MARL049 — Demonstrate advanced knowledge of marine control systems and automation

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What an assessment for MARL049 must cover

144 assessable components: 14 elements (93 performance criteria), 8 performance evidence and 43 knowledge evidence requirements. An audit-defensible tool maps every question and task back to these — that mapping is the coverage matrix Auditori generates alongside the assessment.

Elements & performance criteria

1 Explain control theory

1.1Open loop systems are distinguished from closed loop systems
1.2Time lag is distinguished from time constant
1.3Closed loop manual, time-based automatic open loop and feed forward open loop are explained
1.4Effect resistance and capacitance has on process system response is demonstrated
1.5Transfer function is established and defined
1.6Effect of variations in undamped natural frequency on control systems is illustrated

2 Analyse signal transmissions systems used for monitoring, controlling and shutting down machinery

2.1Methods and limitations of different signal transmissions systems are compared
2.2Standard pneumatic system and standard analogue 4-20 Milliampere (mA) system of signal transmission are compared and contrasted
2.3Operation of a nozzle flapper and pneumatic amplifier unit is analysed and applied to transmitters, basic controllers and valve positioners
2.4Control air supply system is defined
2.5Principle of operation of direct and reverse acting pneumatic relays and application is clarified
2.6System of a communications bus using digital signal transmission with optical and electronic systems is explained
2.7Limitations and advantages of a communications bus system are analysed

3 Analyse electronic and pneumatic transmitters

3.1Principles of operation of a typical 4-20 mA transmitter are explained
3.2Application of strain gauges and changes in capacitance as sensors for pressure and differential pressure transmitters are outlined
3.3Methods of testing transmitter outputs are explained
3.4Application of differential pressure transmitters to liquid level sensing in both open and closed tanks is analysed
3.5Pneumatic temperature transmitter is defined
3.6Effect of changes in ambient temperature on thermocouples and resistance temperature detectors (RTD) is explained
3.7Testing procedures and methods of simulation for both RTDs and thermocouples are explained
3.8Characteristics and application of thermistors are outlined
3.9Use of a differential pressure transmitter to measure flow is analysed and compared with non-restrictive electronic systems

4 Evaluate final control element arrangements

4.1Pneumatic, electric and hydraulic actuation are compared and contrasted
4.2Arrangements for locking pneumatic control valves in their last position on air failure are outlined
4.3Operating principle of pneumatic valve positioners is explained
4.4Control valve trim characteristics are explained
4.5Control valve selection for machinery space duties are analysed
4.6Arrangements to provide fail safe requirements are outlined

5 Evaluate electronic temperature sensors and transmitters

5.1Colour coding of tails and compensating cables for thermo couple types are identified
5.2Temperature/millivolt (mV) outputs and application of common thermo couple types are illustrated
5.3Relationship between resistance and temperature for PT100 resistance temperature device and method of testing three wire arrangements is explained
5.4Arrangements of interfacing thermo couples and RTDs with 4-20 mA systems and 1-5 volt (V) interface cards are analysed
5.5Effect of changes in ambient temperature on thermocouples and RTD is explained

6 Analyse PID electronic controllers

6.1Common controller actions and applications are outlined
6.2Principle of operation of an electronic analogue 3-term controller and how adjustments are made is explained
6.3Typical controller settings for a PID controller are detailed
6.4Open loop response and PID controller testing and calibration are demonstrated
6.5Application of modern single loop digital controller is explained
6.6Programming requirements for manual and auto-tuning when adjusting digital controllers are demonstrated

7 Explain procedure for transmitter calibration

7.1Procedure for transmitter calibration for both pneumatic and electronic transmitters is applied
7.2Test equipment is used for transmitter calibration
7.3Relationship between process variables and output signals is demonstrated in a graph
7.4Effects of transmitter dead band are defined

8 Explain operation of pneumatic 3-term controller and controller adjustment procedures

8.1Operating principle of pneumatic 3-term controllers is outlined
8.2Procedure for adjusting 3-term pneumatic controllers is applied and effects if incorrectly adjustment are explained
8.3Integrated hand/auto station and 3-term controller are outlined and bumpless transfer is demonstrated

9 Explain engine room monitoring systems

9.1Application of different speed sensing systems is analysed
9.2Operating principles of torque monitoring systems applied to propeller shafting are explained
9.3Arrangements of shaft power and indicated power monitoring are compared
9.4Capacitance sensing and float level monitoring systems are compared
9.5Operating principle of oil-water interface sensor is explained
9.6Methods of bearing temperature monitoring applied to diesel engine rotating parts are outlined
9.7Machinery space monitoring and alarm system from a central control room are outlined

10 Evaluate performance of machinery space monitoring alarm and control systems

10.1Single, two and three element boiler water level control systems involving feedwater and cascade systems are analysed
10.2Requirements and systems to provide advanced combustion control systems and sequential control for burner management are outlined
10.3Concepts and arrangements for central cooling and load dependent cooling control systems are explained
10.4Main engine control arrangements for fixed pitch propeller and controllable pitch propeller (CPP) systems requiring sequential control are analysed
10.5Tests and procedures to meet unmanned machinery spaces (UMS) requirements are explained, and alarm and monitoring systems involving data loggers, alarm print outers, and trend analysis are evaluated

11 Analyse governors

11.1Operating principle of proportional action hydraulic governors is explained
11.2Importance of spring stiffness in relation to response is clarified
11.3Purpose of an isochronous governor is outlined
11.4Principle of operation of an isochronous hydraulic governor is outlined
11.5Governor adjustments to allow operation of propulsion and power generation diesels in both shared load and standalone applications are specified
11.6Governor faults are diagnosed and interpreted, identifying and evaluating appropriate adjustments and maintenance to be made
11.7Specific governor applications requiring torque limitation, critical speed range avoidance are outlined
11.8Typical electronic governors are explained using labelled diagrams to indicate major components and features
11.9Response of a diesel engine governor on change in engine load using both feed-back and feed forward control is explained using labelled diagrams to indicate major components and adjustments

12 Explain fault-finding techniques for control systems

12.1Governor adjustments are demonstrated, and effect of incorrect adjustments is explained
12.2Common defects in mechanical and electronic governors are itemised
12.3Indication of faults and procedures of fault finding in 4-20 mA loops are explained
12.4Fault-finding techniques in pneumatic control systems and their respective components are analysed
12.5Fault finding flow diagram is illustrated
12.6Off-limit performance, fault detection and principles of rectifications for common engine room control systems are evaluated

13 Explain operational applications of analogue and digital PLCs

13.1Principles and operation of integrated circuit gates are explained
13.2Operational function of input/output devices connected to a digital PLC is detailed
13.3Methods of operation of flip flops, adders, counters, multiplexers and decoders are outlined
13.4Methods employed when changing set point values in a digital PLC are outlined
13.5Methods of programming PLCs are assessed
13.6Methods used for storing binary data and operating registers are explained
13.7Fibre optic data transmission systems are explained
13.8Procedure for connecting PLC to system control elements is outlined
13.9System operating procedure is outlined
13.10Procedure for modifying system and program as necessary to provide adequate and appropriate safety requirements is outlined
13.11Required documentation is prepared and accuracy is verified
13.12Maintenance and fault-finding procedures are outlined

14 Explain typical machinery space control loops and UMS requirements

14.1Fuel oil heating, lube oil (LO) cooling and jacket water (JW) cooling loop showing cascade and split range systems are outlined
14.2Fuel oil viscosity control loop is outlined
14.3Common methods of boiler water control and simple combustion control with burner management for an auxiliary boiler are outlined
14.4Requirements and system arrangements for bridge control of main propulsion machinery, including changeover from local to bridge, are explained
14.5Common pressure control loops found in a ship’s engine room are identified
14.6UMS requirements are outlined
14.7Troubleshooting procedures associated with control systems are outlined
14.8Procedures for software version control are outlined

Performance evidence

accessing information and sketching diagrams, and interpreting and explaining testing requirements related to control systems on commercial vessels
applying relevant work health and safety (WHS)/occupational health and safety (OHS) requirements and work practices
assessing own work outcomes and maintaining knowledge of current codes, standards, regulations and industry practices
explaining advanced principles of marine automation and process control, and imparting knowledge and ideas verbally, in writing and visually
identifying and interpreting numerical and graphical information, including schematic diagrams, relevant to control systems on commercial vessels
identifying and suggesting ways of rectifying faults and malfunctions in control systems on commercial vessels
identifying methods, procedures and materials needed to operate and maintain control systems on commercial vessels
reading and interpreting written information related to operating control systems on commercial vessels

Knowledge evidence

actuators and control valves, including: electric, hydraulic, pneumatic
analogue and digital programmable logic controllers (PLCs)
Australian Standards for drawing symbols/layouts for schematic diagrams
automatic control engineering and safety devices
bridge control systems
characteristics and functions of temperature, pressure and viscosity of fuel
concept of ‘fail safe’ philosophy
concepts of unmanned machinery spaces (UMS), and automated monitoring and control of machinery
control and monitoring of ship machinery
control: loops, theory
design features and system configuration of automatic control equipment and safety devices, including: general requirements, generator and distribution system, main engine, steam boiler
design features and system configuration of operational control equipment for electrical motors, including: distribution, effects of varying frequency and voltage of alternating current (AC) motors, emergency power, insulated gate bipolar transistor (IGBT) motor speed control, motor control and protection, motor speed control by thyristors, three phase AC motors, three phase generators, three phase synchronous motors, three phase transformers
design features of high voltage (HV) installations
differential pressure transmitters
electronic: electronic systems circuit diagrams, temperature sensors and transmitters, transmitters
electronic, power electronics
faults, including: earths, electronic component failure, high resistance joints, open circuits, power supply faults, short circuits
fault-finding techniques for control systems
features of hydraulic and pneumatic control equipment
final control element arrangements
governors and governor adjustments, including mismatching between prime mover types and responses
industry standards for drawing symbols/layouts for schematic diagrams
instrument process and control terms
machinery space monitoring alarm and control systems
marine electrotechnology
measurement and test equipment used for fault finding electronic apparatus
mechanical and electrical sensors
meters, including: rotometer, target meter
methods of testing transmitter outputs, including: MA test point, MV test point, no test points
open and closed loop systems
operation of hydraulic governors
operation of pneumatic 3-term controller and controller adjustment procedures
operation of PLCs
operational safety of HV installation
proportional-integral-derivative (PID) electronic controllers
pneumatic and electrical instrumentation transmitters
principles and operation of pneumatic control element and systems
principles of: basic electronic circuits, basic pneumatic systems and action of pneumatic instruments, process control
safety devices, alarms and monitoring systems
sensing and transmitting elements
signal transmissions systems used for monitoring, controlling and shutting down machinery
tests and procedures required to meet UMS requirements
WHS/OHS legislation, policies and procedures

Unit content sourced from training.gov.au — © Commonwealth of Australia, licensed under CC BY 4.0. Auditori is not affiliated with the Department of Employment and Workplace Relations.

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Questions about assessing MARL049

What does an assessment tool for MARL049 need to cover?

To satisfy the Principles of Assessment and Rules of Evidence, an assessment for MARL049 needs to address all 144 unit components: 14 elements with 93 performance criteria, 8 performance evidence requirements, 43 knowledge evidence requirements, and the foundation skills. A coverage matrix mapping each question and task to these components is what an auditor looks for.

How does Auditori generate an assessment tool for MARL049?

Auditori pulls the current release of MARL049 from training.gov.au and generates a complete package: candidate assessment, assessor guide with model answers and observation criteria, and a coverage matrix mapping every component. A suitably qualified person then reviews and approves the draft in a built-in workflow — consistent with ASQA's guidance on AI use in VET — before export as branded PDF and editable Word.

Is the first assessment tool really free?

Yes. Every new account includes one free credit — enough to generate the complete assessment tool for MARL049 — with no card and no subscription required. After that it's pay-as-you-go per unit.

Can I check my existing MARL049 assessment instead of generating a new one?

Yes — upload your existing assessment or learner guide and Auditori maps it against every element, performance criterion, PE and KE of MARL049, showing exactly what's covered and what's missing. Mapping costs a quarter of a credit.

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