MARL059 — Demonstrate basic knowledge of marine steam turbines and main boilers

1 Interpret an energy balance diagram for a shipboard steam plant

• 1.1Ideal theoretical thermodynamic cycle for the operation of a steam plant is outlined
• 1.2Why actual expansion of steam through a turbine differs from ideal cycle is explained
• 1.3Typical heat losses around a steam plant are identified
• 1.4Effect of air pre-heating, feed heating and economisation upon energy balance of steam plant’s thermodynamic cycle are explained
• 1.5Typical heat (and/or mass) balance diagram for a ship’s steam plant is interpreted

2 Explain construction and operation of marine high-pressure water boilers

• 2.1Advantages of water tube boiler over fire tube boiler for shipboard applications are outlined
• 2.2Construction and operation of a ‘D’ type membrane furnace boiler with superheater, economiser and air pre-heater is explained
• 2.3External fittings required by classification society rules on any large boiler are identified
• 2.4Internal fittings of a boiler’s main steam drum are identified
• 2.5How automation is applied to boiler control is clarified
• 2.6Start-up, operation and shutdown of a main propulsion steam boiler are outlined

3 Explain construction and operation of a main propulsion steam plant

• 3.1How common forms of blading and rotor construction are manufactured is clarified
• 3.2How casings of common marine steam turbines are fitted out is clarified
• 3.3Principles of thermodynamics are applied to explain expansion of steam in a typical marine turbine
• 3.4Importance of start-up and warming-through procedures for a steam turbine set is conveyed
• 3.5Checks required during routine turbine operation are explained
• 3.6Safety devices for a steam turbine set are identified and normal emergency shutdown (ESD) procedures are identified
• 3.7Operation of turbines under normal and emergency conditions is outlined

4 Explain auxiliary machinery required to support operation of main propulsion steam turbines and boilers

• 4.1Construction and operation of different types of auxiliary machinery needed to support main propulsion steam turbines and boilers is outlined
• 4.2Construction and operation of steam and electric motor prime movers required for driving auxiliary machinery are outlined

5 Explain configuration and operating principles of different steam distribution systems used in steam-powered vessels

• 5.1Configuration and operating principles of different steam distribution systems is outlined
• 5.2Typical pressure reducing and pressure control valves suitable for steam service are outlined and illustrated

6 Explain operation principles of close feed systems used by boiler/turbine sets

• 6.1Difference between an open and a closed feed system is clarified
• 6.2Closed feed system is outlined
• 6.3Pressure feed heaters are outlined
• 6.4Chemical injection equipment suitable for use on any ship’s main feed system is explained

7 Explain feed and boiler water treatment

• 7.1Recommended limits of characteristics for boiler water and recommended intervals at which tests are undertaken are clarified
• 7.2Reasons for treating boiler water are outlined
• 7.3Different types of hardness in water, consequences if left untreated, and ways of minimising their effect are explained
• 7.4How corrosion within a boiler is minimised by treating boiler water is explained
• 7.5Causes and ways of avoiding carry-over and caustic embrittlement are explained
• 7.6Safety requirements for handling feed water and boiler water treatment chemicals are explained

8 Explain transmission of power from the steam turbine main engine to the propeller

• 8.1Why reduction gearing is required between steam turbines and propeller is clarified
• 8.2Generation of tooth form is outlined
• 8.3Double helical gearing and difference between single and double reduction gearing are explained
• 8.4Applications of epicyclic gearing are explained
• 8.5Function of flexible couplings in a turbine/gearing set is clarified
• 8.6Components of a driveline from main wheel connection, aft, to propeller are listed
• 8.7Methods and mechanisms for lubricating a driveline are detailed

9 Explain procedures for preventing and responding to fires and explosions specific to steam propulsion plant

• 9.1Causes, symptoms and means of preventing and extinguishing fires associated with steam propulsion plant are detailed
• 9.2Protective devices associated with boilers to minimise risk of fires, explosions and water shortages are identified
• 9.3Routine inspection and maintenance requirements to prevent fires, explosions and water shortages are outlined

What does an assessment tool for MARL059 need to cover?

To satisfy the Principles of Assessment and Rules of Evidence, an assessment for MARL059 needs to address all 104 unit components: 9 elements with 42 performance criteria, 9 performance evidence requirements, 53 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 MARL059?

Auditori pulls the current release of MARL059 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 MARL059 — with no card and no subscription required. After that it's pay-as-you-go per unit.

Can I check my existing MARL059 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 MARL059, showing exactly what's covered and what's missing. Mapping costs a quarter of a credit.