Elements and Performance Criteria

General context
Preparation must be carried out in compliance with the relevant sections of the Australian Uniform Shipping Laws (USL) Code

Preparation is performed within established procedures, with responsibility for own outputs in relation to specified quality and safety standards. Limited responsibility for others in achieving outcomes is required, including the application of solutions to a variety of predictable maintenance problems.

Worksite environment
Vessel may include any small commercial vessel.

The main propulsion and auxiliary machinery and associated systems may be started up and shut down:
by day or night in both normal and emergency situations
under any permissible conditions of weather
during berthing and unberthing operations
while anchored or moored.

Propulsion plant configurations may include:
medium and high speed diesel propulsion
petrol driven outboard engine
reduction gears
thrust blocks and shaft bearings.

Auxiliary machinery and associated systems may include:
fresh and salt water cooling systems
fuel system
lubricating oil cooling systems
lubrication systems
onboard air compressors and compressed air and control air systems
waste management and pollution control systems as per the MARPOL Convention
pumps and associated systems
fixed fire fighting installations and fire control systems.

Sources of information/documents
Documentation/records may include:
Australian USL Code
company procedures for the start up and shut down of machinery
running and maintenance logs
machinery manufacturer's start up and shut down instructions and specifications.

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 machinery on small vessels
relevant OH&S and pollution control legislation.

Critical aspects of evidence to be considered
Assessment must confirm appropriate knowledge and skills to:
Prepare a small vessel's machinery for sea including the start up and shut down of the main propulsion and auxiliary machinery and associated systems typically found on a small commercial vessel
Exercise all required safety, environmental and hazard control precautions and procedures when starting up and shutting down the main propulsion and auxiliary machinery and associated systems
Communicate effectively with others during start up and shut down operations.

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 3).

Required knowledge and skills
Relevant OH&S and pollution control legislation, codes of practice, policies and procedures
Procedures for the start up and shut down of main propulsion and auxiliary machinery and associated systems on a small commercial vessel, (including petrol-driven outboard motors)
Operational characteristics and performance specifications for the various types of main propulsion and auxiliary machinery and associated systems found on small commercial vessels
The nature and causes of start up and shut down malfunctions of main propulsion and auxiliary machinery and associated systems and the available methods for their detection and rectification
Safety, environmental and hazard control precautions and procedures relevant to the start up and shut down of main propulsion and auxiliary machinery and associated systems
Basic principles of engines and propulsion systems used on a small commercial vessel, including basic theory of:
internal combustion engines
fuel systems
engine cooling and lubrication.
Types of operational and maintenance records that must be maintained on a small vessel
Knowledge and ability to read and interpret material safety data sheets
Knowledge and ability to read and interpret machinery performance readings and indications.

Resource implications
Access is required to opportunities to:
participate in a range of practical and theoretical assignments, exercises, case studies and other assessments that demonstrate the skills and knowledge to start up and shut down the main propulsion and auxiliary machinery and associated systems typically found on a small commercial vessel; and/or
start up and shut down the main propulsion and auxiliary machinery and associated systems in a range of operational situations on a small commercial or training vessel.

Consistency in performance
Applies underpinning knowledge and skills when:
starting up and shutting down the main propulsion and auxiliary machinery and associated systems found on a small commercial vessel
identifying problems and hazards with the start up and shut down of the main propulsion and auxiliary machinery and initiating appropriate action for rectification
exercising all required safety, environmental and hazard control precautions and procedures when starting up and shutting down the main propulsion and auxiliary machinery and associated systems
communicating effectively with others during start up and shut down operations
applying safety precautions relevant to start up and shut down operations.

Shows evidence of application of relevant workplace procedures including:
relevant maritime regulations
OHS regulations and hazard prevention policies and procedures
following on-board housekeeping processes
waste, pollution and recycling management processes.

Action taken promptly to report and/or rectify machinery malfunctions.

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.