MATERIAL SCIENCE
FEB 2019
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 is aggravated with increased cylinder bore.
C. Explain how stress concentration and its effects are relieved by maintenance and
operational practices
NOV 2018
Fatigue is one of the main causes of crankshaft failure.
A. Sketch and Indicate the most likely location of a fatigue crack;
B. How is a fatigue failure is identified; C. Describe initiation of a fatigue crack;
D. Sketch and Describe the methods used to inhibit fatigue cracks.
MAR 2018
With reference to large starting air receivers: A. Explain where corrosion is likely to
occur and state why it occurs in these regions:
B. State the how the incidence of corrosion in air receivers might be minimized; C. If
serious corrosion is detected in a starting air receiver and that receiver must be used
explain how you, as Second Engineer, would determine the maximum
pressure to which the receiver should be subjected; D. State the further action a Chief
engineer must take upon discovering
such air receiver corrosion.
With reference to large fabricated bed plates explain: A. With reason, why longitudinal
strength and rigidity is important in spite of the contributions made by ship’s structure. B.
With sketches show how the combustions loads imposed on piston and cylinder heads
are transmitted to and absorbed by bed plates
JAN 2018
With reference to behaviour of fabricated bed plates and frames in services:
A. Identify various forces imposed simultaneously upon them;
B. Explain how engine structure withstands these forces;
C. State how these forces are transferred to ship’s structure
EXHAUST VALVE
FEB 2019
With reference to 2-Stroke Slow Speed Engine:
A. Sketch and describe Main Engine Exhaust Valve.
B. List out a procedure for test of Main Engine Exhaust Valve after overhaul.
OCT 2018
Recent experience has shown persistent damage occurring on seating faces of main
engine exhaust valves which is not confined to any particular cylinder unit.
A. State, with reasons, the possible causes;
B. State the short-term action to be taken in order to minimize engine operational
problems; C. State, with reasons, how future incidents of this nature could be
minimized.
GOVERNORS
FEB 2019
With reference to mechanical/hydraulic governors:
A. Why flyweights are driven at a higher rotational speed than the engine;
B. How dead band effects are reduced ;
C. How hunting is reduced ;
D. How the output torque is increased.
FEB 2018
A. With the aid of a block diagram describe the operation of an electronic governor fitted
to an auxiliary diesel engine.
B. An engine fitted with an electronic governor during load changes. Explain the
possible causes.
JULY 2017
Explain with a sketch “speed droop” in a governor; Answer the following
A. How is a main engine governor different from an auxiliary engine governor?
B. Explain how load is transferred to an incoming generator explaining your actions with
relation to the governor’s “droop line”.
VIBRATION
FEB 2019
Describe the phenomena of vibration in marine diesel engine. Explain the terms:
[Link] Vibration (b) Torsional Vibration (c) Resonance (d) The role of vibration
dampers
JAN 2019
Enumerate the causes of vibration in diesel machinery and shafting. Describe
procedures by which it may be reduced by operating personnel, suitable design and
devices. State the possible effects of vibration on machinery and crewmembers.
NOV 2017
With reference to torsional vibrations in a main propulsion installation based on medium
speed engines, gearbox and controllable pitch propeller: Explain how the vibrations may
be caused; State the possible effects and damage that could result; Discuss the
methods employed to minimise the potential problems associate with torsional vibration;
Describe how the natural vibration frequency of the system could be modified.
STARTING AIR SYSTEM AND CONTROL AIR SYSTEM
FEB 2019
How can an explosion occur in the starting air line of an internal combustion engine and
how can the possibility of such an occurrence be reduced? Sketch and describe
devices, which may be fitted to reduce the severity of such an explosion. State the
attention which air starting valves should be given before stand by.
JAN 2019
With respect to control air supply system for Main Engine Control:
A. Define the essential conditions, which must be satisfied by the air supply for a
pneumatic control system;
B. Sketch a control air supply arrangement and give a reasoned explanation for
positioning of dryers and filters.
DEC 2018
With respect to Air starting systems for 2 strokes diesel engines;
A. Sketch and describe Main engine starting air distributor.
B. List the safety devices and interlocks incorporated in main engine air starting system
and state the purpose of each.
With reference to bridge control of a large slow propulsion engine;
A. How starting and reversing achieved;
B. Investigate and proposal remedial action if the engine,
(i) fails to turn on air; (ii) turns on air but fails to fire on fuel; (iii) fails to reverse.
SEPT 2018
With suitable block and line diagrams, describes the starting and reversing systems of a
two-stroke diesel engine. Explain the importance of running direction interlock provided
on Diesel EnginOCT 2017
Sketch and describe the means used for operation of air starting valves of a large
engine. Explain how engine reversal is affected.
BEARINGS
FEB 2019
Discuss the consequences of failure to maintain correct clearances in the case of main
diesel engine crankshaft and bottom end bearings. Sketch a bottom end bearing paying
particular attention to the arrangement of ensuring uninterrupted flow of oil to the top
end bearing.
DEC 2018
With respect to large two stroke crosshead main engines;
A. Sketch and describe a crosshead designed to prevent or minimize bearing edge
loading.
B. State how the arrangement describe a achieves its purpose. C. What would be an
acceptable range of bearing clearance for the top end bearing and bottom end bearings
of a large two-stroke marine diesel engine.
MAR 2018
Describe how a crank pin bearing of a 2-stroke main propulsion engine is opened up for
inspection B. Which half of the bearing is subject to greater wear? C. Which are the
various causes of wear down of the bearing.
NOV 2017
Explain EACH of the following; A. Effect of worn out main bearings on the condition of
the crankshaft and propeller shaft system B. The reliance on frictional grip in
conventional built up crankshaft. C. The reasons for providing large fillets to oil holes in
crankpins and journals
TROUBLESHOOTING
FEB 2019
State how EACH of the following defects becomes apparent, describe its effect on
engine operation or safety and indicate the corrective action required to restore normal
engine condition;
A. Leaking air inlet and exhaust valves;
B. Leaking air start valve;
C. Cracked cylinder liner; D. Broken piston rings
DEC 2018
State the probable engine defects and rectifying action needed if the following
conditions are indicated on a single unit of a large two-stroke marine diesel engine
giving seven units. State any additional information which might be of help in forming on
option
A. Increased exhaust temperatures.
B. Reduced exhaust temperature.
C. Reduction in jacket cooling water return temperature.
D. Increase in jacket cooling water return temperature.
JAN 2018
During a routine crankcase inspection a main engine top end bearing is found to be
wiped and
subsequent inspection shows that the pin is badly scored.
A. Explain in detail the action which should be taken to enable the engine to be safety
operated so that the vessel may reach a port where effective repair facilities are
available.
B. State with reasons the factors which influence the speed at which the engine may be
safely operated.
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.
NOV 2017
During the past 4 months since you have joined the ship as second engineer a number
of main engine exhaust valves have suffered cracking and corrosion at the seating
faces. Write a report to the superintendent covering the following points; A. An
explanation detailing how the problem became evident. B. Your action upon recognising
the extent and seriousness of the problem C. Your reasoned views regarding the
positive causes of the problem D. Your recommendations to avoid future incidents.
FO AND LO AND LUBRICATION
FEB 2019
While operating at Sea during rough weather conditions, fire sparks have been
observed coming out from the chimney. On investigation, it has been observed that the
fuel contains considerable quantity of water and sludge. As the Second engineer of the
vessel. Explain.
a. Immediate actions taken to rectify the problem.
b. Precautions you take to avoid recurrence of this type of problem.
JAN 2019
With respect to Lubricating Oils used in Main Engine Sump:
A. Briefly describe the causes and effects of bacterial attack on diesel engine 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.
DEC 2018
With reference to the main engine burning heavy fuel. Ship has been asked to use low
sulphur diesel oil, what are the problems likely to be encountered and risks involved in
continuous running of main engine on such low sulphur fuels.
OCT 2018
(a) Describe, with the aid of a sketch, the main engine auxiliary equipment for automatic
monitoring and regulation of the fuel viscosity.
(b) Explain the operation of the system, which incorporates the equipment described in
(a).
(c) For an engine which is maneuvered on distillate fuel but operated on heavy residual
oil at sea, static, as second engineer, the standing orders you would issue for the
procedure to be adopted when changing form distillate fuel to heavy residual oil and
vice versa.
Whilst operating in heavy weather the main engine loses power and misfires.
Investigation shows considerable quantities of water in the fuel.
A. State, with reasons, the immediate action you as Second Engineer would take to
ensure the safe operation of the main engine;
B. State, with reasons, the possible place where water could enter the fuel system;
C. State, with reasons, the standing instructions you as Second Engineer would issue
with respect to the operation of the fuel system in order to prevent major problems due
to water in the fuel.
MAR 2018
[Link], with reasons, THREE properties required of crankcase oil which is to be used
for a trunk piston main engine. B. Explain how a representative sample of crankcase oil
would be obtained from a trunk piston engine. C. Briefly describe the action to be taken
if the crankcase oil charge cannot immediately be replaced and analysis shows – (i)
Water is present; (ii) Alkalinity has fallen; (iii) Viscosity has changed appreciably; (iv)
Carbon content has increased.
FEB 2018
Give a list of the properties or tests by which distillate and blended fuels may be
specified or decisions be made on their fitness for use. Name the properties or
constituents that may be found in a blended fuel having a high viscosity and high carbon
content. Explain how they may cause problems in engine operation.
JAN 2018
The analysis of oil may be used as a method of monitoring the condition of the
equipment that it lubricates
A. Explain briefly how shore analysts might test the oil;
B. State the type of information that would be expected;
C. Give possible reasons for an excess of: -
i. Iron, ii. Copper, iii. Antimony, iv. Tin, v. Silica
OCT 2017
With reference to fuel as used for main engine operations:
A. State why ordering of bunkers should be by reference to a defined specification
rather than simply by viscosity B. Describe shipboard tests which can be carried out on
bunkers as delivered in order to assess i. Water content; ii. The presence of catalytic
fine; iii. Viscosity
C. Explain the possible significance of abnormally high bunker delivery temperature in
relation to the viscosity of the fuel ordered.
TURBOCHARGER
FEB 2019
With reference to main engine turbocharger;
A. Explain why cleanliness throughout the turbochargers system is critical to engine
performance?
B. Describe in-service cleaning procedure for gas and air sides of a turbocharger
indicating safety precautions to be observed?
JAN 2019
Explain why the following problems occur in turbocharger nozzles, shrouds and blades,
their effects on turbocharger operation and remedies: – [Link]-up of deposits; B. Hot
corrosion; C. Erosion.
DEC 2018
With reference to turbocharger bearings:
A. Discuss the relative advantages and disadvantages of white metal sleeve and ball
race bearings for turbocharger rotor support.
B. State with reasons how axial location of the rotor is achieved.
C. Explain how the bearing are kept cool in service.
D. Indicate how the bearings are sealed from the atmosphere and exhaust gas.
OCT 2018
Describe with aid of sketchs, a turbocharger bearing lubrication system. Starting the
type of bearing employed and explain the advantages and disadvantages of the
lubricating system described.
MAY 2018
Explain the working principle of variable turbine inlet turbocharger(VTI). With regards to
VTI turbocharger discuss following. a) how is the exhaust gas inlet variation to the
turbine achieved b) advantage of VTI during low load operation. c) With the aid of
diagram show the mechanism to alter VTI.
APR 2018
[Link] the possible reasons T/C vibration while operating at a steady speed B. State
how the incidence of turbo charger vibration might be minimized C. Explain the action to
be taken in order to maintain 2 stroke – engine operation in the vent of turbo charger
having to be taken out of service D. Indicate the effect this action will have on engine
operation
OCT 2017
With reference to fouling on the gas side of turbochargers, state - A. What are the
common causes and nature of the deposits? B. How it effects engine operation? C. how
it is reduced in practice? D. How heavy fouling can be avoided?
CHAIN DRIVE
JAN 2019
Sketch and describe the arrangement of a main engine camshaft chain. Describe the
repair procedure following fracture of one chain link during operation of the engine. Give
possible reasons for the failure and explain how the chain is set initially at the correct
degree of tension.
OCT 2018
With reference to timing chains:
A. State the cause of chain elongation in service, using a sketch of a section of a
camshaft roller chain to illustrate your answer;
B. State: i. The effects of increased chain length:
ii. The method of assessing percentage increase in length:
C. Explain how the effects of elongation are corrected: State why a limit is placed on
percentage chain elongation and give typical example.
MAR 2018
State the reasons for the progressive slackness of an engine camshaft drive chain in
service; B. State the effect chain stretch has on engine timing and performance; C.
Describe how correct timing is restored when chain stretch becomes excessive.
SCAVENGE AND CRANKCASE
JAN 2019
Discuss the precautions which can be taken to minimize the possibility of a diesel
engine crank case explosion and the transmission of dangerous flame into the
machinery space; A. By design and equipment; B. By operating personnel
DEC 2018
With respect to scavenge fires in Large two stroke Marine engines:
A. State the common causes of scavenge fires.
B. List the indication that a scavenge fire is in progress.
C. State the immediate action to be taken in the event of a scavenge fire.
D. List with reasons the checks and precautions necessary before an engine is put back
in to service following a scavenge fire.
JAN 2018
Describe the process of inspecting the running gear of a main diesel engine. What is the
purpose of such an inspection and what defects may be found?
NOV 2017
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; State
how hazardous conditions can be avoided.
PISTON AND STUFFING BOX
DEC 2018
Sketch and show all parts of a two-stroke engine stuffing box. Describe the procedure of
overhauling two stroke engine stuffing box, without removing piston. All safety
precautions to be mentioned proper tools used for overhaul mentioned.
With respect to piston cooling in large two stroke marine engines;
A. Briefly discuss the relative advantages and disadvantages of oil and water for piston
cooling.
B. Sketch a piston for a large two-stroke crosshead engines indicating the coolant flow.
C. State the causes of piston cracking and burning and how it can be avoided.
NOV 2018
With reference to piston rings;
A. Analyze the causes of breakage;
B. How maintenance and engine operation can minimize breakage;
C. Explain the possible consequences with respect to performance and safety of
operating the engine with broken or severely worn rings.
OCT 2018
With reference to crankcase diaphragm glands:
A. Explain why effectiveness deteriorates in service.
B. Describe the procedure for renewal of parts so that efficiency is restored and rod
scoring is avoided;
C. Describe how effectiveness is restored if spares are unavailable;
D. Explain the functions of the upper and lower sections.
MAR 2018
Evaluate the influence of the following factors upon cylinder and piston ring wear rates;
A. Position of rings in relation to piston crown; B. Spread and proximity of coolant
passages from liner wall; C. Flow rate and specific heat of coolant; D. Chromium plating
of ring faces.
LINERS AND CYLINDER HEAD
NOV 2018
With reference to medium speed engine cylinder liners:
A. Explain the cause and effects of Polishing or glazing;
B. Describe, with the aid of sketches, an anti-polishing ring and explain how it is fitted in
the liner; C. Explain the action of anti-polishing ring during the operation of the engine.
SEPT 2018
Discuss the significance of cylinder lubrication in two stroke diesel engines considering
the impact of Annex VI of Marpol 73/78. Explain:
(a) Two level cylinder lubrication incorporated on few diesel engines.
(b) The effect of over and under lubrication on engines.
JULY 2018
[Link] the problems associated with effective lubrication of the liner and piston
assemble of a large slow speed engine. B. Describe the appearance and state the
causes of each of the following: i. Clover leafing; ii. Microseizure. C. Describe the
composition of a cylinder oil suitable for an engine operating on residual fuel
JAN 2018
A diesel generator when fitted in a machinery space which is periodically unmanned
may be equipped with monitoring alarms of the exhaust temperatures. Discuss the
relative merits of
A. Individual cylinder maximum temperature alarms;
B. Individual cylinder maximum and minimum temperature alarms;
C. Individual cylinder maximum temperature alarm and an alarm for any two cylinders
exhaust temperatures deviating more than 35°C. Explain how arrangement C can be
provided for.
JULY 2017
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.
INDICATOR CARDS
OCT 2018
Assume you are instructed to submit to superintendent engineer a complete set of
indicator cards together with relevant data. Give full account of your work in taking the
cards and preparing them for submission; Tabulate the data you forward, both that
extracted from the cards and otherwise obtained, giving typical figures taken from a
motor ship.
MAR 2018
Discuss the various types of indicator diagrams and discuss the relevance of this
method of determining engine performance. B. Suggest how engine performance may
be assessed other than by taking indicator cards.
NOV 2017
Sketch and describe an “out of phase” diagram for a large 2-stroke slow speed cycle
engine. Describe in detail the part of the cycle showing the diagram. Using the diagram
explain the effects of burning liable and low grade fuels (when fuel injection timing is not
altered). Explain how good ignition and combustion can be obtained when using low
grade fuel.
FUEL INJECTION
JUN 2018
With regards to modern diesel engine raising the Life Cycle Value (LCV). describe the
importance of following.
a) Low Sac Volume of Fuel Injection Valve b) Fuel Valve opening Pressure
regulation c) Contamination of combustion Chamber and impact on LCV d)
Contamination of lube oil and impact on LCV.
DEC 2017
With reference to burning of residual fuel
A. State what is meant by ignition quality;
B. Describe how fuel pumps are adjusted to enable the engine to burn fuels of different
ignition qualities;
C. State with reasons what other adjustments may be required with fuel pumps after a
period of time in service;
D. Explain the consequences of not making adjustments mentioned in answers (B) and
(C).
OCT 2017
How is fuel oil injected into the cylinder of a heavy oil two stroke cycle internal
combustion engine and how is it ignited? Show by a timing diagram at what point of
stroke injection of the fuel begins and ends. Name the engine to which your answer
refers. Explain the effect of advancing the timing of injection on: i. Fuel per brake horse
power hour; ii. Exhaust temperature; iii. Cylinder maximum pressure
Describe with the aid of sketches a fuel pump capable of variable injection timing
A. State why injection timing might need to be changed
B. State how injection timing is adjusted while the engine is running
BOILERS
APR 2018
With respect to main boiler super heater arrangements: A. Compare the advantages
and
disadvantages of contra flow with parallel flow design. B. Describe how the element
tube banks are supported yet allow for expansion. C. Describe how boiler carryover
affects super heater effectiveness and condition.
NOV 2017
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. B. State the formality necessary when Chief engineer sets the
safety valves.
INSTRUMENTATION AND CONTROL
JAN 2018
Explain the term ‘cascade control’ and sketch such a system suitable for use with a
main engine jacket cooling water system. Show the variation of pressure and
temperature at major points of the system.
A. Draw a line diagram of a complete feed water system for an auxiliary boiler labelling
all the principal items and showing the direction of flow in all lines.
B. Explain how the feed supply to the boiler is regulated;
C. State what means are provided to prevent oil contamination of the feed water.
OTHERS
OCT 2018
With reference the crankshaft and running gear of an engine, explain EACH of the
following: (a) Static balance; (b) Dynamic balance; (c) Torque reaction couple; (d)
Critical speed.
JULY 2018
How are large slow speed engines structured to withstand the following forces? A.
Forces due to combustion load; B. Guide forces; C. Inertia forces.
MAR 2018
With reference to a particular make of main propulsion unit, describe how the engine is
reversed manually and discuss the problems involved and the safety precautions which
would be required if the control were operated remote from the
machinery space.
FEB 2018
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;
A. Explain with a simple sketch how a bearing load is assessed; C. Explain how
uneven loading could be rectified.
JAN 2018
Describe the main engine shaft engine generator arrangement with an electronic
system for frequency correction. Describe he operation of the generator arrangement so
sketched.
NOV 2017
[Link] and describe a flywheel that would be fitted to a large marine diesel engine; B.
Show in the sketches how it is fitted and secured; C. What is the purpose of the
flywheel? Recently some engine makers have considerably reduced the size of the
flywheel. Explain how this can be done.
OCT 2017
Discuss the nature of the forces to which a main engine crankshaft is subjected in
normal service and explain how the resulting stress are maintained at a safe limit by
design and efficient maintenance respectively. indicate the circumstances under which
the crankshaft may i. over stressed; ii. Become defective without being over stressed.
Suggest with reasons, which one or combination of the following conditions is likely to
contribute most to persistent breakage / slacking of ‘holding down’ bolts:
i. A scavenge fire
ii. Ii. Small cracks in the traverse girder of the bedplate
iii. Highly stressed holding down bolts
iv. Loose chocks
v. Partially balanced reciprocating masses
vi. One piston hung up
JULY 2017
Name the factors an engine designer considers in the selection of the compression ratio
for a compression ignition engine. Give some examples of compression ratio values.
MEDIUM SPEED 4STROKE ENGINES
OCT 2018
With reference to bottom end bolts for medium speed four stroke engines:
A. Explain why bottom end bolts will ultimately fail under normal operating conditions;
B. Identify the features incorporated into bolt design to inhibit failure;
C. Explain how bolt failure may be hastened when maintenance is carried out;
D. Describe, as Second Engineer, your strategy for preventing bolt failure.
JUN 2018
With regards to modern 4-stroke diesel engine explain the following. a) The function of
protection ring installed on the upper part of liner. b) The moderation in fuel injection
drive system compared to conventional 4- stroke engine. c) Staggering of layout for
multi hole nozzles. d) Effect of swirl and squish during the combustion process and how
swirl and squish is generated.
With regards to connecting rod ovality of 4-stroke diesel engine explain following. a)
importance of
connecting rod ovality. b) method of measuring the connecting rod ovality. c) discuss
the impact of ovality if it increases beyond the maximum allowable limit. d) method of
ascertaining the elongation of connecting rod bolts.
MODERN ELECTRONIC ENGINES
JUN 2018
With reference to Modern Diesel Engine describe the features of High pressure Miller
cycle and discuss the following. a) Reduction in Air Temperature due to Miller Cycle b)
Recove1Y of Pressure in the Combustion chamber during the Miller cycle c) Effect of
Miller Cycle on specific fuel consumption and NOX emission. d) The impact on various
parameters during low load operation using Miller Cycle
Describe the starting and reversing system of an electronically controlled diesel engine
and compare with engine having CAM SHAFT and explain following. a) Reduction in air
consumption during engine starting. b) improved performance during astern starting and
crash astern.
With regards to modern diesel engines revolution pick up sensor. discuss with suitable
diagram the following. a) functioning of revolution pick up sensor. b) adjustment of pick
up sensor. c) adjustment of rotary encoder. d) adjustment of pulse angle offset.
NOV 2017
Sketch and describe a common rail fuel system as fitted to a diesel engine. How is
delivery of the fuel controlled?
