Release 1. New unit of competency. Licensing/regulatory information has been incorporated in accordance with Regulatory requirements. Assessment Requirements have been strengthened in accordance with Regulatory requirements.

This unit involves the skills and knowledge required to safely operate the main propulsion unit and auxiliary systems on a vessel <12 m in length.

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

• coxswain on vessels <12 m in length, with propulsion power that is unlimited for an outboard engine or <500 kW for an inboard engine, operating in inshore or designated waters or
• coxswain on tenders or auxiliary vessels <12 m in length operating within 3 nautical miles (nm) of a parent vessel within the exclusive economic zone (EEZ).

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 Coxswain Grade 1 NC as defined in the National Standard for Commercial Vessels (NSCV) Part D. The AMSA mandated practical assessment (AMPA) is a requirement for AMSA certification. The Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA) mandated practical assessment (AMPA) will cover a range, but not all, of the requirements identified in the Performance Evidence and Knowledge Evidence. The AMPA shall be undertaken in accordance with its instructions.

Assessors of AMPA must hold as a minimum:

• a current certificate of competency issued under the Marine Safety (Domestic Commercial Vessel) National Law Act 2012 at the same level as the qualification being assessed with at least 12 months relevant sea service, or
• a relevant seafarer certificate as master, engineer or deck officer, issued under the Navigation Act 2012.

Not Applicable

C – Equipment Operations

Not Applicable

ELEMENTS 

PERFORMANCE CRITERIA 

Elements describe the essential outcomes.

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

1 

Prepare propulsion unit and auxiliary system for use 

1.1 

Appropriate personal protective clothing and equipment is selected, used, maintained and stored according to work health and safety (WHS)/occupational health and safety (OHS) requirements

1.2 

Routine pre-operational checks are carried out on equipment according to manufacturer specifications and workplace requirements

1.3 

Deviations from the norm are promptly identified and rectified

1.4 

Adjustments are made to achieve a safe and efficient operation

1.5 

Inability to start up equipment is reported promptly and accurately to appropriate personnel

2 

Operate propulsion unit and auxiliary system 

2.1 

Equipment is operated in a safe and controlled manner

2.2 

Performance and efficiency of equipment is monitored according to manufacturer instructions

2.3 

Equipment is maintained within defined operating limits when running, to achieve optimum safety and efficiency

2.4 

Environmental implications associated with operating equipment are identified and controlled

2.5 

Deviations from normal operations are promptly identified

2.6 

Action is taken to rectify irregularities to maintain optimum safety and efficiency

3 

Check and complete propulsion unit and auxiliary system operation 

3.1 

Equipment shutdown procedures are carried out according to manufacturer specifications and workplace procedures

3.2 

Equipment operational records are maintained according to workplace procedures

3.3 

Equipment damage, malfunctions or irregular performance are recorded and reported according to workplace procedures

3.4 

Equipment is cleaned according to manufacturer specifications and workplace procedures

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.

This unit replaces and is equivalent to MARC006 Operate main propulsion unit and auxiliary systems.

Release 1. New unit of competency. Licensing/regulatory information has been incorporated in accordance with Regulatory requirements. Assessment Requirements have been strengthened in accordance with Regulatory requirements.

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:

• applying work health and safety (WHS)/occupational health and safety (OHS) requirements and work practices
• carrying out pre-operational checks, including:

• checking fuel system
• checking leads, lines and connections
• checking oils and lubricants
• inspecting safety guards

• implementing safe and environmentally responsible work practices
• maintaining engine work load within specifications
• measuring and calculating volumes, consumption and servicing requirements
• monitoring noise levels for correct operation
• operating propulsion machinery and ancillary equipment
• recordkeeping
• using appropriate personal protective clothing and equipment (PPE).

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:

• basic operating principles of two and four-stroke engines
• environmental impacts and minimisation measures associated with operating propulsion machinery and auxiliary equipment
• environmental responsibilities
• factors associated with the safe operation of propulsion and auxiliary equipment
• hazards of refrigerant gases
• identification of components
• manufacturer specifications for operating propulsion machinery and auxiliary equipment
• operating principles and operating methods for propulsion machinery and auxiliary equipment
• potential hazards and risks associated with operating propulsion machinery and auxiliary equipment
• potential hazards and risks involved with types of fuels, for example, petrol, diesel and liquefied petroleum gas (LPG)
• preparing for the use of propulsion machinery, auxiliary equipment and other mechanical equipment
• propulsion machinery and ancillary equipment, including:

• ancillary equipment
• bilge systems
• cooling, lubricating and fuel systems
• diesel engines
• drive train assembly
• low voltage electrical systems
• machinery monitoring equipment
• outboard engines
• shore power leads and connections
• steering gear

• routine checks required with the operation of propulsion machinery, auxiliary equipment and other mechanical equipment
• shore power connections and associated hazards
• use of low voltage electrical systems
• what to do in the case of malfunctions and emergencies with propulsion machinery, auxiliary equipment and other mechanical equipment
• WHS/OHS requirements and work practices.

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 ≥5.0 m in length with propulsion power of ≥75 kW, or appropriate engine ashore
• applicable documentation, such as legislation, regulations, codes of practice, safety management system, workplace procedures and operational manuals
• tools, equipment, machinery, materials and relevant personal protective equipment (PPE) that are currently used in industry.