Assessor Resource

MARL013
Demonstrate basic knowledge of marine steam turbines and main boilers

Assessment tool

Version 1.0
Issue Date: March 2024


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.

You may want to include more information here about the target group and the purpose of the assessments (eg formative, summative, recognition)



Evidence Required

List the assessment methods to be used and the context and resources required for assessment. Copy and paste the relevant sections from the evidence guide below and then re-write these in plain English.

Elements describe the essential outcomes.

Performance criteria describe the performance needed to demonstrate achievement of the element.

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

Evidence required to demonstrate competence in this unit must be relevant to and satisfy all of the requirements of the elements, performance criteria and range of conditions on at least one occasion and include:

accessing diagnostic information related to marine steam turbines

applying relevant work health and safety/occupational health and safety (WHS/OHS) requirements and work practices

assessing own work outcomes and maintaining knowledge of current codes, standards, regulations and industry practices

identifying and applying relevant solutions to problems that can occur when operating steam propulsion plant and associated systems on a steam vessel

identifying and interpreting diagnostic information, and performing mathematical calculations related to operating, repairing and maintaining marine steam turbines

identifying methods, procedures and materials needed for operating, maintaining and repairing marine steam turbines

providing accurate and reliable information

providing appropriate level of detail in responses

reading and interpreting manuals, technical specifications, safety data sheets/material safety data sheets and manufacturer guides related to operating, maintaining and repairing marine steam turbines.

Evidence required to demonstrate competence in this unit must be relevant to and satisfy all of the requirements of the elements, performance criteria and range of conditions and include knowledge of:

basic principles of operation of main steam propulsion and auxiliary systems on a steam vessel, including:

methods of turbine control, including safety devices

symptoms, causes, effects, and actions to be taken with defects of auxiliary steam turbines

construction and operation of main and auxiliary steam turbines

procedures for emergency operation of a steam turbine

effective verbal, written and visual communication strategies

established engineering practice and procedures for operating shipboard steam propulsion plant and associated systems in warm-through, manoeuvring, start up, normal running, emergency and shut down situations

fundamental principles of steam propulsion systems and boilers

hazards and problems that can occur when operating steam propulsion plant and associated systems, and appropriate preventative and remedial action

methods of lubricating the principal components of a marine steam propulsion turbine and its associated gearing, and evaluating common faults, including common lubrication faults, symptoms, causes, and actions to be taken with such faults

operational characteristics and performance specifications for different types of steam propulsion plant and associated systems on a steam vessel of unlimited propulsion power

procedures for reading, interpretation of readings and indications of the performance of steam propulsion plant and associated systems

typical operating precautions for steam propulsion plant and associated systems to ensure operational performance is in compliance with bridge orders, technical specifications, survey requirements and established safety and anti-pollution rules and regulations

types, properties, tests, applications and treatment of fuels, lubricants, and solvents/chemicals used onboard a steam vessel, including a basic understanding of the working principles, construction, maintenance and safe operation of centrifuges, filters, and other treatment devices

units of measurement

WHS/OHS legislation and policies.

Assessors must satisfy National Vocational Education and Training Regulator (NVR)/Australian Quality Training Framework (AQTF) assessor requirements.

Assessment must satisfy the National Vocational Education and Training Regulator (NVR)/Australian Quality Training Framework (AQTF) standards.

Assessment processes and techniques must be appropriate to the language, literacy and numeracy requirements of the work being performed and the needs of the candidate.

Assessment must occur in workplace operational situations or where these are not available, in simulated workplace operational situations or an industry-approved marine operations site that replicates workplace conditions where basic knowledge of marine steam turbines and main boilers can be demonstrated.

Resources for assessment include access to:

diagrams, specifications and other information required for performing basic calculations related to marine steam turbines

relevant documentation including workplace procedures, regulations, codes of practice and operation manuals

technical reference library with current publications on basic marine steam turbines

tools, equipment and personal protective equipment currently used in industry.

Performance should be demonstrated consistently over time and in a suitable range of contexts.


Submission Requirements

List each assessment task's title, type (eg project, observation/demonstration, essay, assingnment, checklist) and due date here

Assessment task 1: [title]      Due date:

(add new lines for each of the assessment tasks)


Assessment Tasks

Copy and paste from the following data to produce each assessment task. Write these in plain English and spell out how, when and where the task is to be carried out, under what conditions, and what resources are needed. Include guidelines about how well the candidate has to perform a task for it to be judged satisfactory.

Elements describe the essential outcomes.

Performance criteria describe the performance needed to demonstrate achievement of the element.

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

Range is restricted to essential operating conditions and any other variables essential to the work environment.

Marine steam turbines include one of the following:

impulse

reaction

Warming-through procedures include one or more of the following:

ensuring air vent is open

minimising thermal shock

warming up according to manufacturer instructions

shutting down

Safety devices include one or more of the following:

axial movement

gland temperature

lube oil pressure

lube oil temperature

remote stops

vacuum condenser pressure

vibration

Auxiliary machinery includes one or more of the following:

lube oil supply pump and system

main boiler forced draught fan

main condensate extraction pump and air ejector

main condenser

main cooling water circulating pump

main fuel oil supply pump and system

main feed pump

Steam distribution systems include one or more of the following:

auxiliary exhaust steam range

auxiliary superheated steam range

bled steam systems

superheated main steam range

Fires include one or more of the following:

blow back

economiser

explosions

low water level

uptake

Evidence required to demonstrate competence in this unit must be relevant to and satisfy all of the requirements of the elements, performance criteria and range of conditions on at least one occasion and include:

accessing diagnostic information related to marine steam turbines

applying relevant work health and safety/occupational health and safety (WHS/OHS) requirements and work practices

assessing own work outcomes and maintaining knowledge of current codes, standards, regulations and industry practices

identifying and applying relevant solutions to problems that can occur when operating steam propulsion plant and associated systems on a steam vessel

identifying and interpreting diagnostic information, and performing mathematical calculations related to operating, repairing and maintaining marine steam turbines

identifying methods, procedures and materials needed for operating, maintaining and repairing marine steam turbines

providing accurate and reliable information

providing appropriate level of detail in responses

reading and interpreting manuals, technical specifications, safety data sheets/material safety data sheets and manufacturer guides related to operating, maintaining and repairing marine steam turbines.

Evidence required to demonstrate competence in this unit must be relevant to and satisfy all of the requirements of the elements, performance criteria and range of conditions and include knowledge of:

basic principles of operation of main steam propulsion and auxiliary systems on a steam vessel, including:

methods of turbine control, including safety devices

symptoms, causes, effects, and actions to be taken with defects of auxiliary steam turbines

construction and operation of main and auxiliary steam turbines

procedures for emergency operation of a steam turbine

effective verbal, written and visual communication strategies

established engineering practice and procedures for operating shipboard steam propulsion plant and associated systems in warm-through, manoeuvring, start up, normal running, emergency and shut down situations

fundamental principles of steam propulsion systems and boilers

hazards and problems that can occur when operating steam propulsion plant and associated systems, and appropriate preventative and remedial action

methods of lubricating the principal components of a marine steam propulsion turbine and its associated gearing, and evaluating common faults, including common lubrication faults, symptoms, causes, and actions to be taken with such faults

operational characteristics and performance specifications for different types of steam propulsion plant and associated systems on a steam vessel of unlimited propulsion power

procedures for reading, interpretation of readings and indications of the performance of steam propulsion plant and associated systems

typical operating precautions for steam propulsion plant and associated systems to ensure operational performance is in compliance with bridge orders, technical specifications, survey requirements and established safety and anti-pollution rules and regulations

types, properties, tests, applications and treatment of fuels, lubricants, and solvents/chemicals used onboard a steam vessel, including a basic understanding of the working principles, construction, maintenance and safe operation of centrifuges, filters, and other treatment devices

units of measurement

WHS/OHS legislation and policies.

Assessors must satisfy National Vocational Education and Training Regulator (NVR)/Australian Quality Training Framework (AQTF) assessor requirements.

Assessment must satisfy the National Vocational Education and Training Regulator (NVR)/Australian Quality Training Framework (AQTF) standards.

Assessment processes and techniques must be appropriate to the language, literacy and numeracy requirements of the work being performed and the needs of the candidate.

Assessment must occur in workplace operational situations or where these are not available, in simulated workplace operational situations or an industry-approved marine operations site that replicates workplace conditions where basic knowledge of marine steam turbines and main boilers can be demonstrated.

Resources for assessment include access to:

diagrams, specifications and other information required for performing basic calculations related to marine steam turbines

relevant documentation including workplace procedures, regulations, codes of practice and operation manuals

technical reference library with current publications on basic marine steam turbines

tools, equipment and personal protective equipment currently used in industry.

Performance should be demonstrated consistently over time and in a suitable range of contexts.

Copy and paste from the following performance criteria to create an observation checklist for each task. When you have finished writing your assessment tool every one of these must have been addressed, preferably several times in a variety of contexts. To ensure this occurs download the assessment matrix for the unit; enter each assessment task as a column header and place check marks against each performance criteria that task addresses.

Observation Checklist

Tasks to be observed according to workplace/college/TAFE policy and procedures, relevant legislation and Codes of Practice Yes No Comments/feedback
Ideal theoretical thermodynamic cycle for the operation of a steam plant is outlined 
Why actual expansion of steam through a turbine differs from ideal cycle is explained 
Typical heat losses around a steam plant are identified 
Effect of air preheating, feed heating and economisation upon energy balance of steam plant’s thermodynamic cycle are explained 
Typical heat (and/or mass) balance diagram for a ship’s steam plant is interpreted 
Advantages of water tube boiler over fire tube boiler for shipboard applications are outlined 
Construction and operation of a ‘D’ type membrane furnace boiler with superheater, economiser and air pre-heater is explained 
External fittings required by Classification Society Rules on any large boiler are identified 
Internal fittings of a boiler’s main steam drum are identified 
How automation is applied to boiler control is clarified 
Start up, operation and shut down of a main propulsion steam boiler is outlined 
How common forms of blading and rotor construction are manufactured is clarified 
How casings of common marine steam turbines are fitted out is clarified 
Principles of thermodynamics are applied to explain expansion of steam in a typical marine turbine 
Importance of start up and warming-through procedures for a steam turbine set is conveyed 
Checks required during routine turbine operation are explained 
Safety devices for a steam turbine set are identified and normal emergency shut-down procedures are identified 
Operation of turbines under normal and emergency conditions is outlined 
Construction and operation of different types of auxiliary machinery needed to support main propulsion steam turbines and boilers is outlined 
Construction and operation of steam and electric motor prime movers required for driving auxiliary machinery are outlined 
Configuration and operating principles of different steam distribution systems is outlined 
Typical pressure reducing and pressure control valves suitable for steam service are outlined and illustrated 
Difference between an open and a closed feed system is clarified 
Closed feed system is outlined 
Pressure feed heaters are outlined 
Chemical injection equipment suitable for use on any ship’s main feed system is explained 
Recommended limits of characteristics for boiler water and recommended intervals at which tests are undertaken are clarified 
Reasons for treating boiler water are outlined 
Different types of hardness in water, their consequences if left untreated, and ways of minimising their effect are explained 
How corrosion within a boiler is minimised by treating boiler water is explained 
Causes and ways of avoiding carry-over and caustic embrittlement are explained 
Safety requirements for handling feedwater and boiler water treatment chemicals are explained 
Why reduction gearing is required between steam turbines and propeller is clarified 
Generation of tooth form is outlined 
Double helical gearing and difference between single and double reduction gearing are explained 
Applications of epicyclic gearing are explained 
Function of flexible couplings in a turbine/gearing set is clarified 
Components of a driveline from main wheel connection, aft, to propeller are listed 
Methods and mechanisms for lubricating a driveline are detailed 
Causes, symptoms and means of preventing and extinguishing fires associated with steam propulsion plant are detailed 
Protective devices associated with boilers to minimise risk of fires, explosions and water shortages are identified 
Routine inspection and maintenance requirements to prevent fires, explosions and water shortages are outlined 

Forms

Assessment Cover Sheet

MARL013 - Demonstrate basic knowledge of marine steam turbines and main boilers
Assessment task 1: [title]

Student name:

Student ID:

I declare that the assessment tasks submitted for this unit are my own work.

Student signature:

Result: Competent Not yet competent

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Assessor name:

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Assessment Record Sheet

MARL013 - Demonstrate basic knowledge of marine steam turbines and main boilers

Student name:

Student ID:

Assessment task 1: [title] Result: Competent Not yet competent

(add lines for each task)

Feedback to student:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Overall assessment result: Competent Not yet competent

Assessor name:

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Date:

Student signature:

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