MEP APR 2017-MAR 2019

FFA
FEB 2019

Explain in detail how you would isolate one of sprinkler system for routine maintenance.
Describe all tests and inspections you would make and how you would return the
system to service.

Enumerate the maintenance routines carried out for the proper functioning of the
following systems:
A. Water hyper mist system
B. Smoke detection system
C. Quick closing valves
D. Fire hydrants and hoses.

DEC 2018

State the regular routines carried out on the following system: A. CO2 Fixed fire-fighting
system, B. Smoke detection system;

AUG 2018

Explain in detail how you would isolate CO2 Fixed firefighting system foe routine
maintenance. Please enumerate the Maintenance schedules and their frequency
performed on this system. Describe all tests and inspections you would make and how
you would return the system to service.

APR 2018

A ship operating in the U.M.S. mode must have an automatic fire detection system for
the machinery space. Sketch a line diagram of the system showing how shipboard
mains supply is fed through battery charger and emergency battery to fire detector
heads and fire zone indicator panel and alarms; In the event of a mains supply failure
state the length of time for which the emergency battery should be capable of operating
the system; Sketch and describe a method of monitoring the integrity of the system.

FEB 2018

A.During the weighment of CO2 bottles required for total flooding of Engine room, it was
observed that few bottles are less than the original capacity. State the reasons for the
same and checks / tests to be made prior refilling; B. State how often the CO2 bottles
are required to be weighed and pressure tested.
AUG 2017

I.Sketch line diagram of a mechanical low expansion high density foam firefighting
system suitable for protecting the machinery spaces and decks of a large tanker. II.
Describe this system. B. With regard to a foam firefighting system state and ONE
important action must be taken after the system has been used.

JULY 2017

Accidents regularly occur due to premature or accidental release of Co2 into machinery
spaces W.R.T. this enumerate the procedure or arrangement that you as 2nd engineer
would adopt W.R.T the following A. Contractors working on Co 2 system; B.
Understanding between bridge and engine room in the event of a machinery space fire;
C. Familiarizing staff with the system; D. What checks and test would you carry out
before putting system in operation?

STARTING AIR SYSTEM

FEB 2019

With reference to reciprocating air compressors explain the cause of the following
faults.
A. Collapse of discharge valve springs;
B. Breakage of plate valves;
C. Overheating of the discharge air with an unrestricted air intake;
D. Inoperative piston rings.

Describe the procedure for overhauling Main Air compressor Valves (Plate type) and
explain which parts require close attention using sketches where necessary. Also
describe the procedure for testing of these compressor valves.

JAN 2019

With respect to the operation of two stage air compressor. Explain:

A. The causes of occasional lifting of 2nd stage relief valve.
B. Breakage of valve plates.
C. Puncture of bursting disc of 1st stage intercooler.
D. Noticeable reduction in capacity of the compressors over a period of time.

OCT 2018

With reference to air receivers and bottles explain with reasons: A. Why regular
systematic internal inspection is advisable? B. Which internal areas of large receivers
should receive particularly close examination? C. How bottles are inspected internally
and what parts should be closely examined? D. How the condition of a bottle or receiver
that cannot be inspected internally is checked?
APR 2018

Describe the action you would take and outline possible reasons for failure in both the
following cases: (a) The engine fails to turn on starting air, (b) The engine turns on
starting air but fails to fire.

REFRIGERATION AND AC

FEB 2019

With the aid of a simple sketch, explain the “trouble spots” in a basic air-conditioning
unit with reference to your sketch, explain the following: -
i. How the problem of increase in humidity on cooled air is overcome?
ii. How discomfort caused by the excessive drying effect of heated air is overcome?

JUN 2018

A.With the aid of a simple sketch, explain the operation of a basic air-conditioning unit.
B. With reference to your sketch, explain the following: - i. How the problem of increase
in humidity on cooled air is overcome; ii. How discomfort caused by the excessive
drying effect of heated air is overcome. C. Explain how a psychometric chart is used to
check conditions.

FEB 2018

Write a report to your Engineer Superintendent describing a breakdown of the main

refrigerating plant for cargo or ship provision giving reasons for the breakdown, the
method of repair and the action taken to prevent a recurrence.

BOILERS
FEB 2019

With reference to Auxiliary boiler safety valve;

A. Describe with the aid of Sketch the safety valve for an auxiliary boiler;
A. Identify with reasons. The parts that require particularly close attention during
overhaul;
B. Describe how the safety valves are reset after an overhaul.

JAN 2019

Describe the procedure for overhauling a boiler safety valve and explain using sketches
where necessary those parts, which require close attention. Also describe the
procedure setting of boiler safety valves.
OCT 2018

Describe how the following conditions are prevented in auxiliary boilers:

A. Feed contamination by oil from heating coil drains –
B. Internal corrosion’s. C. Furnace blowback; D. Uptake fire.

AUG 2018

With regard to keeping the gas side of boilers in good condition; discusses EACH of the
following
A. the mechanism of combustion, stating the factors which are important to good
combustion;
B. Oil fuel treatments;
C. Soot removal equipment

AUG 2017

There are approximately ten days of a voyage remaining before reaching port and the
chemicals intended for the boiler water treatment are found unfit for further use. A.
Describe, with reasons, how the boiler and plant can
be best protected whilst steaming before a fresh supply of chemicals is received. B.
Upon arrival at the port describe any inspection and precautions that may be necessary
before proceeding.

BOILER AND INSTRUMENTATION

AUG 2018

An auxiliary boiler water level control system has a differential pressure transmitter as
the
detecting element for water level.
A. Sketch and describe such an arrangement;
B. If the transmitter was damaged describe how a replacement unit would be calibrated

EXHAUST VALVE

FEB 2019

During the past 4 months since you joined the ship as 2nd engineer a number of main
engine exhaust valve have suffered from cracking and corrosion at the seating faces;
Write a report to the superintendent engineer covering the following points;
A. An explanation detailing how the problem becomes evident;
B. Your action upon recognizing the extent and seriousness of the problem;
C. Your reasoned view regarding the possible cause of the problem;
D. Your recommendation to avoid future incidents.
AUG 2018

Describe the procedure to be undertaken when, upon a routine schedule for changing
Exhaust Valve on a main engine, it is found that the Exhaust valve body is seized inside
the cylinder head and cannot be removed by conventional means and also the internal
threads in the exhaust valve body connecting to the exhaust bellows are damaged.

PURIFIER

JAN 2019

Abnormal vibration has been observed in a HFO purifier while in operation. Explain the
areas you plan to investigate for rectifying the faults and put back the purifier back to
normal operations keeping in view that no reduction in vibration has been noticed even
after desludging the purifier couple of times.

DEC 2018

Explain the procedures for dismantling a centrifugal purifier for survey:

A. Explain the key areas which would merit the surveyor's attention.
B. Explain the replacing of a set of thrust bearings for vertical shaft by correct
identification.

DECK MACHINERY

APR 2019

List the maintenance routines you plan to carry out on the deck hydraulic crane,
winches and mooring machineries before arrival port after a long voyage, considering
the fact that cargo operation is solely dependent on the proper functioning of the crane
and winches.

JAN 2019

What is Rocking test of Deck Crane? Explain the procedure of rocking test. Tabulate
and indicate fault finding procedure. What is the action taken if deviation is out of limit?

MAR 2018

What are the checks carried out on an anchor chain during dry-docking? Suggest
possible repairs for identified defects.

LINER AND CYLINDER HEAD

JAN 2019
A. State the circumstances owing to which it may be necessary to renew a cylinder
liner;
B. Explain how the cylinder liner is removed and fitted back;
C. State the important checks to be made on the engine before after fitting.

JULY 2018

As second engineer describe the procedure involved in the complete inspection of a

cylinder liner and piston assembly, indicating areas of significant interest. A. Explain
with reasons, possible faults which might be found; B. Suggest how such faults might be
avoided.

JUN 2018

A.State the circumstances owing to which it may be necessary to renew a cylinder liner;
B. Explain how the liner is removed; C. Explain how a new liner is fitted; D. State the
important checks to be made after fitting. State the circumstances owing to which it may
be necessary to renew a cylinder liner.

APR 2017

Sketch a cylinder liner of a two stroke main engine and describe procedure for
inspecting it indicating areas of significant interest. B. Where and how do the faults
occur in a cylinder liner?

MATERIAL SCIENCE

DEC 2018

Describe briefly the methods of carrying out a bend test and an impact test. Illustrate the
general form of the test pieces used and state how the final results are given for
comparison of different materials. Of what practical use are the figures obtained?

AUG 2018

With reference to sea water cooled multi-tubular heat exchangers state: -

(a) The materials used for the construction of tubes, tube plate and water boxes.
(b) The various types of corrosion that the part in (a) are subjected to.
(c) Measures employed to reduce or prevent above corrosion.

FEB 2018
Briefly explain the term fatigue and explain how fatigue failure occur; State the
difference between high stress / low cycle and low stress / high cycle; State how defect
in metal can influence the expected safe life of a component; State how
fuel timing and cylinder power balance can influence the possibility of fatigue cracks
developing in the bedplate.

DRYDOCK AND HULL RELATED

DEC 2018

A.Describe the hull examination that should be carried out on a ship in dry dock making
special reference to essential maintenance and repairs and survey of ship side fitting.

OCT 2018

Describe the hull inspection that you would carry out as the senior engineer of ship in
dry dock stating what defects you may find and the repairs that may be necessary with
respect to; A. Shell plating; B. Forward end of ship; C. Aft end of ship; D. Opening in
shell plating; E. Rudder; F. Propeller and stem bush;

APR 2018

Your ship after having been accidentally grounded was taken to a dry-dock for
inspection and necessary repairs. What defects would you look: for in the following
parts, that may have sustained damage due to grounding and suggest methods of
repairs that may be required to be carried out to the defects noticed: - A. Propeller and
tail end shaft, B. Main engine crankshaft.

NOV 2017

Describe the hull inspection that you would carry out in the dry dock stating what
inspection you would make as the work started during and after completion of work of
the following RUDDER Inspection of large seawater inlet chest and valve, A. Anchor
cables; B. Forward end of ship; C.Propeller and stem bush; D. Opening in shell plating;
E. Shell plating

WELDING AND NDT

DEC 2018

The tailshaft of your vessel is suspected to have been damaged in a recent grounding.
Explain with sketches the type of Non-Destructive tests that you would carry out with
reference to the specific parts of the shaft, to ascertain the damage.
A rudder of a vessel requires extensive welding repairs and as chief engineer officer
you are requested to supervise the repairs.
A. Suggest a suitable type of welding process;
B. State, with reasons, FOUR common welding defects;
C. State what tests may be carried out before returning the rudder to service.

SEP 2018

Write short notes on following:

A. Magnetic Particle Inspection (MPI)
B. Ultrasonic Testing (UT)
C. Radiographic Testing (RT)

AUG 2018

Write short note on the followings –

A.Metal – locking; B.TIG and MIG welding; C. Brasing; D. Soldering.

BEARINGS AND CROSSHEAD

DEC 2018

With reference to the Crosshead of Large two-stroke engines:

A. Explain how crosshead and guide shoe clearances are checked, in large 2 stroke
engines
B. Explain how crosshead alignment is checked and adjusted.

NOV 2018

What examinations must be carried out when a crosshead bearing of a large, slow-
speed engine is opened up for survey?

OCT 2018

A.Describe the procedure for opening a bottom end bearing for inspection making
reference to the positioning of the crank and the safety precautions to be observed. B.
State how the bearing clearance may be checked and adjusted when necessary C.
State TWO defects, which may be encountered during inspection of the bottom end
bearing and crankpin giving possible causes of each. D. State TWO checks, which
should be made before returning the engine to service following overhaul of the bottom
end bearing.

JULY 2018
Under CSM bottom end bearing of a large 2stroke slow speed engine is due for survey
A. As 2nd eng explain the procedure involved in complete inspection of a bottom end
bearing; B. List the precaution to be taken; C. Indicate the reasons for possible defects
which could be encountered and state how they may be rectified; D. What test are
carried out on completion of survey and reassembly.

MAR 2018

Under Continuous Survey of Machinery, the main bearing of a large slow speed engine
is due for survey. A. Explain the procedure involved in the inspection of a main bearing;
B. List the precaution to be taken; C. Indicate the reasons for
possible defects which could be encountered and state how they may be rectified; D.
What test are carried out on completion of survey and reassembly.

TURBOCHARGER

NOV 2018

Describe, with aid of sketches, a system of turbo-charging a two-stroke cycle main

engine. State the routine attention, which should be given to the turbo-charger.

AUG 2018

Describe with aid of sketches, a system of turbo-charging a two-stroke cycle main

engine. State the routine attention, which should be given to the turbo-charger.

JULY 2018

During normal engine operation, a turbocharger rapidly loses speed and the speed
reduction is accompanied by appreciable noise - A. State with reasons the possible
causes; B. Explain in detail how the engine might be safely operated if the damage
caused by this incident is such that the turbocharger cannot function; C. State with
reasons the factors which may limit engine operating speed with the turbocharger out of
operation

APR 2018

Using sketches explain the difference between pulse and constant pressure
turbocharger systems. (a) In the event of a pulse turbocharger becoming inoperative
due to mechanical breakdown explain the modifications required to allow the engine to
operate safely. (b) State the instruction you as second engineer would issue regarding
the additional engine monitoring requirements following the steps taken in (a).
 VIBRATIONS

NOV 2018

Severe engine vibration has recently become evident when the main engine for which
you are responsible operates within a certain speed range –
A. State, with reasons, the possible causes of such vibration;
B. State the consequences of operating the engine under such vibratory conditions;
C. Describe the procedure you, as Second Engineer, would implement in order to
investigate and rectify the problem.

STEERING GEAR

OCT 2018

A. Outline the procedure for the inspection of the rudder in a dry dock,
B. What are the requirement with respect to steeling gear as per SOLAS 74, as
amended for the following: i. Relief valve; ii. Steering gear control; iii. Electrical power
circuit

With reference to steering gear hydraulic systems:

A. Explain the factors that could contribute to failure of connecting flange leading to total
loss of oil from the system;
B. Describe an arrangement designed to ensure that the problem would not cause
steering failure.

JUN 2018

With respect to hydraulic Ram steering gears, A. What emergency locking device can
be used in order to speedily bring the steering gear to rest? State one reason the best
angular position to lock the steering gear. B. Use a simple sketch to show where the
Jumping (top) and wear down (bottom) rudder carrier ring clearances can be measured.
Indicate what clearances you would expect with a new steering gear; C. State the
consequences of the wear down clearances being reduced to less than zero.

AUX ENGINE AND MED. SPEED ENGINES

OCT 2018

Discuss the advantages and disadvantages of adopting the following policies for
maintenance of main and auxiliary diesel engines. A. Planned maintenance; B.
Condition monitoring; C. Periodic replacement of components.

AUG 2017
With reference to medium speed diesel engines describe how as a second engineer
officer would you carry out each of the following: A. Check engine performance during
operation B. Establish the condition of the lubricating oil. C. Monitor the general
condition of the engine during voyage.

ELECTRICALS

JUN 2018

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.

A.With reference to the insulation testing of marine electrical plant: - I. State the reasons
for insulation testing; II. State the precautions to be observed when testing intrinsically
safe equipment. B. Describe the overhaul of d.c. motor which has been subjected to
excessively damp condition or flooding with seawater.

FEB 2018

What are the routine maintenance carried out to an a.c. motor; and- A. Explain the
meaning of single phasing in a.c. machinery; B. State the dangers associated with
single phasing and enumerate the protective normally fitted to counteract
such dangers.

LUB OIL

APR 2018

Express your reactions and state the subsequent investigation you would make if a
laboratory report on a used diesel engine oil sample indicated the presence of
appreciable amounts of: - A. Iron; B. Copper, antimony and tin; C. Silicon.

FUEL INJECTION SYSTEM

APR 2018

(a).Describe hoe a main engine fuel pump would be set and checked for: 1. Timing; 2.
Quantity. (b) Explain how the setting of a variable injection timing fuel pump is checked
and adjusted. (c) State why it may be necessary to adjust the setting of a variable
injection timing fuel pump.
 FUEL VALVE PRACTICAL

FEB 2019

Describe the procedure to remove a seized fuel injector body from the cylinder head
when it could not be removed by conventional means. Also list out preventive measures
which could be implemented in the vessel so that such a seizure can be prevented
in the future.

LSA

MAR 2018

With reference to lifeboats, Sketch and describe: A. The handbrake used for lowering
and state how it may be tested. B. The centrifugal brake and state the method of
testing. C. A roller ratchet and the method of testing; D. Explain why the ratchet is
incorporated into the system;

CRANKCASE

FEB 2018

A.Describe the events leading to a crankcase explosion; B. State how overheating

might be indicated other than by a mist detector; C. State how severity of a crankcase
explosion is limited. D. Emission of flame has in the past caused severe burns to
personnel present during a crankcase explosion. Despite the addition of flame traps.
Discuss the procedure in the invent of overheating being indicated.

GEARBOX

FEB 2018

With reference to the main gearing and gearbox, state with reasons: (a) Why the first
examination after commissioning is of special importance. (b) What part would receive
the closets scrutiny and what defects might possible be found. (c)The gearing faults that
are likely to develop early in the life of the vessel.

RISK MANAGEMENT

OCT 2017

What is understood by risk on board ship? As a 2nd engineer discuss various methods
for hazard identification and assessment of risk available on board.
 MANOEUVERING

AUG 2017

Sketch and describe a system of control for manoeuvring a main diesel engine from the
bridge and show how local control may be effected in case of breakdown of the system.

OTHERS

APR 2019

Describe with a neat sketch the principle and operation of Biological and Chemical
Sewage treatment plant
a. What do you mean by BOD. What is significance of BOD.
b. What are the discharge criteria according the Marpol regulations.
c. What routine maintenance is carried out on such sewage treatment plant.

FEB 2019

With reference to main engine automatic slowdown and shutdown systems;

A. List TWO parameters for shutdown and slowdown, state reasons for having these
parameters for shutdown and slowdown of engines.
B. How are the above chosen parameters tested while engine is in operation?

JAN 2019

Describe TWO methods of tracing a superficial crack in a marine machinery component;

Explain the procedure for arresting propagation of a crack in a machinery component.

Briefly describe your action plan on following exigencies:

A. Leaky economizer tube, while at sea;
B. Leaky intercooler of main air compressor, while maneuvering.

DEC 2018

The pipe work of the sea water circulation system for passenger ship has to be
completely renewed. The company contracted for the work has no previous experience
of marine installation. You as the Chief engineer have been requested to write the
specification for manufacture and installation of the steel pipe.
A. Outline your proposal for the need for various types of piping for different systems.
B. State the necessary requirements for approval.

NOV 2018

During the cleaning & inspection oily bilge tank onboard your vessel;
A. As second engineer, explain the procedure involved in transferring the water,
emptying out tank, without violating MARPOL Regulation.
B. List the precaution to be taken before entering and while cleaning the progress.
C. Explain what all checks to be carried out, before and after cleaning.

JULY 2018

Values of some main engine exhaust temperatures displayed in the engine control room
differ from those displayed on the engine for the same cylinders - I. Explain how it may
be determined which readings are inaccurate; II. State possible cause for these
inaccurate readings; III. Explain how the location of the faults may be detected. B. State
the periodic checks which should be carried undertaken to ensure that remote engine
instrumentation is reading accurately.

JUN 2018

Explain how EACH of the following hull defects should be dealt with; A. A cracked weld;
B. A severe indentation in way of a frame; C. Surfaces suffering from general corrosion
although the extent of wastage does not warrant plate replacement; D. A bilge head
fractured at the forward end.

APR 2018

In a situation where the main engine control system suddenly fails and it is not possible
to rectify this immediately A. Explain the action that a 2nd engineer should take. B.
State the instruction that the 2nd engineer should issue in order to ensure the continued
safe and effective operation of the engine