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Servicing engine/propulsion systems in yachts and boats

URN: SEMME3213
Business Sectors (Suites): Marine Engineering Suite 3
Developed by: Enginuity
Approved on: 2019

Overview

This standard identifies the competences you need to carry out servicing activities on yacht or boat engine/propulsion systems, in accordance with approved procedures. You will be required to carry out the servicing activities on engine and propulsion systems such as inboard engines (petrol or diesel), outboard engines, direct current electric motors and steam engines. This will involve checking the equipment, pipework and cables for signs of damage, replacing any faulty or 'lifed' units, carrying out lubrication activities, checking, adjusting and tuning the engine as appropriate, to maintain optimal operational performance.

Your responsibilities will require you to comply with organisational policy and procedures for the servicing activities undertaken and to report any problems with these activities or with the tools and equipment that are used, that you cannot personally resolve, or are outside your permitted authority, to the relevant people. You must ensure that all tools, equipment and materials used in the maintenance activities are removed from the work area on completion of the activities and that all necessary job/task documentation is completed accurately and legibly. You will be expected to work with a minimum of supervision, taking full responsibility for your own actions and for the quality and accuracy of the work that you carry out.

Your underpinning knowledge will provide a good understanding of your work and will provide an informed approach to applying servicing procedures to yacht or boat engine/propulsion systems. You will understand the servicing process and its application, in adequate depth to provide a sound basis for carrying out the activities to the required specification. In addition, you will be expected to report where the outcome identifies the need for further investigation or maintenance work.

You will understand the safety precautions required when carrying out the servicing activities, especially those for isolating the equipment and taking the necessary safeguards to protect the equipment and associated systems. 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:

  1. work safely at all times, complying with health and safety legislation, regulations, directives and other relevant guidelines

  2. follow the relevant maintenance schedules to carry out the required work

  3. carry out the maintenance activities within the limits of your personal authority
  4. carry out the maintenance activities in the specified sequence and in an agreed time scale
  5. report any instances where the maintenance activities cannot be fully met or where there are identified defects outside the planned schedule
  6. complete relevant documentation in line with
    organisational procedu    res and pass them on to the appropriate person
  7. dispose of waste materials in accordance with safe working practices and approved procedures

Knowledge and Understanding

You need to know and understand:

  1. the health and safety requirements of the area in which the servicing activity is to take place and the responsibility they place on you
  2. how to recognise and deal with emergencies and the procedures to be followed (such as methods of safely evacuating and closing down of compartments in the case of fire or other major incident, first aid, fire fighting and resuscitation of personnel)
  3. the isolation procedure that applies to the servicing activities and the specific engine/propulsion system
  4. the specific health and safety precautions to be applied during the servicing activities

  5. the importance of using personal protective equipment (PPE) and other appropriate safety equipment during the servicing process

  6. hazards associated with carrying out servicing activities on yacht or boat engine/propulsion equipment (such as handling oils/greases, stored pressure/force, using damaged or badly maintained tools and equipment, not following laid-down maintenance procedures) and how they can be minimised

  7. how to obtain and interpret servicing specifications, engine/propulsion system manufacturers' manuals, history/maintenance reports and other documents needed in the servicing process
  8. the servicing schedules and methods to be followed to comply with organisational procedures for the servicing of the engine/propulsion systems
  9. the basic principle of operation of the engine/propulsion system being serviced and the purpose of individual components within the system
  10. the different types of yacht or boat engine/propulsion system, engine control equipment and peripheral devices and their servicing requirements
  11. methods of checking that components are fit for purpose and the need to replace 'lifed' items such as filters, belts, seals and gaskets 
  12. how to recognise defects in yacht or boat engine/propulsion equipment (such as under or over performance)
  13. how to make sensory checks by sight, sound, smell, touch
  14. the adjustments/corrections/tuning required to maintain the system at operational standard
  15. the application and use of a range of mechanical operating mechanisms (such as levers and links, pulleys and belts, pivots, bearings, turnbuckles), and the likely functions that will require checking) 
  16. the different types of pipes and hoses that are used and what to check during the servicing activities
  17. organisational policy on repair/replacement of components during the servicing activities 
  18. how to check that the replacement components meet the required specification/operating conditions
  19. the procedure for obtaining consumables to be used during the servicing activity
  20. the testing methods and procedures to be used to check that the engine/propulsion system conforms to acceptable limits
  21. the importance of ensuring that the system is maintained to the prescribed standard of cleanliness
  22. how to compile servicing records/logs/reports which satisfy organisational policy and procedures
  23. the problems that can occur whilst carrying out the servicing activities and how they can be avoided
  24. the organisational procedure to be adopted for the safe disposal of waste of all types of materials
  25. the extent of your own authority and whom you should report to if you have problems that you cannot resolve

Scope/range

Scope Performance

​

  1. Carry out all of the following during the servicing of the yacht or boat engine/propulsion system:

    1. use the correct issue of vessel/craft servicing documentation
    2. adhere to procedures or systems in place for risk assessment, COSHH, personal protective equipment and other relevant safety regulations
    3. obtain clearance to work on the engine/propulsion system and observe the appropriate power isolation and safety procedures
    4. provide safe access and working arrangements for the area
    5. carry out the servicing activities, using appropriate techniques and procedures
    6. functionally test and adjust equipment to the prescribed level, as specified
    7. leave the work area clean and tidy

* *

  1. Carry out servicing activities on one of the following types of yacht or boat engine/propulsion systems:

    1. in-board engine (petrol, diesel)
    2. out-board engine
    3. direct current electric motor
    4. steam engine

* *

  1. Carry out twelve of the following activities, as applicable to the equipment being serviced:

    1. removing excessive dirt and dust from the engine/propulsion system components
    2. visual examination of the condition and security of components (such as engine mountings, exhaust system, guards)
    3. checking condition of operating mechanisms (such as levers and links, cams, bearings, turnbuckles)
    4. carrying out leak checks on all connections (such as water, fuel oil)
    5. replacing 'lifed' consumables (such as oil, grease, filters (fuel. water, air, oil), belts, gaskets and seals)
    6. removing and replacing damaged or faulty units/components
    7. monitoring the condition and security of electrical components (such as cables, connectors, switches, contactors)* *
    8. replacing damaged or missing locking and retaining devices (threaded fasteners, locking devices/pins, cable ties, clips, proprietary fasteners)
    9. checking operation of all gauges and sensors
    10. making sensory checks (such as sight, sound, smell)
    11. replacing damaged or defective connectors/linkages
    12. checking alignment of running/sliding components
    13. measuring and adjusting moving part clearance
    14. servicing battery systems
    15. carrying out specified lubrication
    16. making routine adjustments/tuning of components
    17. monitoring component condition/deterioration
    18. testing and reviewing the engine/propulsion system function
    19. recording the results of the servicing and reporting any defects found

* *

  1. Carry out checks on four of the following yacht or boat engine/propulsion system sub-systems:

    1. power supply
    2. fuel system
    3. cooling system
    4. exhaust system
    5. lubrication system
    6. shafts/drive system
    7. instrumentation
    8. engine control unit
    9. cutless bearings
    10. stern glands
    11. deep sea seals

* *

  1. Carry out four of the following tests:

    1. earth bonding tests
    2. voltage checks
    3. battery condition checks
    4. pressure/leak tests
    5. emission tests
    6. mechanical measuring checks (such as measuring operating clearance, travel, timings)
    7. torque testing critical fastenings
    8. serviceability checks
    9. other specific test

* *

  1. Ensure that the serviced engine/propulsion equipment meets all of the following:

    1. all servicing activities have been completed to the required schedule
    2. all components and subassemblies are fit for purpose
    3. all connections are safe and sound
    4. all systems are leak free
    5. equipment functions to specification
    6. all potential defects are identified, recorded and reported for future action

* *

  1. Service yacht or boat engine/propulsion systems in compliance with one of the following:

    1. BS or ISO standards and procedures
    2. customer (contractual) standards and requirements
    3. company standards and procedures
    4. specific craft/engine requirements/manufacturer's data
    5. recognised compliance agency/body's standards (such as Lloyds, Boat Safety Scheme, BMEA Code)
    6. other accepted international standards

* *

  1. Complete the relevant documentation in line with
    organisational procedu    res, including one of the following and pass it to the appropriate people:

    1. job cards
    2. system log
    3. servicing logs or reports
    4. work authorisation documents
    5. vessel/craft documentation
    6. other specific recording method

Scope Knowledge

Values

Behaviours

​

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

Skills

Glossary

Links To Other NOS

External Links

Version Number

3

Indicative Review Date

2021

Validity

Current

Status

Original

Originating Organisation

Semta

Original URN

SEMME3213

Relevant Occupations

Marine Engineering Trades

SOC Code

5235

Keywords

Marine; engineering; yacht; boat; engine; propulsion; servicing; systems; equipment; replacing; checks