Application
This unit involves the skills and knowledge required to operate a 240 to 440 voltage alternating current (AC) electrical system according to technical specifications and safe operating limits.
This unit applies to engine workers in the maritime industry working as a Marine Engine Driver Grade 1 Near Coastal on vessels up to 1500 kW.
WARNING: Relevant state/territory training and qualification requirements need to be fulfilled by any persons carrying out installation, maintenance and/or repair of refrigeration equipment especially with regard to preventing the escape of refrigerants into the atmosphere and to electrical work.
Elements and Performance Criteria
1 | Prepare for operation | 1.1 | Risks to self, others and the environment are identified according to organisational procedures |
1.2 | Routine pre-operational checks of electrical systems are completed prior to use according to manufacturer specifications and organisational procedures | ||
2 | Operate electrical systems | 2.1 | Suitable personal protective equipment is selected and used according to organisational procedures |
2.2 | Electrical systems are operated in a safe and controlled manner | ||
2.3 | Performance of direct current (DC) and AC electrical systems is monitored | ||
2.4 | AC electrical demand is monitored and additional generators are paralleled or disconnected as required | ||
2.5 | Ship to shore electrical supply is connected and disconnected when required following established practices and organisational procedures | ||
2.6 | Faults or malfunctions are identified and reported according to organisational procedures | ||
2.7 | Faults or malfunctions are rectified and corrective actions are taken and recorded according to organisational procedures | ||
2.8 | Procedures to be undertaken in emergencies are recognised and implemented | ||
3 | Complete operations and check electrical systems | 3.1 | Shut-down procedures are conducted according to manufacturer instructions and organisational procedures |
3.2 | Operational records are completed according to organisational procedures |
Evidence of Performance
Evidence required to demonstrate competence in this unit must be relevant to and satisfy all of the requirements of the elements and performance criteria on at least one occasion and include:
carrying out necessary calculations associated with managing electrical systems including:
battery ampere-hours and efficiency
series and parallel configuration of battery supply
adding resistors in series and parallel, and calculating current
connecting to shore power
isolating electrical circuits
maintaining records of operating and maintaining electrical systems, and any related safety incidents
monitoring and evaluating performance of electrical systems
performing switchboard operations including the monitoring of electrical supply and procedures for paralleling generators
reading and interpreting:
manufacturer instructions for the operation of electrical systems
maritime regulations, rules and instructions
recognising problems that may occur with electrical systems and taking appropriate preventative and remedial action
recognising when performance of electrical systems is unsatisfactory or outside of specified limits and taking appropriate action
starting emergency generator and supply switchboard where available
using hydrometer
using multi-meter to test for voltage and continuity.
Evidence of Knowledge
Evidence required to demonstrate competence in this unit must be relevant to and satisfy all of the requirements of the elements and performance criteria and include knowledge of:
battery:
operation
charging circuits and hazards associated with charging batteries
types, care and hazards
characteristics of electrical systems
dangers associated with operation of shipboard electrical systems and related hazard prevention strategies
earth detection devices
electrical distribution systems including emergency arrangements
faults associated with electrical systems and appropriate preventative and remedial action, and solutions
methods for managing operation of shipboard electrical systems
motor and alternator construction
motor starter circuits
own ability and limits to rectify irregularities and faults
principles of operation of various shipboard emergency systems including fire detection system, internal communications system and emergency generator
procedures for monitoring and evaluating performance of electrical systems
relevant sections of state and territory maritime regulations, National Standard for Commercial Vessels (NSCV) and Uniform Shipping Laws (USL) Code
relevant work health and safety (WHS)/occupational health and safety (OHS) legislation and policies
safety devices fitted to switchboard and other electrical systems including fuses and circuit breakers
sequence of required action when power unit becomes overloaded
shore power arrangements
single and three phase AC power generation.
Assessment Conditions
Assessors must satisfy National Vocational Education and Training Regulator (NVR)/Australian Quality Training Framework (AQTF) assessor requirements.
Assessment must occur in workplace operational situations where it is appropriate to do so; where this is not appropriate, assessment must occur in simulated workplace operational situations that reflect workplace conditions.
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.
Resources for assessment must include access to:
tools, equipment, machinery, materials and personal protective equipment currently used in industry
applicable documentation such as legislation, regulations, codes of practice, workplace procedures and operational manuals
range of relevant exercises, case studies and/or simulations.
Foundation Skills
This section describes those language, literacy, numeracy and employment skills that are essential to performance. |
Foundation skills essential to performance are explicit in the performance criteria of this unit of competency. |
Range Statement
Specifies different 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. Range is restricted to essential operating conditions and any other variables essential to the work environment. | |
Electrical systems must include: | alternators batteries and associated circuits control circuits fire detection motors starter circuits switchboard |
Emergencies must include: | failure of: generator emergency generator fire flooding |
Operational records must include: | logbooks maintenance records operational orders from the organisation’s safety management system plant and equipment manufacturer instructions and recommended procedures relevant maritime authorities documentation relating to operating electrical systems |
Sectors
Not applicable.
Competency Field
C - Equipment Operations