MARL6021A
Demonstrate advanced knowledge of marine electrical systems

This unit involves the skills and knowledge required to supply shipboard electrical power on board a commercial vessel. It includes analysing electrical layout systems, alternators, marine motors, lighting systems, power management and UPS systems, shipboard electrical equipment and high voltage power systems.

Application

This unit applies to the work of a Marine Engineer Class 1 on commercial vessels of unlimited propulsion power and forms part of the requirements for the Certificate of Competency Marine Engineer Class 1 issued by the Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA).


Prerequisites

Not applicable.


Elements and Performance Criteria

1

Evaluate advanced electrical layout systems

1.1

Effects of power factor changes on prime mover, alternator and electrical system are analysed

1.2

Methods of altering load power factor by means of capacitors or synchronous machines are explained

1.3

Methods of obtaining constant frequency from a variable frequency output such as a main engine driven alternator and/or variable speed drives for a self discharging equipment are explained

1.4

Protecting systems available for shaft driven alternators are evaluated

2

Analyse construction and principles of operation of different types of marine alternators

2.1

Construction and operating parameters of different types of marine alternators are compared and contrasted

2.2

Cooling systems, leak detection, monitoring and protection systems in different types of marine alternators are compared and contrasted

2.3

Procedures for drying out an alternator with a low insulation resistance are explained

2.4

Excitation systems and methods of flashing alternator after loss of excitation are appraised

2.5

Systems used for protecting against high winding temperatures, circulating currents, loss of excitation and internal short circuit are evaluated

3

Analyse different types of direct current (DC) and alternating current (AC) marine motors

3.1

Different types and applications of marine motors are compared and contrasted

3.2

Difference between types of encapsulation is explained and where they should be used is justified

3.3

Motor ratings and effect of overloading on different types of motor are assessed

3.4

Possible operational problems associated with marine motors are analysed and appropriate remedial action is devised

3.5

Procedure for drying out a motor that has become unserviceable due to either long-term storage or immersion in seawater is formulated

3.6

Effects of operating star connected motors compared with delta connected motors are distinguished and when this may be required is suggested

3.7

Different types and applications of special motors for deck and cargo operation are analysed

4

Analyse requirements of motor starters for 3 phase and synchronous motors

4.1

Differentiation is made between different types of motor starters

4.2

Different types of starters are evaluated in terms of starting torque and current, and these are related to particular motor applications

4.3

Simple starter circuit diagrams are evaluated and operating principles of motor starters are explained

4.4

Documentation and circuit and wiring diagrams for fault-finding in motor starters are used

4.5

Routine maintenance program for monitoring vibration and insulation resistance levels of motors is designed

5

Analyse lighting systems used on board ships

5.1

Common types and applications of lighting systems are evaluated

5.2

Distribution layout systems are explained

5.3

Fault-finding method for lights and starter systems, including lighting in hazardous areas, is planned using circuit diagrams

6

Evaluate alternator excitation system design

6.1

Different types of excitation systems and impact of load changes are compared

6.2

Type, location and function of components involved in excitation are examined

6.3

Function, cooling, failure mode and procedures for testing and changing diodes are explained

6.4

Functions of an AVR and how it may be incorporated into an excitation system are explained

6.5

Process of fault-finding in an AVR and types, causes and remedies of common problems are explained

6.6

How excitation systems impact on output in normal and adverse circumstances is assessed

7

Analyse power management and uninterruptable power systems (UPS) fitted to vessels

7.1

Operational functions of power management systems during high load, overload and short circuit conditions are analysed

7.2

Functions and components of UPS systems are evaluated

7.3

Limitations of power management and UPS fitted to vessels are analysed

7.4

System response under possible fault conditions of vessel power management and UPS are determined

8

Analyse vessel cathodic protection system

8.1

Cathodic protection systems and how they interact are analysed

8.2

Components of cathodic protection systems are identified and life cycle maintenance program is prepared

8.3

Modifications required for operating parameters of cathodic protection systems when operating alongside an active wharf or another vessel are determined

8.4

Likely causes of corrosion in relation to size, location or distribution of anodes or current densities are assessed

8.5

Other corrosion problems in shipboard environment that may be cause of electrical problems are appraised

9

Assess requirements and components associated with electrical systems for hazardous spaces on board vessels

9.1

Different types, limitation and nameplate identification of ā€˜Eā€™ equipment are compared

9.2

Requirements of classification societies are distinguished from administrations regarding electrical installations on board vessels

9.3

Lighting and power supply requirements of pump rooms are identified

9.4

Safety requirements for electrical equipment and safety practices on board vessels and how these are extended when alongside a berth are analysed

10

Assess existing electrical shipboard equipment

10.1

Existing and new shipboard electrical equipment and systems are compared to assess future requirements as well as potential problems and preventative measures

10.2

Performance of existing shipboard electrical equipment and systems is analysed and cost effectiveness studies for modifications or improvements are prepared

10.3

Factors involved in commissioning new electrical plant are evaluated

10.4

Procedures involved in organising survey of existing plant are outlined

10.5

Procedures involved in making recommendations for new systems consistent with modified new ship building requirements are outlined

11

Appraise high voltage electrical motor propulsion systems

11.1

Safety requirements for working with high voltage systems are identified

11.2

Use of high voltage systems for propulsion and cargo handling is evaluated

11.3

Safe maintenance methods for high voltage switchgear and machines are analysed

Required Skills

Required Skills:

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

Explain advanced principles of lighting, cathodic protection, high voltage systems and impart knowledge and ideas verbally, in writing and visually

Identify and interpret complex numerical and graphical information in electrical diagrams and specifications for a commercial vessel

Identify and suggest ways of rectifying electrical hazards and emergency situations on a vessel

Identify methods, procedures and materials needed for operating, maintaining and repairing complex marine electrical systems

Read and interpret written information related to electrical circuitry and components on commercial vessels

Use electrical measuring and testing instruments

Required Knowledge:

Alternating current (AC)/direct current (DC) voltage

AC and DC marine motors

Alternators:

alternator excitation system design

construction

characteristics

synchronised operation

types

Cathodic protection system

Electrical:

layout systems

measuring and testing instruments

shipboard equipment

symbols, basic electrical diagrams/circuits

High voltage electrical motor propulsion systems

Lighting systems used on board ships

Motor starters for three-phase and synchronous motors

Phase angle, power factor, and current flow

Power management and UPS fitted to vessels

Procedures for dealing with hazards and emergencies

Requirements and components associated with electrical systems for hazardous spaces on board vessels

Resistance, inductance and capacitance

Safe electrical working practices

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

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 advanced knowledge of marine electrical systems can be demonstrated

technical reference library with current publications on marine electrical systems

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 advanced knowledge of marine 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.

Operating parameters may include:

Excitation current

Insulation grade

Operating temperature

Speed

Marine motors may include:

Polyphase

Reduced starting current motors

Single

Speed changing

Synchronous

Variable speed

Encapsulation may include:

Drip proof

Submersible

TEFC

Motor ratings may include:

Continuous

Short time

Operational problems may include:

Loss of insulation resistance

Open circuit

Overheating

Short circuit

Wrong connections

Different types and applications of special motors for deck and cargo operation may include:

Common faults

Remedies for common faults

Motor starters may include:

DOL

Primary and secondary resistance

Soft or electronic starters

Star-Delta

Transformer starter

Lighting systems may include:

Fluorescent

Halogen

Incandescent

LED

Mercury

Sodium vapour

Distribution layout systems must include:

Emergency lights

Safety lights

How excitation systems impact on output in normal and adverse circumstances must include:

Loss of excitation

Short circuit

Safety requirements may include:

Company requirements

Manufacturer requirements.

Statutory requirements


Sectors

Not applicable.


Employability Skills

This unit contains employability skills.


Licensing Information

Not applicable.