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:

being aware of own ability and limits to rectify irregularities

initiating timely action in response to defects or damage

attention to appropriate level of detail in recordkeeping.

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 operating engine, and propulsion and auxiliary systems on a vessel can be conducted

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 operating engine, and propulsion and auxiliary systems on a vessel

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.

Required Skills:

Arrange maintenance according to technical specifications

Check pressures, temperatures and revolutions during start-up and warm-up periods according to technical specifications

Comply with vessel operating procedures and manufacturer recommendations for start-up and making available fuel, lubricants, cooling water and air

Identify:

main difference between two- and four-stroke cycles of operation

major parts of marine internal combustion engines

marine propulsion systems components and explain their functions

Implement safe and environmentally responsible work practices

Manage fuel systems safely according to regulations, manufacturer instructions and vessel procedures and so as to prevent pollution of the marine environment

Operate:

lubricating systems according to established procedures and so as to prevent pollution of the marine environment

main propulsion plant auxiliary systems to ensure safe operating conditions

marine internal combustion engines within technical specifications

pumping systems according to manufacturer instructions, operational procedures and regulations to ensure safety of operation and prevention of pollution of the marine environment

refrigeration system according to manufacturer instructions, operational procedures and regulations to ensure safety of operation and prevention of pollution of the marine environment

Outline operation and servicing of propulsion system within the technical specifications

Prepare shut-down and supervise cooling down of engine according to vessel operating procedures and manufacturer recommendations

Read and interpret manufacturer specifications

Recognise and repair basic operational faults or organise maintenance assistance

Test steering arrangements according to manufacturer instructions, operational procedures and regulations

Required Knowledge:

Air filters

Back-flooding prevention

Basic:

combustion process

governor operation

timing diagrams

Bearing types, materials, installation, lubrication

Causes of vibration and undue wear

Circulating pumps

Controllable pitch propellers

Cooling systems including keel cooling/heat exchangers, circulating pumps, ship’s side valves, coolant circulation and thermostats

Corrosion

Couplings types, fittings, keys and keyways

Drive systems, belts, clutches, motors, etc. of pumping systems

Dual duty systems/cross connection

Emergency procedures

Engine watchkeeping

Fault identification, maintenance, prevention of corrosion

Fuel system fault-finding and possible emergency operation

Fuel systems including petrol/diesel, carburettors/fuel injectors, common rail

Gear box fault identification and emergency operation

Glands, packing, seals

Identification of components of refrigeration systems

Injection pumps

Inspection and checks of main and auxiliary machinery and associated spaces

Instrumentation

Keeping running and maintenance logs

Lubricating systems including lube oil circulating systems, lube oil system components, general lubrication , cooling effects and lubrication system problems

Main differences between two- and four-stroke cycles of operation

Maintenance and inspection

Marine two- and four-stroke:

diesel engines

petrol engines

Major parts of marine internal combustion engines

Operation of firefighting equipment in engine space

Power transmission operation

Propeller and intermediate shafting alignment

Pumping systems including fire/bilge/tank circulating systems

Refrigeration systems including hazards of refrigerant gases

Relevant environmental responsibilities, regulations and legislative requirements

Rudder and stock support bearings

Running checks

Shaft seals and glands, packings

Start-up and shut-down procedures

Steering operation of hydraulic, cable, rod and gear

Steering systems including rudder construction and rudder types

Sterndrive and water jet drive units

Strainers, mudboxes, foot valves

Testing of steering and hydraulic systems

Tiller arm attachment

Turbo/supercharging

Use of flexible materials, hoses

Valve types:

construction and routine servicing

WHS/OHS requirements and work practices

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.

Personal protective equipment may include:

Boots

Gloves

Hard hat

Hearing protection

Overalls

Protective eyewear

Respirator or face mask

Pre-operational checks may include:

Checking coolants levels

Checking:

filters

fuel level

starting system

there is enough power available on switchboard and close isolator

Confirming correct pressures of auxiliary systems

Connections

Dip oil

Inspecting batteries and turning on isolator

Inspecting for leaks and faults

Inspecting safety guards, power take off stubs and shafts

Leads

Lines

Opening valves as appropriate

Equipment may include:

Auxiliary equipment and associated spaces

Cooling systems

Firefighting equipment

Fuel systems

Gearbox

Lubricating systems

Marine two- and four-stroke:

diesel engines

petrol engines

Propeller and immediate shafting alignment

Pumping systems

Refrigeration systems

Steering systems

Sterndrive and water jet drive units

Environmental implications may include:

Excessive noise and exhaust emissions

Loss of fuel and oil overside

Basic operational faults may include:

Starting faults

Failure of:

cooling systems

fuel system

lubrication systems

Gearbox faults

Pumping systems failure

Refrigeration systems failure

Steering failure

Emergencies may include:

Failure of main engine

Fire

Flooding

Loss of steering

Operational records may include:

Maintenance logs

Running logs