DieselShip's Online Content Library

Q1. A fire in the exhaust gas boiler on a motor ship may develop in two or three stages. With reference to such situations; discuss: A. The factors which could be responsible for initiation and development of: i) Ignition of soot; ii) Small soot fires; iii) High temperature fires; B. State the standing instruction you, as Second Engineer Officer, would issue to watch keepers with respect to the action to be taken in the event of a boiler uptake fire.

Q3. A. With reference to the underwater surface of a ship’s hull; i. Describe a hull plate roughness analyser system;

ii. State the significance of the roughness profile and compare the typical roughness values for a new ship and a ship eight years old;

B. Which reference to the application of self-polishing paint in dry dock - i. Describe the plate preparation necessary;

ii. State the defects that may occur in the paint coating if it is not correctly applied.

Q1.  You have been appointed as the Chief Engineer of an older vessel which is in dry-docking and recently been purchased by your shipping company. Describe, in a letter to the Engineering Superintendent, your inspection to ensure that the conditions of assignment are satisfactorily complied with

Q4. A. (i) Discuss the various hazards and problems which are associated with electric cable Insulation in the event of fire.

(ii) Suggest remedies for these problems.

B. State how the spread of fire may be reduced by the method used for installing electric cables.

Q1. You had to discharge to shore 200 tonnes of emulsified and contaminated fuel oil. You had attempted to purify this oil but were unsuccessful. Write a report to your head office explaining the above, how the oil became emulsified and contaminated, and what steps have been taken to prevent a re-occurrence

Q4. A. Briefly describe the causes and effects of bacterial attack of lubricating oil.

B. Bacterial activity has been detected in the lubricating oil of the main engine fitted in the ship aboard which you are serving as 2ndeng. Write a letter to the owner/operator of the ship indicating the action you intent to take and offer suggestion to the avoidance of future incidents.

Q2. What is sub-division? Why is it necessary? What is margin line? How is the length of a compartment determined?

Q3. A. Sketch a line diagram of an automatic water sprinkler fire detection/alarm and firefighting system fitted in accommodation and service spaces of passenger vessels; B. Describe the system sketched above and its mode of operation; C. State the action that should be taken after the use of sea water in the firefighting system

Q6. With reference to the circuit breaker for an a.c. generator A. Describe the preventive maintenance carried out on the circuit breaker for an A.C Generator. B. Explain the sequence of events that might occur if the breaker opens on a short circuit and state the check you would require following such event. C. Give a safe procedure to follow should a main circuit breaker fail to open under fault condition.

Q3. Differentiate between squirrel cage and wound rotor motor of the three phases: a.c. induction. In respect of the following; A. Rotor construction, B. Torque characteristic, C. Speed variation.

Q2. Describe in detail each of the following processes and give an example where each is likely to occur in marine engineering: State how in each case the initiation of the process is prevented or minimized. A. Corrosion fatigue; B. Stress corrosion; C. Creeping cracks; D. Casting cracks

Q4. Misalignment of the main shafting between engine and propeller causes bearing overloads and shaft stress;

A. State the difficulties associated with checking shaft alignment and the reasons why results are unreliable due to external factors;

B. Explain with a simple sketch how a bearing load is assessed.

C. Explain how uneven loading could be rectified

Q5. With respect to Induced Vibrations in a ships hull:

A. State FOUR sources of excitation that may induce vibration into the main hull girder;

B. Suggest methods for reducing the vibration levels induced by EACH of the exciting forces in A.

Q2. A. A hydraulically operated ballast tank valve situated in the duct keel has failed to close. State as Second Engineer your procedure for directing safe entry by engine room staff to the duct keel to ascertain the cause and possibility to carry out a repair.

B. State if any procedure is to be followed before making an entry, and the relevant IMO code under which such procedures are required

Q1. Describe a suitable means of withdrawal procedure for the removal of keyless propellers.

Q3. Diesel electric propulsion is now being chosen as the power plant for an increasingly wide variety of vessels.

(a) Sketch a simple layout of such an installation.

(b) Explain the advantages of selecting such a plant.

Q3. Separation rate is inconsequential in oily water separators. Discuss with reasons the one statement that is not correct regarding oily water separators. - A. Test cocks are situated to locate the oil-water interface; B. Separation rate is inconsequential; C. Overboard discharge is inconsequential; D. Rise in temperature assist in the separation process; E. Rate of separation is unrestricted

Q2. Sketch a Main Engine air starting distributor and describe how it operates.

List the safety devices and interlocks incorporated in main engine air starting system and state the purpose of each.

Q7. With respect to trim and stability, describe the following - A. Effects on centre of gravity of slack tanks; B. Effect on stability of ice formation on superstructure; C. Effects of wind and waves on ship’s stability; D. Effect of water absorption by deck cargo and retention of water on deck.

Q5. With reference to oil content monitoring of bilge or tanker discharges: A. Describe with the aid of a sketch the general arrangement of an oil monitoring system; B.  State the inputs that are recorded; C. Differentiate between monitoring chambers using direct light and those using scattered light d) Explain the problem to be overcome in the design of monitoring systems.

Q4. In the event of a failure, of the main electrical power supply on a: ship, an emergency source of power must be available, state the circuits which must be fed from such a source and discuss the reasons governing the selection of such circuits.

Q4. An auxiliary engine exhibits a tendency to hunt to such an extent that the engine speed variation prohibits the connection of the machine to the switchboard. A. Discuss the possible causes of hunting; B. Explain how the problem of hunting can be rectified.

Q6. State why the temperature of lubricating oil supplied to an engine needs close control. Sketch and describe an arrangement and explain the principle of operation of instrumentation and control equipment for automatically maintaining the temperature of lubricating oil supplied to an engine at its desired value

Q7. With reference to the 4-stroke medium speed engines:

A. Define the cause and effect of thermal stressing in cylinder Heads, liners and pistons.

B. Explain why thermal stressing are aggravated with increase in cylinder bore.

C. Explain how stress concentration and its effects are relieved by maintenance and operational practices.

Q3. Explain the principle of port State control and give in detail the verification the Port State Control Officer may carry out with particular reference to the following;

A. Emergency generator; B. Auxiliary steering gear; C. Lifeboat engine; D. Bilge pumps; E. SOPEP.

Q3: With reference to dry docking, define the responsibility of the second engineer;

A. Prior to docking;

B. Whilst the vessel is in dry dock;

C. Prior to flooding and leaving the dock.

Q8. For a fully automatic provisions refrigeration system incorporating a number of rooms; A. Explain how each room temperature is set;  B. Describe the sequence of events following a demand for increased refrigerant flow from one room;  C. State with reasons the devices incorporated into the system to protect the machinery and equipment against malfunction;  D. State how satisfactory operation of the plant can be established?

Q5. With reference to the condition monitoring of electrical machinery:

A. State TWO important parameters that may be recorded;

B. Explain how the parameters are measured and what defects may be revealed.

Q8. (A) A set of indicator diagrams including draw cards has been taken for a main diesel engine, noted that compression curve is normal. Examine critically and give reasons for following observations.

i. The maximum pressure is lower;

ii. The maximum pressure is higher;

iii. The expansion curve is lower;

iv. The expansion curve is higher.

(B). Describe how the faults as mentioned above can be rectified

Q8. A. Explain the necessity of intercoolers on a multi-stage compressor. What attention is required to keep them safe and in good working order? Sketch and describe an intercooler suitable for a 2400kPa compressor and state materials used.

B. What attention is needed before opening up an air compressor for inspection?

C. What faults are likely to develop in an air compressor and how are they remedied?

Q6. A. Explain the term angle of loll and state what, if any dangers it poses to a vessel. B. A ship whose length is 110 m has MCTI cm 55 tonne m: TCP9; LCF 1.5 m forward of midships and floats at draughts of 4.20m forward and 4.45m aft. Calculate the new draughts after the following masses have been added, 20 tonne 40 m aft of midships; 50 tonne 23 m aft of midships; 30 tonne 02 m aft of midships; 70 tonne 06 m forward of midships; 15 tonne 30 m forward of midships;

Q9. With reference to chemical tankers:

A. Sketch a suitable cargo pumping and stripping system, labelling the component parts and indicating the direction of fluid flow;

B.  State the requirements of the regulations involved to reduce pollution of the sea by chemical tanker cargoes.

Q1. A. Sketch and describe a pneumatic control system for controlling temperature of main engine lubricating oil at outlet of the cooler and; B. Explain why air supplied to a pneumatic control system must be free from dust and water; C. Describe how above impurities are removed; D. State the possible consequences if the air supply is contaminated.

Q6. (a). Explain the significance of the root- mean- square value of an alternating current or voltage waveform; Define the form factor of such a wave form.

(b). A total load of 8000 kW at 0.8 power factor is supplied by two alternators in parallel. One alternator supplies 6000 kW at 0.9 power factor. Find the kVA rating of the other alternator and the power factor.

Q6. A. A number of main engine cylinder covers have been subjected to cracking during the preceding four months –

i. Explain possible reasons for this cracking;

ii. State with reasons the action you, as Second Engineer, would take in order to reduce the possibility of future cylinder cover cracking.

B. Cylinder liner wear has increased appreciably during the past six months. Write a brief report to the engineering superintendent concerning this matter explaining the possible causes the immediate action taken to deal with the problem and the action you, as Second Engineer, intend to take in order to reduce the risk of future incidents.

Q8. Explain how the ingress of sea water is prevented in an oil lubricated stern bearing system. Should the system fail, describe the corrective action possible whilst the vessel is afloat. State why two stern bearing oil header tanks are fitted in some instances?

Q7. A. Explain what is meant by ‘assigned summer free board’. B. A ship 120m long has draughts of 6.6m forward and 6.9 aft. The TPC is 20, MCTI cm 101 tonne m and the centre of flotation 3.5m aft of midships. Calculate the maximum position aft at which 240 tonne may be added so that the after draught does not exceed 7.2m

Q8. A. Explain the principles underlying the STCW Convention; B. Explain how as a senior engineer you would implement the regulation for controlling and monitoring of minimum hours of rest for watch keepers; C. What type of specific shipboard familiarization is required to be given? D. List the areas in which training is required and areas it is desirable.

Q4. Describe the method of setting the safety valves of an exhaust gas boiler at sea.

a. State the limits in terms of percentage above maximum design working pressure, for setting safety valves. (8)

b. State the formality necessary when chief engineer sets the safety valves. (8)

Q7. A. By means of a schematic circuit diagram illustrate the peak rectifier. If the supply voltage is v(t) = Vm Sin wt, what is the voltage across the load resistor?

B. A battery-charging circuit is shown below in Fig. The forward resistance of the diode can be considered negligible and the reverse resistance infinite. The internal resistance of the battery is negligible. Calculate the necessary value of the variable resistance R so that the battery charging current is 1.0 A.

Q9. A.  Difficulty has been experienced in maintaining engine speed at the set value; State THREE possible causes. State how each of these causes may be detected.

B. Describe the action to be taken in order to ensure safe operation of the main engine plant in the event of complete failure of the remote control and sensing equipment.

Q7. Sketch and describe a stockless anchor illustrating the method or device used to attach it to the chain cable. When the anchor and cable are ranged during the ships underwater survey what parts require special attention and what defects are likely to be discovered?

Q1. A. Explain the purpose of the rudder carrier and pintles.

B. The speed of a ship is increased to 18% above normal for 7.5 hours, and then reduced to 9% below normal for 10 hours. The speed is then reduced for the remainder of the day so that the consumption for the day is the normal amount. Find the percentage difference between the distance travelled in that day and the normal distance travelled per day.

Q2. With reference to classification society’s survey, explain the following

A. Why a Class certificate is issued to a newly built ship after satisfactory completion of survey and sea trials, what is the purpose of a Class certificate?

B. Is it necessary to call a Class surveyor after repair or alteration to the ship’s structure If so, why?

C. Describe the requirement for initial and periodical survey respect to International Load Line.

Q8. A. Why is it important to maintain high efficiency of operation?  And low values of voltages regulation for power transformers?

B. A 100 KVA transformer has 400 turns on the primary and 80 turns on the secondary. The primary and secondary resistances are 0.3 and 0.01 respectively, and the corresponding leakage reactance’s are 1.1 and 0.035 respectively. The supply voltage is 2200 V. Calculate:

(i) The equivalent impedance referred to the primary circuit;

(ii) The voltage regulation and secondary terminal voltage for full load having a power factor of (i) 0.8 lagging and (ii) 0.8 leading.

Q1. A. As second engineer describe the procedure involved in the complete inspection of a cylinder liner and piston assembly, indicating areas of significant interest.

B. Explain with reasons, possible faults which might be found;

C. Suggest how such faults might be avoided.

Q9. a). If an auxiliary diesel generator over-speeds and runs away while off the load, explain: - i. How it can be stopped,

ii. What is likely to be the reasons for the failure.

b). Give-details of what cheeks are made after the machine has been stopped:

 (i) Mechanically,                            (ii) Electrically.

Q9. A. What are the conditions required in the cylinders of a marine diesel engine for good combustion? B. State under normal working conditions how the following may occur Black smoke, White smoke, Blue smoke. C. What may be the suspected cause for each case to occur? What would be the remedy for it?

Q9. Explain the purpose of on-board training and how you as second engineer would conduct a training session for trainee engineers who have joined the vessel for the first time with respect to: A. Use of firefighting equipment on board; B. Maintenance of fixed firefighting equipment; C. Operation of boiler; D. Operation of oily water separator; E. Maintenance filter and trunks of the galley air extraction fan.

Q9. The ½ ordinates of a water plane at 15m intervals, commencing from aft, ar. 1, 7, 10.5, 11, 11, 10.5, 8, 4 and 0m. Calculate:

(a). TPC;

(b). Distance of the centre of flotation from midships.

(c). Second moment of area of the water plane about a transverse axis through the centre of flotation.

Q6. Describe in detail the causes and conditions that—A. Create an explosive atmosphere in a crankcase; B. Initiate a primary explosion; C. Propagate a secondary explosion; D. State how hazardous conditions can be avoided.

Q9. A. List the factors that determine the starting torque of the three-phase induction motor. How does this torque generally compare with the value of the rated torque?

B. The low-voltage release of an a.c. motor-starter consists of a solenoid into which an iron plunger is drawn against a spring. The resistance of the solenoid is 35 ohm. When connected to a 220 V, 50 Hz, a.c. supply the current taken is at first 2A, and when the plunger is drawn into the “full-in” position the current falls to 0.7 A. Calculate the inductance of the solenoid for both positions of the plunger, and the maximum value of flux-linkages in weber-turns for the “full-in” position of the plunger.

Q7. With reference to main engine starting and reversing: Define the function of air distributors; Give reasons why air distributors are not fitted to some large direct reversing engines.

Q9. With reference to multi-tubular heat exchangers explain:

(A) How and where impingement attack is likely to occur in the tubes

(B) Why is it desirable that coolant flow rate should not exceed that required to maintain correct fluid temperature

(C) Ample well-shaped water boxes and smooth tube inlets are desirable

(D) Partial obstruction of tube bore is a common cause of tube failure

Q8. A. Why is it important in a tender ship to keep the double bottom tanks pressed up?

B. A ship of 6000 tonne displacement has a wetted surface area of 2500 m2 and a speed of 15 knots.

(i) Calculate the corresponding speed and wetted surface area of as similar ship of 2000 tonne displacement.

(ii) If the ship resistance is of the form R=0.45 S V1.83 N; find the resistance of the 6000 tonne Ship.

Q6. A. With the aid of delta and star connection diagrams, state the basic equation from which   delta – star – delta conversion equation can be derived.

B. Three batteries A, B and C have their negative terminals connected together, between the positive terminals of A and B there is a resistor of 0.5 ohm and between B and C three is a resistor of 0.3 ohm,

i. Battery A 105 V, Internal resistance 0.25 ohm’

ii. Battery B 100 V, Internal resistance 0.2 ohm

iii. Battery C 95 V, Internal resistance 0.25 ohm

Determine the current values in the two resistors and the power dissipated by them.