Elements and Performance Criteria

General context
Work must be carried out in compliance with mandatory rules and regulations and IMO Conventions and Codes including the relevant sections of the AMSA Marine Orders and ensure that applicable codes, guidelines and standards recommended by IMO, the classification societies and maritime industry organisations are taken into account.

Work is performed relatively independently in consultation with a senior engineer, within broad operational requirements, with limited accountability and responsibility for self and others in achieving the prescribed outcomes.

Work involves the application of marine engineering practice to the operation of shipboard pumping systems and associated control systems typically found on a vessel of unlimited propulsion power across a wide and often unpredictable variety of operational contexts. Monitoring and supervising the implementation of a broad plan or strategy for the operation of pumping systems and associated control systems is required. Defined accountability and responsibility for self and others in achieving the outcomes is involved.

Work requires some responsibility for overseeing the operation of operation of pumping systems and associated control systems. This includes supervision and control of personnel, hazard minimisation, analysis of performance and operational situations and related decision making.

Worksite environment
The operation of pumping systems and associated control systems may be undertaken on an Australian or international commercial vessel of unlimited propulsion power.

Safe watchkeeping procedures and the operation of shipboard pumping systems and associated control systems may be carried out:
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
while in dry dock
when bunkering
during cargo operations.

Pumps and pumping systems may include:
bilge pumping systems
ballast pumping systems
cargo pumping systems
fuel and lubrication oil systems
sea water and fresh water systems.

Potential hazards during operation of pumping systems and associated control systems may include:
operating equipment beyond safe working limits
moving and rotating machinery
working in confined spaces
faulty machinery equipment handling equipment and lifting gear
non-compliance with safe working procedures
hot pipes and valves (steam, fuel oil, lubricating oil)
cold pipes and valves (refrigeration and liquefied gas cargoes)
flammable liquids, vapours and fuel
working at heights
moving heavy loads in an unsafe work environment
unsecured machinery, components or equipment
slippery deck
poor housekeeping procedures
sharp tools and implements
power tools
dangerous atmosphere
overspeed of electrical machinery, emergency trips
noxious and dangerous cargoes.

Emergencies may include:
loss of electrical power
pump failure
flooding of engine room
fire or explosion in engine room
fuel oil, lubrication oil, water, steam and gas leaks
overheating and overspeed of machinery, governors, emergency trips
electric shock.

Sources of information/documents
Documentation/records may include:
ISM Code safety management system plans, procedures, checklists and instructions
vessel and company's planned pumping systems, operational procedures and instructions
pumping equipment and vessel manufacturer's specifications, instructions and recommended procedures
pumping systems running sheets, operations logs and other operational records, including computer database of running information, where relevant
vessel's survey procedures as they relate to shipboard pumping systems and associated control systems
relevant sections of national and international regulations, IMO Conventions and Codes, including AMSA Marine Orders and class society rules dealing with shipboard pumping systems and associated control systems operation
instructions of relevant Maritime Authorities and class societies concerning shipboard pumping systems and associated control systems operation.

Applicable International, Australian and State/Territory regulations and legislation
Applicable procedures and codes may include:
sections of national and international regulations, IMO Conventions and Codes, including AMSA Marine Orders and class society rules related to the operation of pumping systems and associated control systems on vessels of unlimited propulsion power
relevant international, Australian and State/Territory OH&S legislation
relevant international, Australian and State/Territory engineering practice standards.

Critical aspects of evidence to be considered
Assessment must confirm appropriate knowledge and skills to:
Ensure a safe engineering watch during the operation of pumping systems and associated control systems
Operate shipboard pumping systems and associated control systems within specifications on a vessel of 3,0000 kW propulsion power or more
Identify malfunctioning pumping systems and associated control systems and, in consultation with a senior engineer, initiate appropriate action for repair or replacement
Exercise all required safety, environmental and hazard control precautions and procedures when overseeing the operation of pumping systems and associated control systems
Identify, in consultation with a senior engineer, typical operational problems and hazards when operating pumping systems and associated control systems and take appropriate action
Communicate effectively with others during operation of pumping systems and associated control systems
Ensure adherence to national and international regulations, IMO Conventions and Codes.

Interdependent assessment of units
This unit of competency must be assessed in conjunction with other engineering operations competency units that form part of the job role of an officer in charge of an engineering watch on a commercial vessel of unlimited propulsion power.

Required knowledge and skills
Knowledge of national and international regulations, IMO Conventions and Codes including AMSA Marine Orders applicable to the operation of pumping systems and associated control systems on vessels of unlimited propulsion power
Established engineering practice and procedures for the operation of shipboard pumping systems and associated control systems in warm through, manoeuvring, start up, normal running, emergency and shut down situations
Relevant safety, environmental and hazard control legislation, precautions and procedures relevant to the operation of pumping systems and associated control systems
Operational characteristics and performance specifications for the different types of marine pumping systems and associated control systems usually found on a vessel of unlimited propulsion power
Operating precautions for pumping systems and associated control systems to ensure operational performance is in compliance with the bridge orders, technical specifications, survey requirements and established safety and anti-pollution rules and regulations
The nature and causes of typical malfunctions and/or poor performance pumping systems and associated control systems and the available methods for their detection and rectification
Hazards and problems that can occur during the operation of pumping systems and associated control systems and appropriate preventative and remedial action and solutions
Principles and functions of marine pumping systems, including:
typical pumping arrangements on a vessel
different types of marine pumps, filters, purifiers, clarifiers and heat exchangers and their applications
different types and locations of valves and safety fittings
Elementary knowledge of marine control systems, including
common sensors and their associated transmitters
temperature and pressure control systems used onboard vessel
analysis of typical level control systems used onboard vessel
Operational and performance evaluation records that must be maintained on a vessel to meet the requirements of the company, survey requirements and regulatory authorities
Maritime communication techniques needed during the operation of pumping systems and associated control systems
Knowledge and ability to read and interpret readings and indications of the performance of pumping systems and associated control systems
Knowledge and ability to read and interpret vessel and machinery specifications, machinery design drawings, operational manuals, specifications and electrical and control circuit diagrams
Knowledge and ability to read and interpret material safety data sheets.

Resource implications
Access is required to opportunities to either:
participate in a range of practical and theoretical assignments, exercises, case studies and other assessments that demonstrate the skills and knowledge to operate shipboard pumping systems and associated control systems typically found on a vessel of unlimited propulsion power; and/or
maintain a safe engineering watch during the operation of shipboard pumping systems and associated control systems on a commercial or training vessel of unlimited propulsion power.

Consistency in performance
Applies underpinning knowledge and skills when:
maintaining a safe engineering watch involving the operation of shipboard pumping systems and associated control systems
assessing operational performance of shipboard pumping systems and associated control system
assisting a senior engineer in the identification of operational problems with shipboard pumping systems and associated control system and taking appropriate remedial action
taking action, in consultation with a senior engineer, to minimise any damage and safety risk that could be caused by malfunctions in shipboard pumping systems and associated control system
identifying and implementing improvements to procedures for the operation of shipboard power distribution systems and power generation and associated electronic control equipment
applying safety precautions relevant to the operation of shipboard pumping systems and associated control systems
completing operations documentation and records.

Shows evidence of application of relevant workplace procedures including:
relevant sections of IMO Conventions and Codes and AMSA Marine Orders
OHS regulations and hazard prevention policies and procedures
ISM Code safety management system procedures, quality procedures and work instructions on the operation of shipboard pumping systems and associated control systems, including system and equipment specifications and directions on systems and equipment capability and limitations
following on-board housekeeping processes.

Action taken promptly to report and assist in the rectification of malfunctions in pumping systems and associated control systems, non-conformities, accidents, hazardous occurrences and safety incidents in accordance with statutory requirements, company procedures and the ISM Code.

Work is managed, controlled and 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.