MARL6013A
Demonstrate intermediate knowledge of marine control systems and automation

This unit involves the skills and knowledge required to operate control systems on board a commercial vessel.

Application

This unit applies to the work of a Marine Engineer Class 2 on commercial vessels greater than 3000 kW and forms part of the requirements for the Certificate of Competency Marine Engineer Class 2 issued by the Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA).


Prerequisites

Not applicable.


Elements and Performance Criteria

1

Analyse open and closed loop systems

1.1

Open loop systems are distinguished from closed loop systems

1.2

Closed loop manual, time based automatic open loop and feed forward open loop are explained

2

Explain principles and operation of

pneumatic control element and systems

2.1

Operation of a nozzle flapper and pneumatic amplifier unit is analysed and applied to transmitters, basic controllers and valve positioners

2.2

Control air supply system is defined

2.3

Principle of operation of direct and reverse acting pneumatic relays and application is clarified

2.4

Application of computing relays is analysed

3

Compare temperature transmitters

3.1

Pneumatic temperature transmitter is defined

3.2

Effect of changes in ambient temperature on thermocouples and RTDs is explained

3.3

Testing procedures and methods of simulation for both RTDs and thermocouples are explained

3.4

Characteristics and application of thermistors are outlined

4

Analyse application of differential pressure

transmitters

4.1

Application of differential pressure transmitters on board ships is confirmed

4.2

Arrangements of differential pressure transmitters for measurement of liquid levels in both closed and open tanks are explained

4.3

Mechanics for viscosity measurement using a differential pressure transmitter are analysed

4.4

Principle of using a differential pressure transmitter for flow measurement and the need for a square root extractor is explained

4.5

Use of a differential pressure transmitter for flow measurement is compared and contrasted with other types of meters

5

Explain engine room monitoring systems

5.1

Application of different speed sensing systems is analysed

5.2

Operating principles of torque monitoring systems applied to propeller shafting are explained

5.3

Arrangements of shaft power and indicated power monitoring are compared

5.4

Horizontal and vertical float level systems are compared with other tank level monitoring system in common use

5.5

Operating principle of oil-water interface sensor is explained

5.6

Methods of bearing temperature monitoring applied to diesel engine rotating parts are outlined

5.7

Machinery space monitoring and alarm system from a central control room are outlined

6

Explain procedure for transmitter calibration

6.1

Procedure for transmitter calibration for both pneumatic and electronic transmitters is applied

6.2

Test equipment is used for transmitter calibration

6.3

Relationship between process variables and output signals is demonstrated in a graph

6.4

Effects of transmitter dead band are defined

7

Explain operation of pneumatic 3term controller and controller adjustment procedures

7.1

Common controller actions and applications are outlined

7.2

Operating principle of pneumatic 3term controllers is outlined

7.3

Procedure for adjusting 3term pneumatic controllers is applied and effects if incorrectly adjustment are explained

7.4

Typical controller settings for a PID controller are detailed

7.5

Integrated hand/auto station and 3term controller are outlined and bumpless transfer is demonstrated

8

Explain actuators and control valves

8.1

Arrangements to provide fail safe requirements are outlined

8.2

Control valve and actuator are explained

8.3

Different types of actuators are identified

8.4

Operating principle of pneumatic valve positioners is explained

9

Analyse operation of hydraulic governors

9.1

Operating principle of proportional action hydraulic governors is explained

9.2

Importance of spring stiffness in relation to response is clarified

9.3

Purpose of an isochronous governor is outlined

9.4

Principle of operation of an isochronous hydraulic governor is outlined

9.5

Governor droop and its requirements for stable load sharing and engine stability is explained

10

Interpret electronic systems circuit diagrams

10.1

Electrical symbols commonly used in electronic circuits and sub-circuits are defined

10.2

Printed and colour codes used in electronic circuits are defined

10.3

Operation and maintenance manuals commonly used in the fault finding electronic circuits are used correctly

11

Explain basic operation of programmable logic controllers

11.1

Principles and operation of integrated circuit gates are explained

11.2

Operational function of input/output devices connected to a digital programmable logic controller is detailed

11.3

Methods of operation of flip flops, adders, counters, multiplexers and decoders are outlined

11.4

Methods employed when changing set point values in a digital programmable logic controller are outlined

12

Explain typical machinery space control loops and unmanned machinery spaces requirements

12.1

Fuel oil heating, LO cooling and JW cooling loop showing cascade and split range systems are outlined

12.2

Fuel oil viscosity control loop is outlined

12.3

Common methods of boiler water control and simple combustion control with burner management for an auxiliary boiler are outlined

12.4

Requirements and system arrangements for bridge control of main propulsion machinery including change over from local to bridge are explained

12.5

Common pressure control loops found in a ship’s engine room are identified

12.6

Unmanned machinery spaces (UMS) requirements are outlined

12.7

Troubleshooting procedures associated with control systems are outlined

12.8

Procedures for software version control are outlined

Required Skills

Required Skills:

Access information and sketch diagrams to interpret and explain testing requirements related to control systems on commercial vessels

Assess own work outcomes and maintain knowledge of current codes, standards, regulations and industry practices

Explain principles of marine automation and process control

Identify and interpret numerical and graphical information, including schematic diagrams, relevant to control systems on commercial vessels

Identify and suggest ways of rectifying faults and malfunctions in control systems on commercial vessels

Identify methods, procedures and materials needed to operate and maintain control systems on commercial vessels

Impart knowledge and ideas through verbal, written and visual means

Read and interpret written information related to operate control systems on commercial vessels

Required Knowledge:

Actuators and control valves

Australian standards for drawing symbols/layouts for schematic diagrams

Bridge control systems

Concepts of UMS and automated monitoring and control of machinery

Control and monitoring of ship machinery

Differential pressure transmitters

Electronic systems circuit diagrams

Engine room monitoring systems

Machinery space control loops and UMS requirements

Mechanical and electrical sensors

Open and closed loop systems

Operation of hydraulic governors

Operation of pneumatic 3-term controller and controller adjustment procedures

Operation of programmable logic controllers

Pneumatic and electrical instrumentation transmitters

Principles and operation of pneumatic control element and systems

Principles of basic pneumatic systems and action of pneumatic instruments

Principles of process control

Temperature transmitters

Tests and procedures required to meet UMS requirements

Total bridge control

Transmitter calibration

Work health and safety (WHS)/occupational health and safety (OHS) legislation, policies and procedures

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:

providing accurate and reliable information

providing appropriate level of detail in responses.

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 intermediate knowledge of marine control systems and automation can be demonstrated

technical reference library with current publications on automation and process control

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 demonstrating intermediate knowledge of marine control systems and automation

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.

Meters may include:

Area meter

Rotometer

Target meter

Types of actuators may include:

Electric

Hydraulic

Pneumatic


Sectors

Not applicable.


Employability Skills

This unit contains employability skills.


Licensing Information

Not applicable.