MARL051 — Demonstrate advanced knowledge of marine electrical systems

1 Evaluate advanced electrical layout systems

• 1.1Effects of power factor changes on prime mover, alternator and electrical system are analysed
• 1.2Methods of altering load power factor by means of capacitors or synchronous machines are explained
• 1.3Methods of obtaining constant frequency from a variable frequency output, such as a main engine driven alternator and/or variable speed drives for a self-discharging equipment, are explained
• 1.4Protecting systems available for shaft driven alternators are evaluated

2 Analyse common faults in shipboard electrical machinery

• 2.1Effects and ways of detecting earth on 3-wire insulated and 4-wire earthed neutral systems are explained
• 2.2Effects of short circuits and operation of discrimination protection are explained
• 2.3Symptoms and effects of ‘light’ and ‘heavy’ short circuits on components and circuits are compared
• 2.4Effects of open circuits on systems and components transformers are analysed
• 2.5Causes and effects of ‘hot spots’ in circuits are identified
• 2.6Cause and effects of static electricity on shafting and when cleaning tanks are identified

3 Analyse construction and principles of operation of different types of marine alternators

• 3.1Construction and operating parameters of different types of marine alternators are compared and contrasted
• 3.2Cooling systems, leak detection, monitoring and protection systems in different types of marine alternators are compared and contrasted
• 3.3Procedures for drying out an alternator with a low insulation resistance are explained
• 3.4Excitation systems and methods of flashing alternator after loss of excitation are appraised
• 3.5Systems used for protecting against high winding temperatures, circulating currents, loss of excitation and internal short circuit are evaluated

4 Perform fault finding on electrical circuits

• 4.1Safe procedure for determining insulation resistance of a three phase motor or alternator, including protection of solid-state components and selection of suitable minimum insulation for the component, is applied
• 4.2Procedure for safely drying out an electrical machine with a low insulated resistance (IR) is outlined
• 4.3Open circuit in a three phase motor is safely tested
• 4.4Procedure for testing internal short circuit in a three phase motor is clarified

5 Analyse different types of direct current (DC) and alternating current (AC) marine motors

• 5.1Different types and applications of marine motors are compared and contrasted
• 5.2Difference between types of encapsulation is explained and where they should be used is justified
• 5.3Motor ratings and effect of overloading on different types of motor are assessed
• 5.4Possible operational problems associated with marine motors are analysed and appropriate remedial action is devised
• 5.5Procedure for drying out a motor that has become unserviceable due to either long-term storage or immersion in seawater is formulated
• 5.6Effects of operating star connected motors compared with delta connected motors are distinguished and when this may be required is suggested
• 5.7Different types and applications of special motors for deck and cargo operation are analysed

6 Analyse complex shipboard switchboard layouts

• 6.1Switchboard layouts are interpreted
• 6.2The effects and indications of earths on the system, including intermittent and multiple earths, are explained
• 6.3Safe procedure for locating earths on main and low voltage (LV) circuits, including 24 volt (V) system, is outlined
• 6.4Operation of preferential tripping arrangements for overload protection is explained
• 6.5Different methods of start-up after black outs are outlined

7 Analyse requirements of motor starters for three phase and synchronous motors

• 7.1Differentiation is established between different types of motor starters
• 7.2Different types of starters are evaluated in terms of starting torque and current, and are compared to particular motor applications
• 7.3Simple starter circuit diagrams are evaluated, and operating principles of motor starters are explained
• 7.4Documentation and circuit and wiring diagrams are used for fault finding in motor starters
• 7.5Routine maintenance program for monitoring vibration and insulation resistance levels of motors is designed

8 Explain electrical safety procedures for ship and shore personnel

• 8.1Potential problems associated with shore maintenance personnel working on ship electrical equipment are identified
• 8.2Safe procedure of isolating electrical machinery for repair or maintenance is applied
• 8.3Safe method of working on live electrical circuitry for purpose of repair or maintenance is explained
• 8.4Problems associated with shipboard electrical fires are explained
• 8.5Safe procedures for fighting shipboard electrical fires, including fires in switchboards, are clarified

9 Analyse lighting systems used onboard ships

• 9.1Common types and applications of lighting systems are evaluated
• 9.2Distribution layout systems are explained
• 9.3Fault-finding method for lights and starter systems, including lighting in hazardous areas, is planned using circuit diagrams

10 Synchronise, parallel and load share alternators on manual and auto modes

• 10.1Process of manually synchronising alternator and sharing kilowatt (kW) and kilovolt-amperes reactive (kVAR) loading under all loading conditions is explained
• 10.2Process of starting, testing and, where applicable, of transferring emergency generator power onto main board, is explained
• 10.3Operation of synchronising lights, synchroscope and all meters associated with synchronising is outlined
• 10.4Operation of automatic voltage regulator (AVR) and prime mover governor with respect to synchronising is outlined and how these can be adjusted at set points is explained

11 Evaluate alternator excitation system design

• 11.1Different types of excitation systems and impact of load changes are compared
• 11.2Type, location and function of components involved in excitation are examined
• 11.3Function, cooling, failure mode and procedures for testing and changing diodes are explained
• 11.4Functions of an AVR and how it may be incorporated into an excitation system are explained
• 11.5Process of fault finding in an AVR and types, causes and remedies of common problems are explained
• 11.6The impact excitation systems have on output in normal and adverse circumstances is assessed

12 Examine operation, construction and maintenance of circuit breakers

• 12.1Features and applications of different types of circuit breakers are differentiated
• 12.2Closing and opening systems of circuit breakers are explained
• 12.3Arc extinguishing systems are explained
• 12.4Method for accessing an air circuit breaker for inspection is analysed
• 12.5Function and operation of protection devices associated with air circuit breaker and molded case circuit breaker are examined

13 Analyse power management and UPS fitted to vessels

• 13.1Operational functions of power management systems during high load, overload and short circuit conditions are analysed
• 13.2Functions and components of UPS systems are evaluated
• 13.3Limitations of power management and UPS fitted to vessels are analysed
• 13.4System response under possible fault conditions of vessel power management and UPS are determined

14 Analyse function of emergency battery systems

• 14.1Different types and characteristics of batteries used for emergency supplies are identified
• 14.2Methods of battery charging and ways in which charge condition of the battery can be determined are explained
• 14.3Requirements of emergency supply and how transfer can occur without adversely affecting solid state components are explained
• 14.4Safety hazards associated with batteries, and procedures to be adopted to minimise explosion and short circuits are appraised

15 Analyse vessel cathodic protection system

• 15.1Cathodic protection systems and how they interact are analysed
• 15.2Components of cathodic protection systems are identified and life cycle maintenance program is prepared
• 15.3Modifications required for operating parameters of cathodic protection systems when operating alongside an active wharf or another vessel are determined
• 15.4Likely causes of corrosion in relation to size, location or distribution of anodes or current densities are assessed
• 15.5Other corrosion problems in shipboard environment that may be the cause of electrical problems are appraised

16 Assess requirements and components associated with electrical systems for hazardous spaces onboard vessels

• 16.1Different types, limitations and nameplate identification of ‘E’ equipment are compared
• 16.2Requirements of classification societies are distinguished from administrations regarding electrical installations onboard vessels
• 16.3Lighting and power supply requirements of pump rooms are identified
• 16.4Safety requirements for electrical equipment and safety practices onboard vessels and how these are extended when alongside a berth are analysed

17 Assess existing electrical shipboard equipment

• 17.1Existing and new shipboard electrical equipment and systems are compared to assess future requirements as well as potential problems and preventative measures
• 17.2Performance of existing shipboard electrical equipment and systems is analysed and cost-effectiveness studies for modifications or improvements are prepared
• 17.3Factors involved in commissioning new electrical plant are evaluated
• 17.4Procedures involved in organising survey of existing plant are outlined
• 17.5Procedures involved in making recommendations for new systems consistent with modified new ship building requirements are outlined

What does an assessment tool for MARL051 need to cover?

To satisfy the Principles of Assessment and Rules of Evidence, an assessment for MARL051 needs to address all 183 unit components: 17 elements with 81 performance criteria, 10 performance evidence requirements, 92 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 MARL051?

Auditori pulls the current release of MARL051 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 MARL051 — with no card and no subscription required. After that it's pay-as-you-go per unit.

Can I check my existing MARL051 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 MARL051, showing exactly what's covered and what's missing. Mapping costs a quarter of a credit.