Carrying out modifications and rewiring of marine electrical circuits
Overview
This standard identifies the competences you need to carry out modifications to and/or rewiring of marine electrical circuits, in accordance with approved procedures. This will involve modifying or rewiring electrical circuits on equipment such as single, three phase and direct current power supply and control systems, motors and starters, switchgear and distribution panels, control systems, communication systems, weapon systems, navigation systems, sensor systems, computer control systems, lighting and alarm systems, electrical plant, luminaires, portable appliances, electrically powered domestic equipment and other specific electrical equipment.
You will be expected to carry out a range of rewiring or modification processes, such as removing and replacing cables, adding new cables, changing or adding components to panels or sub-assemblies, changing breakout points and change the routeing of cables. You will need to show ability in using various tools and equipment for cutting, stripping, crimping and soldering, bending and forming conduit and in the installation of the various wires, cables and components that make up the marine electrical system and circuits being worked on.
Your responsibilities will require you to comply with organisational policy and procedures for the modification or rewiring activities undertaken and to report any problems with the activities, components or equipment that you cannot personally resolve, or are outside your permitted authority, to the relevant people. You will be expected to work with either a high level of supervision or as a member of a team. You will take personal responsibility for your own actions and for the quality and accuracy of the work that you carry out. Where team working is involved, you must demonstrate a significant personal contribution during the team activities in order to satisfy the requirements of the standard and competence in all the areas required by the standard must be demonstrated.
You must ensure that all tools, equipment, and materials used in the modification activities are removed from the work area on completion of the activities and that all necessary job/task documentation is completed accurately and legibly.
Your underpinning knowledge will be sufficient to provide a sound basis for your work and will provide an informed approach to applying rewiring procedures to marine electrical equipment and circuits. You will have an understanding of the function and operating conditions of the circuits being rewired, in sufficient depth to ensure that the rewires/modifications carried out are safe and practical in operation.
You will understand the safety precautions required when carrying out the rewiring or modification activities. You will be required to demonstrate safe working practices throughout and will understand the responsibility you owe to yourself and others in the workplace.
Performance criteria
You must be able to:
- work safely at all times, complying with health and safety and other relevant regulations, directives and guidelines
- obtain and follow the relevant modification specifications and job instructions
- confirm and agree what modifications are to be carried out to meet the specification
- prepare the electrical system for the required modification or rewire
- carry out the system modification or rewiring using approved materials, methods and procedures
- complete the modification or rewiring within the agreed timescales
- ensure that the modified or rewired electrical system meets the specified operating conditions
- produce accurate and complete records of all modification or rewiring work carried out
- deal promptly and effectively with problems within your control and report those that cannot be solved
Knowledge and Understanding
You need to know and understand:
- the specific safety precautions and procedures to be observed whilst carrying out the modifications or rewiring of the marine electrical systems (including any specific legislation, regulations or codes of practice relating to the activities, equipment or materials)
- the health and safety requirements of the work area in which you are carrying out the modification or rewiring activities and the responsibility they place on you
- the hazards associated with carrying out modifications or rewiring of marine electrical systems and how they can be minimised
- how to recognise and deal with emergencies and the procedures to be followed (such as methods of safely evacuating and closing down compartments in the case of fire or other major incident)
- the precautions to be taken to prevent electrostatic discharge (ESD) damage to circuits and sensitive components (such as use of earthed wrist straps)
- what constitutes a hazardous voltage and how to recognise victims of electric shock
- how to reduce the risks of a phase to earth shock (such as insulated tools, rubber matting and isolating transformers)
- the personal protective equipment (PPE) and clothing to be worn during the modification or rewiring activities
- how to obtain and interpret information from job instructions, drawings and specifications used in the modification activities
- the basic principles of how the circuit functions
- the different types of cabling used in the modification or rewiring activities (such as multi-core cables, single-core cables, SWA cables, MI cables, screened cables), their fittings and their application
- the different types of electrical components (such as plugs, switches, lighting and fittings, junction boxes, consumer units)
- preparations to be undertaken on the system, prior to carrying out the modification or rewiring
- how to extract and insert new cables in wiring enclosures (such as conduit, trunking and traywork) without causing damage to other cables or components
- the methods and techniques to be used for soldering, de-soldering, crimping, heat shrinking and the importance of adhering to these procedures
- the procedure for obtaining replacement parts, materials and other consumables necessary for the modification or rewiring activities
- the importance of ensuring that the completed circuit is free from foreign objects and that all terminations are sound and secure
- how to conduct any necessary checks to ensure that the completed modification or rewiring complies with all required standards
the methods and equipment used to transport, lift and handle components/cabling into position and how to check that the equipment is within its current certification dates
how to check that tools and equipment are free from damage or defect, are in a safe and usable condition and are configured correctly for the intended purpose
- why tool/equipment control is critical and what to do if a tool or piece of equipment is unaccounted for on completion of the activities
- the problems that can occur with the modification or rewiring operations and how these can be overcome
- the recording documentation to be completed for the activities undertaken
- the extent of your own authority and whom you should report to if you have problems that you cannot resolve
Scope/range
Scope Performance
Carry out all of the following during the modification or rewiring of the electrical circuits:
- undertake the modification or rewiring activities to cause minimal disruption to normal working
- use the correct issue of vessel/craft/structure system drawings and maintenance documentation
- adhere to risk assessment, COSHH and other relevant safety standards
- obtain clearance to work on the system and observe the appropriate power isolation and safety procedures
- provide safe access and working arrangements for the maintenance area
- modify or rewire the electrical circuits, using approved techniques and procedures
- re-connect and return the system to service on completion of the activities
- dispose of waste items in a safe and environmentally acceptable manner
- leave the work area in the prescribed category of cleanliness
Carry out modifications or rewiring to one of the following marine electrical supplies:
- single phase power circuits
- three phase power circuits
- direct current power circuits
plus two of the following:
4. lighting, alarm, detection and monitoring systems
5. domestic electrical equipment
6. rotating electrical machines
7. switchgear and distribution panels
8. navigational equipment
9. communication equipment
10. computer equipment/peripheral devices
11. motors and starters
12. wiring enclosures
13. other specific equipment
Carry out six of the following types of modifications to the electrical circuits and equipment:
- replacing cables of different size or length
- changing or adding trunking and trays
- changing the position or angle of breakout points
- making changes to looms or mains circuits
- adding or removing components from circuits
- changing the position of electrical units
- changing the position of electronic equipment/modules
- changing the route of cables
- fitting new electrical systems
- adding looms or power supplies
- removal of cables
- changing or adding conduit runs
- addition of cables
- changing or adding components to panels or sub- assemblies
- removing and replacing cable end fittings
Carry out four of the following types of electrical connections:
- terminating mineral and armoured cables
- terminating co-axial cable
- sealing and protecting cable connections
- terminating PVC cables
- terminating multicore cables
- making mechanical/screwed/clamped connections
- creating earth bonding points
- soldering and de-soldering
- heat shrinking (devices and boots)
- terminating screened cables
- crimping (tags and pins)
- terminating fibre-optic cables
- allocating identification markings
Produce modified or rewired marine electrical systems, in accordance with one of the following standards:
- BS, EN or ISO standards and procedures
- customer (contractual) standards and requirements
- company standards and procedures
- specific equipment requirements/manufacturer's data
- electrical wiring regulations
- recognised compliance agency/body's standards
- other accepted international standards
Complete the relevant paperwork, to include one of the following, and pass it to the appropriate people:
- job cards
- system log
- maintenance logs or reports
- vessel wiring documentation
- work authorisation documents
- other specific reporting method
Scope Knowledge
Values
Behaviours
You will be able to apply the appropriate behaviours required in the workplace to meet the job profile and overall company objectives, such as:
- strong work ethic
- positive attitude
- team player
- dependability
- responsibility
honesty
integrity
- motivation
- commitment