Application
This unit involves the skills and knowledge required to operate alternators, generators and control systems to supply shipboard electrical power on board a commercial vessel.
This unit applies to people working in the maritime industry as a Marine Engineering Watchkeeper on commercial vessels greater than 750 kW or as an Engineer Class 3 Near Coastal.
This unit has links to legislative and certification requirements.
Elements and Performance Criteria
Elements describe the essential outcomes. | Performance criteria describe the performance needed to demonstrate achievement of the element. | ||
1 | Explain hazards and isolation procedures associated with live electrical components | 1.1 | Effects of electricity on the human body are outlined |
1.2 | Procedure to be taken in the event of a person suffering an electric shock is clarified | ||
1.3 | Correct procedure for isolating an electrical circuit is clarified | ||
1.4 | Electrical hazards in a vessel at sea or port are identified | ||
2 | Explain basic operation of and hazards associated with marine high voltage installations | 2.1 | Functional and operational requirements for a marine high voltage system are detailed |
2.2 | Safety procedures required when working in high voltage environments are outlined | ||
2.3 | Procedure for assisting suitably qualified personnel to carry out maintenance and repair of high voltage switchgear of various types is outlined | ||
3 | Explain principles of power generation and transmission in AC and DC circuits | 3.1 | Excitation methods used to produce alternating current (AC) and direct current (DC) voltages are outlined |
3.2 | Basic voltage control of generated AC voltages is outlined | ||
4 | Outline key features of basic electrical diagrams used on vessels | 4.1 | Types of diagrams used to depict electrical systems on ships are outlined |
4.2 | Electrical symbols used in basic electrical diagrams are identified | ||
4.3 | Electrical devices used in basic electrical circuits are clarified | ||
5 | Use common electrical measuring and testing instruments | 5.1 | Different types of multimeters are used appropriately |
5.2 | Functions of insulation and ‘tong’ testers are explained | ||
5.3 | Safety requirements when using test equipment are applied | ||
6 | Rectify basic electrical faults | 6.1 | Fault situation is determined by appropriate questioning of client or operator |
6.2 | Safe working practices are demonstrated when carrying out fault-finding work | ||
6.3 | Basic common faults of equipment and techniques used to find faults are outlined | ||
6.4 | Knowledge of various types of basic common faults of circuits and techniques is used to find faults | ||
6.5 | Basic common faults in electrical equipment are identified and rectified | ||
7 | Outline basic components and layout of a marine electrical switchboard | 7.1 | Layout of a typical three wire insulated electrical system is sketched |
7.2 | Interconnections between main switchboard, emergency switchboard and shore supply are explained | ||
7.3 | Procedure for changing over to emergency switchboard for testing or during loss of mains power is outlined | ||
7.4 | Safety features on a typical marine switchboard are identified | ||
8 | Explain operation of shipboard alternators | 8.1 | Types and construction methods of alternators used on a marine vessel are outlined |
8.2 | Principles of operation of a marine type alternator are outlined | ||
8.3 | Relationship is shown between voltage and speed in regulation of alternator | ||
8.4 | Operational characteristics of a marine alternator are outlined | ||
8.5 | Excitation and automatic voltage regulation systems used with marine alternators are clarified | ||
9 | Explain procedures for paralleling of alternators | 9.1 | Process of measuring voltage, frequency and phase angle is outlined |
9.2 | Automatic and manual procedures for synchronising and paralleling marine alternators, including machines of different capacities are clarified | ||
9.3 | How two machines can be adjusted to share kVAR and kW loads is confirmed | ||
9.4 | Process of removing an alternator from the bus is outlined | ||
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:
assessing own work outcomes and maintaining knowledge of current codes, standards, regulations and industry practices
explaining basic principles of alternators, generators and control systems
identifying and interpreting numerical and graphical information in electrical diagrams and specifications for a commercial vessel
identifying and suggesting ways of rectifying electrical hazards and emergency situations on a vessel
identifying methods, procedures and materials needed for operating, maintaining and repairing basic marine electrical systems
imparting knowledge and ideas through verbal, written and visual means
providing accurate and reliable information
providing appropriate level of detail in responses
reading and interpreting written information related to electrical circuitry and components on commercial vessels
using electrical measuring and testing instruments.
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:
AC/DC voltage
alternators:
construction
characteristics
synchronised operation
electrical:
safe working practices
measuring and testing instruments
symbols, basic electrical diagrams/circuits
marine electrical systems:
switchboards
instrumentation
earthing
phase angle, power factor and current flow
procedures for dealing with hazards and emergencies
resistance, inductance and capacitance
switchboards and protection:
purpose
testing and maintenance
equipment removal
work health and safety (WHS)/occupational health and safety (OHS) legislation and policies.
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 hazards include one or more of the following: | electric shock electrical fire moving and rotating electrical equipment non-compliance with safe working procedures over-speed of electrical machinery poor housekeeping procedures using equipment beyond safe working limits |
Sectors
Not applicable.
Competency Field
L - Marine Engineering