Elements and Performance Criteria

The range of variables places the competency in context and allows for differences between enterprises and workplaces, including practices, knowledge and requirements. The range of variables also provides a focus for assessment and relates to the unit as a whole. The following variables may be present.

Pre-start checks:
· amount of fuel in the fuel tank
· appropriate fuel
· water depth
· cooling water intake submerged
· motor attachment points
· fuel hose connected, full and free of constrictions
· fuel tank depressurised.

Started:
· pull start
· electric start.

Controls:
· remote throttle and gear levers
· tiller
· steering wheel
· tilt and trim mechanisms.

Checked:
· cooling water circulation indicator
· temperature gauge
· temperature warning sound.

Fuel quality:
· by estimating fuel consumption at turning points
· contamination
· fuel to oil ratio
· filter type and quality.

Electrical systems:
· batteries:
· charge rate
· capacity
· fuses
· spark plugs.

Propulsion faults:
· bent or broken propeller
· broken shear pin or drive spline
· fouling
· pitch.

Each unit of competency has an evidence guide that relates directly to the performance criteria and the range of variables. Its purpose is to guide assessment of the unit in the workplace and/or training program. The following components provide information to assist this purpose.

Underpinning knowledge
The essential knowledge and understanding a person needs to perform work to the required standard include:
· outboard motor fuel systems
· outboard motor cooling systems
· outboard motor lubrication systems
· battery connection
· trouble shooting
· International Convention for the Prevention of Pollution from Ships (MARPOL) requirements.

Practical skills
The essential skills a person needs to perform work to the required standards include:
· checking, operating and maintaining an outboard motor that is used to propel a small vessel.

Literacy skills used for:
· reading trouble shooting charts
· reading manufacturers' instruction manuals.

Numeracy skills used for:
· calculating fuel to oil ratios or using tables to find and add correct volume of lubricating oil
· estimating fuel consumption and time at turning points.

Critical aspects of competence
Assessment must confirm the ability to:
· operate and maintain outboard motors and be able to diagnose and rectify basic faults when in isolated situations
· start and stop an outboard motor
· operate all controls on an outboard motor to propel a dinghy ahead and astern
· perform basic maintenance on an outboard motor
· store an outboard motor.

Assessment must confirm knowledge of:
· indicators of engine faults.

Interdependent assessment of units
This unit may be assessed after/with:
· No recommendations.

Context of assessment
Assessment is to be conducted at the workplace or in a simulated work environment.

Method of assessment
The following assessment methods are suggested:
· written or oral short answer testing
· practical exercises
· project work
· observation of practical demonstration.

Resources required for assessment
Resources may include:
· fully operational small vessel powered by an outboard motor
· remote steering and controls.