Mechanic

The Scout must complete the requirements in one of the following alternatives.

Alternative A

1. Know the principles of operation of an internal combustion engine and understand the function of the clutch, gearbox and rear axle differential of a motor car.
2. Show how to check and refill the windscreen wash bottle.
3. Show how to disconnect and remove an old car battery and to safely install and connect a new one.
4. Show how to check the level of water in the radiator, how to top up the radiator, and know the importance of anti-freeze.
5. Show how to check tyre pressures and inflate a tyre.
6. Remove and replace a road wheel.
7. Explain what to look for when checking that a tyre conforms to the legal requirement.
8. Understand the reason why cross- and radial-ply tyres should not be mixed on the same axle.

1. Show that when operating the engine of a power craft they can respond quickly to orders given by the coxswain.
2. Choose one of the following three activities:
   1. Be able to discuss the principles and performance of several types of motor boat engines, other than two-stroke, and show a knowledge of the special care and maintenance needed by a type of small marine internal combustion engine familiar to them, other than two-stroke.
   2. Have a working knowledge of small motor boat four-stroke engines and show a knowledge of the special servicing required by a small marine diesel unit.
   3. With minimum assistance, dismantle, thoroughly service and re-assemble an outboard engine and demonstrate proper fitting to the transom of a boat. Be able to explain how to detect minor faults in starting and running whilst afloat.
3. Choose one of the following two activities:
   1. As driver or mechanic member of a power boats crew
      • assist in the preparation of the boat for a voyage by checking the engine for possible minor faults, checking the fuel supply and pump, and mustering the fire-fighting equipment.
      • In response to orders, operate the engine whilst getting underway from the quay.
      • Whilst afloat, demonstrate how to deal with minor running defects in compression, ignition, electrics, filters, intake and outlet and in overoiling.
      • Operate the engine to bring the craft alongside the quay and shutdown.
      • Lay out a kedge anchor.
      • Re-man the boat in response to a 'distress call' and under orders, start and operate the engine whilst proceeding to and manoeuvring alongside a 'stranded craft'.
      • This part of the test is to include operation of all gears in a confined area of water and a return journey to base, coming alongside with the tide (or current).
      • Know how to leave the engine in a proper manner and how to drain the engine in an emergency.
   2. Act as mechanic on at least one short cruise or expedition
      • be responsible for the running of the engine throughout the cruise.
      • Thoroughly check and service the engine of a motor boat in preparation for a cruise or expedition to include the provision of fuel and safe storage, an adequate tool kit and effective fire-fighting appliances.
      • Accompany the expedition either as the mechanic or assistant mechanic and be fully or jointly responsible for the operation, care and maintenance of the engine throughout.

1. Understand the basic principles of, and be able to point out the component parts of, one of the following two options:
   1. an aircraft piston engine
   2. an aircraft gas turbine engine.
2. Understand the basic principles of flight of a fixed-wing aircraft.
3. Know and be able to demonstrate Aircraft Marshalling signals used by day and night.
4. Demonstrate their ability to carry out four of the following activities:
   1. Replenish a light aircraft fuel and oil system.
   2. Rig and de-rig a glider.
   3. Picket a light aircraft.
   4. Change a set of plugs on a light aircraft engine.
   5. Inspect aircraft main and tail or nose wheel tyres for serviceability.
   6. Repair a small tear in the fabric surface of a light aircraft or glider.
   7. The pre-use inspection of a parachute and how to put it on and take it off.
   8. Check the control system of a light aircraft or glider for correct sense of movement.

1. Know the operation principles of a two-stroke or four-stroke internal combustion engine and understand the function of the clutch, gearbox, carburettor and transmission of a motorcycle.
2. Remove, clean and check the gap of a sparking plug.
3. Clean and top up a motorcycle battery. Understand the basic electrical circuit of a motorcycle including the frame earth concept. Be able to identify and change a fuse.
4. Check and top up the level of the engine oil.
5. Explain how to adjust the tension of the final drive chain.
6. Describe the procedure for removing and replacing both road wheels.
7. Check the tyre pressure and depth of tread.