The test consists of 80 random questions.
Total questions on this topic: 147
A flame detector is activated by:
Smoke, gas, sparks and high temperature.
The radiation of heat given off by flames.
The rise of the environment temperature.
The infrared radiation and ultraviolet radiation given off by flames.
Many large slow speed diesel engines operating on heavy fuel oil have a fuel injection system which features Variable Injection Timing. How does this affect engine operation?
VIT increases engine efficiency by automatically maintaining the maximum cylinder pressure over the entire load range.
VIT increases engine efficiency by automatically maintaining the maximum cylinder pressure over part of the load range.
VIT improves engine operation by automatically controlling the start of fuel injection when it detects a poor quality fuel.
VIT allows the ship’s engineers to alter the injection timing for each load setting with a simple single adjustment of the fuel rack.
A ship has a medium speed engine and a controllable pitch propeller propulsion system. What would the propeller pitch normally have to be at to allow starting of the engine?
What cooling medium is normally used to cool the condenser of a fresh water generator?
Is it necessary to cool the samples taken from a diesel engine cooling water system before carrying out tests to determine the concentration of treatment chemicals?
No, the test should be carried out at system temperature.
Yes, the samples should be cooled to approximately 25 °C.
Yes, the samples should be cooled to approximately 50 °C.
No, the samples should be heated to approximately 95 °C.
The lubricating oil in the bearing housing at the turbine end of a turbocharger gets very dirty after only a few hours in service. What is the most likely reason for this happening?
The wrong type of lubricating oil has been used.
Damaged rotor shaft sealing bushes allowing exhaust gas to leak into the bearing housing.
The turbine end bearing is badly worn.
The lubricating oil filling connection screw cap is missing.
A power card taken from a diesel engine cylinder using a mechanical indicator has a flat top. Which of the possible actions given in the options is most likely to correct this irregularity on the power card?
Lengthen the cord for the indicator drum drive.
Change the indicator spring for one with a higher rating.
Shorten the cord for the indicator drum drive.
Lubricate the indicator piston and cylinder.
Before leaving the machinery spaces of a UMS vessel after routine watchkeeping rounds in the evening, the duty engineer inspects the doors to Fuel Oil Treatment rooms which are covered by a fixed fire fighting installation. For what purpose does he do this?
To tie them open with a rope to prevent the heat from building up inside, and making it uncomfortable to work.
To make sure that they are properly closed with the self closing device so that any fire is contained and the extinguishing medium can be released without delay.
Wedge them open with an arrangement which allows them to be closed quickly in the event of a fire.quickly.
What is one of the main features of the cylinder lubricating oil used in large 2 stroke marine diesel engines which normally operate on heavy fuel oil?
It is neutral with a pH value of 7.
It is a pure mineral oil without any special additives.
It is common practice to connect a resistor over an alarm contact (see diagram) in many applications. Why is this connection used?
To monitor the cable/wires for break.
To stabilise power consumption.
To avoid sparks on the contacts when opening and closing.
Enable measuring the total resistance of the circuit.
B Class divisions in ships are constructed so that they are capable of preventing the passage of flame to the end of a standard fire test held for:
What is the main advantage of having a central cooling system fitted on board ship?
It should require less maintenance than a conventional system using only sea water.
It is a simple system with minimum control requirements.
It does not require any seawater.
Only one heat exchanger is needed for all cooling duties.
When you join a new ship, how are you informed about safety rules, alarm instructions and your own duties in case of an emergency?
By folder distributed to each crewmember.
By muster list exhibited in conspicuous places.
By alarm instructions in all crew cabins.
By oral instructions by the Captain.
New MARPOL regulations came into effect from July 93 stating that the previous instantaneous rate of discharge of oil content (60 litters per nautical mile) was changed to:
10 litters per nautical mile.
25 litters per nautical mile.
30 litters per nautical mile.
20 litters per nautical mile.
A piston rod retaining nut needs to be tightened during maintenance on the main engine. Which of the given methods should be used to ensure it does not come loose in service?
Tighten it as tight as possible using a flogging spanner and a hammer.
Tighten it 10 % more than the manufacturer’s recommendation using a torque wrench.
Tighten it to the manufacturer’s recommendations using a torque wrench.
Tighten it as tight as possible using a spanner and extension pipe.
With regard to radar, what would be a correct form of response to the question: “What range scale are you using?”
The correct form of response would be: “I am using the 12 mile range scale”.
The correct form of response would be: “I am using the largest range scale”.
The correct form of response would be: “I am using the 10 cm radar”.
The correct form of response would be: “I am using the 3 cm radar”.
Which component does this graphical symbol illustrate?
Pressure indicator, installed on panel/console.
Pressure indicator, installed locally.
Pressure relief valve, self-contained.
A mechanical seal, consisting of carbon and ceramic seal rings, is to be fitted to a centrifugal pump shaft. What is the most likely result of not being extremely carefull when fitting this type of seal?
The spring and bellows for the seal can be easily damaged.
The rubber O rings for the seal can be easily damaged.
The seal rings are hard and may score the pump shaft.
The seal rings are brittle and can be easily chipped or damaged.
For ideal synchronising as the incomer circuit breaker contacts make, the phase angle difference between the incomer e. m. f. and the busbar voltage should be:
What is the purpose of the ODME (Oil Discharge Monitoring Equipment) printer?
To prove that oil has been pumped overboard according to regulations.
To prove fault conditions in the ODME.
To prove that the ODME system has been used.
Is it always possible to use the word “ship” instead of the word “boat”?
A large vessel is always called a “ship” and never a “boat”.
Normally a small vessel is called a “boat” rather than a “ship”, otherwise it is not important.
Either can be used anytime.
A boat can only be used for vessels under 50 metres in length.
A seawater pump requires overhaul but there are no spare wear rings for the casing and impeller. It is decided that new wear rings will be fabricated onboard using the ship’s lathe. What would be the most suitable material to use to fabricate the rings onboard?
The responsibility for safety and security rests with everybody on board the vessel. General house-keeping rules should be followed. Which of the listed rules is the most important?
Do not carry lighters or matches when working outdoors.
Always use gloves when using grinding machines.
Keep tools within easy reach during work.
Keep your working area clean and tidy.
What is the approximate content of oxygen in air?
What is the best method to use to remove heavy scale and fouling from the plates of a heat exchanger?
Use high-pressure cleaner with abrasive additives.
Soak the plates in recommended cleaning solution and then use a soft brush or pressure cleaner.
Use wire-brush metal scrapers and chipping guns.
What could cause diesel engine lubricating oil to appear cloudy with a slightly “milky” colour?
Fuel contamination of the system.
High temperature of the oil.
Water contamination of the system.
What is the most important task after carrying out any major overhaul on a diesel engine?
Start the engine to check the direction of rotation.
Repair any damaged paint work on the engine.
A thorough check inside the engine to make sure all tools and cleaning rags have been removed.
Start the auxiliary blower to ventilate the engine so that it has sufficient fresh air for starting.
What is generally considered as the minimum safe time period before opening a crankcase door after the oil mist detector alarm has activated and the engine has been stopped?
After at least 20 minutes.
After at least 5 minutes.
After at least 10 minutes.
In a low pressure auxiliary boiler, what would be considered to be the maximum allowable chloride level of the boiler water?
Which diagram is the symbol for a THYRISTOR?
After main power is restored (following a blackout), a timed sequential restart of motor driven auxiliaries is necessary to avoid:
Generator overload due to many motors starting at simultaneously.
Overvoltage due to current surges.
Overloading creating earth faults.
Over-frequency due to overspeed of generator.
Why may wearing sweat rags slung round your neck when working in the machinery spaces be hazardous?
The rags may cause sweat rash.
The rags may cause you to get too hot and faint.
The rags may be soaked with oil and catch fire.
The rags may be caught by running machinery or power tools.
A vapour compression refrigiration system is usually fitted with a number of devices to give protection and control of the system. Which of the methods given in the options should be used to test the high pressure cut out during routine maintenance and checking of the system?
Manually close each of the evaporator coils by switching off the electrical supply to the liquid line solenoid shut off valves and monitor the condenser pressure.
Close the condenser outlet valve and closely monitor the condenser pressure.
Gradually shut in the condenser cooling water valve or the condenser refrigerant inlet valve while closely monitoring the compressor discharge pressure.
Charge the system with refrigerant until the high pressure cut out operates.
What is the objective of the merchant navy?
To earn money for the shipowner.
To transport and deliver goods as quickly as possible.
To provide employment for persons who wish to become seafarers.
To safely transport goods by sea.
Which of the following voltage levels would be regarded as high voltage likely to be found on a ship?
What is the expansion ratio of the foam produced by the fixed low-expansion foam fire-extinguishing system of an engine room?
Greater than 20 to 1 but less than 50 to 1.
The packed gland on a centrifugal pump is leaking even though the gland has been “nipped up”. What is the correct action to take to stop the leakage?
Tighten up the gland as much as possible until the leakage stops.
Ensure the bilge well to which the leakage is draining is regularly pumped out.
Re-pack the stuffing box loosely with the correct size packing at the earliest opportunity.
Fit an extra ring of oversize packing to the stuffing box at the earliest opportunity.
What effect does an increased oil feed flow rate have on the performance of a centrifuge operating as a purifier?
Separating efficiency is unchanged.
Separating efficiency is increased, more water is removed.
Separating efficiency is increased, more solids are removed.
Separating efficiency is reduced.
Which one of the listed requirements regarding the stowage of a survival craft corresponds to present SOLAS regulations? Each survival craft shall be stowed:
In a secure and sheltered position and protected from damage by fire or explosion.
Wherever space is available.
In a state of readiness so that two crew-members can prepare for embarkation and launching in less than 15 minutes.
On the starboard side of the ship.
What do you understand by: Bitter end?
Bitter end means: the end link of an anchor cable that is secured within the chain locker.
Bitter end means: a foul taste at the end of a meal.
Bitter end means: to the very last moment.
Bitter end means: the toggled end of a lifeboat painter.
What is the correct name of the part highlighted in the illustration?
A large electric motor is being removed from a main seawater pump with the aid of the engine room crane. Which is the best method of starting the lift from the options given?
Use the full hoist facility on the crane to “break” the motor free after slackening all of the retaining bolts.
Use the “inch up” facility on the crane to “break” the motor free after slackening all of the retaining bolts.
Use a suitable chain block suspended from the crane hook to “break” the motor free after slackening all of the retaining bolts.
Use the full hoist facility to lift the motor clear in one action after removing all of the retaining bolts.
What is the ideal working temperature for physical work?
Where would you find out which fire sections are enclosed by “A” or “B” class divisions on a ship?
All the mentioned alternatives.
On the general arrangement plan.
On the Ship’s fire control plans.
On some large slow speed engines the crosshead guides are adjustable to allow the clearance between the crosshead shoes and the guides to be set equally. The normal arrangement is to have bolted on guide bars with shims fitted behind them. Which of the methods given in the options is the one normally used to ensure this is done correctly?
Fit an equal number of shims behind each guide bar which should result in equal clearances between the guide bars and shoes along the whole length.
Turn the engine so that the piston for the cylinder concerned is at TDC and measure the clearance along the length of each bar and shoe and fit shims to equalise the clearances.
Turn the engine so that the piston skirt is at the bottom of the liner. Use wedges to centralise the piston. Measure the clearances along the length of each bar and shoe and fit shims to equalise the clearances.
Turn the engine so that the piston for the cylinder concerned is at BDC and measure the clearance along the length of each bar and shoe and fit shims to equalise the clearances.
For two generators running in parallel, their share of additional load (kW) will be determined by the:
Voltage droop setting on each AVR.
Governor droop settings on each prime mover.
The temperature difference between the generator rotors.
The power factor of the additional load.
An air compressor is being refitted in the engine room. The compressor and motor are coupled using a flexible coupling and are mounted on a common “skid” which fixed to the deck with resilient mountings. Which of the statements, from the options given, relating to the alignment of the motor and compressor is true?
Shims should be fitted between the motor and compressor feet and the skid to ensure correct vertical, horizontal and parallel alignment of the coupling halves before it is bolted up.
As long as the two coupling halves are at the same height the flexible coupling will accommodate any horizontal misalingment of difference in the gap between the coupling faces.
The compressor and motor can just be placed directly on the common skid as they will probably be closely aligned anyway.
Machines using flexible couplings and resilient mountings do not need to be aligned. That is why they have flexible and resilient elements fitted.
The circuit consists of two inductors, L(1) = 6 H and L(2) = 12 H, connected in parallel. Calculate the equivalent L(S) of the two inductors.
Which of the options represents the best action to take when an item of machinery, which normally operates in automatic mode, is operated in “manual” mode?
Keep the Chief Engineer informed of machines performance on an hourly basis.
Have someone permanently stationed at the machine in case of an operational problem.
Monitor the operation of the machinery on a frequent basis.
Change over all other machinery to manual mode of operation.
Under which circumstances should a sprinkler head of a common fixed sprinkler fire-extinguishing system be activated?
When the smoke density exceeds 12,5 % obscuration per minute, but after the corresponding alarm is acknowledged and assessed at the control panel.
When the temperature is within a range from 68 °C to 79 °C, but after the corresponding alarm is acknowledged and assessed at the control panel.
Automatically, when the temperature is within a range from 68 °C to 79 °C.
Automatically, when the smoke density exceeds 12,5 % obscuration per meter.
What would the First Engineer require?
The First Engineer would require the Chief Officer to keep him advised of bilge soundings.
The First Engineer would require the Fitter to check the carbon dioxide fire-fighting equipment.
The First Engineer would require cleaning of the feed water tank.
The First Engineer would require an inspection of the heating coils.
PT-100 sensors are some times used with 3 or 4 wires. What is the reason for this?
Higher mechanical strength of the cable.
Because of power-consumption.
Higher measuring accuracy.
The exhaust gas temperatures of all cylinders of a diesel engine are seen to be high. Select, from the options given, the most likely cause of this:
Insufficient cooling of the main bearings.
High wear rate in one of the fuel injection pumps.
One of the fuel cams is worn.
What is the disadvantage of using chemicals on an oil-spill on the water?
It is difficult to apply the chemicals if the oil drifts away from the ship’s side.
The chemicals make it difficult to remove the oil from the water.
It is difficult to apply chemicals if there is any wind.
The water gets a white colour, which makes it easy to detect the oil-spill.
During maintenance work on a main diesel engine the fuel injection valve is found to be jammed in the pocket in the cylinder cover. Which of the procedures given in the options should be followed in order to complete the work?
Wedge a bar between the piston top and the bottom of the injector and use the turning gear to force the injection valve out.
Replace the complete cylinder cover with a spare unit and land the cover with the jammed valve ashore for repair in a specialist workshop.
Remove the cylinder cover and try and drive the injection valve out of the pocket from the underside with a hammer and punch.
With the fuel injection valve retaining nuts removed admit compressed air into the engine cylinder to try and blow the injection valve out of the pocket.
When referring to onboard oil treatments using a centrifuge, what is meant by the term purification?
Separation of solid contaminants from a liquid during the process.
Separation of two insoluble liquids with different densities, and the removal of solids in the same process.
It is a general term applied to a process for cleaning oil using a centrifuge.
Separation of one insoluble liquid from another.
When a fire breaks out in the accommodation, cargo holds or on deck, who is in charge of the fire fighting operations?
The first officer arriving at the scene.
The first person arriving at the scene.
The person who is designated in the muster list.
What precautions should be taken, in addition to shutting the main air start valve if work is to be carried out inside the main diesel engine crankcase?
Keep a man posted in the control room to stop anyone who tries to start the engine.
Engage the turning gear and put a notice at each engine control position.
Engage the turning gear, stop the starting air compressors and drain the air receivers.
Engage the turning gear and close every valve on the starting air receivers.
Why is it important to check the timing of diesel engine cylinder oil lubricators?
To ensure the piston is not covering the lubrication points and blocking the flow of cylinder lubricating oil into the cylinder.
To ensure cylinder lubricating oil enters the cylinders when the piston is in the required position.
To ensure the correct amount of cylinder lubricating oil is fed into the cylinders.
To avoid excess pressure in the cylinder lubrication system.
Modern slow speed, two stroke diesel engines often have locating pins or pegs to keep the piston rings in a fixed position. Why is this arrangement used?
The piston ring gaps can be kept in line to control the gas pressure on each of the rings.
The piston rings are more difficult to lubricate because of the slow operating speeds and will wear more quickly if they are allowed to rotate.
It avoids the risk of the ends of the piston rings being forced out by the gas pressure and catching on the scavenge ports.
It ensures the rings cannot be mixed up and that they are fitted in the correct order on the piston.
Many large 2 stroke marine diesel engines are equipped with an auxiliary scavenge air blower. What is the purpose of this equipment?
To provide combustion air at start up, during manoeuvring and low load running when the turbocharger delivery is insufficient.
To allow full load running when the main turbocharger is defective.
To assist the main turbochargers in supplying combustion air when on full load.
To help cool the engine after it has been stopped.
The correct time to synchronise is usually taken to be when the synchroscope reaches the “5 to 12” position and is rotating slowly clockwise. This to allow for:
Generator phase difference error.
Circuit breaker operating time.
Synchroscope pointer time lag.
What is the correct name of the part highlighted in the illustration?
A mechanical seal, consisting of carbon and ceramic seal rings, is to be fitted to a centrifugal pump shaft. What is the most likely result of not being extremely careful when fitting this type of seal?
The seal rings are hard and may score the pump shaft.
The spring and bellows for the seal can be easily damaged.
The seal rings are brittle and can be easily chipped or damaged.
The rubber O rings for the seal can be easily damaged.
Which of the following instruments is normally part of a control-loop?
In a diesel engine lubrication system the circulating pump normally takes suction from the oil sump tank. Where would the oil normally pass to directly after the pump?
Give the meaning of the following symbol:
Indicates manual starting direction of the engine.
During an unmanned period on a UMS vessel the “low water level” alarm for the jacket cooling water system expansion tank activates. What action would you take as duty engineer?
Answer the alarm then block the alarm and change to manned engine room condition.
Answer the alarm then block the alarm function for later action and resume unmanned operation.
Answer the alarm and adjust the alarm set point for the water level in the expansion tank before resuming unmanned operation.
Answer the alarm, top up the tank and check the system for leakage before resuming unmanned operation.
MARPOL – Annex V. Disposal of garbage outside “Special Areas”. After unpacking spares, you are left with a limited amount of packing materials. Is this prohibited, if not, what will be the nearest distance to land for disposal into the sea of these materials?
Why is it important to check the timing of diesel engine cylinder oil lubricators?
To ensure the piston is not covering the lubrication points and blocking the flow of cylinder lubricating oil into the cylinder.
To ensure the correct amount of cylinder lubricating oil is fed into the cylinders.
To ensure cylinder lubricating oil enters the cylinders when the piston is in the required position.
To avoid excess pressure in the cylinder lubrication system.
Which of the following is not a principle of heat transfer utilised in an oil fired steam boiler?
With two alternators running in parallel, and one is to be disconnected. The first step is to:
Remove the load from the alternator to be stopped.
Increase the frequency on the switchboard.
Trip the main circuit breaker.
Make sure the load is evenly shared.
What do you understand by the order: “Move the pilot ladder to the other side?”
Move the pilot ladder to the other side, means: to move the pilot ladder further along nearer to the bow.
Move the pilot ladder to the other side, means: to rig another pilot ladder.
Move the pilot ladder to the other side, means: to change the position of the pilot ladder from the main deck to the fore deck.
Move the pilot ladder to the other side, means: to shift the pilot ladder to the opposite side of the ship.
What is the correct name of the tool shown in the illustration?
Under what circumstances would you remove guards and safety devices from machinery?
To allow the shaft to be seen to confirm the machine is running.
When they are rattling and vibrating.
During overhaul and maintenance procedures.
When the safety devices keep stopping the machinery.
During a bomb search, which of the following is an important principle to follow?
Throw any suspicious items overboard.
Try to reach behind bulkheads to find a bomb.
Do not touch any suspicious packages.
Know exactly what a bomb looks like.
An auxiliary engine is fitted with a duplex type lubricating oil filter. The in-use element requires changing. What procedure should be used to fit the new element?
With the engine running, position the changeover cock so that both filters are in use to reduce the pressure before.
With the engine running, shut off the filter inlet and quickly fit the new element.
The engine must be stopped to fit a clean filter element.
With the engine running, change over to the other filter after priming it and replace the dirty element after checking there is no pressure on dirty filter housing.
What do you understand by: “Let go the port anchor?”
Let go the port anchor means: slacken the port anchor cable.
Let go the port anchor means: put the port windlass brake in gear.
Let go the port anchor means: put the port windlass brake in gear and lower the anchor.
Let go the port anchor means: open the port windlass brake.
During maintenance of a piston rod stuffing box on a large, slow speed diesel engine it is usual to measure the butt gaps between the sealing ring and scrapper ring segments. What would be the effect of these gaps being too small?
If the gaps are too small the rings could scope the piston rod.
If the gaps are too small they could close due to the radial wear of the rings before the next scheduled overhaul preventing the rings from contacting the piston rod and sealing it.
If the gaps are too small then the flow of scavenge air through the gland would be reduced and the gland would overheat.
If the gaps were too small then no oil could pass up the piston rod to lubricate the sealing rings.
The two instruments necessary for generator synchonising are:
kW meter and frequency meter.
Voltmeter and synchroscope.
Synchroscope and kVar-meter.
Amp-meter and volt-meter.