Demonstrate basic knowledge of marine auxiliary machinery and equipment

Unit of competency Outline

Date retreived
22/07/2026 11:04 PM AWST

Whilst all efforts are made to provide accurate and timely information from the relevant source/documentation, please be aware that the information supplied may not be the most current version. The accuracy of the detail has not been confirmed by the Department and therefore should not be relied upon without first confirming the contents.

Unit of competency

National Code
MARL004

State Code
WH871

TGA Status
Replaced

DTWD Status
Replaced

Current Release Number
1.00

Current Release Date
07/10/2013

View on TGA

State Implementation and Classification

Approved Date

04/02/2014

Field of Education

031701 - Maritime Engineering

Original Release Date

04/02/2014

Nominal Hours

Description

This unit involves the skills and knowledge required to operate and maintain auxiliary machinery and associated systems 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.

Notes

Elements and Performance Criteria

1 Outline layout of engine room and functions of auxiliary machinery in engine room

1.1 Layout of a typical engine room is outlined
1.2 Types and functions of auxiliary machinery found in an engine room are explained
1.3 Location, function and operation of all safety devices found on main and auxiliary machinery and within engine room, including shut downs and engine room escape routes is outlined
1.4 Common operating pressures and temperatures of fluids within engine room are identified and how to respond to abnormal parameters is clarified

2 Explain duties and responsibilities of a watchkeeper engineer during a watch

2.1 Duties and responsibilities of a watchkeeper engineer with respect to safety of personnel and vessel during and taking over the watch are clarified
2.2 Importance of ensuring all events related to machinery are recorded in the log is explained
2.3 Duties and responsibilities of a watchkeeper engineer in prevention and extinction of fire in machinery spaces are clarified
2.4 Duties and responsibilities of a watchkeeper engineer in relation to prevention of flooding and avoidance of pollution are clarified
2.5 Routine duties and responsibilities of a watchkeeper engineer with respect to safe operation of propulsion and auxiliary machinery are clarified
2.6 Duties and responsibilities of a watchkeeper engineer on an unmanned machinery space (UMS) vessel are clarified
2.7 Procedure for familiarising oneself on joining a new vessel is clarified

3 Recognise key features, applications and treatment of fuels, lubricants and chemicals used on board vessels

3.1 Types, properties, applications and treatments of various fuels used on board vessels are outlined
3.2 Procedures to be followed before and during fuel bunkering are clarified
3.3 Types, properties, applications and treatments of various lubricants used on board vessels are outlined
3.4 Uses and safe handling methods for various types of chemicals used on board vessels are outlined
3.5 Fuel system layout including fuel treatment method is detailed
3.6 Working principle, construction and safe operation of purifiers and clarifiers is explained

4 Explain operation and maintenance of typical pumping systems used on board vessels

4.1 Basic working principles, components and properties of different types of pumps are outlined
4.2 Types of heat exchangers, their basic working principles and applications are outlined
4.3 Correct operation and maintenance of pumps and heat exchangers is detailed
4.4 Key features of bilge, cargo and ballast pumping systems are outlined
4.5 Types, operating principles and requirements for oily-water separators or similar equipment are outlined
4.6 Other approved methods of disposing of oily water are identified
4.7 Procedure for completing oil record book is clarified

5 Explain operation and maintenance of marine air compressors

5.1 Types, characteristics, components and applications of various compressors used on board vessels are compared and contrasted
5.2 Correct pre-operational checks, starting procedure, safe operation and basic maintenance required for air compressors are detailed
5.3 Potential safety hazards associated with compressed air are identified
5.4 Locations of all mountings, safety devices, alarms and shut downs on compressors, air receivers and compressed air systems are identified and their functions are outlined
5.5 Different requirements and production methods for control air, method of production and special requirements for a breathing apparatus compressor, are clarified

6 Explain different types, safe operation and testing of steering gear commonly used on board vessels

6.1 Essential statutory regulations covering operation of steering gear are established
6.2 Operation of different types of steering gear used on board vessels is clarified
6.3 Working principle of variable delivery pumps used in steering gear is explained
6.4 Location of all alarms and safety devices associated with steering gear is identified and their functions are outlined
6.5 Process for testing steering gear and monitoring its performance is explained

7 Explain operation of an evaporator

7.1 Why ‘fresh water’ may have to be produced from seawater is explained
7.2 Function, construction and operation of evaporators is explained
7.3 Correct starting procedure, safe operation and basic maintenance required for an evaporator is clarified
7.4 Process for testing the evaporator and monitoring performance is explained
7.5 Treatment of distillate for domestic purposes is outlined
7.6 Quality necessary if water being produced by a distiller is to be used for human consumption is outlined

8 Explain basic operation of marine refrigeration systems

8.1 Properties of an ideal refrigerant are listed
8.2 Refrigerants commonly used on board are listed and reason for their use is clarified
8.3 Basic construction and operation of a marine refrigeration system is explained
8.4 Preparation, operation, fault detection and necessary actions to prevent damage in marine refrigeration systems is confirmed
8.5 Personal safety and environmental hazards associated with CFCs and ozone depleting substances are identified

9 Explain basic operation of marine air-conditioning and ventilation systems

9.1 Basic construction and operation of marine air-conditioning and ventilation systems in routine and emergency situations is explained
9.2 Preparation, operation, fault detection and necessary actions to prevent damage in marine air-conditioning and ventilation systems is confirmed

10 Explain basic operation of marine gas turbines

10.1 Basic flow of air and gas through a simple cycle marine gas turbine is outlined
10.2 Materials and construction of compressor, combustion system and turbine in a single and two-shaft design turbine are detailed
10.3 Basic controls required for the control and protection of the plant are outlined
10.4 Accessories necessary for safe operation are listed

11 Explain types, safe operation and maintenance of deck machinery

11.1 Types, basic construction and operation of deck machinery are outlined
11.2 Preparation, operation, fault detection and necessary actions to prevent damage in deck machinery is confirmed

No information

Replaces

State Code	National Code	Title	Type
WG464	MARL5006A	Demonstrate basic knowledge of marine auxiliary machinery and equipment	Unit of competency

Replaced By

State Code	National Code	Title	Type
OCH13	MARL055	Demonstrate basic knowledge of marine auxiliary machinery and equipment	Unit of competency

State Code	National Code	Title	Type
AVQ1	MAR50115	Diploma of Maritime Operations (Engineer Watchkeeper)	Qualification
J718	MAR50613	Diploma of Maritime Operations (Marine Engineering Class 3 Near Coastal)	Qualification