MARL050 — Demonstrate advanced knowledge of marine diesel engines and systems

1 Evaluate diesel fuel systems

• 1.1Optimum combustion parameters, means of adjustment and legislation requirements limiting exhaust emissions are determined and analysed
• 1.2Design modifications of pumps, camshafts and injectors for standard fuel types are evaluated
• 1.3Variable injection timing and fuel quality adjustments in service are justified, specifying common methods of adjustment
• 1.4Injection requirements for common diesel engine types, including combustion modifications for changes in engine service rating, are compared
• 1.5Faults and symptoms of common diesel fuel injection problems are analysed and appropriate adjustments are explained
• 1.6Work health and safety (WHS)/occupational health and safety (OHS) aspects of testing and handling fuel injection systems are explained
• 1.7Operation and normal operating pressures and temperatures of fuel systems are analysed, including uni-fuel and dual fuel systems of varying viscosity fuel types

2 Analyse cooling systems for main and auxiliary diesel engines

• 2.1Thermal efficiency optimisation of diesel engines and causes of thermal loads on engine components are explained
• 2.2Cooling media selection is justified, and advantages and disadvantages of various diesel cooling methods are evaluated
• 2.3Requirements of a coolant are identified and recorded
• 2.4Corrosion principles and combustion side corrosion problems are explained
• 2.5Appropriate action to be taken with common cooling system faults is established and evaluated
• 2.6How cooling systems are commissioned, monitored and stored during idle periods is explained
• 2.7Reasons for load-dependant cooling of diesel alternators on heavy fuels is explained
• 2.8Use of additives in cooling water is explained, including water treatment
• 2.9Normal operating temperatures, pressures and flow paths of typical methods of cooling medium and slow speed diesel engine pistons, exhaust valves, cylinders, turbochargers and cylinder heads are specified

3 Evaluate diesel engine lubrication requirements

• 3.1Principles of engine lubrication are explained
• 3.2Different lubrication systems and different lubricant properties are explained and assessed
• 3.3Methods for lubricating marine diesel engine components are specified and common faults are interpreted
• 3.4Conventional and synthetic lubricant properties and applications are identified
• 3.5Sources of contamination and deterioration of lubricants are analysed; treatment, monitoring and testing methods are explained; results are evaluated and appropriate actions to be taken are outlined
• 3.6Diagrams showing direction of flow, typical clearances and stating normal operating temperatures and pressures are used to explain how lubricating oil is distributed to the guides, top-end, bottom-end and main bearings of diesel engines
• 3.7Methods of crosshead lubrication are outlined and compared
• 3.8Methods of medium and slow-speed cylinder lubrication are evaluated
• 3.9Bearing materials and faults are evaluated and remedies to prevent them from occurring are determined

4 Analyse diesel engine starting and manoeuvring

• 4.1Starting procedures for diesel engines for power generation, propulsion and emergency use are specified
• 4.2Starting and manoeuvring sequences/requirements for direct-coupled reversible and geared propulsion diesels, including controllable pitch propeller (CPP) applications, are determined
• 4.3Common faults are analysed and appropriate actions to be taken with diesel starting and manoeuvring systems are determined
• 4.4Major components of a propulsion diesel engine typical manoeuvring and reversing system are outlined using labelled diagrams, explaining how remote, local and emergency manoeuvring is achieved
• 4.5Methods of achieving reversing capability with direct-coupled propulsion diesels are evaluated
• 4.6Layout of a diesel-electric drive is compared and contrasted with the layout of a turbo-electric drive

5 Analyse causes of vibration

• 5.1Common materials used in diesel engine construction are identified, justifying selection and specifying typical compositions and physical properties of components
• 5.2Dynamic loads and stresses are summarised, identifying service limitations, and different methods of component fabrication and reclamation are evaluated
• 5.3Two- and four-stroke operating cycle forces, couples and moments, relating to design principles of crankshafts, bedplates, foundations and crossheads are analysed
• 5.4Out-of-balance gas and inertia forces, couples and moments, and their relationship with flywheels, balance weights, first/second order balancing and hull vibration are explained
• 5.5Factors contributing to torsional vibration are specified and methods of minimising or eliminating harmful effects of critical speeds are outlined
• 5.6Torsional vibration dampers/detuners are explained using labelled diagrams, indicating construction features and operating principles
• 5.7Calibration is applied to identify wear patterns, limits and means of restoring working clearances and limits of pistons, liners, piston rings, bearings and crankshafts, sliding surfaces and interference fits of typical diesel engines
• 5.8Alignment and adjustment criteria of crankshafts, chain-drives, integral thrust bearings and crossheads are specified
• 5.9Crankshaft deflection measurements are prepared and evaluated, alignment diagrams are constructed, and realignment procedures, including restoration of crankshaft shrink-fit slippage, are proposed

6 Analyse scavenge and uptake fires, air line, crankcase and gearbox explosions

• 6.1Operational and design factors contributing to waste heat unit fires are assessed
• 6.2Appropriate strategies for extinguishing/containing soot and hydrogen fires are selected
• 6.3Hazard reduction, inspection and isolation of waste heat units in service procedures are established
• 6.4Operational factors that may contribute to scavenge fires are identified and methods of extinguishing and hazard reduction are determined
• 6.5Factors contributing to explosive mixtures are analysed and hazard reduction procedures for starting air systems are proposed and evaluated
• 6.7Causes of gearbox and crankcase explosions in propulsion and auxiliary drives are revised
• 6.9Procedures to be implemented for hazardous atmosphere warning in oil and dual-fuel engines are evaluated
• 6.10Relevant diagrams are used to identify operating principles of oil-mist detectors, crankcase breathers and explosion relief doors
• 6.11Maintenance strategies are developed and criteria for piston rod scraper box inspection and maintenance intervals are specified

7 Plan safe working practices associated with diesel engine maintenance, operation and repair

• 7.1Safe working practices for isolating main and propulsion diesels under all operational contingencies are planned, including use of protective devices, interlocks and evaluation of their status
• 7.2Safe working practices for machinery in enclosed spaces are planned
• 7.3Hazard reduction procedures for safe working with flammable liquids under pressure, chemicals, acids and hydrocarbons associated with engine overhaul and maintenance are planned
• 7.4Safe working strategies for diesel engine maintenance are planned according to manufacturer instruction manuals and product safety data sheets (SDS)/material safety data sheets (MSDS)
• 7.5Safe working practices associated with safe handling of hydraulic tools and dangers of lifting/isolating heavy components both unaided and with lifting gear are explained

8 Interpret combustion diagnostic equipment faults and relate to fuel injection and pressure charging systems

• 8.1Two and four-stroke theoretical cycle diagrams are produced and discrepancies with results recorded by diagnostic tools are accounted for
• 8.2Combustion faults related to fuel injection and pressure charging systems are diagnosed, corrective action is specified and service values with trials or test bed figures are analysed
• 8.3Methods of pressure charging diesel engines are evaluated, efficiencies are determined from records, efficiency losses are accounted for and means of correction are identified
• 8.4Maintenance and emergency procedures for turbochargers and charge air coolers are planned
• 8.5Design features of turbochargers and charge air coolers are evaluated
• 8.6Relevant diagrams are applied to evaluate diesel scavenging systems, under normal and emergency operation modes

9 Analyse construction and operation of marine gas turbines

• 9.1Flow of air and gas through a simple cycle marine gas turbine is analysed
• 9.2Materials and construction of compressor, combustion system and turbine in single and two-shaft designs are outlined
• 9.3Controls required for control and protection of marine gas turbines are detailed
• 9.4Functions of accessories necessary for safe operation of marine gas turbines are explained

What does an assessment tool for MARL050 need to cover?

To satisfy the Principles of Assessment and Rules of Evidence, an assessment for MARL050 needs to address all 143 unit components: 9 elements with 64 performance criteria, 8 performance evidence requirements, 71 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 MARL050?

Auditori pulls the current release of MARL050 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 MARL050 — with no card and no subscription required. After that it's pay-as-you-go per unit.

Can I check my existing MARL050 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 MARL050, showing exactly what's covered and what's missing. Mapping costs a quarter of a credit.