Carrying out the installation of cable runs and circuits in yachts and boats
Overview
This standard identifies the competences you need to install cable runs/circuits in yachts or boats, in accordance with approved procedures. You will install the appropriate cable enclosures which could include conduit and trunking systems and you will be expected to position, align and secure these in the correct locations, using the specified/appropriate techniques and bulkhead/screen penetration and fastening devices. The circuitry will include vessel power supply cables, internal and external lighting cables and system cable assemblies. You will be expected to terminate these cables to the relevant circuit breaker panels, distribution panels and relay panels.
Your responsibilities will require you to comply with organisational policy and procedures for the cable installation activities undertaken and to report any problems with the cable installation activities 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 competency in all the areas required by the standard must be demonstrated.
Your underpinning knowledge will be sufficient to provide a sound basis for your work and will provide an informed approach to applying electrical cable installation techniques and procedures in yachts or boats. You will have an understanding of the circuits being installed and their application and will know about the installation methods, tools and techniques used, in adequate depth to provide a sound basis for carrying out the activities to the required specification.
You will understand the safety precautions required when carrying out the installation of the cables. You will be required to demonstrate safe working practices throughout and will understand the responsibility you owe to yourself and others in the workplace, both ashore and afloat.
Performance criteria
You must be able to:
- work safely at all times, complying with health and safety legislation, regulations, directives and other relevant guidelines
- follow all relevant drawings and specifications for the cable installation being carried out
- use the correct tools and equipment for the installation operations and check that they are in a safe and usable condition
- install, position and secure the cabling and components in accordance with the specification
- ensure that all necessary connections and terminations are complete
- deal promptly and effectively with problems within your control and report those that cannot be solved
- complete relevant documentation in accordance with organisational requirements
- check that the installation is complete and that all components are fit for purpose
Knowledge and Understanding
You need to know and understand:
- the specific safety practices and procedures that you need to observe when installing cable runs/circuits in yachts or boats (including any specific legislation, regulations/codes of practice for the activities, equipment or materials)
- the hazards and risks associated with installing cable runs/circuits in yachts or boats structure and with the tools and equipment used, (such as using sharp instruments for stripping cable insulation) 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 protective equipment that you need to use for both personal protection (PPE) and protection of the vessel/equipment
- 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)
- how to obtain and interpret job instructions, drawings and specifications (to include symbols and conventions to appropriate British, European or relevant International standards) used during the installation process
- the cable runs/circuits to be installed and their function within the particular system
- the different types of cabling (multi-core cables, single-core cables, SWA cables, MI cables, screened cables), fittings and their application
- the different types of electrical components used (such as plugs, switches, lighting and fittings, junction boxes, consumer units)
- the techniques used to position, align, adjust, carry, support, secure and distribute the cabling through the vessel/craft
- how to extract and insert cables in wiring enclosures (such as conduit, trunking and through-bulkhead penetration) without causing damage to cables or components
- the techniques used to terminate electrical cables (such as plugs and sockets; soldering; screwed, clamped and crimped connections, glands and sealed connectors) and the importance of adhering to these procedures
- the methods and techniques to be used for soldering, de-soldering, crimping, heat shrinking and the importance of adhering to these procedures
- methods of attaching markers/labels to components or cables to assist with identification (such as colour coding conductors, using coded tabs)
- the various mechanical fasteners/termination that will be used and their method of installation
- the quality control procedures that need to be followed during the installation operations
- the importance of ensuring that the completed installation is free from damage and of ensuring that any exposed components are protected and advisory notices are placed
- the procedures for ensuring that you have the correct tools, equipment, components and fasteners for the activities
- why electrical bonding is critical and why it must be both mechanically and electrically secure
- the procedure for the safe disposal of waste materials
- the tools and equipment used in the installation activities, and their calibration/care and control procedures
- 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 cable installation operations and how these can be overcome
- the recording documentation to be completed for the activities undertaken
- the extent of your own responsibility 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 electrical cable installation activities:
- ensure you have the necessary information to carry out the installation of the cable runs (such as job instructions or drawings)
- adhere to procedures or systems in place for risk assessment, COSHH, personal protective equipment and other relevant safety regulations
- obtain clearance to work on the system and observe the power isolation and safety procedures
- maintain safe access and working arrangements for the work area
- carry out the cable installation activities using appropriate techniques and procedures
- return all tools and equipment to the correct location on completion of the activities
- leave the work area in a safe condition and to the prescribed category of cleanliness
Install one of the following types of wiring enclosures:
- non-metallic conduit systems
- metal trunking system
- metal conduit systems
- traywork systems
- non-metallic trunking systems
- bulkhead/screen/deck penetration
Install cable runs in support of two of the following types of yacht or boat electrical/electronic systems:
- power supply circuits
- emergency/temporary power supplies
- services/domestic electrical systems
- autopilot systems
- pumping systems (such as freshwater systems, bilge pumping systems, sanitary systems)
- motor/rotating equipment circuits (such bow/stern thrusters, anchor windlass, trim tabs winches and hoists)
- lighting systems (such as internal, external navigational)
- alarm systems (such as fire, flood/liquid level, gas, intruder)
- entertainment systems (such as sound systems, video entertainment systems)
- communications systems (such as very high frequency (VHF) radio, SSB, satellite communications (SATCOM), Navtex, weather fax, on-board entertainment systems, intercom)
- positioning systems (such as chart plotter, global positioning system (GPS), long range navigation, compass, gyro)
- instrument systems (such as speed, depth, wind, velocity made good)
- sensor systems (such as RADAR)
- other specific electrical systems
Install two of the following types of cable run:
- single core cables
- wiring looms
- steel wire armoured (SWA) cables
- multicore cables
- coaxial
- mineral insulated (MI) cables
- PVC twin and earth
- screened cables
- data/communication/fibre-optic cables
Apply three of the following cable installation methods and techniques:
- positioning and securing conduit/trunking using mechanical fixings
- determining size and lengths of cables required
- laying in cables without twisting or plaiting
- carrying out through-bulkhead penetration
- leaving sufficient slack for termination and movement
Carry out five of the following cable termination activities:
- stripping cable sheaths without damage to conductor insulation
- soldering and de-soldering
- removing cable insulation
- terminating armoured cables
- connecting accessories (such as plugs, sockets multi-way connectors)
- terminating mineral insulated cables
- attaching suitable cable identification
- making mechanical/screwed/clamped connections
- heat shrinking (devices and boots)
- crimping (such as spade end, loops, tags, pins)
- screening
- secure wires and cables (such as clips, plastic strapping, lacing harnessing)
- earth bonding
Install cable runs and circuits in yachts and boats which comply 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
- wiring Regulations (current edition)
- recognised compliance agency/body's standards (such as Lloyds, Boat Safety Scheme, BMEA Code)
- other accepted international standards
Complete the relevant paperwork, to include one from the following, and pass it to the appropriate people:
- job cards
- installation records
- system log
- vessel/craft wiring documentation
- other specific recording 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