2012 PDF
2012 PDF
2012 PDF
Dec 2012
1. Question
With regards to ordering and receiving fuel bunker on board answer the
following
The importance of correct bunker specification including the relevant ISO
standard.
How will you ensure that a representative sample is drawn during
bunkering.
How will you ensure that in case of bunker disputes especially with regards
to quality the sample from the vessel will be acceptable for verification.
ANSWER :-
a. Bunkering is one operation on ship which has been the reason for several
pollution related incidents in the past. Bunkering operation requires
utmost care and alertness to prevent any kind of fire accident or oil spill.
Chief engineer is the overall in charge of a bunkering operation.
b. Problems occurring onboard the vessels and which arise from bunker
related issues are diverse, and may involve disputes varying from
engine/equipment problems and vessel delay to off loading/re-bunkering.
c. Claims arising from these problems are in general complicated and they
are often frustrated by lack of evidence, including representative samples,
storage and consumption documentation and fuel analysis reports.
d. In some cases the fuel quality appears to have met the relevant fuel
specification but further extensive testing reveals the presence of unusual
contaminants.
e. Linking these to engine damage has proved difficult and it has been
necessary to undertake metallurgical examination of worn or damaged
components to determine causation.
f. When purchasing bunkers it is important that the correct grade is
specified and that the sale and purchase agreement includes the
appropriate description of the fuel to be supplied. This is best done by
reference to the International Standard ISO 8217 and identification of the
required grade within this standard e.g. ISO 8217:2010 - RMG 380.
g. Therefore it is important that chief engineer checks the quality of the fuel
to be supplied according to the bunker delivery receipt. Although this
document does not provide a full analysis of the fuel, it should contain at
least the viscosity, density and sulphur content.
Representative Sample :-
a. The most common and most economic means of obtaining a
representative sample is by using a drip type sampler.
b. After the checks of documents and bunker quantity on barge, chief
engineer should ensure that sampling points are fixed. Sampling should
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be taken at one point only. All sampling should be carried out either at
barge manifold or ship’s manifold. The sample must be representative of
the total delivery and ideally taken by ‘drip feed’ at the discharge side of
manifold, during the course of pumping.
c. Sampling equipment should be used in accordance with the
manufacturer’s instructions, or guidelines, as appropriate.
d. A means should be provided to seal the sampling equipment throughout
the period of supply.
e. The primary sample receiving container should be attached to the
sampling equipment and sealed so as to prevent tampering or
contamination of the sample throughout the bunker delivery period.
f. The tube within the sampler and sample valve should always be cleaned
before use.
g. When bunkering starts, place a container under the sampler, open the
sampler valve fully and flush the sampler with fuel.
h. After flushing the sampler, close the valve and attach a suitable clean
container to the valve. Adjust the needle valve to give a slow and steady
drip. Time the fill rate so that it will provide for sufficient estimated
sample over the expected delivery period.
i. On completion of bunkering, mix together the samples from both
containers to ensure you have a good, representative sample from the
bunkering operation.
j. After bunkering sample bottles to be sealed, dated and signed by both
parties, four samples to be taken – one each for ship, barge, lab analysis
and MARPOL sample.
Bunker quality disputes
1. C/E should take care to ensure that bunkers supplied matches with
specifications as per ISO 8217
2. To ascertain about the quality of bunker, it is necessary to take the samples
in prescribed manner. The sample should be divided into 4 or 5 subsamples.
Out of these one should be sent to laboratory for analysis by the ship. The
supplier has the duty to provide ship with MARPOL sample and the seal
number of this must be recorded in the BDN, along with seal numbers of
other samples.
3. If the ship’s sample report comes and it shows bunker to be of lower quality
or not as per specification, ship staff should tender a complaint regarding
quality.
4. As per BIMCO standard bunker clause this complaint should be tendered
within 30 days of delivery. After receiving the complaint the supplier will
send their sample to laboratory and will match its result with ship’s one.
Otherwise both can choose an independent laboratory for testing the sample.
5. BDN should be maintained for 3 years
6. C/E should record all relevant information that can lead to machinery
damage due to poor quality fuel
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2. Question
With respect to refrigeration gases used on board vessels answer the
following.
Explain ozone depleting potential of conventional ref gases.
Name alternative refrigeration gases available and being used on board
Explain the steps you will take to ensure that release of refrigeration gases
from the plant is minimised during normal operation and during
maintenance activities.
ANSWER :-
1. The ODP or Ozone Depletion Potential, is the potential for a single
molecule of the refrigerant to destroy the Ozone Layer. All of the
refrigerants use R11 as a datum reference and thus R11 has an ODP of
1.0. The less the value of the ODP the better the refrigerant is for the
ozone layer and therefore the environment.
2. The chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) and hydrochloroflurocarbons (HCFCs)
are referred to as ozone depleting substances (ODS), because once these
gases are released into the environment and reach the stratosphere, they
interact with the ozone layer and destroy ozone molecules. ODS lifetime
in the stratosphere is between 100 and 400 years.
3. An ODS molecule has potential to destroy ozone molecules during its
entire lifetime. Therefore, various CFCs and HCFCs are assigned Ozone
Depletion Potentials (ODP) depending on their potential (specified
relative to CFC-11) to cause ozone depletion in the stratosphere.
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R417A is the zero ODP replacement for R22 suitable for new equipment and as
a drop-in replacement for existing systems.
3. Question
Explain the following modern methods of turbo charging
a. Pulse converter system
b. Sequential turbo charging
c. Stage turbo charging
d. Variable geometry turbo charger
ANSWER :-
3. It also improves the turbine admission, improves efficiency and does not
mechanically load the blading as much as the normal impulse turbo
charging.
4. Figure shows the pulse converter in the pulse converter (PC) turbocharging
system. In this system, the volume of the mixing pipe before the turbine is
small and the length short.
5. The pressure wave in the mixing pipe coming from one group of pipes will
be transmitted to the other group of pipes, and then influences the
scavenging process of the cylinders connected to that group of pipes. Hence
it is necessary that the area ratio of the pulse converter is generally less than
1. The ejector nozzle’s area ratio is generally 0.65∼0.85, and the throat’s
area ratio is generally 0.5∼1.0
4. Question
What do you understand by unseaworthy vessel within the meaning of the
MSA 1958 as amended?
What according to you is the difference between unseaworthy and unsafe
ship
What are the obligation of the owner to crew with respect seaworthiness.
ANSWER :-
In the M.S. Act 1958 of India as amended the meaning of unseaworthy ship and
unsafe ship is as follows:-
Under section 334 a ship is said to be unseaworthy "when the materials of
which she is made, her construction, the qualification of master, the number,
description and qualification of the crew including officers, the weight,
description and stowage of the cargo and ballast, the condition of her hull and
equipment, boilers and machinery are not such as to render her in every respect
fit for the proposed voyage or service."
Under section 336, unsafe ship may be defined an unsafe ship, that is to say, is
by reason of the defective condition of her hull, equipment or machinery, or by
reason of overloading or improper loading, unfit to proceed to sea without
serious danger to human life, having regard to the nature of service for which
she is intended.
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Now we will discuss the difference of unseaworthy ship and unsafe ship in
details. First we will see the unseaworthy ship:-
1) A ship is unseaworthy, when the material which she is made and her
construction and design is faulty and not as per laid down regulation.
2) A ship is unseaworthy when its master, officers and crew are not qualified
and are not as per safe manning of the ship.
3) Not having enough certificates according to law make the ship unseaworthy.
4) A ship is said to be unseaworthy when the machinery or equipment is
missing which should have been installed as per any regulation.
5) An unseaworthy ship poses serious threat to human life.
6) A ship is said to be unseaworthy when its machinery or equipment is not able
to perform its duties for the intended voyage.
7) Wrong weight, description and stowage of cargo and ballast make the ship
unseaworthy for the voyage.
Now take the case of Unsafe ship:-
1) A ship is said to be unsafe, when the hull and equipment is temporarily
defective and the ship is unsafe for that proposed voyage.
2) A ship is said to be unsafe when its master, officers and crew are qualified
but do not follow the safe working practices.
3) Not maintaining the required provisions laid down in certificates can make
the ship unsafe during the voyage.
4) A ship is said to be unsafe if the machinery or equipment is placed on board
but found not working or the maintenance plan is not being followed.
5) An unsafe ship does not pose serious threat to human life.
6) A ship is said to be unsafe when its machinery or equipment is operated
wrongly at any instance by the ship's crew in the voyage.
7) Wrong procedure of ballasting, deballasting or negligence of crew towards
stowage of cargo makes the ship unsafe an any instance during voyage.
In broad perspective or loosely we can say that unseaworthiness depends on
design factors and physical factors. Also unseaworthy is a condition.
But ship becomes unsafe due to human factors. It is an act.
Obligation of owner to crew with respect to seaworthiness
1. In every contract of service, express or implied between the owner of an
Indian ship and the master or any seaman thereof, and in every contract of
apprenticeship whereby any person is bound to serve as an apprentice on board
any such ship, there shall be implied, notwithstanding any agreement to the
contrary, an obligation on the owner that such owner and the master, and every
agent charged with the loading of such ship or the preparing thereof for sea, or
the sending thereof to sea, shall use all reasonable means to ensure the
seaworthiness of such ship for the voyage at the time when such voyage
commences, and to keep her in a seaworthy state during the voyage.
2. For the purpose of seeing that the provisions of this section have been
complied with, the Central Government may, either at the request of the owner
or otherwise, arrange for a survey of the hull, equipment or machinery of any
sea-going ship by a surveyor.
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5. Question
What is the definition of company as per ism code and list out the safety
management objectives of the company as per ism code? How the company
verifies the satisfactory implementation of the ism code requirement
As a Chief Engineer you have joined a vessel which is about to undertake a
six month round ... voyage. Underline and describe the key issues that you
will inspect, check, prepare, establish and maintain towards proper
Planned Maintenance of Engine Room and associated areas under ISM
Codes.
ANSWER :-
The ISM code is adopted under Solas Chapter IX with reference the IMO
resolution A.741(18)
As per ISM code A "Company" means the Owner of the vessel or any
other organization or person such as the Manager, or the bareboat charterer,
who has assumed the responsibility for operation of the vessel from the Vessel
owner and who on assuming such responsibility has agreed to take over all the
duties and responsibilities imposed by this regulation.
Safety Management objectives of the company are as follows .
1. provide for safe working practices and a safe working environment
2. establish safeguards against possible risks to its ships, personnel and the
environment.
3. continuously improve safety management skills of personnel ashore and
aboard ships, including preparing for the emergencies related both to
safety and environmental protection.
8. Check the status of surveys of the ship and ensure that there are no surveys
overdue.
9. All personnel should be able to give the identity of the DPA(Designated
Person Ashore), who is the sole contact point for any emergency. Ensure
procedures are in place for establishing and maintaining contact with shore
management through the DPA in an emergency.
10. Ensure that you are familiar with any non-conformities which have been
reported to the company and what corrective action is being taken.
11. Check the condition and maintenance status of main and auxiliary
machineries.
12. Check the running hours record of all machineries and make sure these are
updated.
13. Check the spare part inventory, ensure it is updated and ensure enough
spare parts are available to carry out routine maintenance/ breakdown
maintenance.
14. Check the critical spares on board, raised requisition if required.
15. Check Operation of Machinery:
a) The dead man alarm working properly.
b) No alarms are bypassed and all are tried out regularly and record of
testing dates entered. There is no fuel oil or lube oil leakage.
c) All the fire alarms are tested regularly and all in good condition.
d) All quick closing valves are in good condition.
e) Emergency and standby sources of electrical power to be tested, that
they are readily available, especially in a blackout condition, stand-by
generator engines automatic start to be tried out.
f) Check that the load sharing system of generators is tested and is
functioning correct.
g) Emergency Generator, Emergency Air Compressor, Emergency
Steering arrangement, Emergency Bilge suction and bilge pumps to be
in working condition with records of all maintenance carried out up-to-
date.
h) Try out main engine, start from local control station.
i) Check life-boat / rescue-boat engines are running properly.
j) Check proper functioning of safety cut-outs for main engine / aux
engine / boilers.
k) Confirm ―emergency stops for pumps & blower function properly.
16. Ensure bunkering procedures are posted, understood by all personnel &
spill equipment is readily available. Test the means of communication,
between ship‘s bunkering personnel & shore / barge. SOPEP & ISM
procedures to report and deal with oil spills should be understood by all.
17. Ensure that all the operational requirements of MARPOL as applicable have
been complied with taking into account ;
a. quantity of sludge/oil residues being generated daily
b. the capacity of sludge & bilge water holding tanks
c. capacity of oily water separator, incinerator, etc.
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18. Ensure oily water separator, incinerator, sewage treatment plant, primary
and/or secondary NOx treatment systems are functioning properly.
19. Ensure the responsible personnel are familiar with the procedures for
handling sludge and bilge water.
20. Check the inventory of special tools and equipments.
21. Check the PSC inspection record and ensure the vessel is ready for PSC
inspections at times.
22. Ensure all E/R personals are familiar with the PMS and safety and
environmental policies of the company.
23. Confirm that all crew members can activate the fire alarm and know the
locations of switches and are familiar with the documented procedures for
reporting a fire to the bridge and actions to be taken.
24. Confirm that all crew members are able to demonstrate the correct use of
the appropriate fire fighting equipment
25. Ensure the following items are functioning correctly:-
a. fire doors, including remote operation
b. fire dampers and smoke flaps
c. quick closing valves
d. emergency stops of fans and fuel oil pumps
e. fire detection and fire alarm system
f. main & emergency fire pumps
26. Ensure that all key personnel are able to communicate & understand each
other‘s signals during drills.
27. Take a through round of engine and check general appearance and note any
defect noted.
28. On the basis of incident report, maintenance schedule and observation area
of concern to be noted down. A planning to be carried out for tackling the
issues. Machineries requiring attention and history of breakdown of
particular equipment and machinery to be checked and same rectified.
29. Engine room operations, procedures and system to be assessed and
evaluated from time to time. The need for up gradation and improvement to
be brought to the notice of the company.
Reviews, guidelines and advices to be implemented. Feedback for company
orders and requests to be given on time.
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6. Question
State the applicable regulation of solas and marpol under which it is
mandatory for a flag state to conduct an investigation into any casualty.
Write briefly the salient points of casualty investigation code and the
recommended practices for a safety investigation into a marine casualty or
marine incident What do you understand by the term very serious marine
casualty
ANSWER :-
Every flag state has to carry out investigation in any casualty occurring
on board the ship flying its flag. This responsibility is laid down in various
conventions of IMO. Following are the conventions and articles under which
above responsibility is laid down:-
1) UNCLOS:- Article 94(7) states that " each state shall cause an inquiry to be
held by a suitably qualified person/persons into every marine casualty or
incident of navigation on the high seas involving a ship flying its flag and
causing loss of life or any other incident involving another state or marine
environment."
2) SOLAS 74:- Chapter 1, part C, Regulation 21 states that " Each
Administration undertakes to conduct an investigation of any casualty occurring
to any of its ships subject to the provisions of the present convention when it
judges that such an investigation may assist in determining what changes in the
present regulations might be desirable."
3) Article 12 of MARPOL73/78 and article 23 of ILLC also states more or less
same as stated in above conventions.
To harmonize the casualty investigation a code was adopted on 27th
November 1997 in IMO resolution A849(20) called casualty investigation
code.
The salient features of the code.
1) Necessity of code:- It was acknowledged that the investigation and proper
analysis of marine casualties and incidents can lead to greater awareness of
casualty causation and result in remedial measures including better training to
enhance safety of life at sea and protection of environment.
It was also recognized that a standard approach and
cooperation between governments, to marine casualty and incident investigation
is necessary to correctly identify the cause.
b) If casualty occurs in territorial sea of a state, then flag state and coastal state
should cooperate to maximum extent and mutually decide who will be the lead
investigating state.
c) If casualty occurs at high seas then flag state has to carry out investigation.
But if the casualty involves other other parties or affects environment of other
state, then all substantially interested state should work together and decide who
will be the lead investigating state.
Very serious marine casualty means a ship casualty which involves total loss
of ship, loss of life or severe pollution.
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7. Question
Explain the influence of a charter on operation of propulsion and other
ship board machineries during a voyage. After taking over ship as C/E you
have informed that ship is on time charter and has a history of unforeseen
auxiliary machinery breakdown at sea, state the different options you have
and actions you would take as C/E prior to the commencement of voyage.
ANSWER :-
8. Question
What is bill of lading? What precautions are to be observed before signing
a B/L under voyage charter and time charter? Differentiate the salient
considerations taken during Survey of a ship under 1) Bare-boat charter, 2)
Voyage charter & 3) Time charter. As the Chief Engineer on board,
explain with reasons, which of the three Surveys is most demanding and
exhaustive and why?
ANSWERS :-
1. The bill lading is the declaration of the master of the vessel by which he
acknowledges that he received the goods on board of his ship and assures that
he will carry the goods to the place of destination for delivery, in the same
condition as he received them against handing of the original bill of lading.
2. The definition of a bill of lading given in the ―HAMBURG RULES is
the following.
BILL OF LADING means a document which evidence a contract of
carriage by sea and the taking over of loading of the goods by the carrier,
and by which the carrier undertakes to deliver the goods against surrender of
the document.
3. A provision in the document that the goods are to be delivered to the order
of a named person, or to order or o bearer, constitutes such an undertaking.
4. The bill of lading serves as a
a) A receipt of the goods by the ship-owner acknowledging that the goods of the
stated species, quantity and conditions are shipped to a stated destination in a
certain ship or at least received in custody of the ship owner for the purpose of
shipment.
b) A memorandum of the CONTRACT OF CARRIAGE by which the master
agrees to transport the goods to their destinations all terms of the contract which
was in fact concluded prior to signing of the bill of loading are repeated on the
back of this document
c) A document of little to the goods enabling the consigner to dispose of the
goods by endorsement and delivery of the bill of lading.
Types of Bill of Lading
1. Long Term B/L
2. Short Term B/L
3. Direct B/L
4. Combined transport B/L
5. Through B/L
6. Received for Shipment B/L
7. Straight B/L
Hague Visby rule apply to every type of bill of lading.
1. The goods have actually been shipped (compared with mate’s receipt).
2. The date of shipment is correct.
3. That the bill of lading is not marked “freight paid” or “freight not paid” if
not true.
4. Check that any “clause” of mates receipt is also contained in B/L
5. Check that reference is made to the charter party where one exists
6. Check that any charter party terms not conflict with B/L terms
7. Check that the number of original bills in the set is stated.
8. In any case, master is in doubt he should contact his P&I club correspondent.
9. If in case damaged or otherwise defective cargo is presented for loading –
reject goods, accept goods as on condition that he will issue a clause bill of
lading call P&I.
10.if ship and shore figures differ
If less cargo is loaded, demurrage, contact owner in voyage charter
Letter of protest
11.If number of original B/L shown on the face of the bill not the same as the
number of negotiable B/L
1. call P &I
2. refuse to sign the bills until correct number is assigned
12.If B/L is in foreign language – translator, call P&I master should issue B/L
in English.
13.If master is asked to sign blank or partially completed B/L
1. call P&I
2. if early departure procedure (EDP) is used on tanker routes, agent signs
behalf ofmaster
14.if B/L have to be re-issued or amended
1. call P&I
2. if B/L have to be reissued, ensure that first set is cancelled /returned /
destroyed if master is asked to sign predate of post date B/L -- refuse to sign.
Bareboat charter:
1. Is a contract for the hire of a vessel for an agreed period during which the
charterers acquire most of the rights of the owners.
2. In essence the vessel owners put the vessel at the complete disposal of the
charters and pay the capital costs, but no other costs.
3. The charters have commercial and technical responsibility for the vessel, and
pay all costs except capital costs.
4. There will be an agreement, that there will be an on hire survey. In the case
of new ship building the survey procedures can be done in the yard itself
according to the agreement. In other cases there is a thorough examination
considering the following points.
Bunkers on board
Stores & spares on board.
General condition of the vessel.
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Certificates validity
Tanks condition
Sea worthiness.
5. As a Chief engineer, you are responsible for maintaining the equipment in
good condition. Bunker on board to be properly calculated and kept ready
for the surveyors to check.
6. Cleanliness and proper P.M.S. system has to be maintained in view of
seaworthiness.
7. It is a more stringent survey since the charter takes the responsibility of the
vessel in full respect except capital cost.
8. All crew members to be aware of the safety procedure and safe working
practices according to the company's quality management system. In this
regard proper training and briefing to be given before surveys.
9. If a second hand ship is taken over by a chief engineer and is being put on a
bareboat charter he should check following with respect to ship:-
a. Visual inspection of vessel
b. Seaworthiness
c. Documentation
d. Machinery condition
e. Pipeline condition
f. Underwater part
g. LSA and FFA items
h. Sounding of all tanks and calculate bunker, lub oil
i. Navigation equipment condition
j. Critical machineries inventory
k. Inventory of spares and stores
l. ORB ( last 3 years )
m. Master and Chief engineer log book
n. Ship sea trial if possible
o. Machinery survey records and PMS
p. Cargo hold condition
q. Insulation check of all motors and alternators.
Voyage Charter:
1. Is a contract for the carriage by a named vessel of a specified quantity of
cargo between named posts or places.
2. The ship owner basically agrees that he will present the named vessel for
loading at the agreed place within an agreed period of time a following
loading, will carry the cargo to the agreed place, where he will deliver the
cargo.
3. The charter agrees to provide for loading, within the agreed period of time,
the agreed quantity of the agreed commodity, to pay the agreed amount of
freight, and to take delivery of the cargo at the destination place.
4. In effect the charterers hire the cargo capacity of the vessel and not the entire
vessel.
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5. The owner must provide the master and crew, act as carrier and pay all
running and voyage costs, unless the charter party specifically provides
otherwise.
6. The survey under voyage charter is not very strict as compared to other
charter party.
7. The charter mainly interested in sea worthiness and condition of the cargo
space. The surveyor checks for whether the vessel can carry the cargo of
particular quantity and to be able to discharge within an agreed period of
time.
8. As a Chief Engineer one should take care of cargo hold/ tank, cargo gear
condition. If any repairs are necessary to keep the same in good condition
that has to be carried-out. He has to prove that the ship is able to carry the
cargo safely and vessel able to reach in proper time which is agreed.
Time charter:
1. Is a contract for the hire of a named vessel for a specified period of time.
(The charters agree to hire from the ship owner a named vessel, of specific
technical characteristics, for an agreed period of time, for the chatterers
purposes subject to agreed restrictions. The hire period of time, for the
charters purposes subject to agreed restrictions. The hire period may be the
duration of one voyage (a "trip charter") or anything up to several years
("period charters")).
2. The ship owner is responsible for vessels running expenses i.e., manning
repairs and maintenance, stores, masters and crew‘s wages, hull and
machinery insurance, etc. He operates the vessel technically, but not
commercially.
3. The owner bears no cargo handling expenses and do not normally appoint
stevedores. The charters are responsible for the commercial employment of
the vessel, bunker fuel purchase and insurance, port and canal dues
(including pilot age, towage, linesmen etc.), and all loading stowing /
trimming / discharging arrangements and costs.
4. On-hire survey and delivery certificate:
There will be usually agreements that there will be an on-hire survey or
delivery survey to establish. –
Bunkers remaining on board (R.O.B.) in order to determine the quantity
the chatterers will have to pay the owners for.
The general condition of the vessel.
Tanks or holds are fit for the carriage of the contemplated cargoes.
Holds of a dry cargo vessel must be dry and swept clean, etc. and tanks
for oil or chemicals must pass survey and be certified fit.
5. The on-hire survey is usually carried out by jointly approved surveyors, paid
for 50/50 by the owners and the chatterer. Time spent on the survey is
normally at the owner's risk, i.e., the vessel is not on -hire until passing of
the survey.
6. As a Chief Engineer, one should calculate the bunker on board correctly and
to keep all machinery in good condition. He has to prove that ship is able to
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satisfy charter party requirement regarding fuel consumption and speed. Any
maintenance required for cargo holds or tanks to be carried-out prior survey
to keep them in good condition.
9. Question
Explain the influence of following external factors in higher consumption of
fuel oil and how at best they could be controlled? (i) Ship's hull condition
(ii) Weather condition (iii) Maintenance of different equipment’s in a fuel
oil system (iv) Damage to propeller blades
ANSWER :-
As there is very close business competition in the market each and every
company keeps a very good eye on their quality of service. This has to be done
at minimum and optimum expenses on the part of the company as the venture
must also be commercially viable for them.
As a part of daily expenses of ship running cost it takes about 40% cost of
overall expenses for bunker and related operations.
Hence savings in fuel is as very important part for shipping companies and also
part of machinery genuine malfunction. Few savings in bunker expenses
becomes surprisingly a significant amount in a life time period of the ship.
1) SHIPS HULL CONDITION
1. Resistance as most of us avoid in our daily life is also true for a ship.
Resistance on a ships movement comprises of frictional resistance and
residual resistance.
2. In general ships frictional resistance is a function of density of water, hull
roughness and length of the ship.
3. Other resistance is residual resistance which is due to wake forming
tendency, caused due to the movement in water and shape of the ship.
4. Thus total resistance equals FRICTIONAL RESISTANCE + RESIDUAL
RESISTANCE. So as far as ship’s hull condition is concerned frictional
resistance plays a very important role. It could be up to 70% of total
resistance in a badly fouled ship.
5. Thus it is very important to keep the hull clean. Hull can be cleaned by
several methods while the ship is afloat but majority of these are not
effective in long term run. Hence regular dry docking is the best solution.
6. It is found that ship fouling pattern is not very regular. As shown in
(speed/power) graph, it may be very slow in initial stages or may be very
standardized in the initial years but in over a period of time it becomes very
―stiff are very fast.
7. In order to meet the very stick charter party alarm a ship must have a very
good and smooth hull surface
8. Factors responsible for fouling of the hull are as follows:
Use of improper techniques in applying paints, Poor quality of applied paint,
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Long port stays/or at rest, Damaged hull surface, Poor maintenance of hull
protecting system such as ICCP, Poor ship design increasing resistance in
water.
9. Thus appropriate measures should be taken for the above mentioned points
and a good surface should be prepared prior applying the approved quality of
paint. Speed and power graph also indicates that the engine may be
thermally overloaded with a badly fouled hull resulting in a decrease of the
operating life of machinery parts causing frequent breakdown and coating
very heavily on shipping companies.
10. Antifouling paints of approved type and a well maintained antifouling
system plays an important role in ships regular operating period between dry
docks.
Rr
Clean Foul
resistance speed
Rt
Rf
speed power
2)Weather Condition
1. Ships are designed and constructed to withstand the forces of nature up to a
certain extent for a certain time. Depending upon the area of trading weather
conditions keep changing and also the condition of the sea.
2. Seasons such as summer, winter or monsoons of extreme nature are very
common in the trade of shipping. If climatic conditions/weather conditions
are favourable it may result in a +ve slip i.e. the ship travels more than the
distance given by the engine and vice versa with a bad or heavy weather
condition it may result in a –ve slip resulting in a extra fuel consumption due
to higher power demands and overloading of engines.
3. Good judgement and regular updates regarding weather conditions help the
master in closing a route to avoid adverse weather condition. This may result
in less full consumption in long run.
4. Engine manufacturer guidelines should be strictly followed in severe
weather conditions. Governor load index, hunting, R.P.M, scavenging air
limit torque limits must be taken into account to avoid thermal and
mechanical overloading of the engine. Thus these guidelines can be kept in
mind for keeping fuel consumption within limit.
MEO CLASS I DEEPESH MERCHANT
Nov 2012.
1. Question
You are the chief engineer of a vessel that has suffered a minor fire in the
engine room that burned off the wiring to essential pumps. Temporary
repairs were made to get the vessel underway. Write a letter to the
company head office describing the incident as to how the fire took place
and what corrective and preventive steps have you taken. What
arrangements do you suggest to affect a permanent repair at the next port
of call?
ANSWER :-
Respected Sir,
Further to the initial accident report, below is a detailed
report of the fire that occurred on 3rd Dec 2012.
Sequence of events
Engine room rating reported smelling smoke on the bottom platform. On
investigation, found smoke emanating from local panel containing breaker of
both ballast pump, condenser cooling sea water pump and both condensate
pump.
The panel was opened and smouldering fire within extinguished by use of a
local fire extinguisher. At that time, only # 2 ballast pump was in operation and
seat of fire was traced to wiring adjacent to the circuit of the pump.
Power to the panel was isolated and extent of damage studied. Wiring to # 2
condensate pump # 2 ballast pump and condenser cooling water pump were
severely damaged.
Probable cause
Single phasing resulted in over current being drawn, overheating and started
the fire on the wiring of the # 2 ballast pump.
Temporary arrangements and repairs
1. Ballasting operations are now being carried out by # 1 ballast pump. Pump is
being run with a throttled discharged valve to minimize current and
operation is being continuously monitored.
2. #1 condensate p/p : - Megger test has been carried out and found
satisfactory. The pump has been tried out.
3. #2 ballast pump wiring and the CB require renewal. The required 3 core
cable is not on board and is being immediately indented.
4. The wiring of the condenser cooling SW pump has also suffered significant
damage and rendered this pump inoperable for the forthcoming discharging
MEO CLASS I DEEPESH MERCHANT
Yours Sincerely
Chief Engineer
MT XYZ
2. Question
Explain the associated key factors and activities to ensure PMS on board
ships and ISM code with the following terms
Corrective action process
Developing and improving maintenance records
Systematic approach of maintenance
Maintenance intervals
Inspections
ANSWER :-
The ISM code is intended to improve the safety of shipping and to reduce
pollution from ships by impacting on the way the shipping companies are
managed and operated Element 10 of ISM code: maintenance of ship and
equipment
10.1 – The Company should establish procedures to ensure that ship is
maintained in conforming with the provisions of relevant rules and regulations
and with any additional requirements which may be established by the company
10.2 – in meeting these requirements the company should ensure that
.1 – inspections held at appropriate intervals
.2 – any non conformity is reported with its possible cause
.3 – appropriate corrective action taken and
MEO CLASS I DEEPESH MERCHANT
PROPOSE SOLUTIONS
EVALUATE SOLUTIONS
IMPLEMENT SOLUTION
EVALUATE EFFECTIVENESS
CHAPTER CLOSED
3. Question
You as a Chief Engineer are asked by your company to carry out internal
audit of the deck-department under the ISM Code,
How would you carry out the audit & which areas would you lay emphasis
on during the audit?
ANSWER :-
Element 12.1 of Ism code says that internal safety audits have to be
carried out on board and ashore at intervals not exceeding 1 year. As we all
know internal audit can be carried by the auditor belonging to the department
other than the department being audited. So, as a chief engineer I can audit the
deck department provided I should have undergone the training required to be
an auditor.
For carrying out internal audit of deck department, first of all opening
meeting with master and other deck officer should be carried out. In the meeting
they should be briefed about the audit, so that Master and chief officer would be
ready with their documents and personnel. Following is the way how I will
carry out the audit:-
A) MASTER:- Audit will be started from Master’s cabin. Master is the overall
in charge of the vessel and implementation of ISM code lies on his shoulders.
He should clearly understand the policies of the company and should be fully
conversant with company’s safety management system. So, following things
should be checked with Master:-
1. He should know company’s responsibilities and authorities as per element 3
of Ism code
2. He should know how and when to contact DPA and the line of
communication
3. He should be well aware of his responsibilities and authority especially his
overriding authority as per element 5.2. Under same element, it should be
verified that master is evaluating the SMS periodically and sending its
deficiencies to the shore based management.
4. Master’s standing order/ night order book is available and should be sighted.
5. On board training schedule/planner should be sighted
6. Records of emergency drills should be checked. If possible drills can be
carried out.
7. It should be checked that debriefing is carried out after the drills.
8. Is change of command well documented or not
9. Does safety and management meetings being carried out or not.
10. Under element 9 of ISM code, near miss/ ACHO reports to be sighted.
11. All critical ship board operation and maintenance books should have been
sighted by master
12. All certificates to be checked for validity
13. Verification of last audit report and deficiencies if any
14. Passage planning briefing and debriefing to be checked.
MEO CLASS I DEEPESH MERCHANT
4. Question
What are the various statutory Certificates carried on board oil tanker,
and their validity?
Mention the Conventions, under which they are issued, giving the reference
of their Conventions.
Explain Harmonization of Statutory Certificates under the SOLAS 74/88
Convention.
If a period of a statutory Certificate has just expired and a port is having
inadequate survey facility, state the actions you will take, as per the
provision stated in the Protocol of 1998 relating to the International
Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea, 1974.
ANSWER :-
I. SOLAS
No Certificate Reference
1 Cargo Ship Safety Construction SOLAS 1974,regulation
Certificate I/12;1988 SOLAS Protocol,
MEO CLASS I DEEPESH MERCHANT
The maximum validity of all certificates except PSSC is 5 yrs. PSSC will
be renewed annually. Each full term of 5 years will follow directly from the
previous one. A renewal survey can be carried out up to 3 months before expiry
of existing certificates. The new certificates will still be dated from the expiry of
previous one. Every certificate will be subjected to an annual, intermediate and
renewal survey. External survey is required for every cargo ship. A minimum of
two such inspections are required every 5 yrs and interval between two such
inspections shall not exceed 3 yrs.
The harmonized system provides a system for extension of certificate limited
to 3 months to enable a ship to complete its voyage or 1 month for ships
engaged in short voyage. This extension is also granted if ship is at port where
adequate survey facilities are not available. A written request must be submitted
to administration or RO issuing the certificate on behalf of administration,
clearly stating reasons for extension.
When an extension is granted, period of validity of the new certificate will
start from the expiry date of existing certificate before extension.
In Indian waters, if vessel is in port with an expired statutory certificate and
the port has not adequate facility for survey the principal officer concerned may
permit the ship to proceed from that port to another port in India. Such
extension shall not exceed one month.
5. Question
Why does a ship require Marine Insurance cover? Explain Hull Claims
and Cargo Claims related with Marine Insurance. State the related
documents and information required from the ship in this regard
highlighting their validity.
ANSWER :-
5. They are not legally bound to insure except for liability of oil pollution
claim. However the modern methods of financing trade and shipping makes
it essential that they do so.
6. The capital exposed to loss in modern ship is so huge that no company can
afford to bear the liability incurred.
7. Besides most of the tonnage is mortgaged to banks and other financial
institutions and they require insurance as collateral security.
Hull Insurance claims :
Following any cases of Hull damage e.g. collision, grounding etc. ship
owner/managers insurance dept. will normally immediately inform H & M lead
underwriter via broker. As per clause 49 of IHC 1.11.02, lead underwriter will
instruct a surveyor to ascertain the nature, cost and extent of the damage,
necessary repairs and fair and reasonable cost thereof and any other matter
which leading underwriter or surveyor considers relevant. The lead underwriter
will make decision in respect of any claim within 28 days of receipt of the
appointed average adjusters final adjustment or, if no adjuster is appointed, a
full document claim presentation sufficient to enable the underwriter to
determine their liability in relation coverage and quantum. The underwriter is
discharged from the liabilities of the claim if it is not notified within 180 days of
the assured becoming aware of accident or occurrence.
Documents generally required for processing of claims are:-
1. Policy/ underwriter documents
2. Survey reports with photographs
3. Claims intimation letter by the insured with respect to the claim
4. Log book
5. All applicable valid certificates
Apart from above standard documents some other documents based on the
nature of claim are as follows:-
1. Deck and engine room log books covering the casualty, and, if possible the
repair periods. Master/ Chief engineer detailed report and/or note of protest,
as relevant.
2. Underwriters’ surveyor report and account.
3. Class surveyor report and account
4. Superintendent’s report and account
5. Receipted accounts for repairs and/or any spare parts supplied by owner, in
connection with repairs, endorsed by underwriter surveyor as being fair and
reasonable.
6. Accounts covering any drydocking and general expenses.
7. Accounts for all incidental disbursements at the port of repair.
8. Details of fuel and engine room stores consumed during repair period
together with the cost of replacement.
9. Accounts of owner’s repairs effected concurrently with damage repairs.
10.Copies of faxes/ e-mails sent and details of long distance calls made in
connection with the casualty.
11.Details of dates of payments of all account.
MEO CLASS I DEEPESH MERCHANT
Cargo Claims :
1) When cargo loss or damage is discovered a delivery note or consignment
note will be claused with a note of the loss or damage.
2) The cargo owners will immediately inform his insured if it is outside UK,
this is done thro’the local Lloyds’ agent in case of Lloyds’ policy.
3) If loss or damage is extensive underwriters will normally ask for a survey
report. This is arranged by Lloyd’s agent, who can appoint surveyor and pay
small claims locally.
4) After the claim is quantified and documented the underwriter settles the
claim thro Lloyd’ agents,
5) Underwriter then decides (under the doctrine of subrogation) whether or not
claim is worth pursuing against carrier.
6) If he decides to pursue the claim be immediately makes a written claim on
the carrier, failure to claim may prejudice his right of recovery.
7) The claim (including surveyor’s fee) is settled by the carrier in the currency
stated in the policy or on the certificate of insurance.
8) The carrier if a PI member then claims on his club policy.
Documents generally required to furnish the claims are:-
1. A proper duly filled claim form along with policy certificate.
2. Photographs and/or video film of insured damaged property showing the
extent of damage
3. Sale contract or commercial invoice for the entire shipment
4. Original bill of lading
5. Surveyor report together with a duly paid surveyor fee bill
6. Packing list for the entire shipment
7. An authentic certificate of origin
8. Custom transit declaration
9. Claim notification letter to company together with Xerox copy of the policy
and premium receipt
10.Letter of subrogation cum undertaking
11.Claim bill
After the claim is quantified and documented, the underwriter settles the claim.
The underwriter then decides (under the doctrine of subrogation) whether or not
the claim is worth pursuing against the carrier. If he decides to pursue the claim,
he immediately makes a written claim on carrier. The claim is settled by the
carrier in the currency stated in the policy. The carrier then claims on his P&I
club for reimbursement. But P&I club requires following documents from ship
to settle the claim by the claimants:-
1. Bilge, ballast and bunker sounding and pumping record
2. Cargo ventilation, humidity and temperature record
3. Records of any unusual weather condition
4. Records of hatch, access, hold and watertight doors check
5. Records of fire and safety equipment check
6. Records of cargo securing and lashing
7. Records of cargo temperature(heating or cooling) where applicable.
MEO CLASS I DEEPESH MERCHANT
6. Question
Emphasize the validity of "the statement that "Classification Societies are
Recognized Institutions"
In your view if the statement carries some limitation highlight them
with reason. List the statutory service undertaken by a classification body
on behalf of Administration,
ANSWER :-
1. Though many flag states delegate their authority of surveys and certification
to classification societies, flag state may not delegate all its authority to class
what all authorities are to be given to class will be clearly mentioned in the
agreement between flag state and class.
2. In some cases for e.g. class may undertake the survey of vessels under
certain convention i.e. SOLAS (surveys for safety construction, safety radio
and safety equipment) but class is not authorised to give certificates to
vessels under that convention. But under other conventions like MARPOL,
L.L. or Tonnage class can give certificate as well as carry out surveys also.
This will be mentioned in the agreement between flag state and class.
3. When required repairs or corrective actions are not carried out or a survey is
not passed satisfactorily, RO's do not have the power to detain the ship. At
the most RO can withdraw the statutory certificate or declare them invalid,
and notify the ship's flag state or port state where vessel happens to be
located for further action.
4. Certain flag states e.g. India require that any statutory deficiency observed
by class surveyor during the survey of a vessel must be reported to flag state
and it‘s permission taken for issuing outstanding recommendation‘ to the
vessel for allowing the vessel to sail. Vessel will be given certain period of
time within that she has to fix that problem.
5. Many flag states don‘t allow class to carryout ISPS survey. As these are
country specific (port facilities are also involved in ISPS survey) And due to
security reasons flag state prefer to carry out ISPS survey themselves instead
of delegating it to class.
6. Acting as recognized organization, classification societies verify compliance
with national/ international regulations adopted by a flag state. The RO
cannot on its own interpret the regulation, nor without permission use
professional judgement to accept equivalent solutions.
STATUTORY SERVICES:-
1. Through their extensive resources of manpower, worldwide expertise and
technology, the classification societies have the capability to undertake
surveys, maintain records and conduct the technical review necessary to
fulfil the requirement of various IMO convention and codes based on
national standards imposed by individual flag states.
2. Classification society undertakes statutory work on behalf of individual IMO
member state.
3. Under the statutory services and activities, ROs may inspect and survey
design, construction, equipment and technical part and operation of ship. The
elements to be inspected or surveyed will depend on the specific requirement
of the flag state.
4. On successful completion of the pertinent survey, the classification society
will issue statutory certificate and attest that the ship complies with the legal
requirement of the flag state.
5. If delegated by the administration, class may also carry out certification of
the SMS according to ISM code.
MEO CLASS I DEEPESH MERCHANT
7. Question
Detail the inspection that you as the new CE on an Oil Tanker/Gas carrier
would make on joining the ship with regard to (1) Stability (2) Damage
Control (3) Critical Machinery
ANSWER :-
1. As per safety management system required by ISM Code E/R should have a
list of critical items of machinery and procedures for inspecting and
maintaining such machineries such as.
a) Steering gear
b) Emergency compressor
c) Emergency generator
d) Emerge Fire P/P
e) Breathing air comp
f) Anchor handling equipment
g) Cargo gear
h) Main & Aux machinery
i) All LSA / FFA items
j) SOPEP
k) Water tight door‘s
l) Anti pollution comp.
m) Bilge / ballast pumping & separator system
n) Navigational equipment‘s
o) Fire gas and heat detection system
p) I.G. System.
q) Communication equipment.
8. Question
Differentiate the salient considerations taken during Survey of a ship under
1) Bare-boat charter, 2) Voyage charter & 3) Time charter.
As the Chief Engineer on board, explain with reasons, which of the three
Surveys is most demanding and exhaustive and why?
ANSWER:-
Charter party: is the contract between the ship owner and the charterer for the
use of a ship or her services for a particular voyage or for series of voyages, or
for a stipulated period of time.
Contracts for hire of specified vessels, includes
o Time charters
o Bare boat charters (also known as "demise charters).
MEO CLASS I DEEPESH MERCHANT
o Voyage charter
Bareboat charter:
10.Is a contract for the hire of a vessel for an agreed period during which the
charterers acquire most of the rights of the owner.
11.In essence the vessel owners put the vessel at the complete disposal of the
charters and pay the capital costs, but no other costs.
12.The charters have commercial and technical responsibility for the vessel, and
pay all costs except capital costs.
13.There will be an agreement, that there will be an on hire survey. In the case
of new ship building the survey procedures can be done in the yard itself
according to the agreement. In other cases there is a thorough examination
considering the following points.
Bunkers on board
Stores & spares on board.
General condition of the vessel.
Certificates validity
Tanks condition
Sea worthiness.
14.As a Chief engineer, you are responsible for maintaining the equipment in
good condition. Bunker on board to be properly calculated and kept ready
for the surveyors to check.
15.Cleanliness and proper P.M.S. system has to be maintained in view of
seaworthiness.
16.It is a more stringent survey since the charter takes the responsibility of the
vessel in full respect except capital cost.
17.All crew members to be aware of the safety procedure and safe working
practices according to the company's quality management system. In this
regard proper training and briefing to be given before surveys.
18.If a second hand ship is taken over by a chief engineer and is being put on a
bareboat charter he should check following with respect to ship:-
r. Visual inspection of vessel
s. Seaworthiness
t. Documentation
u. Machinery condition
v. Pipeline condition
w. Underwater part
x. LSA and FFA items
y. Sounding of all tanks and calculate bunker, lub oil
z. Navigation equipment condition
aa. Critical machineries inventory
bb.Inventory of spares and stores
cc. ORB ( last 3 years )
dd.Master and Chief engineer log book
MEO CLASS I DEEPESH MERCHANT
9. Question
What are the principal reasons responsible for compounding of machinery
vibration in connection with operation of a long stroke diesel engines and
associated machinery arrangements? What are the key factors for
excitations generated by the engines?
ANSWER :-
Forces and moments originating from the combustion pressure and the inertia
forces of the rotating and reciprocating masses. These are characteristics of the
given engine, which can be calculated in advance and stated as part of the
engine specification with reference to certain speed and power.
2. Secondary excitations:
Forces and moments stemming from a forced vibratory response in a ship sub-
structure. The vibration characteristics of sub-structures are almost independent
of the remaining ship structure.
Examples of secondary excitation sources from sub-structures could be
anything from transverse vibration of the engine structure to longitudinal
vibration of a radar or light mast on top of the deckhouse. Such sub-structures
of the complete ship might have resonance or be close to resonance conditions,
resulting in considerable dynamically magnified reaction forces at their
interface with the rest of the ship. Secondary excitation sources cannot be
directly quantified for a certain engine type but must be calculated at the design
stage of the specific propulsion plant.
The vibration characteristics of low-speed two-stroke engines, for
practical purposes, can be split into four categories that may influence the hull
1. External unbalanced moments
2. Guide force moments.
3. Axial vibrations in the shaft system.
4. Torsional vibrations in the shaft system.
External unbalanced moments:
a. These can be classified as unbalanced first- and second-order external
moments, which need to be considered only for engines with certain cylinder
numbers.
b. The inertia forces originating from the unbalanced rotating and reciprocating
masses of the engine create unbalanced external moments although the external
forces are zero.
c. Of these moments, only the first order (producing one cycle per
d. revolution) and the second order (two cycles per revolution) need to be
considered, and then only for engines with a low number of cylinders.
The inertia forces on engines with more than six cylinders tend, more or less, to
neutralize themselves.
First-order moments
These moments act in both vertical and horizontal directions and are of the
same magnitude. Resonance with a first-order moment may occur for hull
vibrations with two and/or three nodes. A resonance with the vertical moment
for the two-node hull vibration can often be critical, whereas the resonance with
the horizontal moment occurs at a higher speed than the nominal because of the
higher natural frequency of the horizontal hull vibrations.
Remedy for first order moment is provided by compensator which comprises
two counter-rotating masses rotating at the same speed as the crankshaft.
Second-order moments
MEO CLASS I DEEPESH MERCHANT
The second-order moment acts only in the vertical direction and precautions
need to be considered only for four-, five- and six-cylinder engines. Resonance
with the second-order moment may occur at hull vibrations with more than
three nodes. A second-order moment compensator comprises two counter-
rotating masses running at twice the engine speed.
Several solutions are available to cope with the second-order moment (Figure
below) from which the most efficient can be selected for the individual case:
No compensators, if considered unnecessary on the basis of natural
frequency, nodal point and size of second-order moment
A compensator mounted on the aft end of the engine, driven by the main
chain drive
A compensator mounted on the fore end, driven from the crankshaft through
a separate chain drive
Compensators on both aft and fore end, completely eliminating the
external second-order moment.
Axial vibrations
a. The calculation of axial vibration characteristics is only necessary for low
speed two-stroke engines.
b. When the crank throw is loaded by the gas pressure through the connecting
rod mechanism, the arms of the crank throw deflect in the axial direction of
the crankshaft, exciting axial vibrations. These vibrations may be transferred
to the ship’s hull through the thrust bearing.
c. In order to counter the axial vibrations all engines are equipped with axial
vibration dampers
Torsional vibrations
a. The varying gas pressure in the cylinders during the working cycle and the
crankshaft/connecting rod mechanism create a varying torque in the
crankshaft.
b. It is these variations that cause the excitation of torsional vibration of the
shaft system.
c. Torsional excitation also comes from the propeller through its interaction
with the non-uniform wake field.
d. Torsional vibration causes extra stresses, which may be detrimental to the
shaft system. The stresses will show peak values at resonances: that is, where
the number of revolutions multiplied by the order of excitation corresponds
to the natural frequency.
e. Limiting torsional vibration is vitally important to avoid damage or even
fracture of the crankshaft or other propulsion system elements.
f. Taking a shaftline of a certain length, it is possible to modify its natural
frequency of torsional vibration by adjusting the diameter: a small diameter
results in a low natural frequency, a larger diameter in a high natural
frequency.
MEO CLASS I DEEPESH MERCHANT
Oct 2012.
1. Question
Your vessel where you are posted as a Chief engineer is about to enter dry
dock. State the co-ordination and information exchange necessary with the
master of the vessel for successful entry. Also list the necessary preparation
you would make along with earmarking division of duties to the engineers
of the vessels. Enlist the inspection and co-ordinations you will make with
dry dock authorities for successful coming out of the dry dock.
ANSWER :-
Dry docking is one of the most important activities that a vessel may
come across. Hence a good planning and co-ordination will be vital towards
successful completion of dry dock.
The dry docking is governed by various factors:-
1) Classification society requirement
2) Statutory requirement
3) Condition of vessel
So for a successful dry dock there should be a good co-ordination
between master and chief engineer so that all the works are completed at time
without any casualty.
As a chief engineer following are the exchange of information which will
be necessary with the master:-
1. Class, survey and statutory requirement
2. Scope of work in dry dock categorizing especially time required, shore gang
required, work that is to be done by engine room and dock staff.
3. ROB of bunkers and L.O. to be shared by master
4. Any requirement for pumping of black water, oil sludge to reception
facilities and its arrangement.
5. Spare requirements as to what all spares have arrived and what will be
arriving.
6. List of survey items to be submitted to master.
7. Any special requirement like covering of vents, opening of tanks when grit
blasting is performed.
8. Co-ordination with master to required list and trim and put accordingly fuel
oil and fresh water tanks in use as advised by him.
9. Communicate with master as to be in touch with company regarding any
new requirements which ship will be fulfilling after dry dock. i.e. to fulfil
any compliance towards statutory requirements.
10.Any rules laid down by yard should be informed to ship personnel by master.
11.A pre docking tank cleaning and line washing plan to be informed by master
to chief engineer to mobilize the resources to carry out the operation.
MEO CLASS I DEEPESH MERCHANT
12.Ensure all tanks are at same level while entry so as to have same trim when
refloating
13.Verify weight log certificate ( no heavy weight has been shifted)
2. Question
Write shot notes on
Tier 2 and 3 emission regulation on main engine.
Homogenizer for water emulsion.
SCR for Nox emission reduction.
ANSWER :-
a. The injection time of the emulsified fuel is greater than with fuel for the
same load on the engine. Due to this the flame temperatures are lower
and thus lower NOx formation.
b. The water that is present within the plume of the injected spray creates
secondary micro explosions thereby atomizing the injected fuel
thoroughly. This relates to a better and a more complete combustion of
the fuel and in turn reduces the peak flame temperatures.
3. Attainable values for NOx reduction is approximately 1 percent reduction of
for every percent of water added to the fuel. Some installations have
successfully tested up to 50% water without any signific ant operational
difficulties. In general 25-30% of water is sustainable throughout the load
range of the engine and returns a 25-30% reduction in NOx emissions.
4. Various types of homogenizers have been employed for fuel emulsification.
a. Mill pump homogenizer comprising of a grinding wheel impeller that
physically grinds the fuel as it passes through the unit.
b. Ultrasonic homogenizer employing high power ultrasonic transducers to
homogenize the fuel passing through the unit.
c. High pressure homogenizer comprising of a piston pump to raise the
pressure of the fluid to about 100 bar and releasing it through a
homogenizing valve that physically pulverizes the fluid passing through.
5. The added benefit of a homogenizer for residual fuels is that in the process
of homogenization, the asphaltenes in the fuel, which can vary widely in
size and can be as large as 70-100 microns in size is broken down to about 3-
5 microns. This relates to better combustion and thus less deposits in the
combustion chamber.
6. Aside from the NOx reduction benefits derived from a homogenized fuel
emulsion, there is marked decrease in particulate matter emissions largely
due to the fact that the combustion process is more complete.
operation of the engine. The dosing unit also controls the compressed air
flow to the
injector. The urea injector sprays reducing agent into the exhaust gas duct.
After the injection of reducing agent, the exhaust gas flows through the
mixing duct to the reactor, where the catalytic reduction takes place.
3. Question
Differentiate between official logbook, deck and engine room log book high
light their salient features and differences also enlist the number of
documents which are handed over by relieved C/E during signing off from
a vessel
ANSWER :-
2. A responsible watch keeping engineer has to fill the log book for his/her
own watch period without fail, along with the signature of all watch keepers
for their concerned watch timings.
3. Chief engineer also must counter sign this book every day to make sure all
the entries are being filled in it as per the company requirement. In this
article, we will discuss the important things that are to be mentioned in the
engine room log book.
4. Following entries must be filled in the engine room Log Book:
a) Date and voyage where the ship is heading
b) The position of the ship ( at sea, at port or at anchorage)
c) Readings and Parameters of Main Propulsion Engine
d) Readings and Parameters of Auxiliary Engine (Generators)
e) Readings and Parameters of Other running Machineries
f) Main engine RPM and Load on the Engine
g) Speed of the ship in knots
h) Daily Entry for all the lube oil ROB ( Rest or Remaining onboard)
i) Daily entry for all grade of Fuel Oil Remaining onboard
j) Remaining onboard value of Sludge and Bilge
k) Running Hour Counter for important machinery
l) Running details of Oil Pollution Prevention Equipment (Time and
Position)
m) Record of any Major Breakdown and reason for the same
n) Record of Incident or accident in the engine room (Fire, Flooding etc)
o) Record of grounding, collision and other accidents
p) Record of Major overhauling of important machineries
q) Record of all Bunkering operation ( Time, Place and quantity)
r) Record of all Sludge and garbage disposal operation
s) Remarks for additional work done in a watch
t) Remarks for Surveys and PSC inspection
u) Signature of the concerned watch keeper
v) Signature of Chief engineer to make sure all entries are in position
Number of documents which are handed over
a. list of status of surveys/certificates, quarterly listings
b. condition of class stated if any
c. handing over report
d. fuel oil/ diesel oil/ lube oil soundings confirm actual figures
e. voyage requirements for fuel/lubes
f. oil record book
g. bunker consumption record and charter party requirements
h. PMS status of main/auxiliary/ electrical machineries
i. spares on board
j. stores on board
k. alarm checklist
l. critical equipment check list
MEO CLASS I DEEPESH MERCHANT
4. Question
What do you understand by unseaworthy vessel within the meaning of the
MSA 1958 as amended?
What according to you is the difference between unseaworthy and unsafe
ship
What are the obligation of the owner to crew with respect seaworthiness.
ANSWER :-
In the M.S. Act 1958 of India as amended the meaning of unseaworthy ship and
unsafe ship is as follows:-
Under section 334 a ship is said to be unseaworthy "when the materials of
which she is made, her construction, the qualification of master, the number,
description and qualification of the crew including officers, the weight,
description and stowage of the cargo and ballast, the condition of her hull and
equipment, boilers and machinery are not such as to render her in every respect
fit for the proposed voyage or service."
Under section 336, unsafe ship may be defined an unsafe ship, that is to say, is
by reason of the defective condition of her hull, equipment or machinery, or by
reason of overloading or improper loading, unfit to proceed to sea without
serious danger to human life, having regard to the nature of service for which
she is intended.
Now we will discuss the difference of unseaworthy ship and unsafe ship in
details. First we will see the unseaworthy ship:-
1) A ship is unseaworthy, when the material which she is made and her
construction and design is faulty and not as per laid down regulation.
2) A ship is unseaworthy when its master, officers and crew are not qualified
and are not as per safe manning of the ship.
3) Not having enough certificates according to law make the ship unseaworthy.
4) A ship is said to be unseaworthy when the machinery or equipment is
missing which should have been installed as per any regulation.
5) An unseaworthy ship poses serious threat to human life.
6) A ship is said to be unseaworthy when its machinery or equipment is not able
to perform its duties for the intended voyage.
MEO CLASS I DEEPESH MERCHANT
7) Wrong weight, description and stowage of cargo and ballast make the ship
unseaworthy for the voyage.
Now take the case of Unsafe ship:-
1) A ship is said to be unsafe, when the hull and equipment is temporarily
defective and the ship is unsafe for that proposed voyage.
2) A ship is said to be unsafe when its master, officers and crew are qualified
but do not follow the safe working practices.
3) Not maintaining the required provisions laid down in certificates can make
the ship unsafe during the voyage.
4) A ship is said to be unsafe if the machinery or equipment is placed on board
but found not working or the maintenance plan is not being followed.
5) An unsafe ship does not pose serious threat to human life.
6) A ship is said to be unsafe when its machinery or equipment is operated
wrongly at any instance by the ship's crew in the voyage.
7) Wrong procedure of ballasting, deballasting or negligence of crew towards
stowage of cargo makes the ship unsafe an any instance during voyage.
In broad perspective or loosely we can say that unseaworthiness depends on
design factors and physical factors. Also unseaworthy is a condition.
But ship becomes unsafe due to human factors. It is an act.
Obligation of owner to crew with respect to seaworthiness
1. In every contract of service, express or implied between the owner of an
Indian ship and the master or any seaman thereof, and in every contract of
apprenticeship whereby any person is bound to serve as an apprentice on
board any such ship, there shall be implied, notwithstanding any agreement
to the contrary, an obligation on the owner that such owner and the master,
and every agent charged with the loading of such ship or the preparing
thereof for sea, or the sending thereof to sea, shall use all reasonable means
to ensure the seaworthiness of such ship for the voyage at the time when
such voyage commences, and to keep her in a seaworthy state during the
voyage.
2. For the purpose of seeing that the provisions of this section have been
complied with, the Central Government may, either at the request of the
owner or otherwise, arrange for a survey of the hull, equipment or machinery
of any sea-going ship by a surveyor.
MEO CLASS I DEEPESH MERCHANT
5. Question
A ship on which you have joined as chief engineer is scheduled to be put in
active service after major lay up and necessary repairs state the
preparation and trial you would conduct prior offering the ship to the
surveying authorities for survey and inspection
ANSWER:-
6. Question
State the applicable regulation of solas and marpol under which it is
mandatory for a flag state to conduct an investigation into any casualty
Write briefly the salient points of casualty investigation code and the
recommended practices for a safety investigation into a marine casualty or
marine incident
What do you understand by the term very serious marine casualty?
ANSWER :-
Every flag state has to carry out investigation in any casualty occurring
on board the ship flying its flag. This responsibility is laid down in various
conventions of IMO. Following are the conventions and articles under which
above responsibility is laid down:-
1) UNCLO S:- Article 94(7) states that " each state shall cause an inquiry to be
held by a suitably qualified person/persons into every marine casualty or
incident of navigation on the high seas involving a ship flying its flag and
causing loss of life or any other incident involving another state or marine
environment."
2) SOLAS 74:- Chapter 1, part C, Regulation 21 states that " Each
Administration undertakes to conduct an investigation of any casualty occurring
to any of its ships subject to the provisions of the present convention when it
judges that such an investigation may assist in determining what changes in the
present regulations might be desirable."
3) Article 12 of MARPOL73/78 and article 23 of ILLC also states more or less
same as stated in above conventions.
To harmonize the casualty investigation a code was adopted on 27th
November 1997 in IMO resolution A849(20) called casualty investigation
code.
The salient features of the code.
1) Necessity of code:- It was acknowledged that the investigation and proper
analysis of marine casualties and incidents can lead to greater awareness of
casualty causation and result in remedial measures including better training to
enhance safety of life at sea and protection of environment.
It was also recognized that a standard approach and
cooperation between governments, to marine casualty and incident investigation
is necessary to correctly identify the cause.
2) Objective:- Objective to any marine casualty investigation is to prevent
similar casualties in future. Investigations identify the circumstances of the
casualty under investigation and establish the cause.
3) Who will do the investigation:-
a) Flag state has to carry investigation in all casualties occurring to its ship.
b) If casualty occurs in territorial sea of a state, then flag state and coastal state
should cooperate to maximum extent and mutually decide who will be the lead
investigating state.
MEO CLASS I DEEPESH MERCHANT
c) If casualty occurs at high seas then flag state has to carry out investigation.
But if the casualty involves other parties or affects environment of other state,
then all substantially interested state should work together and decide who will
be the lead investigating state.
4) Consultation and cooperation between states:- If casualty has taken place
in territorial water of any state then the coastal state should without delay report
the matter to flag state. Also if the casualty involves other parties all
substantially interested parties to be informed by investigating state. When two
or more states have agreed to the procedure for a marine casualty investigation,
the state conducting the investigation should allow representative of the other
state to:-
a) Question witness
b) view and examine documents and evidence
c) Produce witness and other evidence
d) Comment on and have their views properly reflected in final report.
e) Be provided with transcripts statement and final report relating to
investigation.
5) Recommended practice for safety investigation:-
a) Investigation should be thorough and unbiased.
b) Cooperation between substantially interested states.
c) It should be given same priority as criminal or other investigation.
d) Investigator should have ready access to relevant safety information
including survey records held by flag state , owner, class etc.
e) Effective use should be made of all recorded data including VDR in the
investigation of casualty.
f) Investigator should have access to government surveyors, coastguard officers,
pilot or other marine personnel of respective states.
g) Investigator should take account of any recommendation published by IMO
or ILO regarding human factor.
h) Reports of investigation are most effective when circulated to shipping
industry and public.
6) Reporting to IMO:- After investigation the lead investigating state should
circulate draft report to coastal state and substantially interested state for
comments. If no comment is received within 30 days lead state should send the
final report to IMO.
Very serious marine casualty means a ship casualty which involves total loss
of ship, loss of life or severe pollution.
MEO CLASS I DEEPESH MERCHANT
7. Question
Explain the influence of a charter on operation of propulsion and other
ship board machineries during a voyage. After taking over ship as C/E you
have informed that ship is on time charter and has a history of unforeseen
auxiliary machinery breakdown at sea, state the different options you have
and actions you would take as C/E prior to the commencement of voyage
ANSWER :-
hrs/ year. So, I will plan and mobilize the engine room staff, so that
maintenance is carried out in stipulated time as given in charter party. All
efforts to be made to avoid the vessel becoming off hire.
But if the nature of breakdowns is severe and can cause delay of the ship
during voyage or during cargo operation, then:-
1) Company must be informed regarding the breakdown and proposed
maintenance.
2) Any special assistance required like some spare parts/ stores or technicians.
3) Anticipated time for carrying out the maintenance.
All the maintenance should be carried out before the commencement of voyage,
so that vessel should not get delayed and off hired.
8. Question
Write a brief overview of the emerging alternative method of BWM.
MEO CLASS I DEEPESH MERCHANT
Sept 2012
1. Question
Vent pipes have a special role to play with respect to safety of ships
Please explain in detail the following. Where these are fitted ?
Any special fitment requirement as per statutes ?
ANSWER :-
1. Air pipes are to be fitted to all tanks, double bottoms, cofferdams, tunnels
and other compartments which are not fitted with alternative ventilation
arrangements, in order to allow the passage of air or liquid so as to prevent
excessive pressure or vacuum in the tanks or compartments, in particular in
those which are fitted with piping installations. Their open ends are to be so
arranged as to prevent the free entry of sea water in the compartments.
2. Air pipes are to be so arranged and the upper part of compartments so
designed that air or gas likely to accumulate at any point in the
compartments can freely evacuate.
3. Air pipes are to be fitted opposite the filling pipes and/or at the highest parts
of the compartments, the ship being assumed to be on an even keel.
4. In general, two air pipes are to be fitted for each compartment, except in
small compartments, where only one air pipe may be accepted. When the top
of the compartment is of irregular form, the position of air pipes will be
given special consideration by the Society.
5. Air pipes of double bottom compartments, tunnels, deep tanks and other
compartments which can come into contact with the sea or be flooded in the
event of hull damage are to be led to above the bulkhead deck or the
freeboard deck.
6. Air pipes of tanks intended to be pumped up are to be led to the open above
the bulkhead deck or the freeboard deck.
7. Air pipes other than those of fuel oil tanks may be led to enclosed cargo
spaces situated above the freeboard deck, provided that such spaces are fitted
with scuppers discharging overboard, which are capable of draining all the
water which may enter through the air pipes without giving rise to any water
accumulation.
8. Unless otherwise specified, in passenger ships the open end of air pipes
terminating within a superstructure shall be at least 1 m above the waterline
when the ship heels to an angle of 15°, or the maximum angle of heel during
intermediate stages of flooding, as determined by direct calculation,
whichever is the greater. Alternatively, air pipes from tanks other than oil
tanks may discharge through the side of the superstructure.
9. The air pipe of the scupper tank is to be led to above freeboard deck.
MEO CLASS I DEEPESH MERCHANT
10.The height of air pipes extending above the freeboard deck or superstructure
deck from the deck to the point where water may have access below is to be
at least:
This height is to be measured from the upper face of the deck, including
sheathing or any other covering, up to the point where water may
penetrate inboard.
1. Air pipes from fuel oil and thermal oil tanks are to discharge to a safe
position on the open deck where no danger will be incurred from issuing oil
or gases.
2. Air pipes of lubricating or hydraulic oil storage tanks not subject to flooding
in the event of hull damage may be led to machinery spaces, provided that in
the case of overflowing the oil cannot come into contact with electrical
equipment, hot surfaces or other sources of ignition.
3. The location and arrangement of vent pipes for fuel oil service, settling and
lubrication oil tanks are to be such that in the event of a broken vent pipe
there is no risk of ingress of seawater or rainwater.
4. Air pipes of fuel oil service, settling and lubrication oil tanks likely to be
damaged by impact forces are to be adequately reinforced.
5. Where seawater or rainwater may enter fuel oil service, settling and
lubrication oil tanks through broken air pipes, arrangements such as water
traps with:
o automatic draining, or
o alarm for water accumulation
are to be provided.
1. Where air pipes to ballast and other tanks extend above the freeboard deck or
superstructure deck, the exposed parts of the pipes are to be of substantial
construction, with a minimum wall thickness of at least:
o 6,0 mm for pipes of 80 mm or smaller external diameter
o 8,5 mm for pipes of 165 mm or greater external diameter,
2. Question
Why is dry-docking referred to as a major event in the maintenance of a
ship?As a Chief Engineer explain different steps that need consideration
while planning a dry-docking project of a ship due for its first special
survey.
ANSWER :-
a) Dry docking is a process whereby a ship is brought into a dock which is then
emptied of sea water so that work can be performed on the exterior part of
the ship below the waterline.
b) The purpose of dry docking is to examine underwater hull and fittings,
assess their condition and carry out required repair and maintenance.
c) As per M.S. cargo ship construction and survey rules (INDIA) 1991, every
vessel has to dry dock twice in 5 years in which the intermediate dry dock
should be at two and half years but can be extended up to 3 years.
Intermediate dry dock can be replaced by in water survey but ship has to be
dry docked at 5 years interval.
d) M.S. cargo ship construction and survey rules 1991 also states that propeller
shaft and the tube shaft driving screw propellers shall be withdrawn and
surveyed at intervals not exceeding two and half years, but Principal officer
can extend it up to 3 years. However, depending upon the tail shaft system
like oil bath or water bath, keyless propeller or keyed propeller, the survey
MEO CLASS I DEEPESH MERCHANT
requirement can be extended. One of the dry dockings has to coincide with
the special survey, which is done once in 5 years.
e) Dry-docking is referred to as a major event in the maintenance of a ship
because of reason that without it the underwater portion of ship cannot be
assessed and due to the extent of survey/items to be examined during dry
docking. Following checks and repairs are carried out in dry dock: : -
1. Condition of underwater hull up to load water line i.e., bottom and side
shell for damages, shell-opening edges for wasted and corners for possible
cracks.
2. Rudder for damage and leakage, drain plugs to be opened to find evidence
of leakage, locate the leak by air/hydro-test, repair and retest, rudder
bearing condition including pintles, lock nut tightness and pintle clearance
and smoothness of rudder movements to ascertain if rudder is required to
be removed for necessary repairs. Rudder trunk and stern frame for
general condition and possible damages/cracks.
3. Condition of oil seals for stern glands, rope guards, extent of shaft drop and
condition of propeller blades, condition of storm valves, sea tubes, sea inlet
and outlet tubes and valves (if sea connections due for survey now or
before the next docking survey).
4. Condition of sea chest gratings, compressed air/steam pipe condition should
be checked and condition of sacrificial anodes in sea chests should be
checked.
5. Condition of forward part of the vessel for chaffing with chains/damages
with anchors including those on bulbous should be verified.
6. Condition of bilge keel for damages, possible cracks in way of bilge keel
butts and anodes should be verified.
7. Chain cables if ranged and anchors if lowered should be examined.
8. If docking coincides with the special survey (i.e. within 15 months of due
date of Special Survey) the following SS items normally examined in dry
dock should be surveyed and credited towards special survey:
9. Shell plating and TM (thickness measurement) of bottom shell if required.
10.Anchors & chains including calibration of cables.
11.Chain lockers.
12.Scuppers, sanitary discharges and valves.
13.No hot work is permitted in tankers and gas carriers without gas freeing the
tanks and vessels are clear from ports. As such repair list for docking for
these kind of ships should not only reflect defective items but also items
which are likely to be defective before next DS (Docking Survey), i.e.
within the next two and half years to avoid the vessel operating with a large
numbers of condition of class.
14.It is essential that not only dates for docking are planned, but also details of
repairs should be completed well before docking is due, discussed with
repair workshops. Materials ordered and made available before repairs
commenced.
MEO CLASS I DEEPESH MERCHANT
15.A properly planned docking would not only reduce the docking and repair
time but would also ensure proper repair at a lower cost.
ix) Make up to date list of spare parts available on board. Raise requisition
accordingly.
x) Take inventory of stores. Raise requisition accordingly.
xi) Job allotment
xii) Job timing schedule
xiii) Safety
xiv) Check last tail shaft survey report. Check recent water content in stern
tube lub oil. If stern tube shaft liners (spare) or seals are required, then
inform superintendent and raise requisition accordingly.
xv) CE has to check precision tools inventory. He should have poker gauge in
his custody. Any short coming should be reported to superintendent.
3. Question
In an unfortunate incident of Main Engine Crank case explosion on your
vessel, the main engine was badly damaged and two engine room personnel
suffered serious injuries. Explain how you will present the vessel for
subsequent inspections by P&I and H&M insurance companies with
special emphasis on the records and documents required in each case to
ensure that only genuine claims are honoured.
ANSWER :-
1) In spite of taking all safety measures and following all correct procedures,
sometimes unfortunate incidents do occur on board a ship. These result in
personal injuries and machinery damage.
2) After every incidence, investigations take place and insurance claims are
raised. The insurance underwriters appoint damage surveyors who come on
board and do their investigation. In the process of doing it, they ask for all
the relevant documents.
3) Suppose a main engine crankcase explosion has taken place on your ship in
which main engine was badly damaged and two engine room personnel
suffered serious injuries.
4) Now, you will have to present your vessel for subsequent inspections by P&I
and H&M insurance companies. We will see step by step what all should be
done after the incidence:-
a. Take care of persons injured:-
Since persons are seriously injured, give them first aid and ask for medical
advice from a rescue centre. Give the information to owner and charterer and
seek their advice. If the vessel needs to divert and make a emergency port of
call take permission from owner and charterer. But since main engine is also
badly damaged the vessel will need emergency towing. Give notice to agent
and P&I correspondent at the nearest port. They will arrange for the salvage
assistance. Enter in the port. Injured personnel to be transported to hospital
MEO CLASS I DEEPESH MERCHANT
and later on they can be repatriated. All the medical treatment given to the
personnel should be chronologically documented in the medical book.
b. Reporting of incidence to:-
The incident should be reported to following without delay
Administration, Owner, Class, P&I correspondent, H&M broker & MAS
centre
c. Record keeping:-
Time, date, place and cause of injury should be recorded. The evidence
should be preserved and a witness statement should be taken. Write down all
important medical condition and drugs that were given to the person. The
persons injured were wearing PPEs or not. Take the statement of injured
personnel as soon as possible if they are in position of giving one. The most
important report in case of personnel injuries is Master’s report. It is an
important evidence to judge whether the injury is work related or not. Photos
of sites and other evidence should be preserved.
d. Necessary documents and records required to honor only genuine
claims
In case of P&I surveyor following documents should be kept ready:-
i. Master statement of fact
ii. Witness report
iii. Injured person statement
iv. Communication with the owners, managers, medical advisors and
authorities.
v. Deviation report
vi. Photos of place of evidence
vii. Medical report book relating to important medical condition and all the
drugs that were given to personnel
viii. Evidence showing personnel wearing PPEs
ix. Injured personnel familiarization with machinery form duly signed by
him.
x. Safety instructions explained.
All the above documents will be required by the surveyor appointed by H&M
underwriter. After the survey a damage survey report will be made. Now the
main engine will be repaired. And after that claims will be settled. Depending
upon the nature of insurance and the clauses inducted repairs can either be
carried out by owner and later the claims can be settled or repair tender can be
floated by H&M underwriter only and they can carry out the repairs.
4. Question
Explain the different machinery related emergency situations that are dealt
as documented procedures under "emergency preparedness". Underline
the salient actions that are documented in dealing with (i) Main Engine
Failure (ii) Steering failure (iii) Boiler automation failure (iv) Scavenge fire
(v) electrical failure ( vi ) automation failure.
ANSWER :-
The international management code for the safe operation of ships and for
pollution prevention ( ISM Code ) gives the guide lines for “ emergency
preparedness ” under Element 8. According to this
a) The company should establish procedures to identify, describe and respond
to potential emergency shipboard situations.
b) The Company shall establish programmes for drills and exercises to prepare
for emergency actions.
c) The safety management system should provide for measures ensuring that
the Company's organization can respond at any time to hazards, accidents
and emergency situations involving its vessels.
The different machinery related emergency situations under emergency
preparedness are
1. Main engine Failure :-
This is a very dangerous situation as it results in immobilisation of the
vessel. It is further dangerous if the vessel is under manoeuvring or in
restricted area or facing a rough weather. Personal especially E/R staff has to
be very alert and reactive to this situation. Communication between Wheel
house and E/R is of utmost importance. Depending upon the situation the
damage to the machinery should be avoided but giving safety of the ship the
most importance.
It can be divided into various categories which forms emergencies such as
Scavange fire, Uptake fire, crankcase explosion, etc
2. Steering Failure :-
This is a situation which endangers the manoeuvrability of the vessel, which
can be dangerous situation during manoeuvring, river passage, shallow
water passage, restricted and heavy traffic zones and bad weathers. This
MEO CLASS I DEEPESH MERCHANT
B ) Steering Failure :-
1. Engage alternate or emergency steering system.
2. Advise Engine Room.
3. Call Master.
4. Check vessels in vicinity.
5. Check navigational hazards in vicinity.
6. Use Engines as required.
7. Make appropriate sound signals as required.
8. Exhibit shapes / lights as required.
9. Use VHF Channel 16 / 70 (DSC) as required.
10.Consider anchoring if necessary and suitable depth is available.
11.Fix position of vessel.
12.Record time of failure.
13.Ascertain cause of failure.
14.Ascertain time required to repair.
MEO CLASS I DEEPESH MERCHANT
C ) Electrical Failure
1. In the event of loss of main power, there would be an immediate shut down
of main propulsion, which would lead to dangerous situation, if they were
to be manoeuvring in narrow congested water or near coast line.
2. Although the emergency generator would start and come on load it is not
possible to restart the main engine till the main alternators are restarted and
taken on load.
3. Communicate with bridge and if vessel is under manoeuvring in high traffic
zone then exhibit the "NUC" signal.
4. Raise engineers call alarm. All engineers to proceed to E/R.
5. If stand by generator has not started, start same and take on load.
6. Confirm sequential start of all essential M/C or start same.
7. Change over M/E control to ECR & reset trips.
8. Restart the plant and confirming all in order, restart M/E after confirming
from bridge.
9. Make report of failure and log in E/R log book.
10.Check continuously for the running generators parameters.
D) AUTOMATION FAILURE :
a. Inform C/E and if failure relating to M/E automation then inform
bridge.
b. Man the E/R if UMS ship.
c. If M/E automation failure from bridge, change over control to
ECR.
d. If total automation failure of M/E change over to emergency man.
e. If automation failure is to parameters monitoring and control, man
the E/R till fault is rectified.
f. Carryout necessary repairs in case of M/E automation failure and
then only change over controls to bridge. M/E must be tried out in
Ahead & Astern from ECR & bridge.
MEO CLASS I DEEPESH MERCHANT
5. Question
List the objectives of an ISM code ? How an internal audit helps
in External Audit of a vessel? You have been asked to carry out an
internal audit of the deck department on board your vessel, explain how
will you proceed in carrying out effective internal audit.
ANSWER :-
The Purpose of the audit is not to find faults or blame personal onboard
but to make sure safety management system is implemented effectively on
board in compliance with various rules and regulations.
While carrying out an internal audit a Auditor should check :-
1. Plans / procedures are being followed.
2. Laws and regulations are being followed.
3. Records / Documentations are being maintained to provide adequate and
accurate information.
4. Deficiencies are identified and corrective action taken.
5. Personnel are familiar with the use of SMS.
Prior the audit will collect following information
1. Previous ISM audit report findings and non conformity list, which has been
closed by implementation of corrective action given by the company.
2. Reports of incident and accidents on board, since last survey.
3. Ship specific SMC requirement and Company DOC requirements.
4. Type of the vessel, age of the vessel and flag state history.
5. Crew list with senior officer’s confidential Report history.
After carry out homework, a guidelines or checklist to be followed to
carry out the Audit.
1. Will take a general round of the Deck and assess the general condition of the
vessel.
2. Will conduct a opening meeting of audit with the top management.
3. A General Audit to be started by checking the Documents and Certificates
with the Master.
4. Will Check the SMS Manual and Checklists .
5. Check with the Master that the company policies, SMS system, Masters
responsibility etc is well understood.
6. Will Check the Documents such as Official Log Book , cargo log book, ship
management System, Manning certificate, Bridge equipments and
procedures, Cargo ballast Equipments and procedures, Mooring equipments
and procedures,
7. Will check the procedures, records for Shipboard operations life saving
appliances and fire fighting equipment.
8. Emergency preparedness issues are checked by verifying the records and
checklists of drill and training. Drill is be carried out with emergency
situations and same observed. Observation to be shared with ships staff
during closing of drill.
9. Will check if the companies objectives with respect to Element 9 -Reports ,
Review , Analysis and corrective actions , Element 10- Maintenance and
critical equipment, spare part and test procedures, Element 11-
Documentation are beings implemented or not.
10.After carrying out all checks will carry out a general round on Deck and
Pump room, Emergency head quarter, paint locker etc. and check if all
locations are clearly identified and test procedures displayed.
MEO CLASS I DEEPESH MERCHANT
11.Will carry out personal interview with ships staff to check if the crew on
board are aware with the safe shipboard working procedures, the crew has
awareness of ISM , company policies, safeties on board etc.
12.After the Audit a meeting is conducted with the staff and various issues
observed are discussed with corrective actions required.
6. Question
The vessel where you are posted as Chief Engineer is undergoing dry-
docking and a serious fire occurs on the deck because of welding work.
Illustrate the documented procedures to deal with such emergency and its
advantage over non-documented actions? Explain the different ship related
contingencies against which document procedures are maintained under
eme rgency preparedness of ISM Codes.
ANSWER :-
Shifting of cargo
Cargo spillage and contamination
Fire
Cargo Jettisoning
Flooding
Machinery Room Casualty
Abandon Ship Drill
Man over board/Search and Rescue
Permit to work systems
Serious injury
Helicopter operation
Terrorism and piracy
Heavy Weather Damage
Sopep
7. Question
Explain PSC inspection underline its authority for exercising basis of such
inspection – Enumerate relevant regulations, articles and annexes of
SOLAS 74, load line 66, MARPOL 73/78, STCW 95 and tonnage 69 which
form provision for PSC
ANSWER :-
MARPOL 73/78
Article 5:- Certificate and special rules and inspection of ships
Article 6:- Detection of violation and enforcement of the conventions
Annex I ,Regulation 11:- Regulation for prevention of pollution by oil/ PSC
on operational requirement.
Annex II, Regulation 16:- Regulation for prevention of pollution by
NLS/Measures of control/ PSC on operational requirement.
Annex III, Regulation 8:- Prevention of pollution by packaged harmful
substances/ PSC on operational requirement.
Annex IV, Regulation 13:- Regulations for the Prevention of Pollution by
Sewage / PSC on operational requirement.
Annex V, Regulation 8:- Regulation for prevention of pollution by garbage/
PSC on operational requirement.
Annex VI, Regulation10:- Regulation for prevention of air pollution/ PSC on
operational requirement.
MEO CLASS I DEEPESH MERCHANT
Tonnage 1969
Article 12:- Verification of Tonnage certificate
Although the tonnag =e convention is not a safety convention the revision
A787 (19) has laid down the guidelines for port state control However, the
control huy ships.
8. Question
Compressed air starting system for ocean going ships has specific
requirements with particular importance being assigned to requirement for
air compressor. Pl enumerate these requirements, with reasons as relevant.
`
ANSWER :-
6. Pipes from air compressors with automatic start shall be fitted with a
separator or similar device to prevent condensate from draining into the
compressors.
7. Starting systems for internal combustion engines shall have capacity for a
number of starts specified without reloading of air receivers.
The capacity shall be divided between at least two air receivers of
approximately same size.
8. If a starting system serves two or more of the above specified purposes, the
capacity of the system shall be the sum of the capacity requirements.
9. For multi-engine propulsion plants the capacity of the starting air receivers
shall be sufficient for 3 starts per engine. However, the total capacity shall
not be less than 12 starts and need not exceed 18 starts.
10.Two or more compressors shall be installed with a total capacity sufficient
for charging the air receivers from atmospheric to full pressure in the course
of one (1) hour.
11.The capacity shall be approximately equally shared between the
compressors. At least one of the compressors shall be independently driven.
12.If the emergency generator is arranged for pneumatic starting, the air supply
shall be from a separate air receiver.
13.The emergency starting air receiver shall not be connected to other
pneumatic systems, except for the starting system in the engine room. If such
a connection is arranged, then the pipeline shall be provided with a screw-
down non-return valve in the emergency generator room.
9. Question
Detail the inspection that you as the new Chief Engineer of a passenger
ship, would make on joining the ship with regard to (i) Documentation (ii)
Damage control (iii) Fire fighting (iv) Critical Machinery and equipment
installed.
ANSWER :-
Documentation :-
The Following documents to be inspected
1. Go through the Handing over reports of the outgoing Chief Engineer.
2. List of status of surveys/certificates, quarterly listings. Ensure that there are no
surveys overdue.
3. Condition of class stated if any.
4. Check the port state control inspection record and readiness for PSC inspection.
5. Ensure the Safety Management documentation and manuals are up to date and
readily available
6. Fuel oil/ diesel oil/ lube oil soundings to be checked, tallied and ensure
sufficient stock on board for the next voyage.
7. Check the bunker consumption record and charter party requirements
8. Check the oil record book entries and ensure that they match with the tank
content.
9. Check the engine log book. Check all entries updated till date.
10.Check the PMS status of main/auxiliary/ electrical machineries.
11.Check the running hours record of all machineries and make sure that these are
updated.
12.Check the maintenance record carried out by ships staff/ workshop
13.Check the List of spares, stores, special tools on board.
14.Check the critical equipment list and critical equipment spares list.
15.Check the list and testing records of alarms and critical safety devices. Random
testing of alarms and critical equipment to be done.
16.Check if all the procedure of starting/stopping and operating of equipments are
well defined and posted respectively.
17.Check the various certificates/Documents such as
a) Passenger ship safety Certificate
b) Minimum safe manning certificate
c) Safety management certificate
d) Document of compliance
e) Intact Stability booklet
f) Damage control plan
g) Damage control booklet
h) Ship board oil pollution emergency plan.
i) IOPP certificate.
MEO CLASS I DEEPESH MERCHANT
Damage Control:-
9. As per solas regulation chapter II – 1 a passenger ship must have a damage
control plan and damage control booklet.
10.These documents will contain boundaries of water tight compartment‘s
location of water tight doors, pumping out arrangement‘s cross flooding
arrangement‘s etc.
11.I will check that all the water tight door‘s in water tight bulkhead‘s are in
good working order & check the controlling and indicating panel‘s which
will be found in central control station.
12.In addition, I will also test the bilge alarm in E/R and check that the
Emergency bilge suction is looking good order. Also I will confirm that the
bilge pump (Emergency bilge P/P) require on passenger ship are in good
working order.
13.I will also ensure that damage control equipment for structure welding
equipment Nut‘s, bolt‘s studs, canvas are available for stopping any leaks
and carrying any damage repair.
Fire fighting:-
1. As per SOLAS Chapter II – 2 FSS – fire safety system & FTP – Fire Test
Procedure are mandatory w.e.f. 1.7. 2002. I will ensure that Training Manual
and Training booklet for fire fighting are available in officer & crew mess
room and that all people are well aware the content‘s of these Manual.
2. Will ensure following safety and fire fighting items and working
satisfactory and ready to use and check test records
a. Sprinkler system
b. CO2 flooding System
c. Foam System.
3. Inspect and confirm that the fire control plans are properly posted.
4. An Examination of fire main system and confirming that each fire pump
including emergency fire pump can be operated separately so that the
required jet of water can be produced simultaneously from different hydrants
and different pumps.
5. Will check the location of SCBA , fireman outfit EEBD, portable fire
extinguishers and confirm test and maintenance records.
6. Will Inspect fire hoses and fire hydrants and its test records.
MEO CLASS I DEEPESH MERCHANT
7. An examination as far as possible and testing of the fire and smoke detection
system.
8. Confirming as far as that the remote control for stopping fan, fuel pump and
for shutting of the fuel supplies in machinery spares are in working order.
9. An examination for closing arrangement for ventilator funnel flaps, skylights
door ways etc.
7. As per safety management system required by ISM Code E/R should have a
list of critical items of machinery and procedures for inspecting and
maintaining such machineries such as.
r) Steering gear
s) Emergency compressor
t) Emergency generator
u) Emerge Fire P/P
v) Breathing air comp
w) Anchor handling equipment
x) Cargo gear
y) Main & Aux machinery
z) All LSA / FFA items
aa) SOPEP
bb) Water tight door‘s
cc) Anti pollution comp.
dd) Bilge / ballast pumping & separator system
ee) Navigational equipment‘s
ff) Fire gas and heat detection system
gg) I.G. System.
hh) Communication equipment.
Aug 2012
1. Question
Describe a procedure to establish a training programme appropriate for
the training need of engine room personal on board, where you have joined
as chief engineer.
Illustrate the measure you will under take in view of a section of engine
room personnel not adept in attaining the standard with in a specified time
period.
ANSWER :-
needs, aims etc. can one go about trying to improve his attitude & motivate
him.
11.Introducing incentive programme. This is one of the methods of motivation.
This can be effective in the sense that people will work hard, thereby
improving the performance of the team, due to either greed or some need.
2. Question
As a Chief Engineer you have joined a vessel which is about to undertake a
six month round ... voyage. Underline and describe the key issues that you
will inspect, check, prepare, establish and maintain towards proper
Planned Maintenance of Engine Room and associated areas under ISM
Codes.
ANSWER:-
The ISM code is adopted under Solas Chapter IX with reference the IMO
resolution A.741(18).. Items to be inspected on a vessel scheduled to make a six
month round voyage are:-
1. Confirm that there is a Company Safety & Environment Protection Policy on
board and that all the key personnel are familiar with the Safety Management
System(SMS) .
2. Go through the contents of handing over report of the outgoing chief
engineer.
3. FO,DO,LO and Chemical ROB should be checked , tallied and ensure
sufficient quantity on board for the upcoming voyage.
4. Check the consumables stores ROB and make a list of critical shore items
needed.
5. Check the oil record book entries and ensure that they match with the tank
content.
6. An estimation of fuel oil, LO, DO chemicals and stores should be made ,
upon discussion with subordinates , voyage plan and futures consumptions a
requisition for required consumables should be raised.
7. Ensure the Safety Management documentation and manuals are up to date
and readily available.
8. Check the status of surveys of the ship and ensure that there are no surveys
overdue.
9. All personnel should be able to give the identity of the DPA(Designated
Person Ashore), who is the sole contact point for any emergency. Ensure
procedures are in place for establishing and maintaining contact with shore
management through the DPA in an emergency.
10.Ensure that you are familiar with any non-conformity which have been
reported to the company and what corrective action is being taken.
MEO CLASS I DEEPESH MERCHANT
22.Ensure all E/R personals are familiar with the PMS and safety and
environmental policies of the company.
23.Confirm that all crew members can activate the fire alarm and know the
locations of switches and are familiar with the documented procedures for
reporting a fire to the bridge and actions to be taken.
24. Confirm that all crew members are able to demonstrate the correct use of the
appropriate fire fighting equipment
25.Ensure the following items are functioning correctly:-
g. fire doors, including remote operation
h. fire dampers and smoke flaps
i. quick closing valves
j. emergency stops of fans and fuel oil pumps
k. fire detection and fire alarm system
l. main & emergency fire pumps
26.Ensure that all key personnel are able to communicate & understand each
other‘s signals during drills.
27.Take a through round of engine and check general appearance and note any
defect noted.
28.On the basis of incident report, maintenance schedule and observation area
of concern to be noted down. A planning to be carried out for tackling the
issues. Machineries requiring attention and history of breakdown of
particular equipment and machinery to be checked and same rectified.
29.Engine room operations, procedures and system to be assessed and evaluated
from time to time. The need for up gradation and improvement to be brought
to the notice of the company.
30.Reviews, guidelines and advices to be implemented. Feedback for company
orders and requests to be given on time.
31.Check the records of CSM(Continuous Survey of Machinery) & equipment
certificates as well as original makers certificates as per thacceptance
protocol. C/E should make sure that all the certificates under his charge are
in order and valid. If any deficiency is found, it should be reported to the
superintendent.
3. Question
What are the UNCLOS provisions concerning ship’s flag and nationality?
In observation of UNCLOS what the duties are` of flag States and how is it
enforced?
ANSWER:-
UNCLOS stands for United Nations conventions on laws of sea. It was outcome
of the third UN conference in 1982 and came into force internationally on 16th
November 1994.
MEO CLASS I DEEPESH MERCHANT
The UNCLOS provides a universal legal frame work for the National
management of marine resources and their conservation. The treaty document
consists of 446 articles grouped under 17 part headings and 9 Annexes.
UNCLOS provisions concerning ship’s flag and nationality
Part VII High seas
Article 90 :- Right of navigation
Every state coastal or land locked has the right to have its ship flying its flag on
high seas
Article 91:- Nationality of ships
Every State should lay down conditions / requirements for granting its
nationality, registration and the right to fly its flag. Ship’s have the nationality
of the state whose flag they are entitled to fly
State must issue to ship’s flying its flag, documents to that effect
There should be a genuine link between the state and the ship
Article 92:- Status of ships
Ships must sail under the flag of one state and are subject to the jurisdiction of
the flag state on high seas
The permission for the change of flag is given only in the case of transfer of
ownership or change of registry
It also deems that a ship which uses two or more flags according to convenience
will be treated as a ship with no nationality
Article 93:- Ships flying the flag of the United Nations, its specialized agencies
and the International Atomic Energy Agency
It gives provisions for ships to fly the flag on UN or its agencies and
IAEA(International Atomic Energy Agency)
Duties of flag state
Article 94:- Duties of the flag State
1. Each flag state to effectively exercise its jurisdiction and control in
administrative, technical and social matters over ship’s flying its flag.
2. Maintain a register of the ships.
3. Assume jurisdiction under its internal law over each ship flying its flag and
its master, officers and crew in respect to administrative, technical and social
matters concerning the ship.
4. Take such measures for ships flying its flag as are necessary to ensure safety
of sea with regards to:
a) Construction, equipment and sea worthiness of ship
b) Manning of ships, labour conditions, training of crew (STCW & ILO
convention)
c) Use of signals, the maintenance of communications and preventions of
collisions such measures include
i. each ship is surveyed before and after registration by a qualified surveyor
of ships and has on board such charts, nautical publications, navigational
equipments and instruments for safe navigation of the ship
ii. each ship is in charge of master and officers who posses appropriate
qualifications in seamanship, navigation, communications and marine
MEO CLASS I DEEPESH MERCHANT
4. Question
With respect to engine room man management enlist the key issues you will
address with proper justification in the following areas,
(a) Training programs (b) Long term personnel development concept (c)
Attitude and motivation development (d) Emergency response (e) Coping
with stress
ANSWER:-
d. Emergency response
1. By assigning every person on board a particular duty for different
emergencies & also responsibilities, every individual will know exactly what
to do in a given situation.
2. Drills & pre & post drills briefing/debriefings also help the crew members
understand what is expected of them & where they could improve.
3. Drills should be made as realistic as possible & not made a routine that
persons labour through. Different emergencies at different locations should
be practiced so that crew members are exposed to as far as possible all the
emergencies they may be faced with.
4. By doing this the response of the crew members will be swift as they will
know what is expected of them in any given emergency.
5. Also during drills the important of team work is emphasized which
motivates people in acting faster and in an organized manner in any kind of
emergency.
the personnel living a way from home for months together compounds this
problem many folds.
3. It is the duty of C/E to ensure that his staffs do not get over stressed. This
can be done by encouraging better in the personnel relations, praising
persons for good jobs done, briefing them how to avoid mistakes and
delegating work so that nobody is overburdened.
4. In addition to all these, talking personally to people, engaging about their
family and other personal matters sometimes helps in keeping the
environment cool and thereby reducing the chance of over stressing.
5. Question
With reference to record keeping onboard, discuss (i) the necessity of
proper filing (ii) efficient control of follow up and verification activities (iii)
accident investigation. Describe a situation onboard, which will highlight
the importance of record keeping of above three cases.
ANSWER:-
6. Question
You as a Chief Engineer are asked by your company to carry out internal
audit of the deck-department under the ISM Code,
How would you carry out the audit & which areas would you lay emphasis
on during the audit?
ANSWER:-
Element 12.1 of Ism code says that internal safety audits have to be
carried out on board and ashore at intervals not exceeding 1 year. As we all
know internal audit can be carried by the auditor belonging to the department
other than the department being audited. So, as a chief engineer I can audit the
deck department provided I should have undergone the training required to be
an auditor.
The Purpose of the audit is not to find faults or blame personal onboard
but to make sure safety management system is implemented effectively on
board in compliance with various rules and regulations.
While carrying out an internal audit a Auditor should check :-
a. Plans / procedures are being followed.
b. Laws and regulations are being followed.
c. Records / Documentations are being maintained to provide adequate and
accurate information.
d. Deficiencies are identified and corrective action taken.
e. Personnel are familiar with the use of SMS.
Prior the audit will collect following information
a. Previous ISM audit report findings and non conformity list , which has
been closed by implementation of corrective action given by the
company.
b. Reports of incident and accidents on board ,since last survey.
c. Ship specific SMC requirement and Company DOC requirements
familiarisation.
d. Type of the vessel, age of the vessel and flag state history.
e. Crew list with senior officers confidential Report history.
After carrying out homework, a guidelines or checklist to be followed to
carry out the audit.
For carrying out internal audit of deck department, first of all opening meeting
with master and other deck officer should be carried out. In the meeting they
should be briefed about the audit, so that Master and chief officer would be
ready with their documents and personnel. Following is the way how I will
carry out the audit:-
A) MASTER:- Audit will be started from Master’s cabin. Master is the overall
in charge of the vessel and implementation of ISM code lies on his shoulders.
He should clearly understand the policies of the company and should be fully
MEO CLASS I DEEPESH MERCHANT
D) CHIEF OFFICER:-
1. Check for knowledge and operation of deck hydraulics, steam system
fundamentals and emergency operation
2. Record of rest hour of crew
3. Operation and testing of gas detector
4. Garbage management record
5. Ballast management and record keeping
6. Inspection of deck PMS system and lubricating schedule
7. Inspection of permit to work file
8. Emergency stops for cargo pumps and tank level alarms to be tested
9. Record of continuity test of hoses and operation of P/V valves
10. Record of ODME and ORB part 2 on tankers
E) JUNIOR OFFICERS AND DECK CREW:-
1. Check medical log, resuscitator, medicine chest
2. Familiarity with cargo and MSDS
3. Maintenance on LSA/FFA
4. Lifeboat kits and SCBA bottles to be inspected
5. Flags to be sighted
MEO CLASS I DEEPESH MERCHANT
6. Any person from crew can be called and could be interviewed regarding his
knowledge about company's basic SMS, DPA's name etc.
A closing meeting to be taken after the audit. Any observation or nonconformity
should be written in the report and to be told to the persons concerned. A copy
of the audit will be sent to the company’s ISM cell.
7. Question.
What are the ongoing developments at the IMO with resapect to the
technical and operational measures to be invoked on board ships for
combating green house gas emissions from ships?
ANSWER :-
8. Question
The vessel of which you are Chief Engineer suffers grounding. Write a
report to be forwarded to the Superintendent of the company about the
surveys and inspections subsequently carried out when the vessel was dry-
docked in a foreign port.
9. Question
Explain in detail the significance of propeller curves to a chief engineer
Enumerate the propeller safety margins in relation to the chief engineer.
July 2012
MEO CLASS I DEEPESH MERCHANT
1. Question
Your vessel where you are posted as a Chief engineer is about to enter dry
dock. State the co-ordination and information exchange necessary with the
master of the vessel for successful entry. Also list the necessary preparation
you would make along with delegation of duties to the engineers of the
vessels. Enlist the inspection and co-ordinations you will make with dry
dock authorities for successful coming out of the dry dock.
ANSWER :-
Dry Docking is one of the most important activity that a vessel may come
across. It is very costly affair too. Hence good planning to be carried out in
advance.
Prior entering the dry dock the chief engineer should co-ordinate and
exchange the following information for successful entry
1. Class, survey and statutory requirement
2. ROB of bunker and lubes fresh water, etc to the informed to the master.
3. Scope of work in Dry dock categorising especially time required , shore
gang required, work that is to be done by engine room and dock staff.
etc.
4. Any requirement for pumping of black water, oil sludge to reception
facility and its arrangements.
5. Will check for basic requirements such as Dock's planning, Water supply
Air supply, Electric Power supply.
6. Spare requirements as to what all spares have arrived and what will be
arriving.
7. List of survey items to be submitted.
8. Will Provide the necessary information with regards to Dry dock plan and
steel plans
9. Check painting requirement for hull and advise master accordingly for
raising requisition for paints.
10.Any special requirements like , covering of vents , opening of tanks when
grit blasting is performed.
11.Communicate with master as to be in touch with company regarding any
new requirements which ship will be fulfilling after dry dock. i.e. to fulfil
any compliance towards statutory requirements.
12.Coordinate with the master as to required Trim and list and put across
necessary FO and FW tank in use as advised by him.
13. A pre docking tank cleaning and line washing plan to be informed by
master to Chief engg who in turn will co ordinate with the 2nd engg. to
mobilise the resources to carry out the operation.
14.Any rules laid down by yard should be informed to ship personnel by
master.
MEO CLASS I DEEPESH MERCHANT
1. C/E and 2/E who are the management personal of the E/R dept to make
rough plan to delegate responsibilities of various job to be carried out to
personal considering the ability.
2. The preparedness will include training session as to how to change over
the machines for long lay off, eg. Changing over to M/E , A/E and boiler
to DO, changing over to shore power, SW for fridge and A/C plant .
Method of sewage disposal.
3. Delegate responsibilities of arranging the spares as they arrive
4. Personal to prepare tags for various valves with job nos. And fix them on
the valves.
5. All safety aspects discussed and safety precautions to be followed. Ensure
safety standards of dock workers and request them to stop when you feel
something they are doing is unsafe, correct them if required.
6. A day to day work report to be made and discussed to check weather all
jobs proceeding as per schedule or there is some delay, if so then look
into the same.
7. C/E and 2/E to coordinate and divide various surveys which they will
oversea.
8. Train staff towards interpersonal conflicts among themselves shore staff
at any time.
9. 2/E to check and prepare required special tool and calibration
equipments.
1. Check about plan of dry dock and ensure that the repairs assigned under
their departments are completed successful with tests and surveys are carried
out.
2. Check rudder plug and vent and also check if anode are fitted back on
rudder.
MEO CLASS I DEEPESH MERCHANT
3. Check hull for proper coating of paint; make sure no TBT based paint is
used.
4. Check Impressed Current Cathodic Protection system (ICCP) anodes are
fitted in position and cover removed.
5. Check Anodes are fitted properly on hull and cover removed (if ICCP is not
installed).
6. Check all double bottom tank plugs are secured.
7. Check all sea inlets and sea chests gratings are fitted.
8. Check echo sounder and logs are fitted and covers removed.
9. Check of propeller and rudder are clear from any obstruction.
10.Check if anchor and anchor chain is secured on board.
11.Check all external connection (shore water supply, shore power cables) are
removed.
12.Check inside the ship all repaired overboard valve are in place.
13.Secure any moving item inside the ship.
Check sounding of all tank and match them with the value obtain prior entering
the dry dock.
14.Check stability and trim of the ship. Positive GM should be maintained at all
time.
15.If there is any load shift or change in stability, inform the dock master.
16.Go through the checklist again and satisfactory checklist to be signed by
Master.
17.Master to sign authority for Flood Certificate.
18.When flooding reaches overboard valve level, stop it and check all valves
and stern tube for leaks.
19.Instruction to every crew member to be vigilant while un-docking.
2. Question
With respect to survey and certification state the circumstance which may
lead to suspension or withdrawal of class and explain the following terms
used by the classification societies.
Anniversary date.
Condition of class.
Window period for survey.
Memoranda.
Addition note.
Statutory recommendation.
MEO CLASS I DEEPESH MERCHANT
ANSWER:-
The Society will withdraw the class of a ship in the following cases:
Anniversary date :-
Anniversary date means the day and month of each year corresponding to the
expiry date of the classification certificate.
Condition of class.
Possible deficiencies shall normally be rectified before the renewal survey is
regarded as completed.
The Society may accept that minor deficiencies, recorded as condition of class,
are rectified within a specified time limit, normally not exceeding 3 months
after the survey completion date.
Window period for survey.
The survey time window is the fixed period during which the annual and
intermediate surveys are to be carried out.
Memoranda.
Other information of assistance to the surveyor and owners may be recorded as
‘memoranda’ or a similar term. They may, for example, include notes
concerning materials and other constructional information. A memorandum
may also define a condition which, though deviating from the technical
standard, does not affect the class (e.g. slight indents in the shell which do not
have an effect upon the overall strength of the hull or minor deficiencies, which
do not affect the operational safety of the machinery).
In addition, memoranda could define recurring survey requirements, such as
annual survey of specified spaces, or retrofit requirements, which have the de-
facto effect of conditions of class.
Addition note.
Each of the Classification Societies has developed a series of notations that may
be granted to a vessel to indicate that it is in compliance with some additional
voluntary criteria that may be either specific to that vessel type or that are in
excess of the standard classification requirements.
Class notations are assigned to vessels in order to determine applicable rule
requirements for assignment and retention of class.
Statutory recommendation.
‘Recommendation’ and ‘Condition of Class’ are different terms used by IACS
Societies for the same thing, i.e. requirements to the effect that specific
measures, repairs, surveys etc. are to be carried out within a specific time limit
in order to retain class.
MEO CLASS I DEEPESH MERCHANT
3. Question
A ship on which you have joined as chief engineer is scheduled to be put in
active service after major lay up and necessary repairs state the
preparation and trial you would conduct prior offering the ship to the
surveying authorities for survey and inspection.
ANSWER:-
1. Since the ship was in major lay up and necessary repair have been done, to
put it in active service, a reactivation survey is to be carried out to restore a
laid up vessel to active class status.
2. The primary objective of the reactivation survey is to ensure that the vessel
is fit as per requirements to proceed on intended voyage.
3. Hull and outfit :- A dry dock survey is required depending on the date of last
DD survey and period and condition of lay up an underwater inspection may
be permitted in lieu of the DD.
4. If the following significant repair are carried out to main or auxiliary
machinery or steering gear, consideration is to be given to a sea trial
a) The welding works for cracks of frame or bed plate of main engine and/or
prime mover for main generator.
b) Renewal or repair of crankshaft of main engine as well as D.G.
c) Repairing work done for camshaft/camshaft driving device of main engine
as well as D/G.
d) Renewal or repair works of main parts of main engine and/or D/G.
e) Repairing work for power transmission system of propulsion shafting
system.
f) Repairing work done for propellers.
g) Repairing work done for boiler plates.
h) Any other significant repairs done
The extent of sea trail and survey items depend on the discretion of attending
surveyor in addition to consideration of contents of the repairing work.
6. Machinery inspections
4. Question
Explain PSC inspection underline its authority for exercising basis of such
inspection – Enumerate relevant regulations, articles and annexes of
SOLAS 74, load line 66, MARPOL 73/78, STCW 95 and tonnage 69 which
form provision for PSC.
ANSWER :-
MARPOL 73/78
Article 5:- Certificate and special rules and inspection of ships
Article 6:- Detection of violation and enforcement of the conventions
Annex I ,Regulation 11:- Regulation for prevention of pollution by oil/ PSC
on operational requirement.
Annex II, Regulation 16:- Regulation for prevention of pollution by
NLS/Measures of control/ PSC on operational requirement.
Annex III, Regulation 8:- Prevention of pollution by packaged harmful
substances/ PSC on operational requirement.
Annex IV, Regulation 13:- Regulations for the Prevention of Pollution by
Sewage / PSC on operational requirement.
Annex V, Regulation 8:- Regulation for prevention of pollution by garbage/
PSC on operational requirement.
Annex VI, Regulation10:- Regulation for prevention of air pollution/ PSC on
operational requirement.
Article 21:- International load line convention with the port state control.
d) Limitation on the draft, to which a ship on its international voyages is to
be loaded.
e) Ensure adequate stability.
f) Provisions to determine freeboard of tankers.
STCW 95
Article X:- Control regulation (rights of PSCO to ensure all seafarers have
appropriate certificate)
Regulation 1/4:- Control Procedure
Tonnage 1969
Ar ticle 12:- Verification of Tonnage certificate
Although the tonnage convention is not a safety convention the revision A787
(19) has laid down the guidelines for port state control.
5. Question
Illustrate the salient features factors for on board training and standards of
competence as laid down on STCW 95 chapter III. Under line the specific
roles a chief engineer needs to perform towards necessary satisfactory
training of engine room personnel. Under these parameters what will be
criteria for evaluating competence for on board training by a chief
engineer.
ANSWER:-
STCW 95 chapter III deals with standards required for engine room personnel
under different capacities
Chapter III/1 deals with mandatory minimum requirements for certification
of officers in charge of an engineering watch in a manned engine-room or
designated duty engineers in a periodically unmanned engine-room.
Chapter III/2 and III/3 deals with minimum standards required for chief
engineer and second engineer officer for main propulsive power of 3000 KW
or more and between 750 KW and 3000 KW respectively.
Chapter III/4 deals with standards required for serving as engine room rating.
As per STCW 2010
Regulation III/5 deals with minimum requirements for certification of ratings
as able seafarer engine in a manned engine-room or designated to perform
duties in a periodically unmanned engine-room.
Regulation III/6 deals with minimum requirements for certification of
electro-technical officers
Regulation III/7
MEO CLASS I DEEPESH MERCHANT
On Board Training
Every candidate shall follow a approved onboard training which:
a) Ensures that during the required period of seagoing service the candidate
receives a systematic practical training and experience in the tasks, duties
and responsibilities of an officer in charge of an engine room.
b) Is closely supervised and monitored by an qualified and certified engineer
officer on board the ships in which the approved seagoing service is
performed.
c) Is adequately documented in a training record book.
Standards Of Competence
STCW 95 has very clearly specified the standards required under various
capacities CH-III has divided the competency into four functions
Chapter III / 1
Every candidate requires to demonstrate the ability to undertake various tasks,
duties and responsibilities in the following field at the operational level.
Marine engineering
Electrical, electronics and control engineering
Maintenance and repair
Controlling the operation of ship and care for persons onboard
Chapter III/2 and chapter III/3
These gives the standards required by chief engineer and second engineer
officer under different range of propulsive power, it basically gives the standard
to be followed at management level with more importance given to
planning of job
making sure all safety procedures are followed
trouble shooting
developing emergency and damage control plans
organizing and managing crew
Chapter III / 4
This gives the basic standards of competency expected of engine rating
Their strength to understand orders.
Basic knowledge of common terms used in engine room.
Engine room alarm systems especially fire alarms.
knowledge of emergency duties.
Emergency escape routes etc.
Chapter III / 6
Every candidate for certification as electro-technical officer shall be required to
MEO CLASS I DEEPESH MERCHANT
demonstrate the ability to undertake the tasks, duties and responsibilities in the following
field at the operational level.
a. Electrical, electronic and control engineering
b. Maintenance and repair
c. Controlling the operation of the ship and care for persons on board
Chapter III / 7
Every electro-technical rating serving on a seagoing ship powered by main
propulsion machinery of 750 kW propulsion power or more shall be required to
demonstrate the competence to perform the functions at the support level.
6. Question
As a chief engineer describe the procedure you employ for bunkering at
a port for ascertaining and receiving correct grade and quantity of oil
from shore supplies. In case of dispute regarding L.O/F.O received,
describe the actions you would take in these circumstances. What are the
applicable provisions under MARPOL 73/78 annex VI regulations.
ANSWER:-
9. New bunkers should be segregated from the old bunkers on board as far as
possible, if bunkers have to be mixed a compatibility test to be done.
10.The sampling flange should be correctly fitted in place and sample should be
a representative sample of the total delivery and ideally taken from by drip
feed.
11.After bunkering sample bottles to be sealed, dated and signed by both
parties, four samples to be taken – one each for ship, barge, lab analysis and
MARPOL sample.
Ensuring correct/delivery
1. It is the ship staff responsibility to ensure that the actual received quantity is
as per the ordered quantity. C/E or his representative should check barge
sounding before and after pumping, then have to verify that actual quantity is
received after using calibration tank tables with taking account of
temperature variations.
2. Flow meters should be checked before and after bunkering, flow meter
reading can be converted into metric tones by using product’s specific
gravity and adjusting for temperature corrections.
3. At the same time all records of volume, temperature, trim, list no. of tanks on
ship which are full or empty should be recorded and total quantity on ship
should be noted before and after bunkering.
4. Normally up to 1% discrepancy in quantity is tolerated and if exceeds ‘letter
of protest’ must be written by master and an independent surveyor to be
called for investigation. The letter of protest should be called by both the
parties.
5. This letter of protest should be delivered to supplier at the time or
immediately after completion of bunker, in the absence of which, any claim
or complaint shall be deemed absolutely waived.
6. The master of bunker barge can also raise a letter of protest if he disagrees
with the alleged shortage. As per standard BIMCO bunker clause, within 15
days of delivery of such fuel and letter of protest handed over to supplier as
aforesaid, the customer must submit to the company a formal claim in
writing specifying precisely the extent of short delivery.
7. If bunker figure received are satisfactory the bunker delivery note(BDN)
should be checked to ensure that the information is included as per
MARPOL annex VI regulation 18
a) Name and IMO number of receiving ship
b) Port
c) Date and time of commencement of delivery
d) Name address and telephone number of marine fuel oil supplier
e) Product name
f) Sulphur content ISO 8217
g) Quantity in M.T ISO 3675
h) Density at 15 deg centigrade
MEO CLASS I DEEPESH MERCHANT
7. Question
Explain the influence of following external factors in higher consumption of
fuel oil and how at best they could be controlled? (i) Ship's hull condition
(ii) Weather condition (iii) Maintenance of different equipment’s in a fuel
oil system (iv) Damage to propeller blades
ANSWER:-
As there is very close business competition in the market each and every
company keeps a very good eye on their quality of service. This has to be done
at minimum and optimum expenses on the part of the company as the venture
must also be commercially viable for them.
As a part of daily expenses of ship running cost it takes about 40% cost of
overall expenses for bunker and related operations.
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Hence savings in fuel is as very important part for shipping companies and also
part of machinery genuine malfunction. Few savings in bunker expenses
becomes surprisingly a significant amount in a life time period of the ship.
1) SHIPS HULL CONDITION
a. Resistance as most of us avoid in our daily life is also true for a ship.
Resistance on a ships movement comprises of frictional resistance and
residual resistance.
b. In general ships frictional resistance is a function of density of water,
hull roughness and length of the ship.
c. Other resistance is residual resistance which is due to wake forming
tendency, caused due to the movement in water and shape of the ship.
d. Thus total resistance equals FRICTIONAL RESISTANCE + RESIDUAL
RESISTANCE. So as far as ship’s hull condition is concerned frictional
resistance plays a very important role. It could be up to 70% of total
resistance in a badly fouled ship.
e. Thus it is very important to keep the hull clean. Hull can be cleaned by
several methods while the ship is afloat but majority of these are not
effective in long term run. Hence regular dry docking is the best solution.
f. It is found that ship fouling pattern is not very regular. As shown in
(speed/power) graph, it may be very slow in initial stages or may be very
standardized in the initial years but in over a period of time it becomes
very ―stiff are very fast.
g. In order to meet the very stick charter party alarm a ship must have a very
good and smooth hull surface
h. Factors responsible for fouling of the hull are as follows:
Use of improper techniques in applying paints, Poor quality of applied paint,
Long port stays/or at rest, Damaged hull surface, Poor maintenance of hull
protecting system such as ICCP, Poor ship design increasing resistance in
water.
i. Thus appropriate measures should be taken for the above mentioned
points and a good surface should be prepared prior applying the approved
quality of paint. Speed and power graph also indicates that the engine
may be thermally overloaded with a badly fouled hull resulting in a
decrease of the operating life of machinery parts causing frequent
breakdown and coating very heavily on shipping companies.
j. Antifouling paints of approved type and a well maintained antifouling
system plays an important role in ships regular operating period between
dry docks.
Rr
Clean Foul
resistance speed
Rt
Rf
speed power
MEO CLASS I DEEPESH MERCHANT
2)Weather Condition
1. Ships are designed and constructed to withstand the forces of nature up to a
certain extent for a certain time. Depending upon the area of trading weather
conditions keep changing and also the condition of the sea.
2. Seasons such as summer, winter or monsoons of extreme nature are very
common in the trade of shipping. If climatic conditions/weather conditions
are favourable it may result in a +ve slip i.e. the ship travels more than the
distance given by the engine and vice versa with a bad or heavy weather
condition it may result in a –ve slip resulting in a extra fuel consumption due
to higher power demands and overloading of engines.
3. Good judgement and regular updates regarding weather conditions help the
master in closing a route to avoid adverse weather condition. This may result
in less full consumption in long run.
4. Engine manufacturer guidelines should be strictly followed in severe
weather conditions. Governor load index, hunting, R.P.M, scavenging air
limit torque limits must be taken into account to avoid thermal and
mechanical overloading of the engine. Thus these guidelines can be kept in
mind for keeping fuel consumption within limit.
5. Effect of humidity plays a important role and is also important as it reduces
the NOx limit. Humidity effects the density of charge air, development of
power heat release more temperature in a unit and exhaust temperature.
to the metal surface itself, calcium deposits, mechanical damage and marine
fouling, including slime, algae, barnacles, tube worms and other marine
organisms as with the ship’s hull in general.
b. Although the surface area of the propeller is minuscule when compared to
that of the entire hull, the effect of a rough propeller or Damaged propeller
on the vessel’s fuel consumption is comparatively large.
c. On the other hand, the cost of remedying a rough propeller compared to that
of remedying a rough hull is very slight. Thus remedies for a rough propeller
are not only simple and quick to execute, they also represent a fast, high
return on investment.
d. Propellers can be cleaned or polished in the water or in dry dock.
e. Economically, the fuel saving from the more frequent cleaning of a propeller
before it has become seriously fouled and rough greatly outweighs the cost
of the cleaning itself. This propeller cleaning can be combined with a general
hull inspection by divers making it even more economically viable.
f. Physical damage mostly causes vibration. The solution in this case is to trim
the blades equally to remove the damage and achieve proper balance, and
reduce excessive cavitations. But this should be done carefully as bad
trimming can result in even worse problem.
There are 3 types of modification:-
a) Diameter reduction:- Easily and inexpensively performed underwater, this is
the usual method for increasing RPM and balancing the ratio. The blade tips are
cropped and faired.
b) Pitch reduction:- This involves twisting of blades and can only be accurately
done in a workshop as blades need to be heated to prevent cracking. Although
more expensive this is most effective modification as there is no loss of blade
material. It is ideally suited to blades smaller than 4,000 mm diameter.
c) Trailing edge modification:- This is achieved by either bending the trailing
edges or by cutting them. Both operation can be performed in water and can
achieve an effect on the RPM of approximately 5%.
8.Question
Explain the influence of a charter on operation of propulsion and other
ship board machineries during a voyage. After taking over ship as C/E you
have informed that ship is on time charter and has a history of unforeseen
auxiliary machinery breakdown at sea, state the different options you have
and actions you would take as C/E prior to the commencement of voyage
ANSWER:-
i. The different types of charter parties are :-
a) Voyage Charter
b) Time Charter
c) Bareboat Charter
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x. For delivering the cargo at agreed terms and conditions in charter party,
other machinery also play vital role.
If too much unforeseen machinery breakdown have occurred and ship
cannot meet with the scheduled date, a chief engineer on board should
undertake following options and actions:
6. In case of time charter a period of 48 hrs is allowed for the ship owner per
year to carry out maintenance jobs on boiler and main engine. So in case the
breakdown is on ME or boiler, the C/E must ensure that maintenance is
carried out within the stipulated time by charter party.
7. To expedite the work, the option of making two teams to work on ME can be
considered in that when one group is working the other can take rest and
work goes on continuously till the job is over, to ultimately avoid the
possibility of off-hire vessel.
8. Motivate the crew and engineers and be a part of team. This will be an
encouraging factor to all and work can be done efficiently and effectively.
9. Appreciate and encourage the crew and engineers.
10.If the breakdown is not over within time
d) Speed of ship may be increased within safe limits. This should be done in
consultation with the company because increase in speed increases fuel
consumption which may deviate from that mentioned in charter party.
e) The load on diesel generator should be reduced if possible to compensate
for increase in fuel consumption.
f) After discussion with master the course of ship may be altered keeping in
mind the safety of ship.
g) A more vigilant watch must be kept on the machinery to avoid further
breakdowns and engine room to be manned at all times.
MEO CLASS I DEEPESH MERCHANT
JUNE 2012
1. Question
Your vessel has been awarded 3 major non conformities during SMS audit.
Frame a report in the format of an email addressing the engineer
superintendent with suggested step to be taken for early sailing of the
vessel.
ANSWER:-
To,
Mr. ………..
The superintendent
……….. company
Subject:- Major NC awarded during SMC audit
Good day sir,
This is in reference to earlier report number ………….. in which
you have received the list of major NCs awarded to this good vessel during
SMC audit. I would like to suggest the steps which should be taken for early
sailing of vessel. Following are the list of NCs and their remedial :-
1) LIST OF UP TO DATE VERSION OF NAVIGATIONAL CHART FOR
INTENDED VOYAGE NOT FOUND ON BRIDGE.
CORRECTIVE ACTION:- Please ask the local agent to provide the up to date
version of above said chart as soon as possible.
PREVENTIVE ACTION:- Company should provide the schedule of vessel well
in advance so that master can ask for the relevant chart in time.
2) PORT LIFE BOAT ENGINE NOT STARTING
Port life boat engine was not starting in front of auditor. Later discovered that
there was water in the fuel tank. Since the ship has open life boat it was
suspected that water entered in the tank while washing the bridge wing with
deck water.
CORRECTIVE ACTION:- complete fuel oil tank drained and cleaned.
Fuel oil line opened up and water removed. Fresh oil was taken in the
tank. Complete fuel line purged and engine tried out satisfactorily.
PREVENTIVE ACTION:- The crew members were briefed about the danger
related with water entering in the fuel tank. Clear instruction is given to them
that that bridge wing washing to be carried out in supervision of a responsible
officer.
3) OIL MIST DETECTOR OF MAIN ENGINE FOUND FAULTY
CORRECTIVE ACTION:- The OMD needs overhauling by workshop as its
printed ckt. board is faulty. Sensors were cleaned but found no improvement. It
was explained to the auditor that engine room will be manned and temperature
MEO CLASS I DEEPESH MERCHANT
2. Question
(i) Define the'-meaning of the term "conditions of assignment" as
applied to ships.
(ii) State how conditions of assignmsent contribute towards the
watertight integrity of ships.
(iii) Give reasons why conditions of assignment need periodic inspection,
giving specific instances where they can be found to be less than fully
effective.
ANSWER:-
a. This are the conditions which must be met before freeboard is assigned to a
ship and this enables the load lines and mark to be engraved on the ship. This
conditions are as follows
a. Enough structural strength should be possessed.
b. Enough reserve buoyancy should be possessed.
c. Safety and protection of the crew.
d. Prevent entry of water into the hull.
Ships are to be surveyed annually to ensure that they fulfil the condition of
assignment.
b. Contribution of condition of assignment towards water tight integrity of
ship
Most of the condition of assignment are concerned with the water tight integrity
of the ship.
Hull construction shall meet the highest standards laid down by the
classification society. This ensures protection against flooding of the ship.i
Superstructures and bulkhead must be strengthened sufficiently.
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Hatchways- coaming heights should be as per Solas chapter II -1. Hatch cover
construction , thickness of the plating and approved means of securing.
Machinery space opening,
Details of openings in freeboard and superstructure decks, ventilators and air
pipes on freeboard and superstructure decks, scuppers, inlets and discharges,
side scuttles and cargo ports.
All the above parameters ensures water tight integrity and protection against
flooding of compartments.
c. Need for Periodic Inspections:-
“Condition of Assignments” need periodic inspection to ensure that ships
conditions are such that the above mentioned are maintained in good order.
During periodic inspection surveyor shall ensure that no material alteration have
been made to the hull or superstructure that would affect the calculation
determining the position of the load line. This can be found out by reviewing
the condition of assignment. Example of items that may no longer fulfil
conditions of assignments could be in hatch covers, cargo ports, water tight
doors, scuttles, and other closing appliances.
Corrosion, reduced resistance or damage of seals, locking arrangements
damaged.
In coaming of hatches, ventilators, air pipes, especially at weather deck level.
Gangways, rails, bulwarks, damaged or not secured property.
3. Question
Discuss the influence the following properties / contents have on fuel
characteristics and its economic use: (i) viscosity (ii) density (iii) ignition
quality (iv) VI (v) compatibility (vi) carbon residue (vii) control of
combustion period.
ANSWER:-
Fuel remains one of the highest single cost factors in running a ship and also the
source of the most potent operating problems. Fuel contributes to 30% to 55%
of the total operating cost of a ship. Fuel oil characteristic changes with change
in its properties and its content. Influence of following properties/ contents on
fuel characteristic and economy are:-
1) VISCOSITY:-
Fuel grades are based on viscosity. High viscosity fuels are generally less
expensive than lower viscosity fuel. But high viscosity fuel will require more
preheating prior to centrifuging and fuel injection in order to lower the
viscosity. This increased heating will cause more steam to be consumed
MEO CLASS I DEEPESH MERCHANT
resulting in more fuel to be burnt to get that steam. Caution must be exercised
when heating prior to injection to temperature above 135 degree Celsius
because cracking may occur, gases may be given off and water may vaporize
forming steam pockets in fuel line. Also if correct viscosity of oil will not be
injected then there will be injection problem including less fuel atomization.
Poor atomization and delayed burning may lead to higher thermal loading,
scuffing problems, possible piston and piston ring failure and to an increase in
fuel consumption.
2) DENSITY:-
Fuel is sold by weight; therefore density must be known to determine the mass
of fuel received. The importance of density relative to diesel engine operation
lies in the fact that today’s standard fuel/ water separating techniques are based
upon the difference in density between the two substances. Therefore, as the
specific gravity of the fuel approaches 1.0, centrifuging becomes less effective.
Since diesel engine fuels should be free from water and the salts normally
dissolved there in, extra centrifuging will be required for high gravity fuel. High
specific gravity indicates a heavily cracked, aromatic fuel with poor combustion
qualities which can cause abnormal liner wear.
3) IGNITION QUALITY:-
Ignition quality is indicated by cetane number. The lower the cetane number of
fuel, the greater ignition delay and the longer the period of time between fuel
injection and the beginning of rapid pressure rise associated with fuel ignition
and combustion. This ignition delay can result in hard knocking or noisy engine
running, which is undesirable over long period of time. The result could be poor
fuel economy, loss of power and possibly even engine damage.
4) VIT:-
Variable injection timing of marine engine greatly applies on the quality of fuel
oil characteristics. Accordingly the timing of fuel pump can be advanced or
retarded as per quality of fuel oil. As all fuels are different they differ in their
ignition quality. Some fuels have a reduced ‘ignition delay’ period and are
considered to have a better ignition quality.
5) COMPTIBILITY:-
Compatibility problems occur when heavy fuel oil with a high asphaltene
content are mixed with lighter fraction with a predominance of aliphatic
hydrocarbons. The mixing can cause precipitation of the asphaltene. It occurs
when fuel oil suppliers blend in order to reduce final fuel oil viscosity, specific
gravity, or other fuel property. Incompatible fuel oils result in rapid strainer and
separator plugging with excessive sludge. In the diesel engine, incompatible
fuel oil can cause injection pump sticking, injector deposits, exhaust valve
deposits and turbocharger turbine deposits.
6) CARBON RESIDUE:-
CCR is a measure of the tendency of a fuel to form carbon deposits during
combustion and indicates the relative coke forming tendencies of a heavy oil.
Carbon rich fuels are more difficult to burn and have combustion characteristics
which lead to the formation of soot and carbon deposits. Since carbon deposits
MEO CLASS I DEEPESH MERCHANT
are a major source of abrasive wear, the CCR value is an important parameter
for a diesel engine. A high CCR level denotes a high residue level after
combustion and may lead to ignition delay as well as after burning of carbon
deposits leading to engine fouling and abrasive wear. Fuels with high CCR
values have an increasing tendency to form carbon deposits on injection
nozzles, pistons and in the ports of 2-stroke engines. This causes reduction in
the efficiency and performance of those components and increased wear.
7) VANADIUM AND ASH CONTENT:-
Vanadium is a metallic element that chemically combines with sodium to
produce very aggressive low melting point compounds responsible for
accelerated deposit formation and high temperature corrosion of engine
components. Vanadium itself is responsible for forming slag on exhaust valves
and seats on 4-stroke engines, and piston crowns on both 2-stroke and 4-stroke
engines, causing localized hot spot leading eventually to burning away of
exhaust valve, seat and piston crown. As the vanadium content increases, so
does the relative corrosion rate.
The ash contained in heavy oil includes the inorganic metallic content, other
non-combustibles and solid contamination. Ash deposits can cause localized
overheating of metal surfaces to which they adhere and lead to the corrosion of
the exhaust valve. Excessive ash may also result in abrasive wear of cylinder
liner, piston rings, valve seats, injection pumps and deposits which can clog fuel
nozzles and injectors.
4. Question
State the circumstances which may lead to suspension or withdrawal of
class explain the terms (i) period of class (ii) anniversary date (iii) survey
time window (iv) memoranda (v) recommendations
ANSWER:-
The Society will withdraw the class of a ship in the following cases:
Anniversary date :-
Anniversary date means the day and month of each year corresponding to the
expiry date of the classification certificate.
Condition of class.
Possible deficiencies shall normally be rectified before the renewal survey is
regarded as completed.
The Society may accept that minor deficiencies, recorded as condition of class,
are rectified within a specified time limit, normally not exceeding 3 months
after the survey completion date.
MEO CLASS I DEEPESH MERCHANT
The Society may accept that minor deficiencies, recorded as condition of class,
are rectified within a specified time limit, normally not exceeding 3 months
after the survey completion date.
Window period for survey.
The survey time window is the fixed period during which the annual and
intermediate surveys are to be carried out.
Memoranda.
Other information of assistance to the surveyor and owners may be recorded as
‘memoranda’ or a similar term. They may, for example, include notes
concerning materials and other constructional information. A memorandum
may also define a condition which, though deviating from the technical
standard, does not affect the class (e.g. slight indents in the shell which do not
have an effect upon the overall strength of the hull or minor deficiencies, which
do not affect the operational safety of the machinery).
In addition, memoranda could define recurring survey requirements, such as
annual survey of specified spaces, or retrofit requirements, which have the de-
facto effect of conditions of class.
Addition note.
Each of the Classification Societies has developed a series of notations that may
be granted to a vessel to indicate that it is in compliance with some additional
voluntary criteria that may be either specific to that vessel type or that are in
excess of the standard classification requirements.
Class notations are assigned to vessels in order to determine applicable rule
requirements for assignment and retention of class.
5. Question
What are P&I clubs? How P&I clubs collect funds from ships what are the
risks covered under P&I. What is the minimum a ship owner / shipping
company has to do for its ship to get coverage under P&I club.
ANSWER:-
Crew related
Injury/ hospitalization
Deviation
Death, repatriation of body
Repatriation of injured crew and for his reliever
Personal effects, in case of fire
Crew wages, if the vessel lost and passenger saved.
Passenger claims
Third party people
Injury to Supplier, Agents, stevedores etc.
Cargo related
Damage to cargo( Wet)
Collapsing of twin deck
Cargo shifting and damaging the hull- In this case the H&M insurance
will pay first but later they will charge from the ship owner as it may be
due to lack of lashing arrangement or improper lashings. That will be
paid by the ship owner
6. Question
What are the principal reasons responsible for compounding of machinery
vibration in connection with operation of a long stroke diesel engines and
associated machinery arrangements? What are the key factors for
excitations generated by the engines?
ANSWER:-
COMBUSTION PRESSURE
P/2 P/2
P
GUIDE
FORCE N
α
N T
S
P S
P/2
P/2 MAIN
BEARING FORCE
given engine, which can be calculated in advance and stated as part of the
engine specification with reference to certain speed and power.
2. Secondary excitations:
Forces and moments stemming from a forced vibratory response in a ship sub-
structure. The vibration characteristics of sub-structures are almost independent
of the remaining ship structure.
Examples of secondary excitation sources from sub-structures could be
anything from transverse vibration of the engine structure to longitudinal
vibration of a radar or light mast on top of the deckhouse. Such sub-structures
of the complete ship might have resonance or be close to resonance conditions,
resulting in considerable dynamically magnified reaction forces at their
interface with the rest of the ship. Secondary excitation sources cannot be
directly quantified for a certain engine type but must be calculated at the design
stage of the specific propulsion plant.
The vibration characteristics of low-speed two-stroke engines, for
practical purposes, can be split into four categories that may influence the hull
1. External unbalanced moments
2. Guide force moments.
3. Axial vibrations in the shaft system.
4. Torsional vibrations in the shaft system.
External unbalanced moments:
e. These can be classified as unbalanced first- and second-order external
moments, which need to be considered only for engines with certain cylinder
numbers.
f. The inertia forces originating from the unbalanced rotating and reciprocating
masses of the engine create unbalanced external moments although the external
forces are zero.
g. Of these moments, only the first order (producing one cycle per
h. revolution) and the second order (two cycles per revolution) need to be
considered, and then only for engines with a low number of cylinders.
The inertia forces on engines with more than six cylinders tend, more or less, to
neutralize themselves.
First-order moments
These moments act in both vertical and horizontal directions and are of the
same magnitude. Resonance with a first-order moment may occur for hull
vibrations with two and/or three nodes. A resonance with the vertical moment
for the two-node hull vibration can often be critical, whereas the resonance with
the horizontal moment occurs at a higher speed than the nominal because of the
higher natural frequency of the horizontal hull vibrations.
Remedy for first order moment is provided by compensator which comprises
two counter-rotating masses rotating at the same speed as the crankshaft.
Second-order moments
The second-order moment acts only in the vertical direction and precautions
need to be considered only for four-, five- and six-cylinder engines. Resonance
with the second-order moment may occur at hull vibrations with more than
MEO CLASS I DEEPESH MERCHANT
Axial vibrations
d. The calculation of axial vibration characteristics is only necessary for low
speed two-stroke engines.
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e. When the crank throw is loaded by the gas pressure through the connecting
rod mechanism, the arms of the crank throw deflect in the axial direction of
the crankshaft, exciting axial vibrations. These vibrations may be transferred
to the ship’s hull through the thrust bearing.
f. In order to counter the axial vibrations all engines are equipped with axial
vibration dampers
Torsional vibrations
g. The varying gas pressure in the cylinders during the working cycle and the
crankshaft/connecting rod mechanism create a varying torque in the
crankshaft.
h. It is these variations that cause the excitation of torsional vibration of the
shaft system.
i. Torsional excitation also comes from the propeller through its interaction
with the non-uniform wake field.
j. Torsional vibration causes extra stresses, which may be detrimental to the
shaft system. The stresses will show peak values at resonances: that is, where
the number of revolutions multiplied by the order of excitation corresponds
to the natural frequency.
k. Limiting torsional vibration is vitally important to avoid damage or even
fracture of the crankshaft or other propulsion system elements.
l. Taking a shaftline of a certain length, it is possible to modify its natural
frequency of torsional vibration by adjusting the diameter: a small diameter
results in a low natural frequency, a larger diameter in a high natural
frequency.
7. Question
Differentiate between static and dynamic stability? Can a ship, high on
GM, be low on stability? Justify your answer with reasoning. Enlist the
governing factors you will inspect, while taking over a new ship in shipyard
as Chief Engineer for having optimum stability in both categories.
Substantiate your answer with reasons.
ANSWER:-
STATIC STABILITY:-
1) It is defined as the ability of a ship to regain its upright equilibrium position,
after the removal of external factor which caused the vessel to heel at an angle.
2) It gives the stability information of a vessel under the condition that the
outside water is static.
3) It is expressed in terms of metacentric height. i.e. GM ( for angle of heel up
to 10 degree) and righting lever GZ ( for angle of heel above 10 degree)
4) It’s unit is meter
5) Static stability at two different angle of heel can be the same.
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DYNAMIC STABILITY:-
1) It is defined as the energy required heeling the ship from upright equilibrium
till the angle of heel in question.
2) It gives the stability information of a vessel considering dynamic behavior of
the sea.
3) It is expressed in terms of the area under righting moment curve. ( or GZ
curve multiplied by displacement of the ship in tons)
4) It’s unit is ton-meter-radian
5) The dynamic stability at two different angle of heel cannot be the same
3) Safe margin should be there for elements which reduce stability during
voyage, regarding being given to addition of weight, such as those due to
absorption of water and icing and to losses of weights such as those due to store
and fuel.
4) For Ships carrying passengers, in addition to the general intact stability
criteria, the angle of heel on account of turning of the ship through rudder
should not exceed 10 degree. Also the angle of heel on account of crowding of
passengers to one side should not exceed 10 degree.
5) Apart from above, watertight integrity should also be checked. The reserve
buoyancy of a vessel is the measure of her stability.
8. Question.
Give the history of requirements for load line regulations, leading towards
the International convention on Load Line.
What were the dates of adoption and entry into force?
What special provisions are included in the said convention, in comparison
with the first International Convention on Load line, 1930?
ANSWER:-
1. It has long been recognized that limitations on the draught to which a ship
may be loaded make a significant contribution to her safety.
2. The first loading recommendations were introduced by Lloyd's Register of
British and Foreign Shipping in 1835, following discussions between ship
owners, shippers and underwriters. Lloyds recommended freeboards as a
function of the depth of the hold (three inches per foot of depth). These
recommendations, used extensively until 1880, were known as "Lloyd's
Rule".
3. In the 1860s, after increased loss of ships due to overloading, a British
MP, Samuel Plimsoll, took up the load line cause. A Royal Commission on
unseaworthy ships was established in 1872, and in 1876 the United Kingdom
Merchant Shipping Act made the load line mark compulsory.
4. In 1894 the hull mark comprising of circle cut in half by a horizontal line
was adopted . In 1906, laws were passed requiring foreign ships visiting
British ports to be marked with a load line.
5. In 1930 (The 1930 Load Line Convention) that there was international
agreement for universal application of load line regulations.
6. In 1966 a Load Lines Convention was held in London which re-examined
and amended the 1930 rules. The 1966 Convention has since seen
amendments in 1971, 1975, 1979, 1983, 1995 and 2003.
MEO CLASS I DEEPESH MERCHANT
9. Question
with reference to ship repair/ ship building, and engineering economics
explain the terms (i) Risk analysis, Brake even analysis, Sensitivity analysis,
Multi stage sequential analysis, Multi attribute decision making.
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ANSWER:-
RISK ANALYSIS:-
I Income
P
Cos t and Income
LOSS PROFIT
Fixed Cost
O Q
Output
OI – Variation of income with production
OA - Total of Fixed Cost.
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As the Output increases , variable cost are incurred and increases. At levels of
output, cost are greater than income . At point P, Total Cost = Income and is the
Break even point.
Break even analysis is frequently used for the capacity planning of a new port or
terminal and for a service capacity planning such as number of ships that can
be simultaneously attended to.
SENSITIVITY ANALISIS
It measures the impact on project outcomes of changing one or more key input
valves about which there is uncertainty.
It revels how profitable or unprofitable the project might be if the input value to
the analysis turn out to be different from the assumed.
Eg: - If a pessimistic , Expected and optimistic valve be selected for a variable ,
a sensitivity analysis can be performed to see how the outcome changes with the
change to each of the three selected valves , in turn. It helps identify the critical
inputs in order to facilitate choosing where to spend extra recourses. It also
helps in anticipation and preparing for questions asked when defending a
project.
It is a measure of project worth such evaluation can be used as a tool for ships
construction where raw material price is a variable.
MULTISTAGE SEQUENSIAL ANALYSIS
Managing today s organisation require continuous decision making. The result
from these decision must be continuously monitored and the original decision
may need to be revised or new alternatives sought.
The sequence of decision and uncertain events link the initial decision to the
final outcome.
A Multistage sequential analysis involves starting at the end and roll back
towards the initial decision.
Decision trees then display the effect of successive decision over a time horizon
where outcomes are uncertain.
Capital budgeting for new ventures , productions scheduling and inventory
management / Replacement policies use multi stage sequential analysis.
MULTI ATTRIBUTE DECISION
The decision Problem is decomposed into smaller, less complex , sub problems
Such sub problems are represented by a set of attributes. Each sub problem
alternative is then measured and evaluated and alternatives are finally ranked
according to total utility.
The alternatives and their criteria are represented in a decision matrix for
ranking
It is Concerned with a finite set of alternative and results are expressed in the
form of ranking or classification into performance classes.
Eg. Select of a Dry dock
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APRIL 2012
i) Question
How will you prepare your ship for a renewal survey of IAPPC
International Air Pollution Prevention Certificate.
Explain with specific emphasis on the records and documents to be
maintained, Enumerate general requirements for shipboard incinerators,
as mentioned in Annex VI of MARPOL 73/78.
ANSWER :-
MARPOL 73/78 Annex VI Regulations for the prevention of Air Pollution from
ships applies to all ships greater than or equal to 400 gross tonnage and to have
an IAPP ( For renewal survey of IAPP certificate the following things as per
Annex VI should be considered.Prior to issuance of certificate the flag state or
RO will need to confirm compliance with the applicable regulations contained
within the annex. The certificate continuity validity will require annual,
intermediate and renewal surveys to be satisfactorily carried out.
For renewal of IAPP certificate preparation will lie in the fact that
vessel is complying with the regulations of annex VI. So, preparation regarding
to different regulations under annex VI will be :-
b. Sight the EIAPP certificate and Check that a approved Technical file is
maintained and include onboard verification procedure for all applicable
diesel engine on board.
c. Verify Record book of engine parameters for all diesel engines is
updated. Check that the following is updated in the file:
- changes to NOx emission related adjustable engine settings
- changes to NOx emission related engine components.
d. Confirm that NOX influencing components for diesel engines are
provided with manufacturer's identification code.
e. Confirm NOx emission related engine settings for diesel engines in order.
c. Regulation 14:- Sulphur Oxides SOx
1. Verify that the sulphur content of fuels is not above 4.5%, m/m and for fuels
to be used inside SECAs is not above 1%.m/m
2. Confirm satisfactory installation and documentation for fuel switching
arrangements between low and normal sulphur content fuel.
3. Verify the log-book for operation of fuel oil systems with low-sulphur fuel
oils (SECA), is updated and in compliance.
4. Verify operation of Exhaust gas cleaning system, if fitted.
d. Regulation 15 :- VOC
1. Applicable for tankers only when entering ports where this is
required.Verify VOC return system certification and Vapour emission
control system manual on board.
2. Confirm condition of vapour collection system. Check Vapour collecting
piping including drains and valves, marking and flanges at manifold.
Test level gauging system, overflow control systems including visual and
audible alarms, and high and low pressure alarms.
5. Regulation 16:- Shipboard Incineration
1. Get an overview of Incinerators requiring type approval Incinerator installed
after 2000-01-01to be approved according to resolution MEPC 76(40),
2. Check the Certificate and operation manual on board.
3. Verify satisfactory operation Check proper functioning of Alarm and Trips
4. Verify instruction for operation posted, warning and instruction plates, and
that manufacturers name, incinerator model number/type and capacity in
heat units per hour is permanently marked on the incinerator.
5. Check drip trays under burners, pumps and strainers should be free of oil
deposits.
6. Check list of materials not to be incinerated is posted near the incinerator.
6. Regulation 18 : – Fuel Oil Quality
a) Verify bunker delivery notes onboard and with correct content.
b) Verify that each bunker delivery note is accompanied by a representative
sample.
c) Samples to be kept onboard until the fuel oil is substantially consumed,
and for minimum 12 months. Every BDN is to be accompanied by a
representative MARPOL sample of min.400 ml. The label of the sample
should be traceable to the BDN.
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2. Question
With respect to engine room man management enlist the key issues you will
address with proper justification in the following areas,
(a) Training programs (b) Long term personnel development concept (c)
Attitude and motivation development (d) Emergency response (e) Coping
with stress
ANSWER:-
13. Conducting value added courses helps seafarers in updating their knowledge
and skills this helps him in gaining significant skills and makes him
honoured with the company.
14. Small favours done by company towards seafarers can go a long way in
developing long term personnel relationship between the company and
seafarers.
d. Emergency response
6. By assigning every person on board a particular duty for different
emergencies & also responsibilities, every individual will know exactly what
to do in a given situation.
7. Drills & pre & post drills briefing/debriefings also help the crew members
understand what is expected of them & where they could improve.
8. Drills should be made as realistic as possible & not made a routine that
persons labour through. Different emergencies at different locations should
be practiced so that crew members are exposed to as far as possible all the
emergencies they may be faced with.
9. By doing this the response of the crew members will be swift as they will
know what is expected of them in any given emergency.
10.Also during drills the important of team work is emphasized which
motivates people in acting faster and in an organized manner in any kind of
emergency.
the personnel living a way from home for months together compounds this
problem many folds.
7. It is the duty of C/E to ensure that his staffs do not get over stressed. This
can be done by encouraging better in the personnel relations, praising
persons for good jobs done, briefing them how to avoid mistakes and
delegating work so that nobody is overburdened.
In addition to all these, talking personally to people, engaging about their family
and other personal matters sometimes helps in keeping the environment cool
and thereby reducing the chance of over stressing.
3. Question
Explain PSC inspection underline its authority for exercising basis of such
inspection – Enumerate relevant regulations, articles and annexes of
SOLAS 74, load line 66, MARPOL 73/78, STCW 95 and tonnage 69 which
form provision for PSC.
ANSWER:-
MARPOL 73/78
Article 5:- Certificate and special rules and inspection of ships
Article 6:- Detection of violation and enforcement of the conventions
Annex I ,Regulation 11:- Regulation for prevention of pollution by oil/ PSC
on operational requirement.
Annex II, Regulation 16:- Regulation for prevention of pollution by
NLS/Measures of control/ PSC on operational requirement.
Annex III, Regulation 8:- Prevention of pollution by packaged harmful
substances/ PSC on operational requirement.
Annex IV, Regulation 13:- Regulations for the Prevention of Pollution by
Sewage / PSC on operational requirement.
Annex V, Regulation 8:- Regulation for prevention of pollution by garbage/
PSC on operational requirement.
Annex VI, Regulation10:- Regulation for prevention of air pollution/ PSC on
operational requirement.
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STCW 95
Article X:- Control regulation (rights of PSCO to ensure all seafarers have
appropriate certificate)
Regulation 1/4:- Control Procedure
Tonnage 1969
Article 12:- Verification of Tonnage certificate
Although the tonnag =e convention is not a safety convention the revision
A787 (19) has laid down the guidelines for port state control However, the
control huy ships.
4. Question
Differentiate the salient considerations taken during Survey of a ship under
1) Bare-boat charter, 2) Voyage charter & 3) Time charter.
As the Chief Engineer on board, explain with reasons, which of the three
Surveys is most demanding and exhaustive and why?
ANSWER:-
Charter party: is the contract between the ship owner and the charterer for the
use of a ship or her services for a particular voyage or for series of voyages, or
for a stipulated period of time.
Contracts for hire of specified vessels, includes
o Time charters
o Bare boat charters (also know as "demise charters).
o Voyage charter
Bareboat charter:
i) Is a contract for the hire of a vessel for an agreed period during which the
charterers acquire most of the rights of the owners.
ii) In essence the vessel owners put the vessel at the complete disposal of the
charters and pay the capital costs, but no other costs.
iii) The charters have commercial and technical responsibility for the vessel,
and pay all costs except capital costs.
iv) There will be an agreement, that there will be an on hire survey. In the
case of new ship building the survey procedures can be done in the yard
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3. The charter agrees to provide for loading, within the agreed period of time,
the agreed quantity of the agreed commodity, to pay the agreed amount of
freight, and to take delivery of the cargo at the destination place.
4. In effect the charterers hire the cargo capacity of the vessel and not the entire
vessel.
5. The owner must provide the master and crew, act as carrier and pay all
running and voyage costs, unless the charter party specifically provides
otherwise.
6. The survey under voyage charter is not very strict as compared to other
charter party.
7. The charter mainly interested in sea worthiness and condition of the cargo
space. The surveyor checks for whether the vessel can carry the cargo of
particular quantity and to be able to discharge within an agreed period of
time.
8. As a Chief Engineer one should take care of cargo hold/ tank, cargo gear
condition. If any repairs are necessary to keep the same in good condition
that has to be carried-out. He has to prove that the ship is able to carry the
cargo safely and vessel able to reach in proper time which is agreed.
Time charter:
1. Is a contract for the hire of a named vessel for a specified period of time.
(The charters agree to hire from the ship owner a named vessel, of specific
technical characteristics, for an agreed period of time, for the chatterers
purposes subject to agreed restrictions. The hire period of time, for the
charters purposes subject to agreed restrictions. The hire period may be the
duration of one voyage (a "trip charter") or anything up to several years
("period charters")).
2. The ship owner is responsible for vessels running expenses i.e., manning
repairs and maintenance, stores, masters and crew‘s wages, hull and
machinery insurance, etc. He operates the vessel technically, but not
commercially.
3. The owner bears no cargo handling expenses and do not normally appoint
stevedores. The charters are responsible for the commercial employment of
the vessel, bunker fuel purchase and insurance, port and canal dues
(including pilot age, towage, linesmen etc.), and all loading stowing /
trimming / discharging arrangements and costs.
4. On-hire survey and delivery certificate:
There will be usually agreements that there will be an on-hire survey or
delivery survey to establish. –
Bunkers remaining on board (R.O.B.) in order to determine the quantity
the chatterers will have to pay the owners for.
The general condition of the vessel.
Tanks or holds are fit for the carriage of the contemplated cargoes.
Holds of a dry cargo vessel must be dry and swept clean, etc. and tanks
for oil or chemicals must pass survey and be certified fit.
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5. The on-hire survey is usually carried out by jointly approved surveyors, paid
for 50/50 by the owners and the chatterer. Time spent on the survey is
normally at the owner's risk, i.e., the vessel is not on -hire until passing of
the survey.
6. As a Chief Engineer, one should calculate the bunker on board correctly and
to keep all machinery in good condition. He has to prove that ship is able to
satisfy charter party requirement regarding fuel consumption and speed. Any
maintenance required for cargo holds or tanks to be carried-out prior survey
to keep them in good condition.
7. Off hire survey and redelivery certificate:
The chatterers must normally re-deliver the vessel in the "same good order
as when delivered to the chatterer, fair wear & tear excepted.
8. The off hire survey will normally be carried out by an independent surveyor
to ascertain the extent of damage done during the charter, bunkers R.O.B.
etc. The redelivery clause may provide that repairs necessary to make a
vessel sea worthy must be done immediately on redelivery, and any other
repairs at a more convenient time, e.g. at the next dry-docking.
9. The off-hire survey is similar in scope to the on-hire survey Bunkers r.o.b.
are measured so that they can be "brought back by the owners. The condition
of the vessel and her cargo spaces is examined for damage attributable to
charterers operations.
10.As a Chief Engineer, he should check the bunkers r.o.b. and condition of the
cargo spaces. If any repairs to be done has to be notified to the survey.
5. Question
State the requirement and responsibility of the office in enforcing
“emergency preparedness” procedures for a ship and its personnel, as
required under ISM Codes? Describe the duties of the office in: (i)
Formation of the emergency team (ii) During emergency situations (iii)
Maintaining contact between ship and office.
ANSWER :-
i. “ Emergency Preparedness” as stated under Clause 8 of ISM code is to
make sure that the company has an integrated system with ship and shore
during an emergency.
ii. The office should be prepared at all times to efficiently handle an emergency
situation which might occur on any of the company’s vessels.
iii. Clause 8.3 also states that the Safety management system should provide for
measures ensuring that a company’s organisation can respond at any times to
hazards accidents and emergency situations.
iv. This will be achieved by developing and maintaining contingency,
emergency and marine pollution prevention plans and by training and drills
of the personnel involved both on board and also when a vessel is in, or
reports an emergency situation.
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v. The contingency team shall as soon as possible, assist the master to initiate,
engage, command and co-ordinate the appropriate action as the situation
may require in order to primarily, mitigate injuries or damage to:-
1. The people
2. The environment
3. The cargo
4. The vessel
vi. The contingency team consists of the following persons:-
1. Leader of contingency team
2. Technical
3. Operation
4. Manning
5. Insurance
6. Legal
7. Administration
8. Designated Person Ashore
9. Safety Officer
10.Security Officer
vii. The company has to set up above mentioned persons such that everybody is
prepared & know their duties in case an emergency is called.
viii. The company has to lay down a policy in which the contingency team shall
be ready at any time. This must be assembled within 2hr notice. Vacations
must be planned in accordance with the requirement & persons with
operational knowledge should be available at all times.
ix. Also the contingency team shall be tested & drilled twice a year; provided
the team has not been actually mobilised during that period. The drill plan
shall be as realistic as possible; starting with a drill message released from
one of the vessels and followed up by messages of the accident development.
x. The exercise plan of the company audit system shall be worked out.The
actions of the contingency team shall be monitored and written records
maintained. When the drill is finished, a briefing shall take place.
The company has the duties as per the policy during every instance such as :-
1. Formation of Emergency Team :-
The company has to form a contingency or emergency team which has the
level and leadership, also have the planned and well known duties of each
person. The Emergency team consists of members which have the duties in
them. The situation is divided in two levels; Red Level Mobilisation &
Green Level Mobilisation. The Red Mobilisation is incidents of catastrophic
nature such as explosions, major fire, collision, grounding, major oil or NLS
spill and missing vessel. The Green Mobilisations are serious breakdowns,
loading/discharging problems, heavy weather problems, minor oil or NLS
substance spill etc. Where necessary assistance to the ship can be arranged
by the ships technical superintendent or member of the relevant company
department. Also the team consists of following persons:-
Level of Mobilisation
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Red Green
1. Leader of the Emergency team X
2. Maritime/Safety X
3. Technical X X
4. Operation X X
5. Manning X
6. Insurance X
7. Legal X
8. Administration X
The head of the technical and marine division will normally serve as leader
of the team, & in his absence the leadership is passed down in the order
of hierarchy. The actions taken are on behalf of the company as they deem
necessary in an emergency situation.
The leader has power to contact Board of Management after a red
mobilisation & keep managing director duly informed of the occurrence &
development.
2. During Emergency Situation :- Whenever there is an emergency situation,
the vessel calls the company & the one who gets the message first is
responsible for contacting the head of the Technical & Marine division and
they will agree on the level of Mobilisation & if the head is not available, the
one who gets the message first shall use his own judgement decide the level
of mobilisation, & he shall then inform the Emergency team members.
Company should know the development of the situation and master may
seek advice from the Emergency team & discuss further action to be taken ·
During action, each member of the team shall evaluate the condition under
his responsibility.
The team leader shall be kept fully informed about any action suggested or
executed by the member of the team.
Also during action the person –in-charge and his assistant is appointed for
the following job:-
1. Appoint the Emergency team
2. Keep the Emergency room equipped and in good order
3. Keep the relevant charts available
4. Keep track of members
5. Receive the alarm report / mobilise the team
6. Call the Tech superintendent’s & fleet manager
7. Notify the owner, charterer, cargo owner, Class and D.G.Shipping
8. Hire of Salvage
9. Inform the relatives
10. Call press conference & inform the media
11. Set up communication
12. Logging & secretarial duties
The team has to go through the situation & evaluate a most probably and
worst case development scenario, and during the situation analysis, priorities
should be life-safety environment & property, when decisions are made.
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The team evaluating the situation & making the action plan which are based
on a worst case development scenario. The action plan shall be updated
continuously as soon as new information is received. Also the team shall not
diminish the masters’ over riding responsibility and discretion to take
whatever action he considers to be in the best interest of the crew, vessel and
environment. Also the team has to decide to have an assistance from the
specialists who may be able to provide information, contribution to solve the
actual problem. Also the information to media & relatives of the crew must
be given when things are confirmed & only a spokesman should speak to
media & fleet personnel to the relatives & both should be updated as the
news gets confirmed
3. Maintaining Contact between Ship & Office :- As described earlier, the
contact between ship and office is to be maintained through out the action so
that the advice is given to the master or person-in-charge on board, what is to
be done, & what may be the further action. Also the company knows the
latest developments & cam plan accordingly.
6. Question
What are the UNCLOS provisions concerning ship’s flag and nationality?
In observing the provisions of UNCLOS, what are the duties of the flag
state and how they are enforced.
ANSWER :-
UNCLOS stands for United Nations conventions on laws of sea. It was outcome
of the third UN conference in 1982 and came into force internationally on 16th
November 1994
UNCLOS provisions concerning ship’s flag and nationality
Part VII High seas
Article 90 :- Right of navigation
Every state coastal or land locked has the right to have it’s ship flying its flag on
high seas
Article 91:- Nationality of ships
Every state must fix condition of ships for the grant of nationality of the
registration and for the right to fly its flag
Ship’s have the nationality of the state whose flag they are entitled to fly
State must issue to ship’s flying its flag, documents to that effect
There should be a genuine link between the state and the ship
Article 92:- Status of ships
Ships must sail under the flag of one state and are subject to the jurisdiction of
the flag state on high seas
The permission for the change of flag is given only in the case of transfer of
ownership of change of registry
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It also deems that a ship which uses two or more flags according to convenience
will be treated as a ship with no nationality
Article 93:- Ships flying the flag of the United Nations, its specialized agencies
and the International Atomic Energy Agency
It gives provisions for ships to fly the flag on UN or its agencies and
IAEA(International Atomic Energy Agency)
Duties of flag state
Article 94:- Duties of the flag State
a. Each flag state to effectively exercise its jurisdiction and control in
administrative, technical and social matters over ship’s flying its flag.
b. Maintain a register of the ships.
c. Assume jurisdiction under its internal law over each ship flying its
flag and its master, officers and crew in respect to administrative,
technical and social matters concerning the ship.
d. Take such measures for ships flying its flag as are necessary to ensure
safety of sea with regards to:
1. Construction, equipment and sea worthiness of ship
2. Manning of ships, labour conditions, training of crew (STCW & ILO
convention)
3. Use of signals, the maintenance of communications and preventions of
collisions such measures include
1. each ship is surveyed before and after registration by a qualified surveyor of
ships and has on board such charts, nautical publications, navigational
equipments and instruments for safe navigation of the ship’
2. each ship is in charge of master and officers who posses appropriate
qualifications in seamanship, navigation, communications and marine
engineering and the crew is appropriate in qualification and numbers for the
type, size, machinery and equipment of the ship.
3. The master, officers, crew are fully conversant with and required to observe
the applicable international conventions like MARPOL, SOLAS, COLREG,
GMDSS etc.
e. In taking above measures, each state is required to confirm to
generally accepted international regulations, procedures and practices
and to take any steps which may be necessary to secure their
observance.
f. A state which has clear grounds to believe that proper jurisdiction and
control is not exercised by flag state may report to t he flag state, upon
receiving such report flag state may investigate that matter and if
necessary to take remedial action.
g. Every state must cause an enquiry by a qualified person/s into every
marine casualty/incident of navigation and caused loss of life/damage
to other nationals or to a marine environment. The flag state and other
states must co-operate in the conduct of enquiry.
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7. Question
Develop a training program for activities of a vessel, where you have joined
recently as a Chief Engineer highlighting the specific training needs for
engine room personnel in case of (i) use of life saving appliances (ii) fire in
accommodation (iii) explosion in engine room, when the ship is in dry
dock.
ANSWER :-
8. Question.
Your vessel, which had recently been dry docked, is showing a significant
increase in fuel oil consumption. Frame a report, in the format of an e-mail
message, addressed to the Engineer Superintendent. Discuss the related
inspections made, findings established and suggestions for repair, if any.
ANSWER :-
9. Question
(i) Define the'-meaning of the term "conditions of assignment" as
applied to ships.
(ii) State how conditions of assignment contribute towards the
watertight integrity of ships.
(iii) Give reasons why conditions of assignment need periodic inspection,
giving specific instances where they can be found to be less than fully
effective.
ANSWER :-
a. This are the conditions which must be met before freeboard is assigned to a
ship and this enables the load lines and mark to be engraved on the ship. This
conditions are as follows
e. Enough structural strength should be possessed.
f. Enough reserve buoyancy should be possessed.
g. Safety and protection of the crew.
h. Prevent entry of water into the hull.
Ships are to be surveyed annually to ensure that they fulfil the condition of
assignment.
b. Contribution of condition of assignment towards water tight integrity of
ship
Most of the condition of assignment are concerned with the water tight integrity
of the ship.
Hull construction shall meet the highest standards laid down by the
classification society. This ensures protection against flooding of the ship.i
Superstructures and bulkhead must be strengthened sufficiently.
Hatchways- coaming heights should be as per Solas chapter II -1. Hatch cover
construction , thickness of the plating and approved means of securing.
Machinery space opening,
MEO CLASS I DEEPESH MERCHANT
March 2012
1. Question
In relation to sea worthiness of a ship discuss the responsibility and
authority of the following stake holder.
Maritime administration
Recognized organization
Ship owner
Insurance company
ANSWER:-
A. MARITIME ADMINISTRATION:-
AUTHORITY:- According to UNCLOS, flag state is completely responsible for
the administrative, technical and social matter of the ship, which also includes
seaworthiness. Article 94 of UNCLOS states that every state has to bring all the
international conventions, to which they are parties, into their national laws. In
India MS act 1958 as amended, it is written that for all Indian flagged ship,
India is responsible and dedicated to ensure the safety of the ship, the protection
of life and property at sea and the marine environment.
RESPONSIBILITY:-
1) To make ship construction rules
2) Various IMO conventions to include in national legislation
3) Monitoring the vessel during construction
4) Do initial survey of vessel before registration
5) Do periodic surveys to check ship standards
6) Do investigation involving ship accidents
7) Impose penalty to owners who are not maintaining ship seaworthy
B. RECOGNIZED ORGANISATION:-
AUTHORITY:- These are independent organizations which do not benefit from
ship owners, builders etc. Flag state often authorizes these recognized
organization some responsibilities by issuing official gazettes, notices or orders.
In India section 7(3) and section 9(1A) of MS act 1958, as amended states that
DG shipping can delegate some responsibilities as he think fit to recognized
organizations. So, RO is only working on behalf of flag state.
RESPONSIBILITY:-
1) Make construction rule book and get it verified by administration
2) Monitor the vessel construction in yard
3) Ensure that ship’s equipments are in sound and reliable condition
4) Ensure that ship’s various system comply with flag state rules and various
international convention
5) Survey the vessel. All survey reports to be submitted to flag state
6) Advice and give necessary technical guidance to owners for maintaining
seaworthiness of ship
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D. INSURANCE COMPANIES:-
AUTHORITY:- According to MS act 1958 as amended vessel has to only cover
civil liability for oil pollution.( Part X B of MS act). No other insurance like
H&M and P&I is required according to law. Owners require insurance for
commercial purpose, otherwise they will not get business. So, authority of
insurance companies is limited to their own benefit that if unseaworthy vessels
are covered by them, they will have to pay more claims.
RESPONSIBILITY:-
1) Ensure that vessel is seaworthy before issuing insurance policy
2) Ensure vessel is under class and class condition is maintained
3) Ensure ship owners have good management expertise
4) Ensure ship owner is doing legal business.
2. Question
Now days there is a global trend substituting prescriptive based standards
into functional based standards [e.g. part f of solas chapter ii – 2]
Describe the advantages and disadvantages of functional phase approach in
comparison with prescriptive approach
ANSWER:-
a) The maritime safety committee at its 74th session and 82nd session,
approved guidelines on alternative design and arrangement for SOLAS CH-
II-2 and SOLAS CH II-1 and III respectively.
b) MSC issued guidelines, which serve to outline the methodology for
engineering analysis required by above SOLAS chapters on alternative
design and arrangements for which the approval of an alternative design
MEO CLASS I DEEPESH MERCHANT
c) Alternative design and arrangement means measures which deviate from the
prescriptive requirement of SOLAS CH II-1, CH-II-2 or CH-III, but are
suitable to satisfy the intent of that chapter.
d) For this first of all engineering analysis is carried out. It shows that
alternative design and arrangements provide the equivalent level of safety to
the prescriptive requirements of SOLAS CH II-1, CH II-2 and CH-III.
e) This approach should be based on sound science and engineering practice
incorporating widely accepted methods, empirical data, and calculation,
correlation and computer models as contained in engineering textbooks and
technical literature.
f) A design team acceptable to the Administration should be established by the
owner, builder or designer and may include a representative of owner,
builder or designer and experts having the necessary knowledge and
experience in safety, design and/or operation as necessary for the specific
evaluation at hand.
The design team should:-
1) Appoint a coordinator serving as primary contact.
2) Communicate with the administration for advice on the acceptability of the
engineering analysis of the alternative design and arrangement throughout the
entire process.
3) Determine the safety margin at the outset of design process and review and
adjust it as necessary during the analysis.
4) Conduct a preliminary analysis to develop the conceptual design in
qualitative terms.
5) Conduct quantitative analysis to evaluate possible trial alternative designs
using quantitative engineering design.
6) Prepare documentation, specification, and a life cycle maintenance
programme.
To understand it better let us take the example of part F of SOLAS II-2 :-
PRELIMINARY ANALYSIS
FIRE SCENARIO INFORMATION
QUANTIFY PRESCRIPTIVE SYSTEM PERFORMANCE
QUANTIFY PROPOSED SYSTEM PERFORMANCE
EVALUATE PERFORMANCE OF PRESCRIPTIVE VS PERFORMANCE
PERFORMANCE OF PROPOSED DESIGN ACCEPTABLE
ALL SCENARIOS EVALUATED
SELECT FINAL DESIGN
But performance based design is not about:-
1) This approach should not be used to justify the use of material or equipment,
where material or type approval exists.
2) This approach should be used to demonstrate equivalent or higher level of
safety.
Advantage of functional based design:-
1) Cost effective design
2) Design for unique application
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3. Question
How will you prepare your ship for a renewal survey of IAPPC
International Air Pollution Prevention Certificate!
Explain with specific emphasis on the records and documents to be
maintained,
Exnumerate general requirements for shipboard incinerators, as
mentioned in Annex VI of MARPOL 73/78
ANSWER:-
MARPOL 73/78 Annex VI Regulations for the prevention of Air Pollution from
ships applies to all ships greater than or equal to 400 gross tonnage and to have
an IAPP ( For renewal survey of IAPP certificate the following things as per
Annex VI should be considered.Prior to issuance of certificate the flag state or
RO will need to confirm compliance with the applicable regulations contained
within the annex. The certificate continuity validity will require annual,
intermediate and renewal surveys to be satisfactorily carried out.
For renewal of IAPP certificate preparation will lie in the fact that
vessel is complying with the regulations of annex VI. So, preparation regarding
to different regulations under annex VI will be :-
4. Question
In an unfortunate incident of Main Engine Crank case explosion on your
vessel, the main engine was badly damaged and two engine room personnel
suffered serious injuries. Explain how you will present the vessel for
subsequent inspections by P&I and H&M insurance companies with
special emphasis on the records and documents required in each case to
ensure that only genuine claims are honoured.
ANSWER:-
1. In spite of taking all safety measures and following all correct procedures,
sometimes unfortunate incidents do occur on board a ship. These result in
personal injuries and machinery damage.
2. After every incidence, investigations take place and insurance claims are
raised. The insurance underwriters appoint damage surveyors who come on
board and do their investigation. In the process of doing it, they ask for all
the relevant documents.
3. Suppose a main engine crankcase explosion has taken place on your ship in
which main engine was badly damaged and two engine room personnel
suffered serious injuries.
4. Now, you will have to present your vessel for subsequent inspections by P&I
and H&M insurance companies.We will see step by step what all should be
done after the incidence:-
A. Take care of persons injured:-
Since persons are seriously injured, give them first aid and ask for medical
advice from a rescue centre. Give the information to owner and charterer and
seek their advice. If the vessel needs to divert and make a emergency port of
call take permission from owner and charterer. But since main engine is also
badly damaged the vessel will need emergency towing. Give notice to agent
and P&I correspondent at the nearest port. They will arrange for the salvage
assistance. Enter in the port. Injured personnel to be transported to hospital
and later on they can be repatriated. All the medical treatment given to the
personnel should be chronologically documented in the medical book.
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All the above documents will be required by the surveyor appointed by H&M
underwriter. After the survey a damage survey report will be made. Now the
main engine will be repaired. And after that claims will be settled. Depending
upon the nature of insurance and the clauses inducted repairs can either be
carried out by owner and later the claims can be settled or repair tender can be
floated by H&M underwriter only and they can carry out the repairs.
5. Question
Why is dry-docking referred to as a major event in the maintenance of a
ship ?As a Chief Engineer explain different steps that need consideration
while planning a dry-docking project of a ship due for its first special
survey.
ANSWER:-
a. Dry docking is a process whereby a ship is brought into a dock which is then
emptied of sea water so that work can be performed on the exterior part of
the ship below the waterline.
b. The purpose of dry docking is to examine underwater hull and fittings,
assess their condition and carry out required repair and
c. As per M.S. cargo ship construction and survey rules (INDIA) 1991, every
vessel has to dry dock twice in 5 years in which the intermediate dry dock
should be at two and half years but can be extended up to 3 years.
Intermediate dry dock can be replaced by in water survey but ship has to be
dry docked at 5 years interval.
d. M.S. cargo ship construction and survey rules 1991 also states that propeller
shaft and the tube shaft driving screw propellers shall be withdrawn and
surveyed at intervals not exceeding two and half years, but Principal officer
can extend it up to 3 years. However, depending upon the tail shaft system
like oil bath or water bath, keyless propeller or keyed propeller, the survey
requirement can be extended.
e. Dry-docking is referred to as a major event in the maintenance of a ship due
to the Extent of survey/items to be examined during drydocking : -
i. Underwater hull up to load water line i.e., bottom and side shell for
damages, shell-opening edges for wasted and corners for possible
cracks.
ii. Rudder for damage and leakage, drain plugs to be opened to find evidence
of leakage, locate the leak by air/hydro-test, repair and retest, rudder
bearing condition including pintles, lock nut tightness and pintle clearance
and smoothness of rudder movements to ascertain if rudder is required to
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be removed for necessary repairs. Rudder trunk and stern frame for
general condition and possible damages/cracks.
iii. Condition of oil seals for stern glands, rope guards, extent of shaft drop
and condition of propeller blades, condition of storm valves, sea tubes, sea
inlet and outlet tubes and valves (if sea connections due for survey now or
before the next docking survey).
iv. Condition of sea chest gratings, compressed air/steam pipe condition
should be checked and condition of sacrificial anodes in sea chests should
be checked.
v. Condition of forward part of the vessel for chaffing with chains/damages
with anchors including those on bulbous should be verified.
vi. Condition of bilge keel for damages, possible cracks in way of bilge keel
butts and anodes should be verified.
vii. Chain cables if ranged and anchors if lowered, should be examined.
viii. If docking coincides with the special survey (i.e. within 15 months of due
date of Special Survey) the following SS items normally examined in dry
dock should be surveyed and credited towards special survey:
ix. Shell plating and TM (thickness measurement) of bottom shell if required.
x. Anchors & chains including calibration of cables.
xi. Chain lockers.
xii. Scuppers, sanitary discharges and valves.
xiii. No hot work is permitted in tankers and gas carriers without gas freeing
the tanks and vessels are clear from ports. As such repair list for docking
for these kind of ships should not only reflect defective items but also
items which are likely to be defective before next DS (Docking Survey),
i.e. within the next two and half years to avoid the vessel operating with a
large numbers of condition of class.
xiv. It is essential that not only dates for docking are planned, but also details
of repairs should be completed well before docking is due, discussed with
repair workshops. Materials ordered and made available before repairs
commenced.
xv. A properly planned docking would not only reduce the docking and repair
time but would also ensure proper repair at a lower cost.
Each classed vessel is subject to a specified programme of periodic surveys
after delivery. These are based on a five-year cycle and consist of annual
surveys, an intermediate survey and a class renewal/special survey.
Special Survey which must take place every five years and is a far more
thorough inspection of the ship, its machinery and fabric. Special Surveys
are costly, invariably requiring time in a drydock with the ship out of service
for some time, depending on what the classification surveyor discovers in his
inspection.
The Special Survey will see machinery dismantled to examine it for wear
and tear, the thickness of the plate checked for corrosion to ensure that it
remains within acceptable limits. The opportunity will be taken to examine
parts of the ship that cannot be inspected in normal circumstances. All the
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ship’s systems like refrigeration, electrical, control engineering and main and
auxiliary machinery will be examined. If the ship is a tanker or gas carrier,
the special items of equipment appertaining to the ship’s type, such as cargo
pumps and inert gas systems will be examined. In short, the Special Survey
may be likened to a major health check for a ship, as it gets older.
As dry dock is very important event in the ship’s life. It is very costly affair
too. So dry dock planning to be carried out in advance.
Chief engineer should consider following things while planning for dry
dock:-;
i. Prepare an official repair list, include proper photocopies of plans or
diagrams of parts to repair.Send the repair list to office. Also send the
list of repairs to be done by ship’s personnel.
ii. Ensure all plans are onboard.
a. dry dock plan
b. propeller push graph and plan
c. Rudder fitting diagram and plan
d. Tail shaft arrangement and plan
e. Steel plans (shell expansion plans, mid ship section plan,
scantlings and frame plan)
iii. Check painting requirement for hull and advise master accordingly for
raising requisition for paints.
iv. Check the; last anchor chain report and accordingly prepare for anchor
and anchor chain inspection.
v. Make a complete list of items to be surveyed and send it to
superintendent for arranging surveyor for this.
vi. See the enhanced survey report file and assess steel plate requirement
and report to superintendent.
vii. Carry out a gauging inspection / thickness measurement and establish
the scope of steel repairs.
6. Question
Differentiate between third party liability and contractual liability. When
may the ship seek to limit his liability? List the persons entitled to limit
liability and claims entrusted.
ANSWER:-
7. Question
What are the principles of modern salvage law? What is G.A, explain in
context of G.A
a) Entitlement
b) Artificial adjustment
c) Contestation
ANSWER:-
a) Salvage is the services rendered by a person who saves or helps to save a
maritime property in danger. A salvage operation will be a salvage operation
if and only if
a) The salvage service must be voluntary
b) The salvage service must be rendered to recognized subject of salvage
c) The subject of salvage must be in danger
d) The salvage service must be successful.
b) Modern salvage law is based on INTERNATIONAL CONVENTION ON
SALVAGE 1989, which replaced the 1910 convention which incorporated
the ‘no cure – no pay’ principle.
c) This means the salver was only awarded for his services when the operation
was successful. Although this basic philosophy worked in most cases, it did
not take pollution into account. A salver who prevented a major pollution
incident ( by towing a damaged tanker away from a environmentally
sensitive area) but did not managed to save the ship or cargo got nothing.
d) The 1989 convention seeks to remedy this deficiency by making provision
for an enhanced salvage award taking into account the skills and efforts of
salvers’ in preventing or minimizing damage to environment.
e) Article 14 of convention introduced a special compensation to be paid to
salvers who have failed to earn a reward in the normal way which is listed in
article 13.
f) If the salver by his salvage operation has prevented or minimized damage to
the environment, the special compensation payable by the owner to the
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If cargo has been sacrificed, ship owner must obtain security form other
cargo owners before discharging. The security may be in the form of
‘G.A bond’ or an under taking from the cargo under writer.
G.A is adjusted at the place where voyage terminates according to the
law applicable there, if there is no clause on general average in the
contact of carriage. The contract usually provides for G.A adjustment as
per rule G of York – Antwerp rules, 1994.
The adjustment is made by ‘average adjuster’ who is appointed by the
ship owner to collect all facts regarding incidents, collect guarantee from
various parties before cargo is discharged and to ensure payments of the
contributions.
The value of property scarified for the common safety and the
corresponding contributory values of the ship and remaining cargo are
measured as at the date of discharge or at the port of destination
i.e. a fraction x = G.A. expenses __________________________
total value of property saved at destination
Each contribution from party is calculated as the ‘fraction X’ multiplied by each
value of property saved.
4. CONTESTATION OF G.A
The principle and calculation of G.A has been the subject of dissatisfaction in
recent years for six main reasons.
1) Exoneration of carriers for fault of the crew as in regarding civil liability carriers
are liable for all damages due to fault of crew
2) The interpretation rule – gives numbered rules precedence over lettered rules, thus
four of the five basic principles of G.A in rule A has no effect if a lettered rule
contradicts any one of them
3) Emergence of marine insurance – all parties insure against G.A. contribution as the
risk involved is high
4) Expenses and delay in G .A. adjustments
5) Contribution collection problems
6) In case of small G.A – adjusters found it quite un-remunerable
8. Question
Apart from statutory surveys, what all other surveys can be undertaken by
a classification body for a ship? What are the limitation for limitation for
the society in these cases? Enlist them and emphasize how these cases are
taken care of.
ANSWER:-
9. Question
The Paris MOU committee adopted a new inspection regime NIR in 2009
by which a risk profile would be established for each ship based on type age
flag company history and psc detainment record. As chief engineer visiting
a port under Paris MOU how would you prepare your ship for the visit.
ANSWER:-
As on 1 January 2011, the Paris MOU initiated a new port state control
inspection regime.This inspection regime commits the Paris MOU States
to inspect all ships visiting ports and anchorages in the Paris MOU over a
three year period with increased inspection of High Risk Ships (HRS).
HRSs will be subject to expanded inspections every 6 months.
Ships with 3 or more Port State Control (PSC) detentions in the Paris
MOU region during a three year period will be banned. Under the New
Inspection Regime (NIR), quality ships will be rewarded with longer
inspection intervals.
The existing Paris MOU Target Factor system was replaced by the Ship
Risk Profile.
The Ship Risk Profile classifies ships as Low Risk Ships (LRS), Standard
Risk Ships (SRS), or High Risk Ships (HRS), depending on the Ship Risk
Profile.
The Ship Risk Profile is based on the following criteria, using information
from previous inspections of ships by Port States participating in the Paris
MOU over the last 3 years:
- type of ship (Passenger Ships, Bulk Carriers, Oil Tankers, Gas or Chemical
Tankers are given a higher risk number);
- age of ship (vessels over 12 years of age);
- performance of the flag of the ship, including undertaking Voluntary IMO
Member State Audit Scheme (VIMSAS); (Liberia is a low risk flag);
- performance of the recognized organization(s);
- performance of the company responsible for the ISM Management;
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Feb 2012.
1. Question
What do you understand by unseaworthy vessel within the meaning of the
MSA 1958 as amended? What according to you is the difference between
unseaworthy and unsafe ship.What are the obligation of the owner to crew
with respect seaworthiness.
ANSWER :-
In the M.S. Act 1958 of India as amended the meaning of unseaworthy ship and
unsafe ship is as follows:-
Under section 334 a ship is said to be unseaworthy "when the materials of
which she is made, her construction, the qualification of master, the number,
description and qualification of the crew including officers, the weight,
description and stowage of the cargo and ballast, the condition of her hull and
equipment, boilers and machinery are not such as to render her in every respect
fit for the proposed voyage or service."
Under section 336, unsafe ship may be defined an unsafe ship, that is to say, is
by reason of the defective condition of her hull, equipment or machinery, or by
reason of overloading or improper loading, unfit to proceed to sea without
serious danger to human life, having regard to the nature of service for which
she is intended.
Now we will discuss the difference of unseaworthy ship and unsafe ship in
details. First we will see the unseaworthy ship:-
1) A ship is unseaworthy, when the material which she is made and her
construction and design is faulty and not as per laid down regulation.
2) A ship is unseaworthy when its master, officers and crew are not qualified
and are not as per safe manning of the ship.
3) Not having enough certificates according to law make the ship unseaworthy.
4) A ship is said to be unseaworthy when the machinery or equipment is
missing which should have been installed as per any regulation.
5) An unseaworthy ship poses serious threat to human life.
6) A ship is said to be unseaworthy when its machinery or equipment is not able
to perform its duties for the intended voyage.
7) Wrong weight, description and stowage of cargo and ballast make the ship
unseaworthy for the voyage.
Now take the case of Unsafe ship:-
1) A ship is said to be unsafe, when the hull and equipment is temporarily
defective and the ship is unsafe for that proposed voyage.
2) A ship is said to be unsafe when its master, officers and crew are qualified
but do not follow the safe working practices.
3) Not maintaining the required provisions laid down in certificates can make
the ship unsafe during the voyage.
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2. Question
(a) List the objective of an ISM Internal Audit of a ship? How an internal
audit helps in Satisfactory External Audit of a vessel? What are dynamic
elements of the ISM Code which envisages continuous improvement of
safety management and pollution prevention?
(b) What do you understand by "Non-conformance". What is the
difference between a corrective action and preventive action?
ANSWER :-
II. It is a tool to monitor how well the SMS system is implemented on board
regarding the safety practices and pollution prevention activities, whether
companies safety and environmental policy is continually in requirement of
the ISM code.
III. To check whether plans and procedures are being followed.
IV. To check whether laws and regulation are being followed.
V. Any deficiencies as regards to below can be corrected :-
1. Procedure :- testing procedures for lifeboat engines, arrival / departure
procedure etc.
2. Personal :- Maintaining of training records , familiarisation with equipments
and their duties etc.
3. Documents :- Update for any recent changes incorporated like deletion of
concerned sections from ORB as regards to discharge through 15 PPM
equipment kept with concerned book, permit to work etc.
4. Corrective Action :- Reporting of near misses and SMS incorporated the
change etc.
5. Non – Conformities as per above.
The Dynamics of the ISM code which enable continuous improvement are
1. Personal: - Master Properly qualified and trained, ship is manned by
qualified, certified and medically fit seafarers, New personal are given
proper familiarisation with their duties. Personal involved in SMS should
have adequate understanding of relevant rules, regulations codes and
guidelines. Training safety drills, critical and emergency operation to be
given.
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3. Question
Differentiate the salient considerations taken during Survey of a ship under
1) Bare-boat charter, 2) Voyage charter & 3) Time charter.
As the Chief Engineer on board, explain with reasons, which of the three
Surveys is most demanding and exhaustive and why?
ANSWER :-
Bareboat charter:
1. Is a contract for the hire of a vessel for an agreed period during which the
charterers acquire most of the rights of the owners.
2. In essence the vessel owners put the vessel at the complete disposal of the
charters and pay the capital costs, but no other costs.
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3. The charters have commercial and technical responsibility for the vessel,
and pay all costs except capital costs.
4. There will be an agreement, that there will be an on hire survey. In the
case of new ship building the survey procedures can be done in the yard
itself according to the agreement. In other cases there is a thorough
examination considering the following points.
Bunkers on board
Stores & spares on board.
General condition of the vessel.
Certificates validity
Tanks condition
Sea worthiness.
5. As a Chief engineer, you are responsible for maintaining the equipment in
good condition. Bunker on board to be properly calculated and kept ready
for the surveyors to check.
6. Cleanliness and proper P.M.S. system has to be maintained in view of
seaworthiness.
7. It is a more stringent survey since the charter takes the responsibility of
the vessel in full respect except capital cost.
8. All crew members to be aware of the safety procedure and safe working
practices according to the company's quality management system. In this
regard proper training and briefing to be given before surveys.
9. If a second hand ship is taken over by a chief engineer and is being put on
a bareboat charter he should check following with respect to ship:-
1. Visual inspection of vessel
2. Seaworthiness
3. Documentation
4. Machinery condition
5. Pipeline condition
6. Underwater part
7. LSA and FFA items
8. Sounding of all tanks and calculate bunker, lub oil
9. Navigation equipment condition
10. Critical machineries inventory
11. Inventory of spares and stores
12. ORB ( last 3 years )
13. Master and Chief engineer log book
14. Ship sea trial if possible
15. Machinery survey records and PMS
16. Cargo hold condition
17. Insulation check of all motors and alternators.
Voyage Charter:
1. Is a contract for the carriage by a named vessel of a specified quantity of
cargo between named posts or places.
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2. The ship owner basically agrees that he will present the named vessel for
loading at the agreed place within an agreed period of time a following
loading, will carry the cargo to the agreed place, where he will deliver the
cargo.
3. The charter agrees to provide for loading, within the agreed period of
time, the agreed quantity of the agreed commodity, to pay the agreed
amount of freight, and to take delivery of the cargo at the destination
place.
4. In effect the charterers hire the cargo capacity of the vessel and not the
entire vessel.
5. The owner must provide the master and crew, act as carrier and pay all
running and voyage costs, unless the charter party specifically provides
otherwise.
6. The survey under voyage charter is not very strict as compared to other
charter party.
7. The charter mainly interested in sea worthiness and condition of the cargo
space. The surveyor checks for whether the vessel can carry the cargo of
particular quantity and to be able to discharge within an agreed period of
time.
8. As a Chief Engineer one should take care of cargo hold/ tank, cargo gear
condition. If any repairs are necessary to keep the same in good condition
that has to be carried-out. He has to prove that the ship is able to carry the
cargo safely and vessel able to reach in proper time which is agreed.
Time charter:
1. Is a contract for the hire of a named vessel for a specified period of time.
(The charters agree to hire from the ship owner a named vessel, of
specific technical characteristics, for an agreed period of time, for the
chatterers purposes subject to agreed restrictions. The hire period of time,
for the charters purposes subject to agreed restrictions. The hire period
may be the duration of one voyage (a "trip charter") or anything up to
several years ("period charters")).
2. The ship owner is responsible for vessels running expenses i.e., manning
repairs and maintenance, stores, masters and crew‘s wages, hull and
machinery insurance, etc. He operates the vessel technically, but not
commercially.
3. The owner bears no cargo handling expenses and do not normally appoint
stevedores. The charters are responsible for the commercial employment
of the vessel, bunker fuel purchase and insurance, port and canal dues
(including pilot age, towage, linesmen etc.), and all loading stowing /
trimming / discharging arrangements and costs.
4. On-hire survey and delivery certificate:
There will be usually agreements that there will be an on-hire survey or
delivery survey to establish. –
Bunkers remaining on board (R.O.B.) in order to determine the quantity
the chatterers will have to pay the owners for.
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4. Question
State the circumstances which may lead to suspension or withdrawal of
class explain the terms (i) period of class (ii) anniversary date (iii) survey
time window (iv) memoranda (v) recommendations
ANSWER :-
The Society will withdraw the class of a ship in the following cases:
Anniversary date :-
Anniversary date means the day and month of each year corresponding to the
expiry date of the classification certificate.
Condition of class.
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5. Question
How many types of warranties are there in Marine Insurance? Give an
example of each type with reference to a hull and machinery policy of
insurance [Express, Disbursement, Seaworthiness, warranty of Legality]
ANSWER :-
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(b) Legality: There is an implied warranty that the adventure insured (voyage
time are mixed policy) is lawful and that so far as the assured can control it. The
adventure will be carried out in a lawful manner. If the adventure is illegal at the
time of the insurance is affected, the policy will be void.
6. Question
Write short notes on the following:
(a) Lloyd's Open Form (b) General Average (c) Particular Average. (d)
BILL OF LADDING. (e) Treaty, Convention and Protocol.
ANSWER :-
Measure of success
Nature and degree of danger
Time / Expense
Risk / Liabilities
Promptness of service
State of readiness
If any other vessels in operation Etc.
Article 14 talks about the special compensations to be paid to the salver
even if they are not successful in their operation, as a measure of saving
the environment. As per the article 14 the minimum special compensation
will be ―out of pocket expenses plus 30% of that.
In any case article 13 can be duplicated, i.e, Award as per article 14 is
more than article 13, and then the total award will be article 13 plus the
difference between two. Claims as per article 13 is a part of GA and
article 14 will be paid by P&I.
LOF -2000 has a supplementary clause called SCOPIC. SCOPIC is done
as per tariff. It is a choice to the salver, but owner can deny. As per the
SCOPIC when salver gives a notice, owner has to give a bank guarantee
to the salver to perform. The owner will appoint a Ship casualty
representative (SCR) at the location for logging down all the day to day
works and machinery operations done under SCOPIC.
(e) Treaty
1. A treaty is a written international agreement between two states (a bilateral
treaty) or between a number of states (a multilateral treaty), which is binding
in international law.
2. In relation to shipping matters, the chief international treaty-making bodies
are an internationally accepted organization such as the United Nations or
one of its agencies, such as IMO, ILO, WHO or ITU.
3. A treaty normally enters into force in accordance with criteria incorporated
into the treaty itself, e.g. 1 year after a stipulated number of states have
acceded to it (by signature of a government representative).
4. A treaty signed by a state government generally has no effect in the national
law of the state until there has been an act of ratification or accession and the
treaty has been incorporated by statute into the national law of the state.
Conventions:
a. Means coming together for a common objective
b. Earlier convention was regularly employed for bilateral agreements.
Now convention are multilateral treaty documents and are the chief
instruments of IMO being binding legal instrument regulating some
aspects of maritime affairs of major concern of IMO.
c. Conventions are identified by the name and year of adoption by the
assembly. Eg: Marpol 73.
d. They have technical/ provisions attached in annexes. Eg: Annexes in
Marpol.
e. They have technical provisions in an associated code. Eg: LSA code.
Protocol:
They are important treaty instruments made where major amendments are
required to be made to a convention which, although already adopted has not
yet entered in to force. Eg: Marpol 73/78. i.e, Marpol convention adopted in
1973 and protocol made on 1978 before it came into force.
7. Question
Give a brief history and necessity towards formation of UNCLOS? What
are its important highlights? Under context explain (i) Territorial sea (ii)
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Contiguous Zone (iii) Exclusive Economic Zone (iv) Continental Self (v)
High Seas
ANSWER :-
Oceans always have been a prime source of nourishment for life. Climate
and weather changes depend on the interplay between oceans and the
atmosphere. They also serve as a convenient medium for trade, commerce,
exploration, adventure and discovery.
Attempts were made to regulate the use of ocean by conventions acceptable to
all nations. The UN has made considerable progress in developing and
codifying the laws of the sea. There UNCLOS (United Nations Convention on
the Law of the Seas) have been convened.
UNCLOS I at Geneva in 1958
UNCLOS II at Geneva in 1960
UNCLOS III was at GENEVA in 1974 which discussed issues on navigation,
pollution and the breadth of territorial waters. It entered into force on 16th Nov
1994. UNCLOS provides a universal frame work for the management of marine
resource such as environmental control, marine scientific research, economic
and commercial activities, transfer of technology and settlement of disputes
relating to ocean matters. UNCLOS is a treaty of 446 articles grouped under17
part heading and 9 annexes.
The pollution of a marine environment may be defined as the introduction
of substances directly or indirectly which results in the effects such as harm to
the living resources and maritime life, hazard to the health of any legitimate
user or sea changing the quality of sea water and reduction in amenities. The
marine pollution may originate and cause damage to any geographic area, from
land to mid sea. One of the functions of UNCLOS is to allocate responsibility to
states for setting some standards and enforcing the same standards in various
maritime zones to reduce/control the sources of pollution.
UNCLOS deals with six sources of pollution.
1. Land Based Sources: States are placed under the obligation to tackle
pollution from land based sources to rivers. Although the adoption of national
legislation for the establishment of the global and regional rules, taking into
account, never the economy of a developing country and the need for economic
development will not have hundred percent control.
2. Pollution from Sea bed activities: This section deals with marine pollution
resulting from the exploration and exploitation of the continental shelf. The
coastal state should lay some measures to safeguard the living resources from
harmful substances in the area surrounding their offshore platforms and
structures.
3. Pollution from the ―activities in the Area‖: The ―area‖ refers to the sea bed
beyond the continental shelf where exploration and exploitation can takes place.
States should enforce some rules to control the activities of the vessels and
installations flying their flag.
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4. Pollution by dumping: It is the deliberate disposal of waste from ships and air
crafts or any man made structure at sea. UNCLOS envisage a combination of
national and international legislation to prevent pollution from dumping.
National legislation should ensure that no dumping is occurred without the prior
permission of competent national authority. Dumping in the territorial sea,
contiguous zone and EEZ may not be carried out with out the permission of
coastal state.
5. Pollution through Atmosphere: This deals with the pollution of atmosphere
from ships and aircrafts.
6. Pollution from vessels: This deals with the pollution of sea by discharge of
oily water and also more harmful pollution caused by sewage, garbage,
insecticides, herbicides, radioactive wastes etc.
HIGH SEAS:
These are all part of the sea that are not included in the exclusive economic
zone, territorial sea or in the internal waters of a state or in the archipelagic
waters of an archipelagic state.
High seas are open to all states for freedom of navigation, freedom of over
flight, freedom to lay submarine cables and pipelines, freedom to construct
artificial islands and installations, freedom of fishing freedom of scientific
research.
High seas shall be reserved for peaceful purposes. Other high seas precautions
are prevention of slave trade, piracy, seizure of ships, illicit narcotics,
trafficking and unauthorized broad casting
For enforcement purposes, there are provisions for relevant rights of visit,
seizure, arrests and hot pursuits.
8. Question
As Chief Engineer on board stress the issues you will address for lack of
motivation, differences in attitude and to increase sense of competitiveness
for better management and effective control?
Also formulate a flow chart for a work programme to be availed within a
target date from a group of Engine Room Personnel of above mentioned
mixed thought processes.
ANSWER :-
Man is a social animal and to make him work in isolation will lead to
dissatisfaction and unnecessary stress. Companies often employ multinational
crew, which may lead to potential conflicts. In order to improve profitability,
companies try to reduce the number of crews on board to a minimum. In case
everything works properly, there is no perceived problem. In case something
should go wrong, the manpower available is not sufficient to deal
with the problem. This is one of the main reasons leading to stress, which would
either be physical or psychological.
Reasons leading to physical stress & then to lack of motivation could be
reduction in manpower on ships to reduce costs or frequent calling at ports. This
leads to an imbalance in the human biological clock, when working/rest hours
(in port) are different from those at sea...
Duties in ports may require far more physical effort and longer working hours
due to the work load – completing the work to sail.
Therefore officers and crew members, working in above environment, will
reveal typical symptoms of fatigue. Reasons leading to de-motivation could be:-
I. Problems at home/family end
II. Not being relieved on time which could lead to home sickness.
III. Differences of opinion among colleagues
IV. Job pressures
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9. Question
As a Chief Engineer on a UMS vessel scheduled to make a voyage from
India to the U.S. Coast; list the salient items you will inspect including
propulsion machinery to ensure making a satisfactory voyage. Also list the
documents the ship will keep handy to successfully undergo port State
control inspection on arrival.
ANSWER:-
7. Ensure the correct use of reception facilities; inadequate facilities noted and
reported by the master to the flag state.
8. Ensure the responsible personnel are familiar with the procedures for
handling sludge and bilge water.
5. Fire drills and Fire equipment:
Confirm that all crew members can activate the fire alarm and know the
locations of switches and are familiar with the documented procedures for
reporting a fire to the bridge and actions to be taken
Check whether all the fire fighting parties promptly muster at the
designated stations when the alarm is sounded, during a ‗simulated‘ fire
drill. Confirm that all crew members are able to demonstrate the correct
use of the appropriate fire fighting equipment
Ensure the following items are functioning correctly:-
a. fire doors, including remote operation
b. fire dampers and smoke flaps
c. quick closing valves
d. emergency stops of fans and fuel oil pumps
e. fire detection and fire alarm system
f. main & emergency fire pumps
6. Communication:
Ensure that all key personnel are able to communicate & understand each
other‘s signals during drills.
7. Documents to keep ready for USCG inspection at arrival:
1. Oil record book
2. garbage record book
3. All relevant certificates as per the conventions
4. All certificates related to the competency of crew
5. Cargo related certificates
6. SMC and copy of DOC
7. Ballast water management plan
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JAN 2012
1. Question
How will you prepare your ship for a renewal survey of IAPPC
International Air Pollution Prevention Certificate!
Explain with specific emphasis on the records and documents to be
maintained, Enumerate general requirements for shipboard incinerators,
as mentioned in Annex VI of MARPOL 73/78
ANSWER :-
MARPOL 73/78 Annex VI Regulations for the prevention of Air Pollution from
ships applies to all ships greater than or equal to 400 gross tonnage and to have
an IAPP ( For renewal survey of IAPP certificate the following things as per
Annex VI should be considered. Prior to issuance of certificate the flag state or
RO will need to confirm compliance with the applicable regulations contained
within the annex. The certificate continuity validity will require annual,
intermediate and renewal surveys to be satisfactorily carried out.
For renewal of IAPP certificate preparation will lie in the fact that
vessel is complying with the regulations of annex VI. So, preparation regarding
to different regulations under annex VI will be :-
1. Sight the EIAPP certificate and Check that a approved Technical file is
maintained and include onboard verification procedure for all applicable
diesel engine on board.
2. Verify Record book of engine parameters for all diesel engines is updated.
Check that the following is updated in the file:
- changes to NOx emission related adjustable engine settings
- changes to NOx emission related engine components.
3. Confirm that NOX influencing components for diesel engines are provided
with manufacturer's identification code.
4. Confirm NOx emission related engine settings for diesel engines in order.
5. Regulation 14:- Sulphur Oxides SOx
1. Verify that the sulphur content of fuels is not above 4.5%, m/m and for fuels
to be used inside SECAs is not above 1%.m/m
2. Confirm satisfactory installation and documentation for fuel switching
arrangements between low and normal sulphur content fuel.
3. Verify the log-book for operation of fuel oil systems with low-sulphur fuel
oils (SECA), is updated and in compliance.
4. Verify operation of Exhaust gas cleaning system, if fitted.
5. Regulation 15 :- VOC
1. Applicable for tankers only when entering ports where this is required.Verify
VOC return system certification and Vapour emission control system manual
on board.
2. Confirm condition of vapour collection system. Check Vapour collecting
piping including drains and valves, marking and flanges at manifold.
Test level gauging system, overflow control systems including visual and
audible alarms, and high and low pressure alarms.
5. Regulation 16:- Shipboard Incineration
1. Get an overview of Incinerators requiring type approval Incinerator installed
after 2000-01-01to be approved according to resolution MEPC 76(40),
2. Check the Certificate and operation manual on board.
3. Verify satisfactory operation Check proper functioning of Alarm and Trips
4. Verify instruction for operation posted, warning and instruction plates, and
that manufacturers name, incinerator model number/type and capacity in
heat units per hour is permanently marked on the incinerator.
5. Check drip trays under burners, pumps and strainers should be free of oil
deposits.
6. Check list of materials not to be incinerated is posted near the incinerator.
6. Regulation 18 : – Fuel Oil Quality
1. Verify bunker delivery notes onboard and with correct content.
2. Verify that each bunker delivery note is accompanied by a representative
sample.
3. Samples to be kept onboard until the fuel oil is substantially consumed,
and for minimum 12 months. Every BDN is to be accompanied by a
representative MARPOL sample of min.400 ml. The label of the sample
should be traceable to the BDN.
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2. Question
What are the significant SOLAS amendments coming into force in 2012?
With reference to SOLAS 2010 amendment, discuss "International Goal
Based Ship Construction standards?
MEO CLASS I DEEPESH MERCHANT
ANSWER:-
1. 1 January 2012: Entry into force of May 2010 amendments to SOLAS
Goal-based standards
International Goal based Ship Construction Standards for Bulk Carriers and
Oil Tankers, along with amendments to Chapter II-1. The new SOLAS
regulation II-1/3-10 will apply to oil tankers and bulk carriers of 150m in
length and above. It will require new ships to be designed and constructed
for a specified design life and to be safe and environmentally friendly, in
intact and specified damage conditions, throughout their life. Under the
regulation, ships should have adequate strength, integrity and stability to
minimize the risk of loss of the ship or pollution to the marine environment
due to structural failure, including collapse, resulting in flooding or loss of
watertight integrity.
Corrosion and fire protection
A new SOLAS regulation II-1/3-11 on Corrosion protection of cargo oil
tanks of crude oil tankers, to require all such tanks to be protected against
corrosion, with related performance standards also adopted.
Amendments to SOLAS regulation II-2/4.5.7 on Gas measurement and
detection and to SOLAS regulation II-2/7.4.1 relating to fixed fire detection
and fire alarm systems. Amendments to the International Code for Fire
Safety Systems (FSS Code).
1st July 2016. In the absence of building contract keel laid on/after 1st July
2017. And whose delivery is on/after 1st July 2020.
3. IMO Goal based standards are:-
a. Broad, overarching safety, environmental and/or security standards
that ships are required to meet during their lifecycle.
b. The required level to be achieved by the requirements applied by
classification societies, other RO, administration and IMO.
c. Clear, demonstrable, verifiable, long standing, implementable and
achievable, irrespective of ship design and technology.
d. Specific enough in order not to be open to differing interpretation.
4. These basic principles were developed to be applicable to all goal based new
ship construction standard. In the near future IMO may develop goal based
standards for other areas e.g. machinery, equipment, fire protection etc.
5. The committee agreed in principle on a five tier system.
TIER 1 :- GOALS –
Ships are to designed and constructed for a specified design life to be safe
and environmentally friendly when properly operated and maintained under
the specified operating and environmental condition, in intact and specified
damage condition, throughout their life.
Here safety also includes the ship structure being arranged to
provide safe access, escape, inspection and proper maintenance.
TIER 2:- FUNCTIONAL REQUIRMENT ----
A set of requirements relevant to the functions of the ship structure is to be
complied with in order to meet the above mentioned goals. It consists of:-
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a)DESIGN:--
a. Design life :- 25 years design life
b. Environmental condition:- North Atlantic environment
c. Structural strength:- Suitable safety margin at net scantling
d. Fatigue life:- 25 years fatigue life in north Atlantic
e. Residual strength:- Sufficient
f. Protection against corrosion:- Coating design life specified.
g. Structural redundancy
h. Water tight and weather tight integrity
i. Human element consideration
j. Design transparency
b) CONSTRUCTION:-
k. Construction quality procedures
l. Survey
c) IN SERVICE CONSIDERATION:-
13) Survey and maintenance
14) Structural accessibility
d) RECYCLING CONSIDERATION:-
15) Recycling
TIER 3:- VERIFICATION OF COMPLIANCE
It provides the instruments necessary for demonstrating that the
detailed requirement in TIER 4 and TIER 5 comply with TIER 1 goals and
TIER 2 functional requirements. Verification process is:-
1) RO or administration submits request for verification of its rule.
2) IMO appointed audit teams review.
3) Report of audit team goes to MSC
4) MSC takes decision on conformity with GBS
TIER 4:- Technical procedures and guidelines, including national and
international guidelines.
TIER 5:- Industry standard, codes of practices and safety and quality
systems for ship building, operation, maintenance, training etc.
SHIP CONSTRUCTION FILE:- it will contain the specific information on
how the functional requirements of the GBS have been applied in ship design
and construction. It shall be provided upon delivery of a new ship, and kept
on board a ship and/or ashore. It should be updated as appropriate throughout
ship’s life. Contents of SCF shall at least conform to the guidelines.
3. Question
Any capital acquisition activity, like a ship acquisition, may be regarded as
a four step process. Identify the four Steps and briefly explain the activities
found in each of these steps.
Also, there are six methods of ship acquisition. Name them and briefly
describe them.
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ANSWER :-
As ship owner forecast the growth of their business to accomplish this they
order ship or ships. The building of ships involves the expenditures of enormous
amounts of money. Ships are usually built in lot sizes of several or more.
The individual cost of ships drops dramatically with the first seven to ten
identical ships. Ship owners often order ships 4, 8, 10, 12 or even 20 at a time.
Hence if each ship costs tens or hundreds of millions of dollars, an order for a
fleet of ships can be monumental.
It is therefore necessary that the acquisition be carried out in a very disciplined,
businesslike and well planned manner, using all the best practices of project and
program management.
The ship acquisition process consists of four distinct steps or phases, namely
a. Planning
b. Design
c. Commercial
d. Production (and post production)
1. Planning:-
Planning is the starting place. This is not just planning but more popular
management term “ strategic planning ”. This phrase involves defining the
goals and the methods the methods to achieve the goals . The planning
process would involve
Analysis of environment
Strategy development
Implementation of strategy.
Applying it business of shipping, the team dedicated to planning should
conduct rates, global economical issues. At the end of planning phase the
owner should have a clear knowledge of fleet size required, ship type and
size required and time frame to acquire the same. The demand forecasting
must be accomplished.
2. Design :-
The second major phase in a ship acquisition program relates to DESIGN.
Design, while having many meanings, in this context means to prepare
engineering drawings, specifications and to support these with calculations and
experimental testing as required. The design phase forms a transition from the
requirements of the planning phase.
It is the point at which the center of effort shifts from management science to
engineering, particularly, naval architecture and marine engineering.
The engineering phase of the ship acquisition process progresses through
distinct and increasingly more definitive stages.
Design Includes
• Industry standards
• Classification society rules
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• Governmental regulations
• Manufacturers’ specifications
• Shipbuilder’s design detail standards
The engineering phase of the ship acquisition process progresses through
distinct and increasingly more definitive stages.
The CPCD Design Sequence
• Concept
• Preliminary
• Contract
• Detailed
3. Commercial :-
The third phrase in the ship acquisition process mainly involves commercial
activity. It includes bidding, negotiating, contracting and financing. This third
phase requires the expertise of professionals in these areas.
The commercial phase essentially consists of the following steps:
COMMERCIAL
• Selection of yards for invitation
• Request for expression of interest
• Invitation to bid
• Bid analysis invitation to bid
• Pro-forma contact invitation to bid
• Negotiations
• Financing
• Contracting
[ Factors in Selecting Yards for Invitation ]
• Physical characteristics
• Technical capabilities
• Experience
• Order book
• Employment
• Location
• Ability to assist financing
• Reputation
• References
In this phase two factors must be carefully calculated and monitored namely
IRR ( internal rate of return )
NPV ( net present valve )
The project would be feasible only if the rate of return of the invested capital is
more than the rate of investment.
4. Production :-
The fourth phase in the ship acquisition process involves the owner’s activities
during PRODUCTION. Immediately following the signing of the contract, the
initiative in the process shifts from the buyer (ship owner) to the seller
(shipyard). While the center of effort lies with the yard, nevertheless, there are a
number of important tasks, which a prudent ship owner must carry out or
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4. Question
Discuss the peculiar working environments in which ships operate and how
they influence decisions on ships maintenance policies.
ANSWER :-
5. Question
Differentiate between third party liability and contractual liability. When
may the ship seek to limit his liability? List the persons entitled to limit
liability and claims entrusted.
ANSWER :-
third party gets affected, then liability towards the third party is called third
party liability. E.g. compensation required to pay the affected coast during
oil pollution becomes third party liability.
4. There is no such agreement between ship owner and coast, but coast gets
affected due to pollution. So, ship owner takes P&I insurance cover in
respect to third party liability during ship operation.
CONTRACTUAL LIABILITY:-
1. During any agreement both parties agree for certain terms and conditions for
achieving particular goals and interests. So some liabilities are set towards
achieving goals. As agreement is signed by them, the liabilities are called
contractual liability.
2. Liability does not come in picture if everything runs smoothly but if
anything goes wrong, then liability comes into picture. Hence contractual
liability is because of a contract, where involved parties agree usually in
writing, to take on the liability of someone else, otherwise there would not
have been a liability.
3. This form of agreement where one party takes on the liability of another by
contract is commonly termed as “Holder harmless” or indemnity agreement.
Contractual liability is the express liability namely charter party, bill of
lading, cargo insurance, contractual salvage, charterer agreement, towage
e.t.c.
4. Here the liability is documented for specific occasion and specific time.
Contractual liability claim settlement takes place in a judiciary, arbitration,
tribunal as in agreement.
LIMITATION OF LIABILITY:-
a. A ship owner who as unlimited liability might be faced with a claim of
such magnitude that it would bankrupt him and discourage him ( and
other owner) from further participation in international trade.
b. In respect of various maritime claim brought against ship owner,
therefore, the ship owner, if found liable is entitled to limit his liability to
the claimant.
c. This right has been enshrined in ‘CONVENTION ON LIMITATION OF
LIABILITY FOR MARITIME CLAIMS 1976’. A ship owner may seek
to limit his liability under article 2 of 1976 convention and this includes:-
1) Claims in respect of loss of life or personal injury or loss of or damage to
property, occurring on board or in direct connection with the operation of the
ship or with salvage operation.
2) Claims in respect of loss resulting from delay in carriage by sea of cargo,
passenger or their luggage.
3) Claims in respect of other loss resulting from infringement of rights other
than contractual rights, occurring in direct connection with the operation of ship
or salvage operation.
4) Claims in respect of raising, removal, destruction or rendering harmless of a
ship which is sunk, wrecked, stranded or abandoned, including anything that is
or has been on board such ships.
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6. Question
Illustrate the provision kept towards establishing procedures for
identification and testing of "critical" equipment under ISM Code. How
the list of critical equipment and systems are made and on what factors are
they dependent?
ANSWER :-
1. A new chapter management for the safe operation of ships was added to
SOLAS and the amendments introducing the new chapter IX entered into
force on 1st July 1998. The chapter made mandatory the International
Safety Management Code which established the following objectives:
a. to provide for safe practices in ship operation and a safe working
environment
b. to establish safeguards against all identified risks
c. to continuously improve safety management skills of personnel, including
preparing for emergencies
7. Question
With reference to port PSC enumerate on the following (i) Regional co-
operation/ agreements (ii) Future of PSC (iii) Is PSC an effective tool for
ship safety?
ANSWER :-
1. The impact of PSC on ship‘s and ship owners has grown with concern
members of regional PSC group are becoming more organized and
professional in this approach to inspections investigations. When detention
occurs the name of the ship is publicly announced and quoted in their
regional shipping magazines.
2. Ships with history of detention will find it increasingly difficult to trade
unless they & their companies gear up fully to the inspection criteria laid by
PSC.
3. There is a prospect of a Global Post State Control being formed, wherein the
exchange of information harmonization of procedures as well as training will
take place worldwide.
4. As more and more statistics and data are gathered and exchanged, by
different PSC secretariats, substandard shipping operations all over the
world will reduce.
5. These experiences will also provide maritime community with the
opportunity to analyze better the reasons of accidents and causalities so that
they can be prevented from occurring again.
6. In the shipping industry, there has been a long tradition of secrecy resulting
in problems being hidden and ignored than revealed and solved. As a result
of the above developments in the PSC, it is possible that there may be slow
change from the attitude of secrecy to transparency and openness.
(iii) Is PSC an effective tool for ship safety
1. PSC is exercised for the purpose of verifying that the condition of ship and
its equipments comply with the requirement of certain international maritime
conventions and the ship is manned and operated in compliance with the
applicable national law.
2. By provision of UNCLOS flag state has been given the primary
responsibility for ensuring that a ship is equipped, operated, maintained and
manned in accordance with Maritime International conventions. However,
some flag states have been unwilling or unable to carry out their
international conventions. A PSC inspection is thus, the second line of
defence to prevent substandard ships from operating.
3. Port states control is an international initiative for reduction of substandard
ships.
4. YES, it can be an effective tool. Most IMO conventions like STCW, ISM,
LOADLINE, SOLAS, MARPOL etc, come under the ambit of Port State
Control. Their inspectors have the authority as deputed by IMO to ensure
that vessels visiting their ports are compliant w.r.t. the various IMO
conventions. Hence they can definitely ensure that ships are safe and
environment friendly. Their powers to detain or threaten to detain ships on
various grounds, forces ships to be safe.
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8. Question
In an unfortunate incident of Main Engine Crank case explosion on your
vessel, the main engine was badly damaged and two engine room personnel
suffered serious injuries. Explain how you will present the vessel for
subsequent inspections by P&I and H&M insurance companies with
special emphasis on the records and documents required in each case to
ensure that only genuine claims are honoured.
ANSWER :-
1. In spite of taking all safety measures and following all correct procedures,
sometimes unfortunate incidents do occur on board a ship. These result in
personal injuries and machinery damage.
2. After every incidence, investigations take place and insurance claims are
raised. The insurance underwriters appoint damage surveyors who come on
board and do their investigation. In the process of doing it, they ask for all
the relevant documents.
3. Suppose a main engine crankcase explosion has taken place on your ship in
which main engine was badly damaged and two engine room personnel
suffered serious injuries.
4. Now, you will have to present your vessel for subsequent inspections by P&I
and H&M insurance companies.We will see step by step what all should be
done after the incidence:-
1. Take care of persons injured:-
Since persons are seriously injured, give them first aid and ask for medical
advice from a rescue centre. Give the information to owner and charterer and
seek their advice. If the vessel needs to divert and make a emergency port of
call take permission from owner and charterer. But since main engine is also
badly damaged the vessel will need emergency towing. Give notice to agent
and P&I correspondent at the nearest port. They will arrange for the salvage
assistance. Enter in the port. Injured personnel to be transported to hospital
and later on they can be repatriated. All the medical treatment given to the
personnel should be chronologically documented in the medical book.
2. Reporting of incidence to:-
The incident should be reported to following without delay
Administration
Owner
Class
P&I correspondent
H&M broker
MAS centre
3. Record keeping:-
Time, date, place and cause of injury should be recorded. The evidence
should be preserved and a witness statement should be taken. Write down all
important medical condition and drugs that were given to the person. The
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persons injured were wearing PPEs or not. Take the statement of injured
personnel as soon as possible if they are in position of giving one. The most
important report in case of personnel injuries is Master’s report. It is an
important evidence to judge whether the injury is work related or not. Photos
of sites and other evidence should be preserved.
4. Necessary documents and records required to honor only genuine
claims
In case of P&I surveyor following documents should be kept ready:-
1. Master statement of fact
2. Witness report
3. Injured person statement
4. Communication with the owners, managers, medical advisors and
authorities.
5. Deviation report
6. Photos of place of evidence
7. Medical report book relating to important medical condition and all the
drugs that were given to personnel
8. Evidence showing personnel wearing PPEs
9. Injured personnel familiarization with machinery form duly signed by him.
10.Safety instructions explained.
All the above documents will be required by the surveyor appointed by H&M
underwriter. After the survey a damage survey report will be made. Now the
main engine will be repaired. And after that claims will be settled. Depending
upon the nature of insurance and the clauses inducted repairs can either be
carried out by owner and later the claims can be settled or repair tender can be
floated by H&M underwriter only and they can carry out the repairs.