with boilers to minimise risk of fires, explosions and water shortages are identified
- 9.3 Routine inspection and maintenance requirements to prevent fires, explosions and water shortages are outlined
No information
No information
Replaces
| State Code | National Code | Title | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| WG468 | MARL5010A | Demonstrate basic knowledge of marine steam turbines and main boilers | Unit of competency |
Replaced By
| State Code | National Code | Title | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| OCH07 | MARL059 | Demonstrate basic knowledge of marine steam turbines and main boilers | Unit of competency |
| State Code | National Code | Title | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| AVQ1 | MAR50115 | Diploma of Maritime Operations (Engineer Watchkeeper) | Qualification |