Unit of competency Outline
Date retreived
23/07/2026 2:48 PM AWST
23/07/2026 2:48 PM 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 advanced knowledge of marine control systems and automation
Demonstrate advanced knowledge of marine control systems and automation
Unit of competency
National Code
MARL6019A
MARL6019A
State Code
WG489
WG489
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
50
Description
This unit involves the skills and knowledge required to operate control systems on board a commercial vessel. It includes basic knowledge of control theory and knowledge required to analyse the operation and performance of signal transmissions systems, electronic transmitters, final control element arrangements, electronic temperature sensors and transmitters, governors, PID electronic controllers, machinery space monitoring alarm and control systems.It also includes knowledge of fault finding techniques for control systems, measurement and test equipment used for fault finding electronic apparatus, operational applications of analogue and digital programmable logic controllers, and procedures for programming, operating, and maintaining PLC controlled systems.
Notes
Elements and Performance Criteria
1 Explain control theory
- 1.1 Time lag is distinguished from time constant
- 1.2 How resistance and capacitance affect control and process system response is shown
- 1.3 Transfer function is defined
- 1.4 Effect of variations in undamped natural frequency on control systems is illustrated
2 Analyse signal transmissions systems used for monitoring, controlling and shutting down machinery
- 2.1 Methods and limitations of different signal transmissions systems are compared
- 2.2 Standard pneumatic system and standard analogue 4-20 mA system of signal transmission are compared and contrasted
- 2.3 System of a communications bus using digital signal transmission with optical and electronic systems is explained
- 2.4 Limitations and advantages of a communications bus system are analysed
3 Analyse electronic transmitters
- 3.1 Principles of operation of a typical 4-20 mA transmitter are explained
- 3.2 Application of strain gauges and changes in capacitance as sensors for pressure and differential pressure transmitters are outlined
- 3.3 Methods of testing transmitter outputs are explained
- 3.4 Application of differential pressure transmitters to liquid level sensing is analysed
- 3.5 Use of a differential pressure transmitter to measure flow is analysed and compared with non-restrictive electronic systems
4 Evaluate final control element arrangements
- 4.1 Pneumatic, electric and hydraulic actuation are compared and contrasted
- 4.2 Arrangements for locking pneumatic control valves in their last position on air failure are outlined
- 4.3 Control valve trim characteristics are explained
- 4.4 Control valve selection for machinery space duties are analysed
5 Evaluate electronic temperature sensors and transmitters
- 5.1 Colour coding of tails and compensating cables for thermo couple types are identified
- 5.2 Temperature/mV outputs and application of common thermo couple types are illustrated
- 5.3 Relationship between resistance and temperature for PT100 resistance temperature device and method of testing three wire arrangements is explained
- 5.4 Arrangements of interfacing thermo couples and RTDs with 4-20ma systems and 1-5 volt interface cards are analysed
6 Analyse PID electronic controllers
- 6.1 Principle of operation of an electronic analogue 3-term controller and how adjustments are made is explained
- 6.2 Open loop response and PID controller testing and calibration is demonstrated
- 6.3 Application of modern single loop digital controller is explained
- 6.4 Programming requirements for manual and auto tuning when adjusting digital controllers are demonstrated
7 Evaluate performance of machinery space monitoring alarm and control systems
- 7.1 Capacitance sensing and float level monitoring systems are compared
- 7.2 Single, two and three element boiler water level control systems involving feedwater and cascade systems are analysed
- 7.3 Requirements and systems to provide advanced combustion control systems and sequential control for burner management are outlined
- 7.4 Concepts and arrangements for central cooling and load dependent cooling control systems are explained
- 7.5 Main engine control arrangements for fixed pitch propeller and CPP systems requiring sequential control are analysed
- 7.6 Tests and procedures to meet UMS requirements are explained, and alarm and monitoring systems involving data loggers, alarm print outers, and trend analysis are evaluated
8 Explain fault-finding techniques for control systems
- 8.1 Governor adjustments are demonstrated and effect of incorrect adjustments is explained
- 8.2 Common defects in mechanical and electronic governors are listed
- 8.3 Indication of faults and procedures of fault finding in 4-20mA loops are explained
- 8.4 Fault-finding techniques in pneumatic control systems and their respective components are analysed
- 8.5 Fault-finding flow diagram is illustrated
- 8.6 Off limit performance, fault detection and principles of rectifications for common engine room control systems are evaluated
9 Analyse measurement and test equipment used for fault-finding electronic apparatus
- 9.1 Principles of operation of cathode ray oscilloscope are explained
- 9.2 Need for pulse shaping in electronics is examined
- 9.3 Different methods of testing common alarms systems are compared
- 9.4 Methods used in stabilisation, surveillance and monitoring of control power supplies are demonstrated
10 Analyse governors
- 10.1 Governor faults are diagnosed and interpreted, identifying and evaluating appropriate adjustments and maintenance to be made
- 10.2 Specific governor applications requiring torque limitation, critical speed range avoidance are outlined
- 10.3 Typical electronic governors are explained using labelled diagrams to indicate major components and features
- 10.4 Governor adjustments to allow operation of propulsion and power generation diesels in both shared load and stand alone applications are specified
- 10.5 Response of a diesel engine governor on change in engine load using both feedback and feed forward control is explained using labelled diagrams to indicate major components and adjustments
11 Explain operational applications of analogue and digital programmable logic controllers
- 11.1 Methods of programming PLCs are assessed
- 11.2 Memory applications of PLCs are outlined
- 11.3 Input devices used with analogue PLCs are identified
- 11.4 Fibre optic data transmission systems are explained
- 11.5 Methods used for storing binary data and operating registers are explained
12 Document procedures for programming, operating and maintaining PLC controlled systems
- 12.1 Procedure for identifying required control system functions are explained
- 12.2 Procedure for connecting PLC to system control elements is outlined
- 12.3 System operating procedure is outlined
- 12.4 Procedure for modifying system and program as necessary to provide adequate and appropriate safety requirements, is outlined
- 12.5 Maintenance and fault-finding procedures are outlined
- 12.6 Required documentation is prepared and accuracy is verified
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.
Methods of testing transmitter outputs may include:
MA test point
MV test point
No test points
Faults may include:
Earths
Electronic component failure
High resistance joints
Open circuits
Power supply faults
Short circuits
Governor adjustments may include:
Mismatching between prime mover types and responses
Methods of testing transmitter outputs may include:
MA test point
MV test point
No test points
Faults may include:
Earths
Electronic component failure
High resistance joints
Open circuits
Power supply faults
Short circuits
Governor adjustments may include:
Mismatching between prime mover types and responses
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:
attention to detail when completing documentation
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 advanced knowledge of marine control systems and automation can be demonstrated
technical reference library with current publications on automation and process control
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 advanced knowledge of marine control systems and automation
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:
attention to detail when completing documentation
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 advanced knowledge of marine control systems and automation can be demonstrated
technical reference library with current publications on automation and process control
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 advanced knowledge of marine control systems and automation
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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| AUG23 | MARL032 | Demonstrate advanced knowledge of marine control systems and automation | Unit of competency |
| State Code | National Code | Title | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| J569 | MAR60313 | Advanced Diploma of Maritime Operations (Marine Engineering Class 1) | Qualification |