This unit involves the skills and knowledge required to operate a 240 to 440 volt (V) alternating current (AC) electrical system according to technical specifications and safe operating limits.

It includes preparing for operation, operating electrical systems, and checking and completing operations of electrical systems.

This unit applies to people working in the maritime industry in the capacity of:

Chief Engineer on vessels with inboard engines less than1500 kW within the exclusive economic zone (EEZ)

Second Engineer on vessels with inboard engines less than 3000 kW within the EEZ

Chief or Second Engineer on vessels with outboard engines with unlimited propulsion power within the EEZ

assistant under the direct supervision of the Chief Engineer

worker in the engine room of a vessel less than 80 metres in length with propulsion power less than 3000 kW.

Licensing/Regulatory Information

Legislative and regulatory requirements are applicable to this unit.

This unit is one of the requirements to obtain Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA) certification as a Marine Engine Driver Grade 1 Near Coastal, as defined in the National Standard for Commercial Vessels (NSCV) Part D.

Note: Relevant state/territory training and qualification requirements must be fulfilled by any persons carrying out installation, maintenance and/or repair of electrical circuits or systems that are 50 V AC or above, or 120 V direct current (DC) or above.

ELEMENTS

PERFORMANCE CRITERIA

Elements describe the essential outcomes.

Performance criteria describe the performance needed to demonstrate achievement of the element.

1

Prepare for operation

1.1

Risks to self, others and the environment are identified according to organisational procedures

1.2

Routine pre-operational checks of electrical systems are completed prior to use according to manufacturer specifications and organisational procedures

2

Operate electrical systems

2.1

Suitable personal protective equipment (PPE) is selected and used according to organisational procedures

2.2

Electrical systems are operated in a safe and controlled manner

2.3

Performance of DC and AC electrical systems is monitored

2.4

AC electrical demand is monitored and additional generators are paralleled or disconnected, as required

2.5

Ship-to-shore electrical supply is connected and disconnected, when required, following established practices and organisational procedures

2.6

Faults or malfunctions are identified and reported according to organisational procedures

2.7

Faults or malfunctions are rectified and corrective actions are taken and recorded according to organisational procedures

2.8

Procedures to be undertaken in emergencies are recognised and implemented

3

Complete operations and check electrical systems

3.1

Shutdown procedures are conducted according to manufacturer instructions and organisational procedures

3.2

Operational records are completed according to organisational procedures

Evidence required to demonstrate competence in this unit must be relevant to and satisfy all of the requirements of the elements and performance criteria on at least one occasion and include:

carrying out necessary calculations associated with managing electrical systems, including:

adding resistors in series and parallel, and calculating current

battery ampere-hours and efficiency

series and parallel configuration of battery supply

connecting to shore power

isolating and locking out of electrical circuits

maintaining records of operation of electrical systems, and any related safety incidents

monitoring and evaluating performance of electrical systems

performing switchboard operations, including the monitoring of electrical supply and procedures for paralleling generators

starting emergency alternator and supply switchboard where available

using hydrometer

using multimeter to test for voltage and continuity.

Evidence required to demonstrate competence in this unit must be relevant to and satisfy all of the requirements of the elements and performance criteria and include knowledge of:

batteries, including:

charging circuits and hazards associated with charging batteries

operation

types, care and hazards

characteristics of electrical systems

dangers associated with operation of shipboard electrical systems and related hazard prevention strategies

earth detection devices

electrical distribution systems, including emergency arrangements

electrical systems must include:

alternators

batteries and associated circuits

control circuits

motors

starter circuits

switchboards

faults associated with electrical systems and appropriate preventative and remedial action, and solutions

manufacturer instructions for the operation of electrical systems

methods for managing operation of shipboard electrical systems

motor and alternator construction

motor starter circuits

own ability and limits to rectify irregularities and faults

principles of operation of various shipboard emergency systems, including fire detection system, internal communications system and emergency generator

procedures for monitoring and evaluating performance of electrical systems

relevant performance of electrical systems when unsatisfactory or outside of specified limits and appropriate actions to be taken

relevant problems that may occur with electrical systems and appropriate preventative and remedial actions to be taken

relevant sections of state and territory maritime regulations, National Standard for Commercial Vessels (NSCV) and Uniform Shipping Laws (USL) Code

relevant work health and safety (WHS)/occupational health and safety (OHS) legislation and policies

safety devices fitted to switchboard and other electrical systems, including fuses and circuit breakers

sequence of required action when power unit becomes overloaded

shore power arrangements

single and three phase alternating current (AC) power generation.

Assessors must satisfy applicable regulatory requirements, which include requirements in the Standards for Registered Training Organisations current at the time of assessment.

As a minimum, assessment must satisfy applicable regulatory requirements, which include requirements in the Standards for Registered Training Organisations current at the time of assessment.

Assessment processes and techniques must be appropriate to the language, literacy and numeracy requirements of the work being performed and the needs of the candidate.

Practical assessment must occur in a workplace, or realistic simulated workplace, under the normal range of workplace conditions.

Simulations and scenarios may be used where situations cannot be provided in the workplace or may occur only rarely, in particular for situations relating to emergency procedures and adverse weather conditions where assessment would be unsafe, impractical or may lead to environmental damage.

Resources for assessment must include access to:

a commercial vessel with inboard diesel propulsion power of greater than or equal to 375 kW or appropriate engine and auxiliary system ashore

applicable documentation, such as legislation, regulations, codes of practice, workplace procedures and operational manuals

tools, equipment, machinery, materials and personal protective equipment (PPE) currently used in industry.

Foundation skills essential to performance are explicit in the performance criteria of this unit of competency.

Range is restricted to essential operating conditions and any other variables essential to the work environment.

Not applicable.

C - Equipment Operations