DieselShip's Online Content Library

Q1. a) Describe the working principle of a Programmable Logic Controller (PLC) used in ship automation systems. How does a PLC enhance the safety and efficiency of shipboard operations? (8)

b) Explain the process of programming a PLC for an emergency shutdown sequence on a marine engine. What considerations should be taken into account to ensure reliable operation in critical situations? (8)

Q1. Name various statutory Certificates and Documents to be carried on board Special Trade Passenger ship trading in Indian coast giving reference to the conventions and justify for their requirement. (20)

Q1. a) Describe the key phases and microstructures present in the iron-carbon equilibrium diagram and explain their significance in the heat treatment of steel. (8)

b) How do the different regions of the iron-carbon diagram influence the mechanical properties of steel, such as hardness, toughness, and ductility? Provide examples of how specific compositions and heat treatments can achieve desired properties. (8)

Q9. (a) Define the term Torsional Vibration with respect to an engine crankshaft, stating the effect that high levels can have on an engine crankshaft.

(b) Explain how engine deterioration influences the risk of Torsional Vibration, stating what can be done to minimise that risk.

(c) Explain TWO possible reasons for the activation of a Torsional Vibration alarm after an engine has been started if there had been no previous history of such an alarm and if no maintenance had been undertaken on the engine whilst it was stopped.

Q1. (a) List out the merits and demerits of longitudinal framing system. Explain which demerits of longitudinal framing system are mitigated by use of mixed framing system without affecting the merits?

(b) List and explain with a sketch the type of loads and failure mechanism that would be of concerns for the longitudinal strength of the hull girder of a bulk carrier

Q2. Sketch and show all parts of two-stroke engine’s Stuffing box. Describe the procedure of  in place (Without removing piston) overhauling two stroke engine’s Stuffing box. Your answer should include all safety precautions taken and proper tools used during overhaul of Stuffing box.

Q2. a) Explain the construction and working principle of three-phase induction motor used on ships. How is the direction of rotation of the motor reversed? (8)

b) Discuss the maintenance procedures for an electric propulsion motor on a ship. What common faults can occur in the motor, and how would you diagnose and repair them? (8)

Q2. a) Explain the concept of metacentric height (GM) and its significance in ship stability. (4)

b) Differentiate between initial stability and overall stability. How are they assessed during ship design? (4)

c) Discuss the effect of free surface in tanks on the stability of a ship. How can this effect be minimized? (4)

d) Explain the criteria for determining a ship’s intact stability according to the International Maritime Organization (IMO) regulations. (4)

Q2. a) Briefly describe the cargo hold fire detection system on a bulk carrier, and how does the system function to detect and alert the crew to the presence of a fire? (10)

b) Give reasons why fire detectors in cargo holds differ from those in machinery spaces. (5)

c) Describe how to verify that each is in working order. (5)

Q7. What is meant by ‘Power balancing’ with respect to reciprocating engines? Why is balance desirable and how is it obtained in the case of a large marine engine? What difficulties may be experienced in balancing an engine running at about 500 R.P.M. and how can these difficulties be overcome?

Q8.a) Explain with a sketch the operation of an automatic expansion valve as fitted in the direct expansion refrigeration plants. How is this valve adjusted?

b) Explain how critical temperature restricts plant operation and how these limitations can be overcome?

c) Explain how this system maintains the provision rooms at different temperatures?

Q1. Explain why auxiliary engine bottom-end bolts are prone to failure, even under normal running conditions. Identify those features, incorporated into the design of bottom-end bolts, to inhibit failure. Explain how this tendency is either aggravated or inhibited during maintenance and what checks are to be carried out.

Q3. a) What is the purpose of the International Maritime Dangerous Goods (IMDG) Code, and how does it ensure the safe transportation of dangerous goods by sea? Discuss the structure and classification system used in the IMDG Code. (10)

b) How does the IMDG Code address the packaging, labelling, and documentation requirements for dangerous goods? Explain the responsibilities of ship operators and crew members in complying with the IMDG Code during cargo handling and transport. (10)

Q3. What are the key parameters used to assess marine fuel quality, and how do these parameters impact engine performance, fuel efficiency, and emissions control on a ship? (16)

Q9. With reference to Inert Gas Generator fitted on gas carriers:

a. Sketch a line diagram showing a typical 'Inert Gas System' used for inerting in gas carriers, labelling the component parts. (6)

b. Describe the system. (5)

c. State the function of a chiller used in this type of inert gas generator. (5)

Q9. (a) Describe how it is determined whether a crankshaft was twisted during a major “smash up” in a main engine.

(b) Explain where twisting is most likely to occur.

(c) Specify with reasons the degree of twisting that might be accommodated without correction

(d) Explain briefly what adjustments and precautions should be instituted when putting an engine with a twisted crankshaft back into service.

Q4. With the help of sketches explain the different types of strakes used in ship construction. What material is generally used for Hull plating and What are the tests carried out on Hull steel plating for certification as per class rules.

Q5. With reference to electronic control systems A. Draw a simple block diagram for temperature control B. Describe each component shown in the diagram in (a).

Q4. a) Explain the concept of power factor in electrical systems. Why is it important to maintain a high-power factor on board a ship? (8)

b) Discuss the methods used to correct power factor on ships. How does power factor correction improve the efficiency of the electrical system? (8)

Q4. Discuss the different components of a ship’s total resistance as it moves through water. Explain how each component contributes to the overall resistance, and describe the methods used to reduce these resistances in modern ship design. (16)

Q4. A vessel is due for SEQ renewal survey and company instructed to offer this vessel for survey at next port of call.

a) As a 2nd Engineer officer of above-mentioned vessel, what all checks you carry out and how you prepare for the renewal survey. (10)

b) What records, procedures, certificates etc., you will keep ready for attending surveyor verification. (10)

Q4. Under Continuous Survey of Machinery, the crosshead bearing of a large slow speed engine is due for survey.

a) Explain the procedure involved in the inspection of a cross-head bearing. (6)

b) List the precaution to be taken. (4)

c) Indicate the reasons for possible defects which could be encountered and state how they may be rectified. (3)

d) What test are carried out on completion of survey and reassembly. (3)

Q4. a) What is the purpose and key procedures involved in the running-in process of a engine, and how does this process contribute to the long-term reliability and performance of the engine? (8)

b) What are the common issues that can arise during the running-in period of a engine, and what measures should be taken to monitor and address these issues to prevent potential damage or inefficiencies? (8)

Q4. What are the key parameters analysed during lab testing of lubricating oil used in ship machinery, and how do these test results help in determining the condition of the oil and the health of the machinery? (16)

Q5. a) According to Article 2 of the Maritime Labour Convention (MLC) 2006, what are the essential elements that must be included in a Seafarers' Employment Agreement (SEA)? How does the SEA ensure the protection of seafarers' rights? (10)

b) Explain how CBAs are used to negotiate and establish the terms and conditions of employment for seafarers under the MLC 2006. How do CBAs contribute to ensuring fair wages, working conditions, and dispute resolution for seafarers? (10)

Q5. Why should the exclusion of oxygen from the boiler water of a water-tube boiler be regarded as important? Describe measures, both mechanical and chemical, that are intended to achieve oxygen free boiler water under working conditions. What precautions would you take when laying up a water-tube boiler for (a) a considerable period, (b) a few days? (16)

Q8. With reference to main propulsion shaft systems:

(a) describe a method of hydraulic jacking to check bearing loads; (8)

(b) sketch the Bearing Load versus Shift Lift Dial Gauge Reading graph obtained by the method described in part (a), annotating the graph and how the characteristic of bearing load is obtained. (8)

Q1.Describe how a jerk type of fuel pump is replaced, making specific reference to initial setting and governor connections. Explain how the actual and effective strokes are adjusted. Identify the common faults of these pumps. State how engine performance is affected by each of these faults and why prompt attention is necessary.

Q1. Describe with the aid of diagrammatic sketches the following systems used for transporting liquefied gas in bulk:

a) Free-standing prismatic tanks

b) Membrane tanks.

c) Free-standing spherical tanks.

Q3. Explain the matching of an induction electric motor to a pump required for main circulating duty, with the aid of pump characteristic and torque/ship diagrams.

Q6. a) Define centre of buoyancy and show with the aid of sketches how a vessel which is Stable will return to the upright after being heeled by an external force (6)

b) A ship of 15000 tonne displacement has an Admiralty Coefficient, based on shaft power, of 420. The mechanical efficiency of the machinery is 83%, shaft losses 6%, propeller efficiency 65% and QPC 0.71. At a particular speed the thrust power is 2550 kW. (10)

Calculate:

(i) Indicated power

(ii) Effective power

(iii) Ship speed.

Q6. a) What is a Particularly Sensitive Sea Area (PSSA) as defined by the International Maritime Organization (IMO), and how does it differ from a Special Area under the MARPOL Convention? (7)

b) What are the six special areas designated by MARPOL, where stricter regulations apply to prevent pollution from ships, and what are the specific requirements for each area. (7)

c) Discuss the criteria for designating a PSSA and a Special Area. What additional protective measures are typically implemented in these regions to safeguard the marine environment. (6)

Q6. Following a recent turbocharger (T/C) overhaul, it has been observed that the scavenge air pressure is lower than before, and the engine power output has also been reduced.

a) State the possible causes of the problem with reasons. (5)

b) State the engine operational information that should be gathered to detect the possible causes of the problem, along with reasons for each type of information. (5)

c) State the instructions which should be issued with respect to future T/C overhauls in order to prevent similar incidents. (6)

Q6. “With reference to a four-ram hydraulic gear”, having duplicate pumps-

a) Sketch the arrangements of relief, make up, isolating and by-pass valves. (8)

b) Explain the use of isolating and by-pass valves, if one of the cylinders has fractured. (4)

c) Describe the arrangement provided to indicate the loss of hydraulic fluid due to leakage. (4)

Q6. A. Explain what is meant by the terms wave form, frequency and average value.

B. A moving coil ammeter, a thermal ammeter and a rectifier are connected in series with a resistor across a 110 V sinusoidal a.c. supply. The circuit has a resistance of 50 to current in one direction and, due to the rectifier, an infinite resistance to current in the reverse direction. Calculate:

(i) The readings on the ammeters; (ii) The form and peak factors of the current wave.

Q2. Describe methods of static and dynamic balancing of an engine and describe what are first order, second order and higher order moments in engine.

Q7. Discuss on the following with respect to MARPOL Annex-V. (20)

a) Domestic waste and operational waste.

b) Garbage Management plan and record keeping.

c) Discharge of Garbage outside special areas.

d) Discharge of Garbage within special areas.

Q7. a) Compare the working principles and applications of the turbine used in cargo oil pumps with the turbine in a turbocharger on board a ship. How do the design and operational requirements differ between these two types of turbines? (8)

b) What methods are employed to vary the speed of a cargo oil turbine on board a ship, and how do these methods ensure precise control of cargo operations? (4)

c) What is the role of a vacuum condenser in the cargo system of an oil tanker, and how does it contribute to the efficiency and safety of cargo operations? (4)

Q7. A. Difficulty has been experienced in maintaining engine speed at the set value. State the possible causes and how each of these causes may be detected. (8)

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. (8)

Q7. 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. (10)

b) State the requirements of the regulations evolved to reduce pollution of the sea by chemical tanker cargoes. (6)

Q7. A. Describe stability requirement for dry-docking.

B. A ship of 8000 tonne displacement floats upright in seawater. KG = 7.6m and GM = 0.5m. A tank, KG is 0.6m above the keel and 3.5m from the centre line, contains 100 tonne of water ballast. Neglecting the free surface effect, calculate the angle which the ship will heel, when the ballast water is pumped out.

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.

Q8. a) What is the Crude Oil Washing (COW) procedure on oil tankers, and how does it enhance the efficiency of cargo operations? Outline the steps involved in the COW process. (12)

b) Discuss the safety precautions that must be observed during Crude Oil Washing to prevent accidents and environmental hazards. Additionally, explain the regulatory requirements governing COW operations as per MARPOL and other relevant guidelines. (8)

Q8. Explain the thermodynamic cycle involved in the air conditioning system on board a ship, detailing the key components and their functions. Additionally, describe the unloading and loading mechanisms used in the system to maintain efficiency and manage varying cooling loads. (16)

Q8. How do preventive, predictive and corrective maintenance strategies differ in the management of ship equipment, and what are the advantages and disadvantages of each approach in ensuring the reliability and longevity of machinery onboard ship? (16)

Q2. With reference to diesel engine SOX exhaust gas cleaning and pollution control:

(a) State, with reasons, which system parameters are monitored, explaining where the monitoring devices are located, how the data is stored and how data is made available to regulatory authorities

(b) State how pollution of sea water can be caused by the use of SOX exhaust gas cleaning systems, explaining how such pollution is prevented.

Q8. A. Define longitudinal centre of gravity (LCG) and longitudinal centre of buoyancy (LCB).

B. The immersed cross-sectional area of a ship 120m long, commencing from aft are 2,40,79,100,103,104,104,103,97, 58 and 0 m2 calculate :

(i) Displacement;

(ii) Longitudinal position of the centre of buoyancy.

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.

Q9. a) Explain the term Angle of loll and state the dangers it poses to a vessel. What action to be taken to correct angle of loll. (6)

B. A forward deep tank 12 m long extends from a longitudinal bulkhead to the ship’s side. The widths of the tank surface measured from the longitudinal bulkhead at regular intervals are 10, 9, 7, 4 and 1 m. Calculate the second moment of area of the tank surface about a longitudinal axis passing through its centroid. (10)

Q9. a) What is the Carbon Intensity Indicator (CII) and how is it calculated under IMO regulations? Explain its significance in reducing the carbon footprint of ships. (10)

b) What role does the Second Engineer play in ensuring compliance with CII requirements on a ship? Discuss the operational strategies and maintenance practices that the Second Engineer can implement to improve a ship's CII rating. (10)

Q9. a) What is the working principle of a plate type cooler on a ship, and what are its main components? How does it differ from other types of heat exchangers used on ships? (6)

b) What materials are commonly used for the packing in plate type coolers on board ships, and how do these materials impact the efficiency and durability of the cooler? (5)

c) Describe the process of back flushing a plate type cooler on a ship. Why is back flushing important, and what potential issues can it prevent or mitigate. (5)

Q9. (a) Explain electro chemical reactions and the difference between oxidation and reduction electrochemical reactions with examples. Which reactions occurs at the anode and cathode?

(b) Explain galvanic corrosion and discuss the different procedures to prevent it.

Q3. What is slow steaming & how it’s achieved without engine modification? Enumerate various operational issues with slow steaming. How such operational issues can be dealt with?

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.

Q10. a) Explain the concept of dynamical stability. (6)

b) A ship of length 140m, Breadth of 18.5m, draught of 8.1m and a displacement of 17,025 tonnes in sea water, has a face pitch ratio of 0.673. The diameter of the Propeller is 4.8m. The results of the speed trial show that true slip may be regarded as constant over a range of 9 to 13 knots and is 30%, w = 0.5CB-0.05. If fuel used is 20t/day at 13 knots and fuel consumption/day varies as cube of speed of ship, determine the fuel consumption, when propeller runs at 110 rpm. (10)

Q10. A. Compare the effectiveness of a current limiting circuit breaker with that of a HRC fuse.

B. A coil having a resistance of 10 Ohm, and an inductance of 0.15 H is connected in series with a capacitor across a 100V, 50Hz supply. If the current and the voltage are in phase what will be the value of the current in the circuit and the voltage drop across the coil?