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 under broad operational requirements, with accountability for self and others in achieving the prescribed outcomes within the limits of responsibility of an Engineer (Class 2).

Work involves the application of marine engineering practice to the operation, monitoring and evaluation of engine performance on vessels of 750 kW propulsion power and more across a wide and often unpredictable variety of operational contexts. Contribution to the development and implementation of a broad plan or strategy for the operation, monitoring and evaluation of engine performance is required and accountability and responsibility for self and others in achieving the outcomes is involved.

Work requires significant judgement in planning, engineering and leadership functions related to operation, monitoring and evaluation of engine and propulsion plant performance within the limits of responsibility of an Engineer (Class 2). This includes management and control of personnel, analysis of the situation and decision-making.

Worksite environment
The operation, monitoring and evaluation of engine and plant installation performance may be undertaken on an Australian or international commercial vessels of 750 kW propulsion power or more.

The operation, monitoring and evaluation of engine performance 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
when bunkering
during cargo operations.

Propulsion plant configurations may include:
low speed, medium and high speed diesel propulsion
stern tube bearing
CPP
direct drive shaft
diesel electric
steam turbine
gas turbine
reduction gears
thrust blocks, detuners and shaft bearings.

Types of engines, propulsion equipment and related auxiliary machinery may include:
steam turbine, diesel, diesel electric and gas turbine propulsion systems and controls
steering gear, stabilizers, bow thrusters, rudders
fluid power systems and controls
pumps and pumping systems
auxiliary systems and controls, including:
fresh and salt water cooling systems
lubricating oil cooling systems
fuel, oil, gas, coal
air starting
lubrication
onboard air compressors and compressed air and control air systems
waste management and pollution control systems as per the MARPOL Convention
sewage plant
fixed fire fighting installations and fire control systems
auxiliary boilers and waste heat generators.

Potential hazards during operations and performance evaluation of engines, propulsion plant and auxiliary machinery may include:
moving heavy loads using unsafe lifting procedures
unsecured machinery, components or repair equipment
slippery deck
sharp tools and implements
power tools
moving and rotating machinery
flammable liquids, vapours and fuel
faulty machinery equipment handling equipment and lifting gear
using equipment beyond safe working limits
poor housekeeping procedures
non-compliance with safe working procedures
electrical wiring and systems
hot pipes and valves (steam, fuel oil, lubricating oil)
cold pipes and valves (refrigeration and liquefied gas cargoes)
working at heights
dangerous atmosphere.

Testing and repair equipment may include:
meters and gauges
computer displays of performance parameters
hand tools, such as spanners, wrenches, screwdrivers, hacksaws, etc.
greasing and lubrication tools
electric power tools, such as grinders, lathes, drills, etc.
pneumatic power tools, such as grinders, sanders, drills, etc.
welding equipment
block and tackle
portable and manual lifting equipment and hydraulic jacks
material safety data sheets
protective clothing and equipment such as:
eye and ear protection
safety boots
dust and fume masks
safety helmet
boiler suit/overalls.

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

Sources of information/documents
Documentation/records may include:
ISM Code safety management system plans, procedures, checklists and instructions
vessel and company's planned maintenance system, repair procedures and instructions
engines, propulsion plant and auxiliary machinery manufacturer's specifications, instructions and recommended procedures
operational and performance log, running sheets and records including computer database of operational and performance records where relevant
vessel's survey as it relates to engines, propulsion plant and auxiliary machinery
vessel's safety and emergency contingency plans and procedures
relevant sections of national and international regulations, IMO Conventions and Codes, including AMSA Marine Orders and class society rules dealing with the operation and performance evaluation of engines, propulsion plant and auxiliary machinery
instructions of relevant Maritime Authorities and class societies concerning the operation and performance evaluation of engines, propulsion plant and auxiliary machinery.

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 and performance evaluation of engines, propulsion plant and auxiliary machinery on vessels of 750 kW propulsion power or more
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:
Manage, operate, monitor and evaluate the performance of engines, propulsion plant and auxiliary machinery against technical within the scope of responsibility of an Engineer (Class 2)
Identify malfunctioning and faulty engines, propulsion plant and auxiliary machinery and initiate appropriate action for repair or replacement
Exercise all required safety, environmental and hazard control precautions and procedures when overseeing the operation and performance evaluation of engines, propulsion plant and auxiliary machinery
Identify typical operational and performance evaluation problems and hazards and take appropriate action within the scope of responsibility of an Engineer (Class 2)
Communicate effectively with others during the operation and performance evaluation of engines, propulsion plant and auxiliary machinery
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 mandatory competency units that form part of the job role of an Engineer (Class 2).

Required knowledge and skills
Knowledge of relevant national and international regulations, IMO Conventions and Codes including AMSA Marine Orders applicable to the operation and performance evaluation of marine engines, propulsion plant and auxiliary machinery
Relevant OH&S legislation and policies
Established engineering practice for the operation and performance evaluation of engines, propulsion plant and auxiliary machinery
Operational characteristics and performance specifications for the different types of marine engines, propulsion plant and auxiliary machinery usually found on a vessel of 750 kW propulsion power or more
Procedures for carrying out performance evaluation of engines, propulsion plant and auxiliary machinery as part of routine operational and maintenance procedures to ensure 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 of engines, propulsion plant and auxiliary machinery and the available methods for their detection and rectification
Hazards and problems that can occur during the operation and performance evaluation of marine engines, propulsion plant and auxiliary machinery and appropriate preventative and remedial action and solutions
Safety, environmental and hazard control precautions and procedures relevant to the operation and performance evaluation of engines, propulsion plant and auxiliary machinery
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 and performance evaluation of engines, propulsion plant and auxiliary machinery
Knowledge and ability to read and interpret machinery performance readings and indications
Knowledge and ability to read and interpret material safety data sheets, vessel and machinery specifications, machinery design drawings, machine drawings, operational manuals, specifications and electrical and control circuit diagrams
Procedures for the testing of boiler water, machinery cooling water and lubricating oil
Principles and operational characteristics of internal combustion engines, including:
two stroke and four stroke cycles
diesel engine scavenging systems both in normal and emergency operation
atmospheric pollution caused by diesel engine combustion and ways in which it can be minimised
shaft power
irregularities in the performance of machinery and plant
Methods of providing air for combustion
Basic principles of fuel systems, including:
typical injection pressures and viscosities for different grades of fuel
alterations to fuel pumps, camshafts and injectors for varying fuel types
differences between constant and variable injection timing of fuel
injection requirements for different speeds of diesel engine
common service faults, symptoms and causes of combustion problems and related solutions
fuel line pulsation damping devices and leakage protection
fuel valve cooling arrangements
uni-fuel and dual fuel systems
Basic principles of engine cooling and lubrication, including:
different methods of diesel engine cooling
need for treatment of engine cooling water
methods of treating engine cooling water
diesel engine lubrication requirements
methods of lubricating diesel engine components
theory and types of lubrication
relative characteristics, and applications of mineral and synthetic oils
contaminants that may affect lubricants, their effect on machinery performance, and action that can be taken to avoid and remedy contamination of lubricants
common lubrication problems and their solution
Basic principles of operation of hydraulic and electronic overspeed governors
Basic principles of marine control systems, including:
common sensors and their associated transmitters
temperature and pressure control systems used onboard vessel
methods of load-dependent cooling of diesel alternators on heavy fuel oils
principles of level control systems used onboard vessel
principles of electronic PID controllers
Basic principles and functions of machinery space monitoring and alarm systems including:
central cooling and load dependent cooling control systems
main engine control arrangements for fixed pitch and controllable pitch propeller systems requiring sequential control
alarm and monitoring systems involving data loggers, alarm loggers and trend analysis
Theory and preventative strategies for scavenge and uptake fires, and starting airline, crankcase and gearbox explosions, including:
plans for hazard reduction
procedures for extinguishing scavenge fires and dealing with crankcase mist detector alarms
regaining of control after starting airline, crankcase and gearbox explosions
Basic principles of thermodynamics and heat and heat engines, including:
heat transfer
gases
properties and expansion of steam
steam cycles
boilers and evaporators
steam turbines
combustion
refrigeration and air conditioning
Basic principles and characteristics of steam turbines, gearing and associated equipment including:
lubrication
gear configurations
thrust blocks
air ejectors
determination of shaft power
irregularities in the performance of machinery and plant
Principles and operational characteristics of main and auxiliary boilers and associated equipment including:
boiler water tests and treatment
corrosion
superheaters
de-aerators
open and closed feed systems
uptake fires.

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 and evaluate the performance of marine engines, propulsion plant and auxiliary systems typically found on a vessel of 750 kw propulsion power or more; and/or
operate and evaluate the performance of marine engines, propulsion plant and auxiliary systems in a range of operational situations on a commercial or training vessel of 750 kW propulsion power or more.

Consistency in performance
Applies underpinning knowledge and skills when:
operating, monitoring and evaluating the performance of engines, propulsion plant and auxiliary machinery against technical specifications
identifying malfunctioning and faulty engines, propulsion plant and auxiliary machinery and initiate appropriate action for repair or replacement
exercising all required safety, environmental and hazard control precautions and procedures when overseeing the operation and performance evaluation of engines, propulsion plant and auxiliary machinery
completing required documentation, reports and records when operating, monitoring and evaluating the performance of engines, propulsion plant and auxiliary machinery.

Shows evidence of application of relevant workplace procedures including:
relevant sections of international Conventions and Codes and AMSA Marine Orders
OHS regulations and hazard prevention policies and procedures
ISM Code safety management system procedures and work instructions on the operation and performance evaluation of engines, propulsion plant and auxiliary machinery, including machinery specifications and directions on equipment capability and limitations
plant and machinery security procedures
following on-board housekeeping processes
waste, pollution and recycling management processes.

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