Application
This unit describes the performance outcomes required to diagnose and repair faults in the wire and rope, push and pull type cable, hydraulic and chain steering systems of marine vessels. It involves preparing for the task, selecting the correct diagnostic procedure, carrying out the diagnosis and the repair, performing post-repair testing, and completing workplace processes and documentation.
It applies to those working in the marine service and repair industry.
No licensing, legislative, regulatory or certification requirements apply to this unit at the time of publication.
Elements and Performance Criteria
Elements Elements describe the essential outcomes. | Performance Criteria Performance criteria describe the performance needed to demonstrate achievement of the element. Where bold and italicised text is used, further information is detailed in the range of conditions section. |
1. Prepare to diagnose and repair marine steering system | 1.1 Job requirements are determined from workplace instructions 1.2 Diagnostic information is sourced and interpreted 1.3 Diagnostic options are analysed and those most appropriate to the circumstances are selected 1.4 Hazards associated with the work are identified and risks are managed 1.5 Diagnostic tools and equipment are selected and checked for serviceability |
2. Diagnose steering system | 2.1 Diagnostic tests are carried out according to workplace procedures and safety requirements 2.2 Faults are identified from diagnostic test results and causes of faults are determined 2.3 Diagnosis findings, including recommendations for necessary repairs or adjustments, are reported according to workplace procedures |
3. Repair steering system | 3.1 Repair information is sourced and interpreted 3.2 Repair options are analysed and those most appropriate to the circumstances are selected 3.3 Repair tools, equipment and materials are selected and checked 3.4 Repairs and component replacements and adjustments are carried out according to manufacturer specifications, workplace procedures and safety requirements, and without causing damage to components or systems 3.5 Post-repair testing is carried out according to workplace procedures to confirm fault rectification, and any further problems detected as having been introduced during the repair process are rectified |
4. Complete work processes | 4.1 Final inspection is made to ensure work is to workplace expectations and vessel is presented ready for use 4.2 Work area is cleaned, waste and non-recyclable materials are disposed of, and recyclable material is collected 4.3 Tools and equipment are checked and stored according to workplace procedures 4.4 Workplace documentation is processed according to workplace procedures |
Evidence of Performance
Before competency can be determined, individuals must demonstrate they can perform the following according to the standards defined in this unit’s elements, performance criteria, range of conditions and foundation skills:
diagnose and repair a fault in two of the following marine steering systems:
mechanical cable
hydraulic steering
electrohydraulic steering.
Evidence of Knowledge
Individuals must be able to demonstrate knowledge of:
work health and safety (WHS) and occupational health and safety (OHS) requirements relating to diagnosing and repairing marine steering systems, including:
procedures for avoiding pinch points when operating steering systems
procedures for working with high hydraulic oil pressures
methods for determining safe working loads of ropes, chains and cables
operating principles of marine steering systems and associated components, including:
rudders and the principle of unequal water pressures
propwash
application, purpose and operation of marine steering systems and components, including:
rope, cable and chain systems
inboard steering systems, including:
steering gear
balanced and unbalanced rudders
electrohydraulic steering
outboard engine steering, including:
mechanical cable
hydraulic steering
electrohydraulic steering
stern drive steering, including:
power steering
electrohydraulic steering
bow and stern thrusters, including:
electric systems
hydraulic systems
diagnostic testing procedures for marine steering systems, including:
rudder wear down
mechanical cable testing, including:
helm evaluation, including backlash
draglink wear
hydraulic system testing, including:
pressure testing
testing system for air
draglink wear
electrohydraulic system testing, including:
pressure testing
component electrical testing
repair procedures for marine steering systems, including procedures for:
selecting steering system appropriate to vessel
dismantling, repairing and lubricating steering system components
replacing components
replacing helm and ram seal
identifying and measuring cables
post-repair testing procedures for marine steering systems, including procedures for testing for smooth operation and full range of movement.
Assessment Conditions
Assessors must satisfy NVR/AQTF assessor requirements.
Competency is to be assessed in the workplace or a simulated environment that accurately reflects performance in a real workplace setting.
Assessment must include direct observation of tasks.
Where assessment of competency includes third-party evidence, individuals must provide evidence that links them to the marine steering systems that they have worked on, e.g. repair orders.
Assessors must verify performance evidence through questioning on skills and knowledge to ensure correct interpretation and application.
The following resources must be made available:
marine repair workplace or simulated workplace
workplace instructions
manufacturer steering system specifications
marine vessels with faults in the steering systems specified in the performance evidence
diagnostic equipment for marine steering systems
tools, equipment and materials appropriate for repairing and adjusting marine steering systems.
Foundation Skills
This section describes those language, literacy, numeracy and employment skills that are essential to performance and are not explicit in the performance criteria.
Skills | Description |
Learning skills to: | locate appropriate sources of information efficiently. |
Reading skills to: | interpret information from manufacturer and workshop literature when seeking marine steering system specifications and procedures. |
Writing skills to: | legibly and accurately fill out workplace documentation when reporting diagnostic findings, making repair recommendations, and recording parts and material used. |
Oral communication skills to: | clarify instructions report diagnostic findings and make repair recommendations. |
Numeracy skills to: | measure marine steering system components and use basic mathematical operations, including addition and subtraction, to calculate distances, tolerances and deviations from manufacturer specifications. |
Planning and organising skills to: | plan own work requirements and prioritise actions to achieve required outcomes and ensure tasks are completed within workplace timeframes. |
Technology skills to: | use measuring equipment, such as vernier calipers. |
Range Statement
This section specifies work environments and conditions that may affect performance. Essential operating conditions that may be present (depending on the work situation, needs of the candidate, accessibility of the item, and local industry and regional contexts) are included. Bold italicised wording, if used in the performance criteria, is detailed below.
Safety requirements must include: | work health and safety (WHS) and occupational health and safety (OHS) requirements, including procedures for: avoiding pinch points when operating steering systems working with high hydraulic oil pressures. |
Sectors
Technical - Steering and Suspension
Competency Field
Marine