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ENGINE OPERATIONAL
COMPETENCE # 1
MAINTAIN A SAFE ENGINEERING WATCH
1. Which of the following statement is/are not safety precaution of gas welding in acetylene tank?
A. Keep the valve cap off when not in use
B. Store valve end up
C. Away from combustible materials or sources of heat
D. Store cylinders in well ventilated, protected and dry location
Ans: A

2. When there is a fire in an electric motor, normally the first step is to ___________.
A. ventilate area to remove the smoke
B. start the fire pump and lead out hoses
C. apply foam extinguisher
D. secure the electrical supply
Ans: D

3. You are standing watch in the engine room of a steam vessel. Adjustments to the boiler
combustion control system, to bring about near perfect combustion, should be made by
adjusting the __________.
A. fuel oil back pressure
B. air volume regulators
C. fuel/air ratio knob
D. forced draft fan damper positions
Ans: C

4. Which steam plant operating condition requires priority attention over the other situations
listed?
A. High level of lube oil in the refrigeration compressor
B. High water level in the deareating feedwater heater
C. Low level effluent in chlorination section of sewage tank
D. High water level in the fuel oil sludge tank
Ans: B

5. If one fuel oil strainer of a duplex unit becomes clogged while the vessel is steaming at sea,
the first action is to __________.
A. open the strainer bypass valve
B. change the oil flow over to the clean side
C. clean the dirty strainer as quickly as possible
D. stop the fuel oil service pump
Ans: B

6. Which of the following conditions should be immediately reported to the engineering officer on
watch?
A. Steam leaving the vent of the gland exhaust condenser.
B. Lube oil passing through the bull's eye of the gravity tank overflow line.
C. Water trickling in through the stern gland.
D. Oil in the drain inspection tank.
Ans: D

7. As a watchstander you should know that some auxiliaries are not designed to handle steam at
boiler pressure. Which of the following devices is usually fitted in the branch line to deliver
steam at the correct pressure?
A. An orifice
B. A steam pressure reducing valve
C. A nozzle valve
D. A constant quantity regulating valve
Ans: B

8. When securing a fuel oil heater, you should __________.

A. open the fuel oil temperature regulator bypass, widely
B. stop the oil flow and then cut out the steam
C. remove all fuel oil pressure from the system by securing the service pump
D. cut out the steam before securing the oil flow
 Ans: D

9. Despite troubleshooting the system, the watch engineer has been unable to transfer fuel to
the settler while underway. As the settler level is becoming dangerously low, the engineer
should now __________.
A. repeat all the steps he has taken
B. call out other engineers for assistance
C. utilize a portable rubber impeller transfer pump
D. secure each propulsion boiler
Ans: B

10. Cracked cylinder liner of a 2-stroke engine is indicated by___________.

A. black smoke
B. low compression pressure
C. hunting of jacket cooling water pressure
D. excessive loss of lubricating oil
Ans: C

11. If the fire ignites in the engine room as a result of a high pressure fuel oil leak, you should first
______.
A. secure the ventilation
B. find a soda acid extinguisher
C. secure the generator
D. shut off the fuel supply
Ans: D

12. While on watch aboard a 900 psi steam vessel, you suddenly hear a loud, piercing, high-
pitched noise. Which of the following actions should you take?
A. Vacate everyone from the engine room immediately, as this is the preliminary
signal that the steam smothering system is about to be released.
B. Rapidly move towards the direction of the noise to investigate the probable
source.
C. Cautiously move towards the source of the noise, sweeping the beam of your
flash light ahead of you.
D. Move away from the noise to find a broom, then cautiously advance,
sweeping the handle ahead of you to locate the source.
Ans: D

13. As soon as a diesel engine has started, which of the listed engine operating parameters should
be checked FIRST?
A. Exhaust temperatures
B. Raw water pressure
C. Lube oil pressure
D. Air box pressure
Ans: C

14. All ships with periodically unattended machinery plants shall, in addition to the general alarm
required by Coast Guard Regulations (46 CFR), be provided with a/an __________.
A. engineer's assistance-needed alarm
B. accommodation space communication system
C. personnel alarm
D. All of the options
Ans: D

15. You would not see a flow through the sight glass of the lube oil gravity tank overflow line when
the __________.
A. main engines are secured and the turning gear is engaged
B. main engines are turning at normal sea speed
C. the lube oil service pumps are secured
D. main engines are stationary at a stop bell
Ans: C

16. No lube oil appearing in the sight glass (bull's eye) of a gravity type system is a positive
indication of __________.
A. no oil flowing to the bearings
B. no oil is overflowing the gravity tank
C. failure of all lube oil pumps

1 COMPETENCE # 1 MAINTAIN A SAFE ENGINEERING WATCH

 D. the gravity tanks being empty
Ans: B

17. In the execution of a standard UMS-check, the engineer on duty is experiencing a "low water
level" ALARM in a cooling water expansion tank. What will be the appropriate action?
A. To refill the tank and the entire system is checked for leakages
B. The alarm should be blocked and the engine room is changed to manual
mode
C. The set point for the level alarm in the tank is temporarily readjusted for later
action
D. None of the stated options
Ans: A

18. What is the proper way of storing an oxygen and acetylene cylinders?
A. Upright with the cylinder caps off
B. Upright with the cylinder caps screwed on
C. Horizontal with the cylinder caps off
D. Horizontal with the cylinder caps screwed on
Ans: D

19. Which steam plant watch operating condition requires priority attention over the other
conditions listed?
A. High level main condenser
B. High lube oil storage tank level
C. Low sewage tank chlorination section level
D. Vapor issuing from deaerating heater vent
Ans: A

20. Dark exhaust gas from the engine is caused by ______.

A. too much lubricating oil in one or more cylinder
B. engine overload
C. engine running too cold
D. water in a cylinder
Ans: B

21. In which of the following lube oil lines should you expect to find an illuminated sight glass
(bull's-eye)?
A. Lube oil pump suction
B. Lube oil pump discharge
C. Gravity tank discharge
D. Gravity tank overflow
Ans: D

22. To ensure that a bearing is receiving the proper oil supply, you should check the
_______________.
A. lube oil return flow valve
B. sight flow glass in the bearing oil supply line
C. bull's eye in the gravity tank overflow
D. lube oil temperature at the cooler outlet
Ans: B

23. Upon taking over the watch while vessel is operating at sea speed you find the D.C. heater
level to be dropping slowly. Which components should be checked immediately?
A. Auxiliary condenser recirculation valve. Failure to properly set may prevent
proper flow through the condensate line.
B. Makeup feed valve. Improper operation may prohibit the necessary addition
of distilled water to the system.
C. D.C. heater spill valve. If this valve, or its bypass is opened, large amounts of
water may be directed to the distilled water tank.
D. All of the options are correct and together provide the necessary means to
control the water levels throughout the condensate and feedwater systems.
Ans: D

24. Which of the following is the most critical information that the officer in an engineering watch
be relayed during taking over a watch?
A. The next engineer on watch

2 COMPETENCE # 1 MAINTAIN A SAFE ENGINEERING WATCH

 B. The condition and state of readiness of portable fire-extinguishing equipment
and fixed fire-extinguishing installations and fire-detection systems
C. Any special requirements relating to sanitary system disposals
D. The procedures for notifying the appropriate authority of environmental
pollution resulting from engineering activities
Ans: B

25. While standing watch in the engine room of a steam vessel while at normal sea speed, you
notice that the condensate temperature outlet of the air ejector condenser is fluctuating by
approximately 12░F. You should therefore ________.
A. call the Chief Engineer immediately
B. only need to log the temperature and inform the watch engineer who will
relieve you
C. only need to add make-up feed to the system
D. first determine whether the main condenser level is normal and steady
Ans: D

26. While a vessel is underway the low pressure turbine high-speed pinion is damaged. The
pinion is then removed from the gear train. Under these circumstances, the main unit is
capable of which speed and direction?
A. Reduced speed ahead only
B. Reduced speed astern only
C. Reduced speed ahead and full speed astern
D. Reduced speed astern and full speed ahead
Ans: A

27. If the main engine is running steady. The normal auto slow down temperature for scavenge air
boxes "FIRE ALARM" is ___________.
A. 120 degrees Celsius
B. 130 degrees Celsius
C. 50 degrees Celsius
D. None of the stated options
Ans: A

28. Which steam plant watch operating condition will require priority attention over the other
conditions listed?
A. High level lube oil storage tank
B. Deareating tank pressure 2 psig above normal
C. Low water level main boiler
D. High level main condenser
Ans: C

29. If the engineer on watch has reason to doubt the accuracy of the water level showing in the
boiler gage glass, he should FIRST __________.
A. open the auxiliary feed line
B. blowdown the gage glass
C. replace the gage glass
D. start the standby feed pump
Ans: B

30. While inspecting the steering system at sea, you should check for __________.
A. air bubbles in the sight glass
B. any leaks in the system
C. overtravel in the rudder angle indicator
D. lost motion in the rams
Ans: B

31. While on watch at sea, you have noticed that the main lube oil pump suction vacuum has been
increasing. To correct this you should __________.
A. slightly open drain lines on each of the duplex suction strainers to decrease
vacuum differential
B. back flush each of the duplex strainer baskets through the recirculating line
C. stop the main engine prior to removing suction strainer covers, if changing
over to the standby strainer did not correct the condition
D. rotate the knife edge cleaning device handle one complete turn
Ans: C

3 COMPETENCE # 1 MAINTAIN A SAFE ENGINEERING WATCH

32. To assure that a bearing is receiving the proper oil supply, you should check the
_______________.
A. bull's eye in the gravity tank overflow
B. lube oil temperature at the cooler outlet
C. sight flow glass in the bearing oil supply line
D. lube oil return flow valve
Ans: C

33. An engine fails to start even if all temperatures and pressures are normal because______.
A. turbocharger is dirty
B. lube oil pressure is low
C. fuel is contaminated with water
D. fuel oil injector in one cylinder is leaking
Ans: C

34. Prior to relieving the watch you should first check the fireroom status by verifying the boiler
steam drum level and _________.
A. inspecting the fires and burners
B. preparing to blow tubes
C. stack temperature
D. port and starboard settling tank levels
Ans: A

35. An auxiliary diesel generator continues to run after you try to shut down. Your next course of
action should be to _________.
A. decrease control air pressure
B. block the flow of air supply to the engine
C. engage the jacking gear
D. secure the lube oil pump
Ans: B

36. In relieving watch, the outgoing duty engineer should ________________.

A. stop the main engine before relieving time
B. leave the engine room immediately
C. drain-out water from the fuel oil tanks
D. check that the reliever is capable to carry out watch keeping duties
Ans: D

37. In testing the boiler water for chloride content will indicate the amount of ____.
A. total alkalinity in the water
B. phosphates present in the water
C. methyl orange that should be added
D. dissolved salts from sea contamination
Ans: D

38. Under what condition may the master suspend the schedule of hours of rest and require a
seafarer to perform any hours of work necessary?
A. Drills
B. Emergency Cases
C. Cargo loading
D. Machinery Maintenance
Ans: B

39. During main engine is running steady. The normal auto slow down temperature for "M..E.
THRUST BEARING SEGMENT" is ________________.
A. 75 degrees Celsius
B. 95 degrees Celsius
C. 60 degrees Celsius
D. None of the stated options
Ans: A

40. What should be done when foreign matter is found in a lube oil strainer?
A. Immediately stop the main engine and inspect all strainers.
B. Examine the foreign matter and determine its source.
C. Periodically open the drain valve to the sludge tank.
D. All of the options
Ans: B

4 COMPETENCE # 1 MAINTAIN A SAFE ENGINEERING WATCH

41. The watch engineer finds the refrigeration compressor has blown the shaft seal. In this
situation, he should __________.
A. pump the system down and isolate the leak
B. close the suction valve, secure the compressor, and then replace the shaft
seal
C. tighten the shaft seal packing to reduce leakage, slow the compressor, and
operate the expansion valves by hand until repairs can be made
D. secure the compressor at once and close the suction and discharge valves
Ans: D

42. Below are some of the causes of high exhaust gas temperature except __________.
A. injection of fuel is too late
B. leaky fuel oil nozzle for injector
C. poor quality of fuel oil
D. excessive carbon deposit on the exhaust valve
Ans: C

43. Before the turning gear is engaged, precaution should be taken to________________.
A. transfer M/E control to emergency control console of the engine
B. close the inlet and outlet valves of cooling water
C. stop the fuel oil service pump
D. shut off the starting air supply and open the indicator cocks
Ans: D

44. A steam vessel is operating at sea and despite troubleshooting the system by all the vessel's
engineers, the transfer of fuel to the settler has not been possible and the settler will be
emptied in a few minutes. As the watch engineer, your "NEXT" step s
A. activate the "engineer needs assistance" alarm
B. line up the diesel cold start system
C. warm up the emergency generator
D. repeat all the steps that have been taken to determine the cause of the
problem
Ans: B

45. Fuel oil enters the main engine cylinder through ______________.
A. plunger and barrel
B. starting valve
C. fuel oil injector
D. oil spill valve
Ans: C

46. Not properly vented main engine jacket cooling water can __________.
A. easily cool the engine
B. cause overheating
C. cause scaling
D. lower main engine power
Ans: B

47. If you hear a 'crackling' noise while standing watch in the engine room coming from a
centrifical pump within a general service system, the most probable cause of the problem
would be __________.
A. insufficient speed
B. cavitation
C. excess discharge pressure
D. excessive net positive suction head
Ans: B

48. At the start of your 4-hour watch, the reading of the revolution counter of the main engine is
996, 430. At the end of you watch the reading is 026, 430. What is the average rpm. If the time
will be advanced 20 minutes, during the watch, What will be the
A. RPM=136.36 ; 30, 000 rev.
B. RPM= 135.2 ; 25,000 rev.
C. RPM= 138.23 ; 35,012 rev.
D. RPM= 140.231 ; 40,000 rev.
Ans: A

5 COMPETENCE # 1 MAINTAIN A SAFE ENGINEERING WATCH

49. What steps should be taken if excessive steaming and vigorous bubbling occurs in the first
section of the drain inspection tank?
A. Secure the fuel oil heater currently in use.
B. Locate and open any unnecessarily closed steam trap bypass valves.
C. Systematically locate and isolate any faulty traps in the contaminated steam
system piping.
D. All of the options are correct and should be performed in the order as shown.
Ans: C

50. You are standing watch in the engine room of your vessel. Reduced capacity, accompanied
by vibration and noise at the suction of a centrifugal pump, results from cavitation in the fluid
being pumped. Cavitation describes the formation of __________.
A. vapor pockets
B. water hammer action
C. fluid friction
D. steam knock
Ans: A

51. During maneuvering operations for a direct reversing large, low-speed, main propulsion diesel
engine, which of the following actions is used to stop the shaft from turning prior to changing
the engine rotation for a vessel with moderate headway?
A. Flywheel inertia
B. Admission of reversing start air
C. The way of the vessel
D. Securing cylinder lubricators
Ans: B

52. You are standing watch in the engine room on your vessel. The usual symptoms of cavitation
in a centrifugal pump are __________.
A. noise and vibration
B. an increase in discharge pressure
C. an increase in suction pressure
D. lifting of the relief valve
Ans: A

53. The watch engineer finds the cargo refrigeration compressor has blown the shaft seal. In this
situation, he should __________.
A. secure the compressor at once and close the suction and discharge valves
B. pump the system down and isolate the leak
C. close the suction valve, secure the compressor, and then replace the shaft
seal
D. tighten the shaft seal packing to reduce leakage, slow the compressor, and
operate the expansion valves by hand until repairs can be made
Ans: A

54. When relieving the watch in the fireroom, you should first check the fuel pressure to the boiler
and _________.
A. port and starboard settling tank levels
B. economizer outlet temperature
C. empty all oil drip pans
D. boiler water level
Ans: D

55. You would not see a flow through the bull's-eye of the lube oil gravity tank overflow line when
the __________.
A. main engines are stationary at a stop bell
B. main engines are secured and the turning gear is engaged
C. the lube oil gravity tanks are being drained
D. main engines are turning at normal sea speed
Ans: C

56. While on watch, you notice that a significant amount of water is flowing out of the packing box
from a centrifugal salt water pump which had been recently overhauled. You tighten the
packing gland evenly by nearly a half inch, yet the amount of water out
A. make no further adjustments and continue to make a round of the engine
room
B. take up evenly on the packing gland nuts another 2 or 3 full turns

6 COMPETENCE # 1 MAINTAIN A SAFE ENGINEERING WATCH

 C. back off on the nuts by the same amount to prevent scoring of the shaft
sleeve and notify the next watch of the condition
D. shut off the sealing line valves to diminish the outflow of water from the
packing box
Ans: C

57. Which of the following is an example of head hazard? I. Impact from falling, II. Flying Object,
III. Hair entanglement
A. I and III
B. II and III
C. I, II, and III
D. I and II
Ans: C

58. If the engineer on watch is doubtful of the accuracy of water level in the boiler gauge glass, he
should ____.
A. speed up the main feed pump
B. open the auxiliary feed line
C. start the stand by feed pump
D. blow down the gauge glass
Ans: D

59. Prior to relieving the watch you should first check the fireroom status by verifying the fuel oil
pressure to the boilers and _____________.
A. boiler steam pressure
B. make up feed tank level
C. prepare to blow tubes
D. port and starboard settling tanks
Ans: A

60. When the flame scanner senses flame failure during boiler operation, which of the listed events
will occur FIRST?
A. The fuel oil service pump is stopped.
B. The automatic purge cycle commences.
C. The fuel oil solenoid valve is de-energized.
D. The 'trial for ignition' period commences.
Ans: C

61. Which of the following repairs should be made to a badly warped boiler tube?
A. Heat the tube and use a soft mallet to straighten it.
B. Use a hydraulic jack to cold bend the tube.
C. Assure that the warped tube does not touch adjacent tubes and then reroll it
in the header.
D. Replace the tube with a spare, if available, or plug it.
Ans: D

62. What steps should be taken if large quantities of fuel oil are found in the drain inspection tank?
A. Change over to the standby fuel oil heater.
B. Open steam trap bypass of the fuel oil heater that is on line.
C. Secure the lube oil purifier and its associated heater.
D. All of the options
Ans: A

63. When the engine is running, a leaking air starting valve is indicated by_____.
A. hot pipe connected to the starting valve
B. a hissing sound from the indicator cock
C. . knocking sound
D. low power develop
Ans: A

64. While standing watch in the engine room, which of the following actions should be taken to
reestablish a 'blown' air ejector loop seal?
A. Decrease the steam pressure to the air ejector nozzels.
B. Shut off the steam to the second stage air ejector momentarily then open it
again.
C. Momentarily close the valve in the loop seal line, then reopen slowly.
D. Increase the condensate flow through the air ejector.

7 COMPETENCE # 1 MAINTAIN A SAFE ENGINEERING WATCH

 Ans: C

65. The hours of rest may be divided into no more than two periods, one of which shall be at least
how many hours?
A. 6 hours
B. 2 hours
C. 3 hours
D. 4 hours
Ans: A

66. All persons who are assigned duty as officer in charge of a watch or as a rating forming part of
a watch and those whose duties involve designated safety, prevention of pollution, and
security duties shall be provided with a rest period of not less than ________________.
A. 77 hours in a 7 day period
B. 50 hours in a 7 day period
C. 55 hours in a 7 day period
D. 70 hours in a 7 day period
Ans: A

67. While standing watch at sea and steaming full ahead, reducing the boiler forced draft pressure
would also have a tendency to correct which descrepancy?
A. High superheat temperature.
B. White smoke from the stack.
C. High stack temperature.
D. All of the options
Ans: D

68. When maneuvering, you discover heavy smoke coming from the turbocharger casing. You
should ________________.
A. check the air filter for dirt
B. check for an exhaust leak
C. check the cooling water temperature
D. notify the bridge and ask to shut the engine down
Ans: D

69. The appropriate precaution should be taken when an engineer on duty enters a UMS-mode
operated engine room due to an ALARM is to ________________.
A. Switch on the dead man arm upon entering the control room
B. Leave the UMS selector switch to UMS mode
C. all of these
D. None of the stated options
Ans: A

70. Which of the conditions listed would cause the stern tube lube oil header tank level to
decrease?
A. A worn or damaged stern tube seal.
B. An increase in sea water temperature.
C. The entry of sea water into the system.
D. An increase in the stern bearing operating temperature.
Ans: A

71. The underway on watch in the fireroom, the bridge reports white smoke coming from the stack.
This would indicates __________.
A. high fuel oil viscosiity
B. excessive excess air
C. low fuel oil temperature
D. insufficient steam atomization pressure
Ans: B

72. Prior to taking over the engineering watch, which of following responsibilities shall an officer of
an engineering watch rely to the incoming watch?
A. Type and quantity of cargo
B. Master's standing order
C. C/E standing orders of the day
D. Next port of call
Ans: C

8 COMPETENCE # 1 MAINTAIN A SAFE ENGINEERING WATCH

73. How many weeks shall an expection of 70 hours in a week be granted by the administration?
A. 2 weeks
B. 1 week
C. 3 weeks
D. 4 week
Ans: A

74. Which steam plant watch operating condition will require a priority attention over the other
situations listed?
A. Low oil level in the steering gear sumps
B. High lube oil level in all storage tanks
C. Low level effluent in chlorination section of sewage tank
D. Low bilge water levels throughout entire engineroom
Ans: A

75. Prior to relieving the watch at sea, you notice black smoke coming from the stack. What would
this indicate?
A. Insufficient excess air
B. Dirty burner
C. Soot blowers need to be operated
D. All of the options
Ans: D

76. All portable electric tools should have a ground connection to prevent _________.
A. grounding the plastic case through a short
B. electric shock if the tool is shorted
C. burning out the motor from an overload
D. overloading the motor from a short
Ans: B

77. Prior to engaging the turning gear, precautions should be taken to________________.
A. transfer M/E control to emergency control console of the engine
B. close the inlet and outlet valves of cooling water
C. stop the fuel oil service pump
D. shut off the starting air supply and open the indicator cocks
Ans: D

78. If one fuel oil strainer of a duplex unit becomes clogged while the vessel is steaming at sea,
the FIRST action is to __________.
A. clean the dirty strainer as quickly as possible
B. change the oil flow over to the clean side
C. stop the fuel oil service pump
D. open the strainer bypass valve
Ans: B

79. When relieving the watch in the fireroom, you should first check the boiler water level and then
____________.
A. check the fuel pressure to the burners
B. empty all oil drip pans
C. prepare to blow tubes
D. check port and starboard settling tank levels
Ans: A

80. When there is sufficient reason that the relieving officer is not capable of watch keeping duties,
the outgoing in charge of the engineering watch should ________________.
A. stop the main engine immediately
B. all of these
C. None of the stated options
D. notify the chief engineer officer
Ans: D

81. When standing watch at sea, steaming full ahead, adding make-up feedwater would also have
a tendency to change which of the following parameters?
A. Decrease DC heater pressure.
B. Increase DC heater level.
C. Increase condensate depression.
D. All of the options

9 COMPETENCE # 1 MAINTAIN A SAFE ENGINEERING WATCH

 Ans: D

82. Before using a boiler compressed air soot blower system, you should __________.
A. reduce the boiler pressure
B. lower the water level
C. decrease the forced draft fan speed
D. drain the soot blower pneumatic operating lines
Ans: D

83. When on watch in the engine room, a main turbine bearing high temperature alarm is indicated
and remotely displayed as 62.78 degree centigrade you should _________.
A. assume, but verify that the circuit has malfunctioned
B. notify the bridge that you will be slowing down the main turbine
C. change over to the standby main lube oil supply pump
D. increase the speed of the operating main lube oil supply pump
Ans: A

84. If you noted a large difference in the pressures indicated by a duplex pressure gage to the fuel
oil system strainer, you should __________.
A. increase the fuel pump discharge pressure
B. reduce the firing rate of the boilers
C. shift to a clean fuel oil strainer
D. secure the fuel oil service pump
Ans: C

85. If the engineer on watch has reason to doubt the accuracy of the water level shown in the
boiler gage glass, he should __________.
A. speed up the main feed pump
B. open the auxiliary feed line
C. blowdown the gage glass
D. start the standby feed pump
Ans: C

86. When relieving the watch in the fireroom, you should first check the boiler steam pressure and
___________.
A. boiler water level
B. prepare to blow tubes
C. stack temperature
D. port and starboard settling tanks
Ans: A

87. An engine with high exhaust temperature but low compression is due to_____________ .
A. too much fuel oil
B. broken piston
C. leaking valve
D. insufficient air
Ans: C

88. When maneuvering, you discover heavy smoke coming from the turbocharger casing. What
action should you take first?.
A. Check the cooling water temperature
B. Notify the bridge and ask to shut the engine down
C. Check the air filter for dirt
D. Check for an exhaust leak
Ans: B

89. Should one boiler on a two boiler vessel suffer serious tube damage, the Officer-in-Charge,
Marine Inspection may issue a permit (Form CG-948) to proceed to another port for repair
__________.
A. only if the vessel's Certificate of Inspection is valid and has not expired
B. as long as no cargo or passengers are being carried
C. only upon written application of the master, owner, or agent of the vessel
D. All of the options
Ans: C

90. Which steam plant watch operating condition will require priority attention over the other
situations listed?

10 COMPETENCE # 1 MAINTAIN A SAFE ENGINEERING WATCH

 A. Low level of lube oil in cleansing tank
B. High level of lube oil in storage tank
C. Low level effluent in chlorination section of sewage tank
D. High water level in main propulsion boiler
Ans: D

91. When the machinery spaces are in the periodic unmanned condition, the designated duty
officer of the engineering watch shall be ________________.
A. None of the stated options
B. in a ship compartment that has an alarm
C. at the poop deck and wait for the call of the able seaman
D. all of these
Ans: B

92. Which of the following conditions is the engineer's FIRST warning that the main lube oil pump
has stopped?
A. Gravity tank low level alarm will sound.
B. Lack of oil in the overflow bull's-eye is observed.
C. High main engine bearing temperatures will be noted.
D. Low main sump level alarm will sound.
Ans: B

93. During an inport watch onboard a tank vessel while cargo operations are in progress, with the
jacking gear engaged and running, you notice a 200 gallon drop in the reduction gear lube oil
sump level. Which components or conditions should be checked imme
A. Inspect proper line-up of lube oil service pumps.
B. Confirm with deck officer that there was a change in vessel trim.
C. Verify the correct line-up of the lube oil transfer tank gravity overflow line.
D. All of the options are correct.
Ans: B

94. While on watch at sea with only one ship's service turbogenerator on line, the entire plant
suddenly blacks out without warning. After restoring power, which of the following faults
would most likely have attributed to this casualty?
A. The turbogenerator throttle valve position "micro switch" vibrated open,
allowing the main breaker to trip open according to its protection circuitry.
B. Someone pushed the trip button to the 'shore power' breaker.
C. The main air compresser suddenly stopped.
D. The standby generator started automatically and became motorized.
Ans: A

95. When relieving the watch in the fireroom, you should first check the ___________.
A. boiler water drum level
B. boiler steam drum temperature
C. fuel pressure to the burners
D. port and starboard settling tank levels
Ans: C

96. When securing a fuel oil heater you should __________.

A. open the fuel oil temperature regulator bypass, widely
B. cut out the steam before securing the oil flow
C. stop the oil flow and then cut out the steam
D. remove all fuel oil pressure from the system by securing the service pump
Ans: B

97. Diesel engine mufflers accomplish noise reduction by __________.

A. reducing exhaust gas velocity
B. increasing the frequency of gas vibration
C. the use of long head pipes
D. the use of zinc electrodes
Ans: A

98. Cylinder oil is used for _________.

A. 2-stroke engine
B. 4-stroke and 2 stroke engine
C. 4-stroke engine
D. gasoline engine

11 COMPETENCE # 1 MAINTAIN A SAFE ENGINEERING WATCH

 Ans: A

99. As an operating engineer, which action should you normally take during each watch when he
auxiliary boiler is operating?
A. clean all duplex oil strainers
B. observe general boiler performance
C. lift the safety valves by hand
D. inspect and clean burner oil solenoid valve
Ans: B

100. When standing watch at sea, steaming full ahead, reducing the boiler forced draft pressure
would also have a tendency to correct which descrepancy?
A. Low superheat temperature.
B. High stack temperature.
C. High atomizing steam pressure.
D. High DC heater level.
Ans: B

101. As a duty engineer you should know that some auxiliaries are not designed to handle steam at
boiler pressure. Which of the following devices is usually fitted in the branch line to deliver
steam at the correct pressure?
A. A constant quantity regulating valve
B. A steam pressure reducing valve
C. An orifice
D. A nozzle valve
Ans: B

102. If two compressors must be operated in parallel in order to maintain the box temperatures, a
careful watch should be kept on the __________.
A. discharge pressure gauges of both compressors
B. suction pressure gauges of both compressors
C. expansion valves of both evaporator coils
D. oil levels in both compressor crankcases
Ans: D

103. While standing watch in the engine room, irregular feeding or surging of the feedwater supply
to a flash evaporator may be attributed to __________.
A. erratic water flow through the air eductor
B. a clogged vent line from the air eductor condenser
C. excessive pressure in the seawater feed heater
D. a dirty strainer in the saltwater feed pump suction line
Ans: D

104. Upon acknowledging an alarm bell in the stop position during maneuvering, you've noticed a
lot of steam coming-out in the gland exhaust condenser vent and a low level alarm occured in
the main condenser hotwell. For this condition you should __________
A. decrease gland sealing steam pressure
B. speed up the condensate pump
C. manually recirculate condensate and add some makeup feed
D. increase steam pressure to the air ejectors
Ans: C

105. While standing watch underway, if the brine level of a low pressure distilling plant is above the
sight glass, which action should be taken?
A. Do nothing as this is the normal operating level.
B. Reduce the feed rate and check the brine eductor system.
C. The brine overflow weir should be raised to allow greater outflow.
D. The brine section should be drained down a minimum of 6 inches below the
seawater heater bundle.
Ans: B

106. As an engineer which action should you normally take during each watch when the auxiliary
boiler is operating?
A. Inspect and clean burner oil solenoid valve
B. Observe general performance of the boiler
C. Clean all duplex oil strainers
D. . Lift the safety valve by hand

12 COMPETENCE # 1 MAINTAIN A SAFE ENGINEERING WATCH

 Ans: B

107. While making your rounds, you notice the main lube oil temperature to be higher than normal.
To remedy this situation, you should __________.
A. speed up the main lube oil pump
B. open the lube oil cooler seawater inlet valve wider
C. throttle in on the lube oil cooler seawater discharge valve
D. increase the opening of the lube oil cooler seawater discharge valve
Ans: D

108. The flash point of a residual fuel oil should be used to determine the highest temperature to
which the oil may be heated __________.
A. for centrifuging
B. in the recirculating line
C. in a storage tank
D. for atomizing
Ans: C

109. While inspecting the steering gear at sea, you should check for __________.
A. any leaks in the system
B. accuracy of the rudder angle indicator
C. movement of the trick wheel
D. air bubbles in the sight glass
Ans: A

110. While underway at sea, one of three available centrifugal salt water service pumps is in
operation with a sea water temperature of 10 deg C. The operating temperature of all the
systems supplied by this pump appear to be high. Your next proper course of
A. start a second pump and operate it in parallel
B. start a second pump and verify a higher discharge pressure after securing the
first pump
C. start the second pump, open the casing vent valve of the first pump, then
secure the first pump
D. start the second pump, secure the first pump and do nothing else with the salt
water service system
Ans: B

111. What is the minimum number of hours of rest in a 24 hour period?

A. 10 hours
B. 12 hours
C. 14 hours
D. 16 hours
Ans: A

112. When the steering gear is in operation, you should __________.

A. check hydraulic oil levels every hour
B. check the rams for overheating
C. check for excessive oil leakage from rams
D. drain water from telemotor cylinders each watch
Ans: C

113. Under what condition shall the officer in charge of the engineering watch shall ensure that
permanent air or steam pressure is available for sound signals?
A. Normal Sea Operations
B. Restricted visibility
C. Coastal and congested waters
D. Ship at anchor
Ans: B

114. While underway at sea, a mechanical malfunction in one of the ship's service generators
operating in parallel, requires that you must secure that generator. In order to prevent a
possible overload to the remaining generator, which of the following sequen
A. Trip the malfunctioning generator's circuit breaker and prime mover throttle
trip.
B. Trip all nonvital distribution feeder circuit breakers, decrease the load on that
generator by using the governor, trip the malfunctioning generator's circuit
breaker, and trip the prime mover throttle.

13 COMPETENCE # 1 MAINTAIN A SAFE ENGINEERING WATCH

 C. Trip the malfunctioning generator's circuit breaker and distribution feeder
circuit breakers.
D. Trip all nonvital distribution feeder circuit breakers, the malfunctioning prime
mover turbine throttle trip, and the generator circuit breaker.
Ans: B

115. While standing watch underway at sea, you notice that the brine level in the second effect of a
double effect soloshell evaporator is nearly out the top of the sight glass. Which action should
be taken initially?
A. The feed rate should be increased to the first effect.
B. The feed rate should be reduced and the brine discharge valve opened
slightly.
C. The brine overflow weir should be raised to allow greater outflow.
D. The brine section should be drained down a minimum of 6 inches below the
seawater heater bundle.
Ans: B

116. While standing watch underway in the engineroom, failure of the normal power supply will
cause the emergency generator to provide power through __________.
A. the main bus tie feeder
B. its output breaker and automatic bus transfer device
C. line connection feeder
D. power failure alarm bus
Ans: B

117. What condition shall the chief engineer officer consult with the master whether or not to
maintain the same engineering watch as when under way?
A. sheltered anchorage
B. Cold lay up
C. Hot lay up
D. Unsheltered anchorage
Ans: D

118. Before the seas get rough, it is a good safety practice to _________.
A. Increase lighting
B. Shutdown auxiliary equipment
C. secure loose gears
D. move quickly about the ship
Ans: C

119. Prior to relieving the watch you should first check the fireroom status by verifying the boiler
water level and __________.
A. steam atomization pressure to the mechanical atomizers
B. fuel pressure to the burners
C. fuel oil viscosity
D. water drum level
Ans: B

120. While underway on watch in the engine room of a steam vessel, the proper valve positions for
controlling feedwater to the boiler using the auxiliary feed system should be __________.
A. the auxiliary check valve fully open and the stop valve used to regulate the
amount of flow
B. the stop valve fully open and the auxiliary check valve used to regulate the
amount of flow
C. the stop and check valves fully open and the feed pump speed used to
regulate the amount of flow
D. the check valve fully open and the stop valve regulated by the feedwater
regulator
Ans: B

121. What is the limit that each Administration shall establish for the purpose of preventing alcohol
abuse for masters, officers and other seafarers while performing designated safety, security
and marine environmental duties?
A. 0.05% blood alcohol level (BAC)
B. 0.01% blood alcohol level (BAC)
C. 0.03% blood alcohol level (BAC)
D. 0.07% blood alcohol level (BAC)

14 COMPETENCE # 1 MAINTAIN A SAFE ENGINEERING WATCH

 Ans: A

122. Upon taking over the watch, while the vessel is at sea speed, you find the following conditions
to exist. Which condition should be attended to first and why should this step be taken?
A. Excessive recirculation of condensate. Failure to properly adjust may cause
an increase in condenser level leading to a decrease in condenser vacuum.
B. Salted up evaporator dumping to bilge. Must immediately be restarted to
prevent insufficient quantities of distilled and potable water.
C. High level in fuel oil sludge tank. Necessary to pump contents to settler to
prevent overflow of tank into the bilges.
D. Leaking air line to auxiliary exhaust live steam makeup valve actuator. Repair
or place in bypass control to insure proper pressures in the auxiliary exhaust
steam system.
Ans: A

123. While standing watch at sea, a main engine bearing high temperature alarm has just been
indicated on the control panel. Your next action should be to _________.
A. immediately notify the bridge
B. decrease the main engine speed to idle
C. increase the speed of the lube oil supply pump
D. verify the main engine lube oil coolers are functioning properly
Ans: B

124. What is the most important parameter to check right after any diesel engine is started?
A. exhaust temperature
B. lube oil pressure
C. crankcase pressure
D. salt water pressure
Ans: B

125. Before using the steam soot blowers of boiler at sea, you should __________.
A. increase the firing rate
B. decrease the firing rate
C. raise the water level
D. lower the water level
Ans: C

126. While standing watch in the engine room you hear a 'crackling' sound coming from within a
general service system centrifugal pump. The most probable cause for this occurrence would
be due to an abnormal condition at the __________.
A. shaft sleeves
B. discharge volutes
C. wearing rings
D. pump suction
Ans: D

127. You are standing watch in the engine room of a steam vessel. You should blow down a gauge
glass periodically in order to __________.
A. remove any sediment that has accumulated
B. maintain the proper water level in the steam drum
C. provide water samples for the second assistant
D. test the feedwater stop-check valve
Ans: A

128. If two compressors must be operated in parallel in order to maintain the box temperatures, a
careful watch should be kept on the __________.
A. expansion valves of both evaporator coils
B. oil levels in both compressor crankcases
C. discharge pressure gauges of both compressors
D. suction pressure gauges of both compressors
Ans: B

129. Safety is dependent on orderliness and cleanliness that may be kept by __________.
A. storing all items in their proper place
B. storing all items in a common storage area
C. tagging all items according to their age and then storing them together
D. disposing of worn out items

15 COMPETENCE # 1 MAINTAIN A SAFE ENGINEERING WATCH

 Ans: A

130. The effect of too much heating in the fuel oil of main engine is ___________.
A. high corrosion attack
B. sublimation
C. stuck plunger and barrel
D. high exhaust gas temperature
Ans: C

131. Too high exhaust gas temperature in all cylinders is cause by the following except________.
A. overload engine
B. charged air pressure is too low
C. charged air temperature is too high
D. stuck-up fuel injection pump
Ans: D

132. On watch aboard ship, which of the following conditions will prevent a general service
shipboard pump from achieving its maximum suction lift?
A. Leaks developed in the suction piping.
B. Restriction in the suction line.
C. Gases or vapors released in the liquid as a result of greater than normal
pressure drops.
D. All of the options
Ans: D

133. Which of the conditions will occur FIRST if the steam flow to the main engine, when at full
power, is suddenly stopped?
A. Drum safety valve will open.
B. Dual element automatic feedwater regulator will compensate for boiler water
swell.
C. Superheater safety valve will open.
D. Combustion control system will automatically secure all of the burners.
Ans: C

134. Before using the steam soot blowers to blow tubes at sea, you should __________.
A. raise the water level
B. lower the water level
C. increase the firing rate
D. decrease the firing rate
Ans: A

135. While on watch in the engine room and steaming at a steady rate, the water level begins to
decrease and suddenly drops out of sight in the boiler gauge glass. Your FIRST corrective
action should be to __________.
A. secure the fires
B. slow down the engines
C. blowdown the boiler gage glass
D. open the feedwater regulator bypass
Ans: A

136. The watch engineer has been unable to transfer the fuel oil to the settling tank while
underway. As the tank level is becoming dangerously low, the engineer should now
__________.
A. utilize a portable rubber impeller transfer pump
B. temporary stop the main enginepropulsion boiler
C. repeat all the steps he has taken
D. call out other engineers for assistance
Ans: D

137. An auxiliary diesel generator continues to run after you try to shut down. Your next course of
action should be to _________.
A. block the flow of air supply to the engine
B. engage the jacking gear
C. secure the lube oil pump
D. decrease control air pressure
Ans: A

16 COMPETENCE # 1 MAINTAIN A SAFE ENGINEERING WATCH

138. An indication of excessive soot accumulation on boiler water tubes and economizer surfaces
is due to____.
A. lower feed water flow
B. high feed water temperature
C. high stack temperature
D. low stack temperature
Ans: C

139. You are standing watch in the engine room of a steam vessel. If the entire pneumatic control to
a multi-element feedwater regulator fails, the feedwater valve can be controlled by a
__________.
A. constant pump pressure regulator
B. remote manual control regulator
C. single-element feedwater regulator
D. local manual hand control
Ans: D

140. Which of the following actions should be taken FIRST when water is found in the fuel oil
settling tank?
A. Shift pump suction to an alternate settling tank.
B. Shift to alternate or standby fuel oil service pump.
C. Sound the settling tank with water indicating paste.
D. Determine the extent of water contamination by reading the pneumercators.
Ans: A

141. If a tube failure results from low water level and you cannot maintain water in sight in the gage
glass, you should __________.
A. immediately secure the forced draft fans
B. increase the feed pump speed to maximum
C. immediately secure the fuel oil supply to the burners
D. blowdown the gage glass to verify a low water condition
Ans: C

142. A good housekeeping on a vessel prevents fires by _________.

A. eliminating potential fuel sources
B. allowing better access in an emergency
C. eliminating trip hazards
D. improving personnel qualifications
Ans: A

143. The underway on watch in the fireroom, the bridge reports black smoke coming from the stack.
This would indicates __________.
A. fuel oil temperature too low
B. excessive steam atomization pressure
C. excessive air-fuel turbulence
D. All of the options
Ans: A

144. If you hear a 'crackling' sound while standing watch in the engine room coming from a
centrifical pump casing within a general service system, the most probable cause of the noise
would be __________.
A. insufficient packing
B. an oversized lantern ring
C. excessive suction lift
D. reversed pump rotation
Ans: C

145. Which condition could cause the feed pump of an auxiliary boiler to lose suction?
A. Decreased feed water temperature
B. Pump recirculating line being open to much
C. Excessive feed water temperature
D. Increased suction head pressure
Ans: C

146. The flash point of a residual fuel oil should be used to determine the highest temperature to
which the oil may be heated __________.
A. for atomizing

17 COMPETENCE # 1 MAINTAIN A SAFE ENGINEERING WATCH

 B. for centrifuging
C. in a storage tank
D. in the recirculating line
Ans: C

147. While making a round of the engine room, the oil in all of the main engine bearing sight
glasses appears to be milky. The probable cause is the __________.
A. cold running of the bearing
B. collapse of the oil wedge
C. air leakage into the bearing
D. water contamination of the lube oil
Ans: D

148. In relieving time, the outgoing in charge of the engineering watch should ________________.
A. Check that the reliever is capable to carry out watch keeping duties
B. Stop the main engine before relieving time
C. Leave the engine room immediately
D. None of the stated options
Ans: A

149. While a vessel is underway, one of the FIRST indications of the failure of the gland leakoff
exhaust fan motor is __________.
A. loss of vacuum at the turbine
B. increased turbine exhaust temperature
C. water knock in the turbine gland steam header
D. excessive steam leakage at the turbine glands
Ans: D

150. While standing your engine room watch at sea, you notice the D.C. heater level dropping
rapidly as indicated by the remote level indicator. Which of the following actions should be
taken?
A. Immediately stop the main engine.
B. Do nothing in particular as this is a common occurrence aboard this vessel.
C. It is only necessary to immediately open the automatic make-up feed bypass
valve.
D. Open the make-up feed valve bypass and check the condenser level
immediately.
Ans: D

151. The expansion tank for the jacket cooling water which is a closed cooling type is used to
___________.
A. maintain constant head in a system
B. allow easy release of air
C. prevent water leakage
D. reduce air contamination
Ans: A

152. Upon assuming in port watch of a tank vessel while cargo operations are in progress, with the
main engine and reduction gear secured you notice a substantial rise in the reduction gear
lube oil sump level. Which components or conditions should be checked
A. Inspect proper line-up of lube oil service pump bypass system.
B. Confirm with the deck officer that there has been a change in the vessel's
trim.
C. Verify that there is no rotation of the propulsion equipment and the gravity
tank is empty.
D. All of the options are correct.
Ans: C

153. While standing your engine room watch at sea, you notice the D.C. heater level is dropping
below normal as indicated by the remote level indicator. The boiler drum level is observed to
be normal, as is the main condensate pump discharge pressure. Therefo
A. increase the boiler firing rates
B. decrease the boiler firing rates
C. reduce the feedwater level set point
D. open the make-up feed bypass valve
Ans: D

18 COMPETENCE # 1 MAINTAIN A SAFE ENGINEERING WATCH

154. What precaution should be taken when an engineer on duty is inspecting a UMS-mode
operated engine room at NIGHT?
A. Do not silence the alarm so the other engineer can hear
B. Switch on the dead man upon entering the control room
C. all of these
D. None of the stated options
Ans: B

155. In order to maintain the effectiveness of the lube oil centrifuge to remove water, the engineer in
charge should __________.
A. have the centrifuge cleaned only once every 30 days
B. take lube oil samples each week and place in clear containers for inspection
C. maintain the lube oil input temperature at a maximum of 110░F
D. insure that the oil input is always twice the output capacity
Ans: B

156. Which of the conditions listed would cause the stern tube lube oil head tank level to decrease?
A. An increase in sea water temperature.
B. The entry of sea water into the system.
C. An increase in the stern bearing operating temperature.
D. A worn or damaged stern tube seal.
Ans: D

157. Prior to relieving the watch you should first check the fireroom status by verifying the boiler
water level and ___________.
A. prepare to blow tubes
B. economizer inlet temperature
C. boiler steam pressure
D. port and starboard settling tanks
Ans: C

158. While standing watch in the engine room, if you suspect air leaking into a flash type distilling
plant. The most probable cause(s) of the air leak could occur through __________.
A. gasketed joints
B. valve stems
C. gage glass packing
D. all of the options
Ans: D

159. After the main engine has reached full sea speed, which of the following conditions could
cause the water level in the boiler steam drum to keep falling?
A. Open cutout valves on the boiler gage glasses.
B. Condensate recirculating line is excessively open.
C. Feed pump discharge pressure is set too low.
D. Feed pump recirculating valve is closed.
Ans: C

160. While making engine room rounds at sea, you observe excessive steam leaking from the
forward gland on the high pressure turbine. This may indicate that the __________.
A. turbine is operating at low speed
B. gland seal leakoff line is obstructed
C. main condenser vacuum is too high
D. drains were left open
Ans: B

161. Why must an operator pay particular attention to an auto/manual valve controller when it is
placed in manual mode?
A. Manual valve control is not as stable as automatic valve control.
B. Valve position will no longer change in response to changes in system
parameters.
C. The position of the valve can only be determined locally during manual
control.
D. The valve can only be operated locally during manual control.
Ans: B

162. During seven-day period, the minimum standard rest of an officer in charge of the engineering
watch must be ________________.

19 COMPETENCE # 1 MAINTAIN A SAFE ENGINEERING WATCH

 A. 50 hours
B. 60 hours
C. 70 hours
D. None of the stated options
Ans: C

163. Prior to engaging the turning gear, precautions should be taken to________________.
A. shut off the starting air supply and open the indicator cocks
B. transfer M/E control to emergency control console of the engine
C. close the inlet and outlet valves for cooling water
D. None of the stated options
Ans: A

164. While underway on watch, you notice that you need to constantly increase the coil pressure in
the high pressure contaminated evaporator to maintain capacity. Which of the following may
be the cause?
A. The brine density is improper.
B. The heating transfer surfaces are being layered with scale.
C. Impure distillate is being produced.
D. Shell vapor pressure is constantly decreasing.
Ans: B

165. Engineering Control Centers for minimally attended machinery plants shall, in addition to the
general alarm required by Coast Guard Regulations (46 CFR), be provided with a/an
__________.
A. satellite telecommunications alarm
B. remote vital system alarm
C. gyrocompass system alarm
D. All of the options
Ans: B

166. While inspecting the steering gear at sea, you should check for __________.
A. any leaks in the system
B. accuracy of the rudder angle indicator
C. movement of the trick wheel
D. position of the six-way valve
Ans: A

167. While standing your engine room watch at sea, you notice the D.C. heater level is gradually
dropping as indicated by the remote level indicator. Which of the following actions should you
take?
A. Do nothing as this is a common marine plant occurrence.
B. Immediately open the automatic make-up feed bypass valve.
C. Check the condensate level in both the main and auxiliary condenser
hotwells.
D. Immediately stop the main engine.
Ans: C

168. Which of the following actions should normally be taken during each watch when the auxiliary
boiler is in operation?
A. Clean the flame scanner photocell window.
B. Inspect and clean all solenoid valves.
C. Lift the safety valves by hand.
D. Inspect for oil or water leaks.
Ans: D

169. Immediately after any diesel engine is started, the engineer should check the_________.
A. crankcase pressure
B. lube oil pressure
C. salt water pressure
D. exhaust temperature
Ans: B

170. The duties of a chief engineer upon taking charge of the department include __________.
A. preparing a list of engine department personnel for the Master's signature
B. taking a complete personal inventory of all engine room spare parts
C. determining if any vital engine room equipment is inoperative

20 COMPETENCE # 1 MAINTAIN A SAFE ENGINEERING WATCH

 D. obtaining a valid Certification of Inspection from the Coast Guard
Ans: C

171. Information from a data-logger can be helpful in determining the long term probability of
machinery failure if you __________.
A. evaluate only the latest logged data as this is the best indication of plant
status
B. evaluate a series of readings to obtain operating trends
C. monitor off limit conditions only when announced by an audible and visual
signal
D. secure the machine under relatively steady state conditions
Ans: B

172. While standing watch, what immediate action should you take if you are running at sea speed
and notice a sudden and significant drop in lube oil pressure to the main turbine?
A. Immediately increase cooling water flow to lube oil cooler.
B. Slow the turbine to minimum speed and watch the bearing temperatures.
C. Stop the main shaft using astern steam.
D. Shift strainers and gravity tanks.
Ans: C

173. While standing watch underway at sea in the engine room, there is a complete loss of
electrical power. When power is restored, the steering gear pump motor will _________.
A. have to be restarted from the steering gear room
B. have to be reset before restarting
C. restart automatically because it utilizes an LVR controller
D. trip via the overload relay
Ans: C

174. For a gravity type lube oil system, a remote pressure sensing device is installed at the point of
highest static head pressure on the main unit to enable the watch engineer to __________. I.
be certain that the bearings are being adequately lubricated I
A. I only
B. II only
C. Both I and II
D. Neither I nor II
Ans: B

175. While standing watch in the engine room, you notice a high reading at a salinity cell located in
the loop seal between two stages of a flash type evaporator. This would indicate __________.
A. chill shocking is necessary to remove scale
B. leakage at the second-stage condenser
C. faulty operation of the brine overboard pump
D. carryover in the first-stage
Ans: D

176. While standing watch underway at sea, you notice carryover in a flash type distilling plant.
This can be a result of __________.
A. faulty operation of the brine overboard pump
B. a pressure drop through the loop seal
C. low first stage vacuum
D. low distillate conductivity
Ans: A

177. After starting the main lube oil pump in a gravity-type lube oil system, you should verify that the
gravity tanks are full by __________.
A. looking at the overflow sight glass
B. sounding the gravity tanks
C. sounding the lube oil sump
D. observing the flow from the bearings
Ans: A

178. Which steam plant watch operating condition will require priority attention over the other
conditions listed?
A. High level main condenser
B. High level lube oil storage tank
C. Low water level main boiler

21 COMPETENCE # 1 MAINTAIN A SAFE ENGINEERING WATCH

 D. Deareating tank pressure 2 psig above normal
Ans: C

179. While underway, which of the following would be the FIRST step in reversing a direct reversing
large, low-speed, main propulsion, diesel engine?
A. Manually trip the overspeed device.
B. Set the fuel rack to zero.
C. Disengage the safety interlock.
D. Slide the camshaft to the neutral position.
Ans: B

180. Any abnormal condition or emergency that occurs in the engine room must be reported
immediately to the __________.
A. first assistant engineer
B. fireman on watch
C. Chief engineer
D. engineer on watch
Ans: D

181. When standing watch at sea, steaming full ahead, adding large amounts of make-up
feedwater would also have a tendency to change which of the following parameters?
A. Lower DC heater temperature.
B. Decrease DC heater level.
C. Increase air ejector condenser main condensate outlet temperature.
D. All of the options
Ans: A

182. If a salinity alarm system indicates 2.5 grains per gallon at the main condensate pump
discharge, your first action should be to __________.
A. blowdown the boilers and add make up water
B. chemically test the condensate for chloride content
C. increase the hydrazine dosage in the condensate line
D. open the main condensate recirculating valve
Ans: B

22 COMPETENCE # 1 MAINTAIN A SAFE ENGINEERING WATCH