MARC3007A
Operate electrical systems

This unit involves the skills and knowledge required to operate 220 to 440 voltage alternating current (AC) electrical systems.

Application

This unit applies to engine workers in the maritime industry working as a Marine Engine Driver Grade 2 on vessels up to 750 kW or as a Marine Engine Driver Steam.


Prerequisites

Not applicable.


Elements and Performance Criteria

1

Prepare electrical systems and equipment for operation

1.1

Risks to self, others and the environment are identified according to organisational procedures

1.2

Pre-operational checks are carried out according to manufacturer specifications and organisational procedures

2

Operate electrical systems and equipment

2.1

Electrical systems and equipment are operated according to manufacturer specifications, regulations and vessel procedures

2.2

Performance of electrical equipment is monitored

2.3

AC electrical supply is monitored and demand is adjusted

2.4

Operational faults are recognised and recorded, and corrective action is taken according to manufacturer specifications and fault-finding procedures

3

Connect and disconnect ship to shore electrical supply

3.1

Vessel is positioned and secured for connecting to shore electrical supply

3.2

Power cable is inspected and connected to shore supply

3.3

Procedures for changing from vessel supply to shore supply are implemented following vessel procedures

3.4

Electrical supply is monitored for correct operation according to vessel procedures

3.5

Operational faults are recognised and recorded, and corrective action is taken according to vessel procedures

3.6

Procedures for changing from shore supply to vessel supply are implemented following vessel procedures

3.7

Power cable is disconnected, inspected and stored

Required Skills

Required Skills:

Adjust electrical supply to accommodate load demand

Connect and disconnect shore supply

Locate, interpret and apply manufacturer specifications for electrical systems and equipment

Operate and monitor alternating current (AC) electrical systems according manufacturer recommendations, regulations and vessel operating procedures to ensure safe operation

Operate and monitor direct current (DC) systems according to manufacturer recommendations, regulations and vessel operating procedures to ensure safe operation

Recognise electrical system faults and where necessary, take steps to make them immediately safe

Required Knowledge:

Basic care of electrical systems and equipment in general - fault recognition

Batteries:

care

hazards

types

Charging systems:

alarms/indicators

regulators

Connecting batteries in series and parallel

DC systems not exceeding 32V DC

Earth indicating devices

Electric systems (above 32 V DC and up to 415 V AC)

Emergency supply and regulatory requirements

Fault identification, location, and safety implications

Operation of starter motors, alternators and associated equipment

Personal safety

Protective devices on switchboards

Shore power connection

Single and three-phase SC power

Uses of fuses and circuit breakers

selection of correct capacity

Work health and safety (WHS)/occupational health and safety (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:

working safely at all times

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 electrical systems 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 electrical systems

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.

Electrical systems and equipment may include:

Batteries

Charging systems

Fuses and circuit breakers

Generators/alternators

Motors

Shore power connection

Starter motors

Switchboards

Adjusted may include:

Changing electrical supply to a larger alternator

Connecting further alternators in parallel

Requesting non-essential electrical systems be isolated

Operational faults may include:

Battery faults

Earth faults

Failure of:

starter motors

alternators to produce voltage

Faults with shore power connections including phase rotations

Operation of fuses and circuit breakers

Operation of protection devices on the switchboard


Sectors

Not applicable.


Employability Skills

This unit contains employability skills.


Licensing Information

Not applicable.