SAQA All qualifications and part qualifications registered on the National Qualifications Framework are public property. Thus the only payment that can be made for them is for service and reproduction. It is illegal to sell this material for profit. If the material is reproduced or quoted, the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA) should be acknowledged as the source.
SOUTH AFRICAN QUALIFICATIONS AUTHORITY 
REGISTERED UNIT STANDARD THAT HAS PASSED THE END DATE: 

Operate propulsion machinery and associated control systems 
SAQA US ID UNIT STANDARD TITLE
376265  Operate propulsion machinery and associated control systems 
ORIGINATOR
TT - Sovereignty of the State 
PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QUALITY ASSURANCE FUNCTIONARY
-  
FIELD SUBFIELD
Field 08 - Law, Military Science and Security Sovereignty of the State 
ABET BAND UNIT STANDARD TYPE PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL CREDITS
Undefined  Regular  Level 4  NQF Level 04  4 
REGISTRATION STATUS REGISTRATION START DATE REGISTRATION END DATE SAQA DECISION NUMBER
Passed the End Date -
Status was "Reregistered" 		 2018-07-01  2023-06-30  SAQA 06120/18 
LAST DATE FOR ENROLMENT LAST DATE FOR ACHIEVEMENT
2024-06-30   2027-06-30  

In all of the tables in this document, both the pre-2009 NQF Level and the NQF Level is shown. In the text (purpose statements, qualification rules, etc), any references to NQF Levels are to the pre-2009 levels unless specifically stated otherwise.  

This unit standard does not replace any other unit standard and is not replaced by any other unit standard. 

PURPOSE OF THE UNIT STANDARD 
This unit standard is for people who work in the field of marine engineering and are required to operate main and auxiliary propulsion machinery and associated control systems on a vessel. A learner who has achieved the outcomes of this unit standard will be useful to the South African Navy and the merchant navy in that they will be able to:
  • Demonstrate knowledge of the working principles of main propulsion and auxiliary machinery.
  • Start and shut down main and auxiliary machinery and systems.
  • Operate main and auxiliary propulsion machinery.
  • Optimise output of propulsion machinery. 
    		•

    LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
  • Communication at NQF Level 3.
  • Mathematical Literacy at NQF Level 3.
  • Computer literacy at NQF Level 3. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD RANGE 
    The International Convention on Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping for Seafarers (STCW) codes and South African Maritime Safety Authority (SAMSA). 

    Specific Outcomes and Assessment Criteria: 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 1 
    Demonstrate knowledge of the working principles of main propulsion and auxiliary machinery. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    The construction and working cycles of two-stroke and four-stroke engines and associated equipment are explained in accordance with general mechanical principles and in a marine application. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Systems include: lubrication, cooling, fuel, scavenge and air starting.
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    Engine parts are identified from sectional diagrams and their function explained in terms of overall operation of the engine and associated equipment. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    Loading and unloading mechanisms of the system are described and explained in line with the manufacturer's design information and/or relevant documentation. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    The process of converting engine revolution to forward motion of the vessel is explained in accordance with general mechanical and engineering principles. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    The use of automatic control systems on main and auxiliary machinery is explained in terms of the functions performed and key benefits. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Control systems include: programmable logic controller (PLC); local and remote control systems.
     

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 2 
    Start and shut down main and auxiliary machinery and systems. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    Machinery and systems are started up and shut down in accordance with manufacturer's operating instructions and on-board procedures. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    Systems are started and gauges and instruments are monitored and checked to ensure compliance with manufacturer's operating instructions, limits and operating conditions. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Limits include: speed, temperatures and pressures.
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    Safety procedures are followed during the start up, shut down and operation of the system. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    Data from monitoring systems relating to the start up or shut down are recorded according to prescribed procedures. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    Documentation is completed and communicated to relevant personnel within agreed time frames. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 3 
    Operate main and auxiliary propulsion machinery. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    Work is conducted in accordance with accepted safety, health and environmental legislation. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    Couplings and connections to ancillary services are confirmed to be in accordance with manufacturer specifications. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    Pre-start and post start checks of machinery systems are used to confirm that they are in accordance with manufacturer specifications prior to starting and/or loading of any equipment. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Systems include: fuel, lubrication and cooling systems.
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    Consequences of starting equipment without adequate fuel, lubrication or cooling facilities are explained in terms of potential delays in progress and/or damage to equipment. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    Provisions for the emergency start up or shut down of equipment are explained with reference to the specific conditions and required procedures. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 6 
    Operating systems during operation are confirmed to be in accordance with technical specifications and agreed work plans. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Operating systems include pressure, temperature and revolutions.
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 7 
    Problems encountered are identified and corrective action is taken appropriate to the condition of machinery and the nature of the problem. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 8 
    Actions taken are documented and communicated to relevant parties in accordance with agreed protocols. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 9 
    The workplace is checked for cleanliness and safety in accordance with workplace procedures. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 4 
    Optimise output of propulsion machinery. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    Machinery conditions are adjusted according to manufacturer specifications to minimise the risk of machinery damage and disruption to operations. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    Systems are monitored to confirm that they remain within manufacturer operating specifications. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    Deviations from operating specifications are attended to in accordance with prescribed guidelines, and within a time frame which maintains the operational effectiveness of the vessel. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    Machinery output is monitored against bridge orders and safe operating parameters. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    Operating parameters are communicated to the bridge in accordance with South African Navy/Merchant navy protocol. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 6 
    Equipment protection systems are identified and explained in terms of their purpose in prolonging equipment lifespan. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 7 
    Consequences of over-riding protection systems are explained in terms of stress on equipment. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 8 
    The consequences of emergency shut downs are described with reference to stress on equipment. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 9 
    Consequences of not over riding protection systems when ordered by the bridge are explained in terms of potential risk to the vessel and crew. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 10 
    Equipment systems which cannot be bypassed are identified and consequences for ship operation and safety are explained. 


    UNIT STANDARD ACCREDITATION AND MODERATION OPTIONS 
  • Anyone assessing a learner against this unit standard must be registered as an assessor with the relevant ETQA.
  • Any institution offering learning that will enable achievement of this unit standard must be accredited as a provider through the relevant ETQA by SAQA.
  • Moderation of assessment will be overseen by the relevant ETQA according to the moderation guidelines and the agreed ETQA procedures. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD ESSENTIAL EMBEDDED KNOWLEDGE 
    The following embedded knowledge is addressed in an integrated way in the unit standard:
  • The construction and working cycles of two-stroke and four-stroke engines.
  • The differences between two-stroke and four-stroke engines.
  • How to read sectional diagrams.
  • The process of converting engine revolution to forward motion.
  • How to start and shut down machinery.
  • Safe operating procedures.
  • Consequences of starting equipment without adequate fuel, lubrication or cooling facilities.
  • How to optimise output of machinery.
  • How to work safely on board a ship.
  • Consequences of not communicating. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD DEVELOPMENTAL OUTCOME 
    N/A 

    UNIT STANDARD LINKAGES 
    N/A 


    Critical Cross-field Outcomes (CCFO): 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO IDENTIFYING 
    The ability of the learner to identify and solve problems through identifying potential problems with machinery and equipment. 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO WORKING 
    The ability of the learner to work effectively with others as a member of a team, group organisation or community is demonstrated through working as part of a team to maximise performance and life-span of equipment. 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO ORGANISING 
    The ability of the learner to organise and manage him/her self responsibly and effectively is demonstrated through adhering to agreed procedures and protocols. 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO COLLECTING 
    The ability of the learner to collect, analyse, organise and critically evaluate information is demonstrated through identifying potential problems and taking appropriate action. 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO COMMUNICATING 
    The ability of the learner to communicate effectively in the modes of oral and/or written presentation is demonstrated through reporting operating parameters. 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO SCIENCE 
    The ability of the learner to use science and technology effectively and critically, showing responsibility towards the environment and the health of others is demonstrated through operating machinery and equipment. 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO DEMONSTRATING 
    The ability of the learner to demonstrate an understanding of the world as a set of related systems is demonstrated through ensuring that all activities are conducted with minimal risk of injury to personnel or damage to property. 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO CONTRIBUTING 
    The ability of the learner to contribute to own full personal development is demonstrated through working autonomously under stressful conditions. 

    UNIT STANDARD ASSESSOR CRITERIA 
    N/A 

    REREGISTRATION HISTORY 
    As per the SAQA Board decision/s at that time, this unit standard was Reregistered in 2012; 2015. 

    UNIT STANDARD NOTES 
    SAMSA Assessment procedure:
  • Every learner for the issue of a certificate of competency as deck or engineer officer must be assessed at one or more of the following levels:
    > Level 1; this assessment is carried out during qualifying service on a ship and involves the practical demonstration that the required level of competency has been reached or during training at an accredited institution, and must be carried out aboard ship by one or more designated ship's officers and ashore by one or more assessors.
    > Level 2; this assessment is carried out during qualifying service on a ship or during training at an accredited training institution, and must be carried out by an assessor.
    > Level 3; this assessment is carried out by an examiner and an assessor when a learner presents himself or herself for oral examination.
  • All units of competency that are to be assessed at level 1 or 2 must be indicated in the training record book issued to the learner.
  • Only an assessor may sign off a unit of competency in the learner's training record book when the learner is considered to be ready for the next level of assessment (if any) and has successfully demonstrated competency in the unit as specified in the Code for South African Maritime Qualifications (the Code).

    Terminology:

    All terms used in this unit standard are consistent with terms generally used in a marine engineering environment and do not require further clarification. Acronyms used have been written out in full the first time they appear in this document. 
    		•

    QUALIFICATIONS UTILISING THIS UNIT STANDARD: 
      ID QUALIFICATION TITLE PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL STATUS END DATE PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QA FUNCTIONARY
    Core  77983   Further Education and Training Certificate: Marine Engineering Watchkeeping  Level 4  NQF Level 04  Passed the End Date -
    Status was "Registered"     		 2013-04-07   


    PROVIDERS CURRENTLY ACCREDITED TO OFFER THIS UNIT STANDARD: 
    This information shows the current accreditations (i.e. those not past their accreditation end dates), and is the most complete record available to SAQA as of today. Some Primary or Delegated Quality Assurance Functionaries have a lag in their recording systems for provider accreditation, in turn leading to a lag in notifying SAQA of all the providers that they have accredited to offer qualifications and unit standards, as well as any extensions to accreditation end dates. The relevant Primary or Delegated Quality Assurance Functionary should be notified if a record appears to be missing from here.
     
    NONE 


    All qualifications and part qualifications registered on the National Qualifications Framework are public property. Thus the only payment that can be made for them is for service and reproduction. It is illegal to sell this material for profit. If the material is reproduced or quoted, the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA) should be acknowledged as the source.