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 the specified quality and quantity of outcomes. It involves the operation and maintenance of boiler systems on a vessel and the application of solutions to a defined range of maintenance problems falling within limits of responsibility of an Engineer (Class 3).

Worksite environment
Vessel may include any commercial vessel up to 3,000 kW propulsion power operating within inshore limits.

Operation and maintenance of boiler 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
in dry dock
when bunkering
during cargo operations.

Boiler systems.

Maintenance may include:
preventative and remedial maintenance and basic repairs of boiler systems and related equipment and components
routine servicing in accordance with established procedures
routine visual checks
identification of poor performance or faults in the operation of boiler systems
identification of faulty equipment or fittings and arranging for repair or replacement
assisting contractors in repair operations.

Maintenance tools and equipment may include:
hand tools including screwdrivers, spanners, wrenches
lifting gear and equipment
protective clothing and equipment such as:
eye and ear protection
safety boots and helmet
dust and fume masks.

Sources of information/documents
Documentation/records may include:
ISM Code safety management system plans, procedures, checklists and instructions
Australian USL Code
company and vessel operational and maintenance procedures
preventative and remedial maintenance schedules and records
equipment manufacturer's instructions, specifications and recommended procedures
instructions of relevant Maritime Authorities related to the maintenance of vessels
relevant Australian standards.

Applicable International, Australian and State/Territory regulations and legislation
Applicable procedures and codes may include:
relevant sections of the Australian USL Code related to the operation and maintenance of boiler systems on vessels
relevant IMO Conventions and Codes
relevant international, Australian and State/Territory OH&S and pollution control legislation
relevant international and Australian engineering standards.

Critical aspects of evidence to be considered
Assessment must confirm appropriate knowledge and skills to:
Operate boiler systems on a vessel within limits of responsibility of an Engineer (Class 3
Carry out preventative and remedial maintenance on boiler systems on a vessel within limits of responsibility of an Engineer (Class 3)
Identify typical problems related to the operation and maintenance of boiler systems on a vessel and take appropriate action within limits of responsibility of an Engineer (Class 3)
Exercise all required safety, environmental and hazard control precautions and procedures during operation and routine maintenance of systems
Communicate effectively with others when operating and carrying out maintenance on boiler systems on a vessel.

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
Relevant OH&S and pollution control legislation and codes of practice
Statutory requirements for the operation and maintenance of medium to low pressure steam plants and boiler systems
Types of medium to low pressure boiler systems used on vessels up to 3,000 kW propulsion power, including their principle features and operating characteristics
Basic construction of medium to low pressure boilers, including fittings that accord with safety and statutory requirements
The basic principles of operation and safety of boilers, steam and feed systems, steam engines and turbines, including the care and management of boilers and their fittings and basic feed water systems, testing and treatment
Procedures for the operation and routine maintenance of medium to low pressure boiler systems on vessels up to 3,000 kW propulsion power falling within limits of responsibility of an Engineer (Class 3)
Basic properties of steam
Procedures for the use gauges and meters to monitor and measure performance
The causes, effects of, and methods of detection of boiler water contamination
Hazard control precautions and procedures relevant to the operation and routine maintenance of steam plants and boiler systems
Typical problems related to the operation and maintenance of boiler systems on vessels and appropriate diagnostic action and related solutions
Mathematical techniques to solve basic engineering and maintenance problems
Precautions that must be taken to minimise danger of fire or explosion.
Maintenance records that must be maintained on a vessel to meet the requirements of the company and regulatory authorities.

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 maintain boiler systems on vessels up to 3,000 kW propulsion power, and/or
operate and maintain boiler systems on an operational commercial or training vessel up to 3,000 kW propulsion power operating within inshore limits.

Consistency in performance
Applies underpinning knowledge and skills when:
operating boiler systems on vessels up to 3,000 kW propulsion power operating within inshore limits
carrying out preventative and remedial maintenance on boiler systems on a vessel
identifying and evaluating typical operational and maintenance problems and determining appropriate courses of action
applying safety and pollution control precautions when operating boiler systems on a vessel
identifying and implementing improvements to operational and routine maintenance procedures.

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 vessel manufacturer's guidelines relating to operating and carrying out routine maintenance on boiler systems on a vessel
environmental protection procedures when carrying out maintenance operations.

Action is taken promptly to report and/or rectify issues and problems identified with operating and maintaining boiler systems in accordance with manufacturer's instructions, statutory requirements and company procedures.

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.