Elements and Performance Criteria

General context
Work must be carried out in compliance with the relevant sections of the Australian Uniform Shipping Laws (USL) Code applicable to small commercial vessels.

Work is performed within broad operational requirements, with responsibility for own outputs in relation to specified quality standards and limited responsibility for others in achieving the specified quality and quantity of outcomes. It involves the organisation of maintenance operations on a vessel and the application of solutions to a defined range of maintenance problems.

Worksite environment
Vessel may include any small commercial vessel up to 1,500 kW propulsion power.

Operation and maintenance of auxiliary systems may be conducted:
by day or night in both normal and emergency situations
under any permissible conditions of weather
while underway
during berthing and unberthing operations
while anchored or moored
in dry dock
when bunkering
during cargo operations.

Auxiliary systems may include:
hydraulic systems including electro-hydraulic steering gears
pumping systems, including:
bilge
fuel oil
freshwater
seawater
refrigeration systems
ballast systems
compressed air systems
control systems.

Maintenance may include:
preventative and remedial maintenance and basic repairs of auxiliary systems and related equipment and components
lubrication of equipment in auxiliary systems
routine servicing in accordance with established procedures
routine visual and performance checks
identification of poor performance or faults in the operation of auxiliary systems
identification of faulty equipment or fittings and arranging for repair or replacement
assisting contractors in repair operations.

Maintenance tools and equipment may include:
hand tools including screwdrivers, spanners, wrenches
greasing and lubrication tools
lifting gear and equipment
protective clothing and equipment such as:
eye and ear protection
safety boots and helmet
dust and fume masks.

Sources of information/documents
Documentation/records may include:
Australian USL Code
company and vessel operational and maintenance procedures
preventative and remedial maintenance schedules and records
equipment manufacturer's instructions, specifications and recommended procedures
instructions of relevant Maritime Authorities related to the maintenance of small vessels
relevant Australian standards.

Applicable International, Australian and State/Territory regulations and legislation
Applicable procedures and codes may include:
relevant sections of the Australian USL Code related to the operation and maintenance of auxiliary systems on small vessels
relevant international, Australian and State/Territory OH&S and pollution control legislation
relevant international and Australian engineering standards.

Critical aspects of evidence to be considered
Assessment must confirm appropriate knowledge and skills to:
Operate auxiliary systems on a small vessel
Carry out preventative servicing and remedial maintenance on auxiliary systems on a small vessel within the limits of responsibility of a Marine Engine Driver (Grade 1)
Identify typical problems related to the operation and maintenance of auxiliary systems on a small vessel and take appropriate action in conjunction with crew
Exercise all required safety, environmental and hazard control precautions and procedures during operation and routine maintenance of systems
Communicate effectively with others when operating and carrying out maintenance on auxiliary systems on a small vessel.

Interdependent assessment of units
This unit of competency must be assessed in conjunction with other units that form part of a job role of a Marine Engine Driver (Grade 1).

Required knowledge and skills
Relevant OH&S and pollution control legislation and codes of practice
Typical procedures for the operation and routine maintenance of auxiliary systems on a small vessel to ensure compliance with the company requirements and established safety and pollution control rules and regulations
Safety, environmental and hazard control precautions and procedures relevant to inspection and maintenance operations the operation and routine maintenance of auxiliary systems
Principle features and operating characteristics of typical marine hydraulic systems used on small vessels, including:
electro-hydraulic steering gears
emergency operation in the event of electrical or hydraulic failure
simple hydraulic circuits
preventative and remedial Maintenance requirements of hydraulic systems
Principle features and operating characteristics of typical steering systems and steering system components used on small vessels, including:
rudder types rudder construction features
rudder and stock support bearings
glands, packing and seals
tiller arm attachment
steering operation using hydraulic, cable and rod and gear
requirements for the maintenance and testing of steering and related hydraulic systems
Principle features and operating characteristics of typical pumping systems and pumping system components used on small vessels, including:
fire, bilge, and tank circulating systems
basic fault identification and maintenance procedures
basic procedures for the prevention of corrosion in pumping systems
valve types including their construction and maintenance
back flooding prevention procedures
strainers, mudboxes and footvalves
use of flexible materials, hoses, etc.
drive systems, belts, clutches, motors, etc.
Principle features and operating characteristics of typical refrigeration systems used on small vessels, including:
basic principals of operation of refrigeration systems, including the refrigeration cycle
types of refrigerant
hazards of refrigerant gases
components of typical refrigeration systems
environmental issues and responsibilities concerning refrigeration systems
Maritime communication techniques needed during the operation and basic maintenance of auxiliary systems on small vessels
Problems related to the during the operation and basic maintenance of auxiliary systems on small vessels and appropriate action and solutions
Types of maintenance records that must be maintained on a vessel to meet the requirements of the company and regulatory authorities.

Resource implications
Access is required to opportunities to either:
participate in a range of exercises, case studies and other simulated practical and knowledge assessments that demonstrate the skills and knowledge to operate and maintain auxiliary systems on small vessels up to 1,500 kW propulsion power and/or
operate and maintain auxiliary systems on an operational small commercial or training vessel up to 1,500 kW propulsion power.

Consistency in performance
Applies underpinning knowledge and skills when:
operating auxiliary systems on a small vessel vessels up to 1,500 kW propulsion power
carrying out preventative servicing and remedial maintenance on auxiliary systems on a small vessel within the limits of responsibility of a Marine Engine Driver (Grade 1)
identifying and evaluating typical operational and maintenance problems and determining appropriate courses of action
applying safety and pollution control precautions when operating auxiliary systems on a small vessel
identifying and implementing improvements to operational and routine maintenance procedures.

Shows evidence of application of relevant workplace procedures including:
relevant sections of Australian USL Code
OHS regulations and hazard prevention policies and procedures
job procedures and work instructions
relevant vessel manufacturer's guidelines relating to operating and carrying out routine maintenance on auxiliary systems on a small vessel
environmental protection procedures when carrying out maintenance operations.

Action is taken promptly to report and/or rectify issues and problems identified with operating and maintaining auxiliary systems in accordance with manufacturer's instructions, statutory requirements and company procedures.

Work is completed systematically with required attention to detail.

Context for assessment
Assessment of competence must comply with the assessment requirements of the relevant maritime regulations.

Assessment of this unit must be undertaken within relevant marine authority approved and audited arrangements by a registered training organisation:
As a minimum, assessment of knowledge must be conducted through appropriate written/oral examinations
Appropriate practical assessment must occur:
at the registered training organisation, and/or
on an appropriate working or training vessel.