MARC2006A
Operate main propulsion unit and auxiliary systems

This unit involves the skills and knowledge required to safely operate the main propulsion unit and auxiliary systems on a vessel up to 12 metres not exceeding 250 kW propulsion power.

Application

This unit applies to deck and engine workers working in the maritime industry on vessels up to 12 metres.


Prerequisites

Not applicable.


Elements and Performance Criteria

1

Prepare propulsion unit and auxiliary system for use

1.1

Appropriate personal protective clothing and equipment is selected, used, maintained and stored according to work health and safety (WHS)/occupational health and safety (OHS) requirements

1.2

Routine pre-operational checks are carried out on equipment according to manufacturer specifications and workplace requirements

1.3

Deviations from the norm are promptly identified and rectified

1.4

Adjustments are made to achieve a safe and efficient operation

1.5

Inability to start up equipment is reported promptly and accurately to appropriate personnel

2

Operate propulsion unit and auxiliary system

2.1

Equipment is operated in a safe and controlled manner

2.2

Performance and efficiency of equipment is monitored according to manufacturer instructions

2.3

Equipment is maintained within defined operating limits when running, to achieve optimum safety and efficiency

2.4

Environmental implications associated with the operation of the equipment are identified and controlled

2.5

Deviations from normal operations are promptly identified

2.6

Action is taken to rectify irregularities to maintain optimum safety and efficiency

3

Check and complete propulsion unit and auxiliary system operation

3.1

Equipment shut-down procedures are carried out according to manufacturer specifications and workplace procedures

3.2

Equipment operational records are maintained according to workplace procedures

3.3

Equipment damage, malfunctions or irregular performance are recorded and reported according to workplace procedures

3.4

Equipment is cleaned according to manufacturer specifications and workplace procedures

Required Skills

Required Skills:

Implement safe and environmentally responsible work practices

Measure and calculate volumes, consumption and servicing requirements

Operate propulsion machinery and ancillary equipment to industry standards

Required Knowledge:

Environmental impacts and minimisation measures associated with operating propulsion machinery and auxiliary equipment

Factors associated with the safe operation of propelling and auxiliary equipment

Manufacturer specifications for operating propulsion machinery and auxiliary equipment

Operating principles and operating methods for propulsion machinery and auxiliary equipment

Potential risks and hazards associated with operating propulsion machinery and auxiliary equipment

Potential risks and hazards involved with types of fuels for example petrol, diesel, LPG

Preparing for the use of propelling machinery, auxiliary equipment and other mechanical equipment

Routine checks required with the operation of propelling machinery, auxiliary equipment and other mechanical equipment

Shore power connections and associated hazards

Use of low voltage electrical systems

What to do in the case of malfunctions and emergencies with propelling machinery, auxiliary equipment and other mechanical equipment

WHS/OHS requirements and work practices.

Evidence Required

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:

attention to appropriate level of detail in recordkeeping

providing the required amount of detail in reports.

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 propulsion and auxiliary equipment on a vessel may 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 propulsion and auxiliary equipment 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.


Range Statement

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 clothing and equipment may include:

Boots

Gloves

Hard hat

Hearing protection

Overalls

Protective eyewear

Respirator or facemask

Pre-operational checks may include:

Checking and confirming equipment calibration settings

Inspecting safety guards, power take off stubs and shafts

Observing and monitoring noise levels for correct operation

Pre-start and safety checks including:

oils and lubricants

fuel systems

leads

lines

connections

Equipment must include:

Auxiliary equipment

Bilge systems

Cooling, lubricating and fuel systems

Drive train assembly

Fire pumping arrangements

Low voltage electrical systems

Monitoring machinery

Petrol, diesel and outboard engines

Shore power leads and connections

Steering gear

Two- and four-stroke engines

Safe and controlled manner may include:

Appropriate selection and use of machinery and equipment

Maintaining workloads within specifications

Using operational techniques for the specific location and weather conditions

Environmental implications may include:

Excessive noise and exhaust emissions

Incorrect use of maintenance debris for example oils, containers, chemical residues

Hazardous substances


Sectors

Not applicable.


Employability Skills

This unit contains employability skills.


Licensing Information

Not applicable.