Comments on Analysis Data for Fuel Oils

Asphaltenes is defined as the part of a fuel oil s

Carbon Residue
The carbon residue of a fuel oil indicates its coke forming tendency and can be used to determine the tendency to form deposits in the combustion chamber and gasways. The higher the carbon residue value, the higher the fouling tendency.Some changes in the combustion process, requiring adjustment of the maximum pressure, may also be attributed to a high carbon residue content The value is measured by standardized tests, such as the Conradson or Ramsbottom tests which give similar results. The non-vaporized residue from the carbonizing test consists of carbonaceous material and inorganic impurities and is expressed as percentage weight of the fuel sample tested.  Carbon residue and asphaltenes content generally move in parallel, both in relation to the carbon-to-hydrogen ratio, with in-creasing values for a higher ratio.The carbon-to-hydrogen ratio and thus also the carbon residue depends on the source of the crude oil and the type of refinery processing used. The effect of carbon residue is impossible to   counteract by pre-treatment of the fuel oil, as centrifuging only influences solid inorganic contaminants and hard asphalts, which are only small amounts of the percentage weight called carbon residue.

Asphaltenes
Asphaltenes is defined as the part of a fuel oil sample which is insoluble in heptane. The content of asphaltenes is expressed as percentage weight of the fuel oil sample tested. Asphaltenes, which is aromatic, stow-burning, semi-
solid hydrocarbon compounds dispersed in the fuel oil, has a similar effect on the combustion process to the carbon residue, the main impact being fouling of gasways. The stability of the fuel oil is related to the asphaltenes content.
 Asphaltenes also influences the lubricating properties of the fuel oil and, in extreme cases, high asphaltenes content may lead to fuel injection pump sticking.Fuel oils with a high asphaltenes content will have a tendency to form sludge, especially if the water content is also high. The asphaltenes content of a fuel oil is influenced by pretreatment. The heaviest semi-solid asphaltenes, and asphaltenes bound to water as sludge, can be separated by centrifuging.

Diesel Index
Diesel index is a calculated value to determine the ignition quality of a fuel oil. The ignition quality is related to the hydrocarbon composition, paraffin being of high quality, n-heptanes of moderate quality and aromatics of low quality.
With certain exceptions the properties of the aniline point and the specific gravity reflect the hydrocarbon composition of a fuel oil, and are therefore used in the following simple formula as an expression of ignition quality:
Diesel index = (aniline point  x API gravity) x 0.01.
The aniline point is the lowest temperature at which equal volumes of the fuel and aniline become just miscible. The test relies on the fact that aromatic hydrocarbons mix completely with aniline at comparatively low temperatures, whereas paraffins require considerably higher temperatures before they are completely miscible. A high aniline point thus indicates a highly paraffinic fuel, and consequently a fuel oil of good ignition quality. Similarly, a high API gravity number denotes a low specific gravity and high paraffinicity, and again a good ignition quality. The diesel index provides a reasonable idea of the ignition quality, but generally gives figures slightly above the cetane number. Fuel oils with poor ignition quality and a low diesel index might in particular cause problems in starting diesel engines and running at low load. In addition to starting difficulties, a prolonged ignition delay may give rise to alternations in the maximum pressure, leading to increased mechanical or thermal load.Furthermore, fuel oils with poor ignition quality may cause retarded combustion and subsequent fouling of gasways.

Sulphur
Sulphur is present in fuel oil, mainly as organic compounds, the amount present being expressed as percentage weight of an oil sample tested. If free sulphur is present it may cause corrosion in the fuel system. The main problem caused by sulphur is low temperature corrosion. During combustion, sulphur oxides are produced in the form of gases. Since humidity is also present sulphur and sulphuric acid may be formed on components in the combustion chamber and in the gasways , where the temperature is below that of the dew point for sulphuric acid. The detrimental effect of sulphur in fuel oil is counteracted by maintaining an adequate temperature of the combustion chamber components and by using alkaline lubricating oil to neutralize the sulphuric acid produced during combustion.

Vanadium and Sodium
Vanadium and sodium are constituents of the ash content. The amounts of these are measured by analyzing the residue from the combustion test used for determination of the ash content. The amount of vanadium and sodium present is expressed in ppm, parts per million, by weight in relation to the fuel oil sample being tested for ash content. Vanadium derives from the crude oil itself and, being oil soluble, cannot be removed from the fuel oil by conventional pretreatment Sodium derives from the crude oil, and also from contamination with salt water during storage and transport of the fuel oil. Sodium is water-soluble and, regardless of derivation, tends to combine with the water present in the fuel oil.
Owing to its water solubility, it is possible to remove or reduce the amount of sodium present in the fuel oil. During combustion: corrosive ash is formed from vanadium and sodium. Especially if the weight ratio of sodium to vanadium exceeds 1:3, ash with a very low melting point and suction temperature is formed, giving rise to high temperature corrosion of exhaust valves and deposit formation in turbochargers. It is possible to reduce the tendency for formation of 
detrimental vanadium-sodium ash by effective centrifuging, which will remove sodium salts together with water. Ha very low content of sodium is ensured, a relatively high vanadium content might be acceptable.

Water
The water content of fuel oil is measured by a standardized distillation test and is expressed as percentage volume of the sample tested. Water in the fuel oil may lead to several detrimental effects on the fuel oil system, and corrosion and cavitation of fuel injection pumps and fuel valves, and cause fouling of exhaust systems and turbochargers.Due to its content of sodium, salt water in combination with vanadium contributes to the formation of low-melting corrosive ash, which attacks exhaust valves and turbochargers. When it disturbs the fuel atomization, water will lead to poor combustion, resulting in higher heat load on the combustion chamber components.It is possible to reduce the water content of a fuel oil pi manly by centrifuging, and this should be done to the widest possible extent in order to avoid the 
detrimental effects of water in the fuel oil.

Ash
Ash content is a measure of the non-combustible material present in the fuel oil. The ash content is determined by a combustion test and Otis expressed as a percentage weight residue from complete combustion of the oil sample tested.
Ash-forming materials are present in the fuel oil as natural components of crude oil and due to external contamination of the fuel oil. Solid contaminants such as sand, rust; certain metal oxides and catalyst fines can be removed by centrifuging, and the same goes for water-soluble salts such as sodium. Some of the components included in the ash content have been found to be particularly harmful and are therefore stated individually in the analysis data.

Silicium and Aluminium Oxides
Residual fuels produced by refineries using fluid catalytic cracking may be contaminated by catalyst panicles in the form of silicium and aluminium oxides. Any catalyst particles are shown by the ash content value. Separate values for silicium oxide content and aluminium oxide content are measured by analyzing the ash content. The amount of silicium and aluminium oxides is expressed in ppm in relation to the weight of the original fuel oil sample being tested for ash content.
As catalyst particles are very hard and abrasive, they can cause extreme mechanical wear of the fuel injection system, cylinder liners and piston rings.

Density
Density is defined as the mass of a unit volume and is expressed in g/cm3 at a temperature of 15°C (59°F).Specific gravity is the ratio of the mass of a given volume of liquid at 15.6°C and the mass of an equal volume of water at the same temperature. For a given liquid, the specific gravity will generally give the same numerical value as the density. Density is an important parameter in the centrifuging process, where separating water and water dissolved impurities from the fuel oil is based on the difference in densities. If the density of the fuel oil approaches that of water, centrifuging thus becomes less effective, necessitating a reduced flow rate and therefore increased centrifuge capacity. 
 
Viscosity
Basically viscosity is a measure of the internal friction or resistance of a liquid to flow. Adjustment of viscosity to adequate values is possible by taking advantage of the interdependence between the temperature and viscosity index of the fuel oil.The nominal viscosity of a fuel oil is the factor determining the preheating temperatures necessary to obtain adequate viscosity for pumping, centrifuging and injection of the fuel oil, and thus also the factor determining the capacity of the preheating equipment in the fuel oil system. Viscosity of Marine Gas Oil (MGO) and Marine Diesel Oil (MDO) are expressed in centistokes (cSt) at 44°C. Viscosity is an important parameter in connection with pumping, pre-treatment and injection of fuel oil, since the possibility and efficiency of these processes to a Large extent depend on adequate viscosity.The water separation ability of fuel oil is increased by preheating the fuel oil prior to centrifuging since the densities of fuel oil and water change with the temperature at different rates, thus making it possible to optimize density differences. To some extent the quality of a fuel oil can be judged by the density, since this is directly proportional to the carbon-to-hydrogen ratio, which again is indirect proportion to aromaticity, carbon residue and asphaltene content, but in reverse ratio to calorific value.

Pour Point
The pour point is the lowest temperature at which an oil will flow or can be poured. The pour point is 
measured under specific test conditions. Fuel oil must be stored, handled and pumped at temperatures above the pour point to avoid wax crystallizaiton, which may result in precipitation in storage tanks, blocking of filters and pipe lines and prevention of pumpability. Normally, the pour point of residual fuel oil does not create any problems, since the temperature needed to reduce the viscosity to pumpable levels will be adequately in excess of the pour point.

Flash Point
The flash point of an oil is defined as the temperature at which it gives off sufficient vapour to create an 
inflammable mixture with air. This mixture will ignite or flash under the influence of an open flame, but will 
not support combustion itself. The flash point of fuel oil is normally tested by the Pensky-Martens closed-
up method. In order to provide a Comments on Analysis Data for Fuel Oils Carbon Residue. The carbon residue of a fuel oil indicates its coke-forming tendency and can be used to determine the tendency to form deposits in the combustion chamber and gasways. The higher the carbon residue value, the higher the fouling tendency. Some changes in the combustion process, requiring adjustment of the maximum pressure, may also be attributed to a high carbon residue content. The value is measured by standardized tests, such as the Conradson or Ramsbottom tests which give similar results.The non-vaporized residue from the carbonizing test consists of carbonaceous material and inorganic 
impurities and is expressed as percentage weight of the fuel sample tested. Carbon residue and 
asphaltenes content generally move in parallel, both in relation to the carbon-to-hydrogen ratio, with in-
creasing values for a higher ratio. The carbon-to-hydrogen ratio and thus also the 
carbon residue depends on the source of the crude oil and the type of refinery processing used.The effect of carbon residue is impossible to counteract by pre-treatment of the fuel oil, as centrifuging only influences solid inorganic contaminants and hard asphalts, which are only small amounts of the percentage weight called carbon residue.

Things you should know before you join Merchant Navy

Here Are The Few Things You Should Know Before You

Here Are The Few Things You Should Know Before You Join Merchant Navy –

Q.1 What Do You Mean By Merchant Navy?
Ans: Merchant Navy Is A Profession, In Which You Get To Work On A Merchant Vessel/ship. Worldwide Cargo Is Being Transported By These Ships. Oil, Chemical, Packaged Goods, Cars, Iron Ore, Coal Etc Are Different Types Of Cargo And Are Carried In These Type Of Vessels.

Q.2  What Is The Difference Between Navy And Merchant Navy?
Ans:
Main Difference Between Navy And Merchant Navy Is That Navy Is An Armed Force Meant For The Protection Of The Country And Works Under The Govt. Where As, Merchant Navy Is A Commercial Sector, Where You Work On A Merchant Vessel And Earn Wages For Your Service Onboard.

Q.3 What Are The Career Prospects In Merchant Navy?
Ans:
On A Merchant Ship There Are Three Departments:
(i) Deck Side/Department: Deck Side Represents People Onboard Who Are Responsible For Cargo Operations, Navigation And Other Deck Works.

(ii) Engine Side/Department: Engine Side Represents People Onboard Who Are Responsible For Running And Maintenance Of All Machinery, Including Main Engine For Propulsion.

(iii) Galley Side/Department: Galley Side Represents People Onboard Who Are Responsible For Preparing Food For People Onboard/crew. This Department Also Looks After The Housekeeping Onboard.

Q.4 What Are The Different Ranks And Average Salary At Which You Can Work On Board?
Ans: In Deck Department:(Ranked Higher To Lower)

(i) Master/ Captain: He Is The Highest Authority In The Deck Side And Onboard As Well. In General, He Also Is The Highest Paid Person Onboard. He Looks After Wages, Maneuvering And Lot Other Responsibilities. Average Salary Of A Master Is 10,000-16,000 USD Per Month.

 (ii) Chief Officer:  He Is Second In Command In Deck Side. He Looks After Cargo, Ship Security, Deck Maintenance And Such Other Things.  His Average Salary Lies Between 7,000-10,000 USD Per Month.

(iii) 2nd Officer: He Handles The Passage Planning, Navigational & Cargo Watch And Is Sub-ordinate  Medical Officer After Master. His Average Salary Is 4,000- 6,000 USD Per Month.

(iii) 3rd Officer: He Conducts Navigational And Cargo Watches And Is In Charge Of Life Saving Appliances(LSA) And Fire Fighting Appliances(FFA).His Average Salary Per Month Is 1,600-4,000 USD Per Month.

(iv) Deck Cadet: He Is The Trainee Officer, Assists In All Operations. His Average Salary Is 300-800 USD Per Month.

(v) AB: Able Bodied Seamen, Is A Deck Rating Who Assist Deck Officers In All Their Works. His Average Salary Is  1200-1800 USD Per Month.

(vi) OS: Ordinary Seamen, Is A Junior Deck Rating Who Assist Deck Officers In All Their Works.  His Average Salary Is 500-1000 USD Per Month.

Engine Department:(Ranked Higher To Lower)
(i) Chief Engineer: He Is The In-charge Of Engine Department And Highest Authority In Engine Department. His Rank Is Equivalent To Master Onboard. His Average Salary Is 10,000-16,000 USD Per Month.

(ii) 2nd Engineer: He Is Next To Chief Engineer And Equivalent To Chief Officer, Is The In-charge Of Main Engine And Looks After All Other Machinery And Engine Room Maintenance. His Average Salary Is 7,000-10,000 USD Per Month.

(iii) Electrical Officer: He Is The In-charge Of All Electrical Equipments On Board. His Average Salary Is 3000-6000 USD Per Month.

(iv) 3rd Engineer: He Is In-charge Of Auxiliary Engine And Marine Boilers In Engine Room. His Average Salary Per Month Is 4,000- 6,000 USD Per Month.

(v) 4th Engineer: He Is In-charge Of Purifier, Compressor And Bunker(Fuel Oil And Lub Oil). His Average Salary Is 1,600-3,000 USD Per Month.

(vi) 5th Engineer/Trainee Marine Engineer: He Is Trainee Onboard, Assists Is All Operations. His Average Salary Is 300-1000 USD Per Month.

(vii)Engine Fitter: He Is An Engine Rating, Who Handles Welding, Gas Cutting And Other Maintenance Works. His Average Salary Is 1400-2000 USD Per Month.

(viii) Motorman/Oiler: Motorman Is An Engine Rating, Who Assists Duty Engineers In Their Job. His Average Salary Is 1,200-1,800 USD Per Month.

(ix) Wiper:  Is A Junior/Trainee Engine Rating Who Assist Engineer Officers In All Their Works And Also Do General Cleaning Of Engine Spaces. His Average Salary Is 300-500 USD Per Month.

Galley Department:
(i) Chief Cook: He Is The Head Cook Of The Ship. His Average Salary Is 1500-2000 USD Per Month.

(ii) GS/Steward: He Is The Helper To Cheif Cook And Works As General Service On Board. His Salary Is 500-1000 USD Per Month.
NOTE: All The Salary Mentioned Is Only During The Contract Period Of A Person, Which May Vary From 4 To 8 Months, From Seniors To Juniors. Ranks And Salary May Differ For Company And Type Of Ship.

Q.5 How To Join Merchant Navy?
Ans: For Becoming A Deck/Navigating Officer You Have To Undergo A 3 Year B.Sc In Nautical Science, Or 1 Years Diploma In Nautical Science(DNS) Course In INDIA. The Difference Between The Two Courses Is That  For 2nd Mate Promotional/competency Exams, Eligibility Criteria For DNS Is 18 Months And For B.Sc Its 12 Months Sea Service . Also, DNS Has To Appear For Written Whereas For B.Sc, Written Is Exempted Only Oral Is To Be Cleared.  After Clearing B.Sc/D.N.S You Can Join The Ship As Deck Cadet.The Deck Officers, Are Responsible For The Effective Management Of The Deck Department Including Safe Navigation Of The Ship, Loading And Discharging Of Cargo, Up Keeping And Maintenance Of Ship Safety Of Men And Material Onboard And Observance Of The National Codes Of Conduct Under Merchant Shipping Act An Rules Thereof. After Successful Completion Of BSc. ( Nautical Science) Degree From Any Institute, Deck Cadet Is Require To Put In One Year Sea Going Services Onboard A Merchant Ship To Be Eligible To Appear For The Certificate Of Competency As Second Mate, The Officer Is Eligible For Appointed As 3rd Officer/2nd Officer As Per Their Experience.. For Further Promotion As Chief Officer /Master He Has To Pass Examination Of Chief Mate/Master Respectively After Completing Required Sea Going Service. Master Is The Highest Rank Onboard Achieved In The Deck Department.

For Becoming A Marine Engineer You Have To Undergo A  4 Year B.Tech In Marine Engineering Course Or 1 Year Graduate Marine Engineering (GME) Course After Completing B.Tech In Mechanical Engineering. A Diploma In Marine Engineering Can Also Be Done But The Person Will Have To Appear For Part A Competency Exams, Other Courses Are Exempted From Part A. After Marine Engineering/GME You Can Join The Ship As 5th Engineer/TME And Excel Further In Engine Department. In Engine Department, Cadets After Completing 4 Year Degree Course In Marine Engineering /One Year GME Course After 4 Year B.Tec In Mechanical Engineering , Go For 6 Months Training On Board On Any Merchant Vessel To Be Eligible To Appear For MEO Class IV Exam. After Completing This Exam They Join The Ship As 4th Engineer/3rd Engineer. For Further Promotion As 2nd Engineer/Chief Engineer They Have To Clear MEO Class II/ MEO Class I Exams Respectively. Chief Engineer Is The Highest Rank In Engineering Discipline On Board Ship.

For Becoming A Rating On Board, You Have To Undergo A 1 Year GP Rating Course And For Galley Dept. A Diploma Has To Be Done.

Q.6  Which Colleges Provide These Courses And Mode Of Application?
Ans:  Most Of The Colleges Take Admission Through IMU-CET (Indian Maritime University), Top Colleges In This List Are:
I) Marine Engineering & Research Institute (MERI), Kolkata.
Ii) Marine Engineering & Research Institute (MERI),Mumbai.
Iii) T.S. Chanakya, Mumbai.
Iv) IMU, Chennai.

Other Good Colleges Are:
I)  Samudra Institute Of Maritime Studies(SIMS), Pune.
Ii)  Tolani Maritime Institute, Pune.
Iii)  R.L. College, Madurai.
Iv) VELS College, Chennai.
V) HIMT, Chennai.

FAQ Orals (FFA)

How Does A Foam Nozzle Work?

How Does A Foam Nozzle Work?
The Foam Nozzle Works On The Venturi Principle Where Air Is Drawn Into The Nozzle Aerating The Foam Solution For Good Quality Fire Fighting Foam.
 
Why Is An Alarm Sounded When CO2 Is Released Into The Engine Room?
An Alarm Is Sounded To Inform Personnel In The Engine Room That The Release Of CO2 Is Imminent.  The Type Of Alarm Will Be Visual And Sound Different From Engine Room Alarm And General Alarm.CO2 Cannot Support Life So Everybody Should Vacate Engine Room Before Releasing It.
 
Explain  A Exhaust Inert Gas System.
In A Boiler Funnel Inert Gas System, Exhaust Gas Is Taken From The Boiler Uptakes And Passed Through A Scrubber Tower Where The Gas Is Cleaned With Sulphur And Excess Carbon Being Removed.
The Gas Which By Then Is Considered Inert And Mainly Contains Nitrogen And Carbon Dioxide With Less Than 5% Oxygen, Is Then Supplied Via Blowers And Deck Seal Which Acts As A Non-return Valve, Along Deck Pipes To Cargo Banks.
The Inert Gas Being Used To Blanket The Oil Cargo During Discharging Operations.  Empty Tanks Are Filled With Gas And The Inert Gas Is Blown Out When Oil Is Loaded.
 
Describe And Sketch A Soda Acid Extinguisher.
The Container Of The Extinguisher Holds A Sodium Bicarbonate Solution.  The Screw On Cap Contains A Plunger Mechanism Covered By A Safety Guard.  Below The Plunger Is A Glass Phial Containing Sulphuric Acid.  When The Plunger Is Struck, The Glass Phial Is Broken And The Acid And Sodium Bicarbonate Mix.  The Resulting Chemical Reaction Produces Carbon Dioxide Gas, Which Pressurises The Space Above The Liquid, Forcing It Out Through The Internal Pipe To The Nozzle.
 
 On What Type Of Fire Would You Use A Dry Powder Fire Extinguisher?
The Dry Powder Can Be Used On All Classes Of Fire, But It Has Poor Cooling Effect.
 
What Advantage Do Inert Gas Producing Units Used For Fire Fighting Installations Have Over CO2 And Halon Systems?
Inert Gas Producing Units Have The Advantage Of Being Able To Continuously Produce Inert Gas.  A Bottle Storage System, Such As CO2 Or Halon Flooding Is A "one Shot" Fire Extinguisher Which Leaves A Ship Unprotected Until Further Gas Supplies Can Be Found.
 
What Can You Tell Me About Halon Systems, With Regards To New Installations And Existing Ones?
SOLAS Prohibits The Installation Of New Or Portable Systems In All Ships From 1st October 1994 And Providing Existing Fixed Installations And Portable Extinguishers Remain Serviceable And Fit For Purposes, They May Remain In Place.
 
What Does The Opening Of The CO2 Release Cabinet Do?
It Sets Off An Alarm In The Engine Room To Warn Personnel That The Release Of CO2 Is Imminent.
In Some Ships  stops All Ventilation Fuel Oil Circulation And Supply Pumps.
 
 What Are The Advantages Of CO2 Systems Compared To Halon Systems?
CO2 Is More Environmentally Friendly Also Halon Systems Are Being Phased Out.
 
 What Is A Water Fog Based Fire-fighting Installation?
Unlike Conventional Sprinkler Systems Utilising Water Under Low Pressure In Heavy Large Diameter Pipes, The Water Fog Extinguishing System Operates By Using Water Under Very High Pressure In Small Bore Pipes.  This Reduces The Weight And Volume Of The System And Permits Easy Installation On Board.
The Water Fog System Produces Micro-droplets Of Water; Thus A Very Large Cooling Surface Is Created With Only Small Quantities Of Water.  With This System The Amount Of Water Required For Successful Fire Extinguishing Is Much Less Than Conventional Sprinkler Systems.  This Allows For The Use Of Fresh Water As The Medium.  Also With The Water Fog System, The Water Fog Is Propelled Into Hidden Spaces Just Like Halon Or CO2, Providing The Most Reliable Fire-extinguishing.
In Accommodation Areas This System Can Use A Dual-purpose Nozzle Which Incorporates A Quartazoid Bulb For Detection And Extinguishing.
The Water Fog System Is Also Suitable For Engine Rooms.
 
What Is The Gas Analysis After The Scrubber Tower On An Inert Gas System.
Oxygen:  0-1% (Alarm At 5%)
Carbon-monoxide:  0
Carbon Dioxide:  14-15%
Nitrogen:  85%
 
Where Would You Expect To Find A Foam Extinguisher?
It Would Be Located In The Engine Room, In The Vicinity Of Flammable Liquids, Also Bunker Stations.
 
On What Type Of Fire Would You Use A Soda Acid Extinguisher?
This Type Of Extinguisher Would Be Used On Class A Fires:  Fires Burning Wood, Glass Fibre, Upholstery And Furnishings
 
What Are The Requirements Of A Fixed CO2 Fire Fighting Installation?
The System Must Give 40% Saturation Of The Compartment To Be Filled.
85% Of The CO2 Charge Must Be Discharged Into The Compartment Within The First Two Minutes.
 
What Testing And Maintenance Is Done Regarding Soda Acid And Foam Extinguishers?
The Extinguisher Containers Are Pressure Vessels, Therefore Require Testing.
Containers Are Initially Tested To 25 Bar Every Year For Five Years And Thereafter At Four Yearly Intervals To 20 Bar.
On Soda Type Extinguishers 20% Of Contents Should Be Discharged Per Year And Replenished With Foam Type 50%.
Where Practical The Operating Mechanism Of Portable Extinguishers Should Be Examined Every
Three Months.
 
What Happens To The CO2 System In Drydock?
In Drydock The CO2 System Must Be Made Inoperable.
 
What Are The Four Principle Types Of Portable Fire Extinguishers Found On Board Ships?
Water/Soda Acid Type Extinguishers
Foam Extinguishers
Dry Powder Type Extinguishers
Carbon Dioxide Extinguishers.
 
How Much Foam Is Produced From A 9L Foam Extinguisher?
72 Litres Of Foam.
 
What Is The Re-entry Procedure Once A Machinery Space Has Been Flooded With  CO2 Or Halon?
Once CO2 Or Halon Flooding Has Taken Place, The Space Should Be Continued To Be Boundary Cooled.
Only When The Extinguished Fire Has Been Left Long Enough To Cool Down, Can The Space Be Re-entered.  Note:  Early Re-entry Can Lead To Re-ignition.
Re-entry Should Be Done By Personnel Wearing Breathing Apparatus, Taking Water Spray Hoses With Them To Cool Down Any Hot Surfaces.  Note:  Re-entry Should Also Take Place From The Lowest Point Remote From The Seat Of The Fire, If Possible.
Cooling And Smoke Dispersal Are The First Priorities To Provide An Atmosphere In Which Others Can Operate And Gradually Bring Machinery Back Into Service. 
Where The Machinery Space Fire Involves Electrical Equipment Then Only Dry Powder Of Carbon Dioxide Extinguishers Can Be Used Until The Equipment Is Isolated.
 
On What Type Of Fire Would You Use A CO2 Extinguisher?
Class B And C Fires And Electrical Fires.
 
State The Regulations Regarding The Emergency Fire Pump.
The Emergency Fire Pump Is To Be Located Remote From The Machinery Space And With Independent Means Of Power, Which Could Be A Diesel Engine Or From The Emergency Switchboard.
 
Describe An Inert Gas Generator.
The Inert Gas Generator Burns Fuel In Designed Quantities To Produce Perfect Combustion.  This Produces An Exhaust Gas, Which Is Largely Nitrogen And Carbon Dioxide With A Very Small Oxygen Content.
The Exhaust Gases Pass To A Cooling And Washing Chamber To Remove Sulphur And Excess Carbon.  The Washed Or Scrubbed Gas Is Now Inert And Passes To A Distribution System For Fire Fighting.  The Complete Unit Is Arranged To Be Independently Operated In Order To Supply Inert Gas For As Long As The Fuel Supply Lasts.
On Tankers The Inert Gas Can Be Supplied And Used To Blanket The Oil Cargo During Discharging Operations.  Empty Tanks Are Filled With Gas And Inert Gas Is Blown Out When Oil Is Loaded.
  
Briefly Explain How High Expansion Foam Is Produced.
High Expansion Foam Is Produced By Means Of A Foam Generator, Where From Foam Concentrate And Seawater, 1000 Times Quantity Is Achieved.  The Generator Blows Air Through A Net Sprayed With Foam Concentrate And Water.  The Vastly Expanded Foam Is Then Diverted Away To The Space To Be Protected.  The Foam Is An Insulator And An Absorber Of Radiant Heat; It Also Excludes Oxygen From The Fire.
 
What Is The Purpose Of The Deck Seal On An Inert Gas System?
The Purpose Of The Deck Seal Is To Act As A Non-return Valve And Prevent The Back Flow Of Gases.
  
What Is Boundary Cooling And The Reasons For It?
It Should Be Remembered That A Fire Exists In Three Dimensions And Therefore Has Six Sides, Therefore Can Be Transmitted Through Bulkheads Due To Radiant Heat, I.e. Causing Combustible Materials In Adjacent Compartments To Catch Fire. Therefore, This Radiant Heat Is Prevented By Boundary Cooling Of All Sides Of The Compartment On Fire, Using Water Spray Hoses.
 
What Does AFFF Stand For And Where Would You Use This Type Of Extinguisher?
AFFF Stands For:  Aqueous Film Forming Foam.
This Would Be Used On Class B Fires, Fires Burning Liquids Such As Lubricating Oils And Fuels
 
What Action Would You Take In The Event Of Fire Breaking Out In The Machinery Space?
If A Fire Breaks Out, The Alarm Should Be Raised And The Bridge Informed Immediately.  If The Ship Is In Port, The Local Fire Authority Should Be Called.  If Possible, An Attempt Should Be Made To Extinguish Or Limit The Fire By Any Means Possible (a Fire In Its First Few Minutes Can Usually Be Readily Extinguished).
Ventilation Fans Should Be Stopped (should Stop Automatically On Activation Of Fire Alarm).  Openings To The Space Should Be Sealed To Reduce The Supply Of Air To The Fire And To Prevent It Spreading.  Any Fuel Lines Feeding The Fire Or Threatened By It Should Be Isolated.  If Practicable, Combustible Materials Adjacent To The Fire Should Be Removed.
After The Fire Has Been Extinguished, Precautions Should Be Taken Against Spontaneous Re-ignition.
Personnel, Unless Wearing Breathing Apparatus, Should Not Re-enter A Space In Which A Fire Has Occurred Before It Has Been Fully Ventilated.

FAQ Orals (LSA)

Why Is A Hydrostatic Release Fitted To A Liferaft?

Why Is A Hydrostatic Release Fitted To A Liferaft?
In The Event Of The Vessel Sinking, The Hydrostatic Release Operates At A Predetermined Water Depth, Releasing The Liferaft Lashings, Allowing The Liferaft To Float Free And Inflate.
 
Describe A Self-Contained Breathing Apparatus Set?
The Self-contained Breathing Apparatus Set Usually Consists Of One Or Two Cylinders Of Compressed Air Kept In A Harness, Which Is Carried On The Back.  Cylinders Usually Being Charged To A Pressure Of Around 200-240 Bar.   The High Pressure Air Is Fed Through A Reducing Valve And Then To A Demand Valve, Which Can Be Set In Positive Pressure Mode, That Will Supply A Constant Demand Of Air, Or In Demand Mode, Which Will Only Supply Air As The Wearer Demands.  A Non-return Valve Permits Breathing Out To Atmosphere.
The Set Incorporates A Warning Whistle That Sounds On Low Air Pressure.
A Standard Cylinder Will Allow For About 20-25 Minutes Operation, But This Will Also Depend On A Few Factors, Such As Workload Of Wearer.
 
What Survival Equipment Would You Expect To Find In A Lifeboat?
Survival Equipment Would Include Oars, A Boathook, A Compass, Distress Rockets, First Aid Equipment, Rations And Fresh Water.
 
What Must The Capability Of Gravity Davits Be With Regards Heel Of Ship?
The Davits Must Be Able To Lower The Lifeboats When The Ship Is Heeled To 15° On Either Side.
 
How Do You Carry Out A Face Seal Check On A Breathing Apparatus Set?
Don Face Mask, Tighten Straps Properly And Turn Air Supply On.  Then Switch Air Supply Off And Breath In, The Mask Should Stick To Face.  Note, Pressure Gauge Should Not Drop Rapidly Either.
 
What Speed Does The Centrifugal Brake On A Lifeboat Winch Limit The Speed Of Fall Of The Lifeboat To?
The Centrifugal Brake On A Lifeboat Will Not Allow The Lifeboat To Fall Faster Than 36m/min.
 
Explain The Procedure For Lowering A Lifeboat With Gravity Davits.
The Lifeboat Is Held In Against A Cradle By Ropes Called Gripes And The Cradle Is Secured By Pins. With The Gripes And Securing Pins (sometimes Known As Harbour Pins) Are Removed And Released, The Winch Handbrake Can Be Released To Enable The Cradle To Slide Down And Over The Ship's Side.
A "Tricing-in Pennant (wire)" Brings The Lifeboat Close To The Ship's Side To Enable It To Be Boarded. 
The Bowsing Lines Which Fasten To Each End Of The Lifeboat Are Then Used To Hold It In To The Ship's Side, The "Tricing-in Pennants" Then Being Released.
A Painter Is Then Led From The Forward End Of The Lifeboat And Attached Somewhere Forward Of The Lifeboat On The Ship.  Lifeboat Plugs Are Then Secured.
Once The Crew Are On Board The Lifeboat The Bowsing Lines Are Released And The Lifeboat Is Lowered To The Water.  The Engine Is Started, Falls Released And Then The Painter.
 
What Checks Should Be Carried Out On A Breathing Apparatus Set Before Entering A Smoke Filled Compartment?
The Following Checks Should Be Carried Out:
Ensure The Bottle Is Full,
Check Operation Of Low Pressure Whistle, And
Face Seal Check Should Be Carried Out.
 
 What Is Done To Ensure That A Lifeboat Engine Will Start When Needed?
At Least Once Every Two Weeks, But Better Still Once A Week The Lifeboat Engine Should Be Run, All Fuel And Oil Levels Checked And The Gearbox Should Be Operated I.e. Engine Run Astern And Ahead To Check Operation.
Most Engines Are Air Cooled, But Some Are A Combination Of Air And Water, In Which Case Water Level Checked And If Operating In Cold Climates Anti-freeze Levels Also.
Larger Lifeboat Engines Will Be Battery Started, Therefore Condition Of Battery Must Be Checked I.e.  S G Of Electrolyte And That Electrolyte Is Covering Cell Plates.
 
What Are The Two Brakes On A Lifeboat Winch?
The Two Brakes On A Lifeboat Are A Centrifugal Brake And A Weighted Brake Known As A "Dead-Man's Brake" I.e. Once You Let Go Of The Braking Lever, The Brake Will Come Into Action Stopping The Fall Of The Lifeboat.
 

FAQ Orals (Fire Detection)

What Is The Principle Operation Of A Flame Detecto

What Is The Principle Operation Of A Flame Detector? 
As Flame Has A Characteristic Flicker Frequency Of 25Hz, Use Is Made Of This Fact To Trigger An Alarm.  Flickering Radiation From Flames Reaching The Detector Lens/filter Unit, Which Only Allows Infra-red Rays To Pass And Be Focused Upon The Cell.  The Signal From The Cell Goes Into The Selective Amplifier, Which Is Tuned To 25Hz, Then To A Time Delay Unit (to Minimise Incidence Of False Alarms) Then To An Alarm Circuit.
 
What Is The Principle Operation Of A Heat Detector?
This Type Of Heat Detector Uses Two Bi-metalic  Strips/coils Attached To A Vertical Support Bracket.  When Temperature Is Present, The Bi-metalic Strips Will Start To Move, At A Fixed Temperature The First Strip Will Hit A Stop, The Second Strip Continuing To Move, Thus The Contact Is Made And Triggers The Alarm.
.
What Is The Principle Operation Of A Smoke Detector?
The Above Detector, Of The Light Scatter Type Uses A Photo Cell Separated By A Barrier From A Semi-conductor Intermittently Flashing Light Source Housed In An Enclosure Whose Containment Allows Smoke But Not Light Inside.  When Smoke Is Present In The Enclosure, Light Is Scattered Around The Barrier On The Photocell And An Alarm Is Triggered.
 
Once A Fire Detector Has Detected Or Sensed A Fire, What Happens?
Associated With Fire Detectors Is A Circuit Connected To An Alarm Panel, Which Is Usually Situated On The Bridge, Where The Alarm Is Accepted, Usually There Is A Repeater Panel In The Engine Control Room.  The Panel Giving An Indication On Which Deck And Zone The Detector Was Activated.  Someone Will Then Be Sent To Investigate And Verify If It Is A Fire Or A False Alarm.
 
Where Would You Find Heat Detectors And Why?
Heat Type Fire Detectors Would Be Used In Places Such As The Galley, Where Other Types Of Detectors Would Give False Alarms.
 
What Type Of Detector Should Be Fitted In Conjunction With An Infra-Red Type Fire Detector?
It Should Be Used In Conjunction With A Smoke Detector, To Give An Early Warning Of Fire.

FAQ Orals (Electrical)

What Minimum Current Can Be Regarded As Fatal?

What Minimum Current Can Be Regarded As Fatal?
A Shock Current As Low As 15mA Ac Or Dc Can Be Fatal.
 
What Is The Function Of A Fuse?
The Function Of A Fuse Is To Give Short-circuit Protection And Also Overload Protection And Operates In Milliseconds
 
What Would You Consider A Minimum Insulation Reading Resistance?
Insulation Resistance Must Be Kept Above At Least 1MW, The Higher The Insulation Resistance The Better.  Companies Have Their Own Regulations, But Most Companies Only Allow Readings Above 5MOhms.
  
How Can You Reverse The Direction Of A Motor?
By Swapping Any Two Supply Line Connections To The Motor.
 
Give Reasons Why Protection Equipment Is Essential In An Electrical Distribution System.
To Disconnect And Isolate Faulty Equipment In Order To Maintain The Power Supply To The Remaining Healthy Circuits In The System.
To Prevent Damage To Equipment From The Thermal And Magnetic Forces That Occur During Short Circuit And Overload Faults.
To Protect Personnel From Electric Shock.
 
 Explain Regulations Regarding Power Supplies For Steering Gears.
The Electrical Power Supply Must Be From Two Widely Separate Supplies I.e. One From The Main Switchboard And The Other From The Emergency Board. 
Electrical Leads And Fuses Are To Allow 100% Overload, Giving Only Short Circuit Protection.
If Failure Does Occur On One System, The Stand-by System Will Cut In Within 45 Seconds.
The Steering Motors Will Have Sequential Starting.
 
 What Is The Normal Reading On And Insulation Test Meter?
Infinity  Is A Normal Reading, But Readings Should Be Kept Above 5 Meg-ohms..
 
When Would A Star/Delta Starter Be Used On A Motor?
Where A Slow Moving High Inertia Load Is Involved The Starting Time Must Be Considered Because Of The Heating Effect Of The Starting Current And In This Case A Star/Delta Starter Would Be Used.
The Star/Delta Starter First Connects The Starter Windings In Star And When Running Changes Over To Delta.  The Star Connection Results In About 58% Line Voltage Being Applied To Each Phase With Therefore A Reduction In Starting Current.  The Starting Torque Is Also Reduced To About 1/3 Of Its Direct On-line Valve.
 
How Would You Go About Finding An Earth Fault In The System?
Finding An Earth Fault Would Be By The Process Of Elimination I.e. Circuit Breakers Would Be Opened And Closed Until Earth Fault Disappeared, Taking Care Which Breakers Were Being Opened And Closed As They Maybe Supply Essential Loads At The Time.  It Would Be Good Practice To Start With Places Such As The Galley And Laundry Where Faults Are Common.

What Is Single Phasing Of A Motor?
Single Phasing Is Where One Of The 3-phase's Supplying The Motor Becomes Disconnected.  The Motor Will Continue To Run If This Happens And Can Result In Motor Burnout.  The Effect Of Single Phasing Is To Increase The Current In The Two Remaining Lines And Cause The Motor To Become Very Noisy Due To Uneven Torque Produced.
 
 What Are The Causes Of Single Phasing?
Single Phasing Can Be Caused When One Of The Three Back Up Fuses Blows Or If One Of The Contactor Contacts Is In Open Circuit.
 
What Is Meant By Protection Discrimination?
This Is The Ability Of A Protection System To Disconnect Only Faulty Circuits And To Maintain The Electrical Supplies To Healthy Ones.
Discrimination Is Achieved By Co-ordinating The Current Ratings And The Time Settings Of The Fuses And Over-current Relays Used Between The Generator And The Load.
The Devices Nearest The Load Having The Lowest Current Rating And Shortest Operating Time;  Those Nearest The Generator Having The Highest Current Rating And Longest Operating Time.
I.e.  A Motor Fault On A Centrifugal Pump Would Not Cause The Generator Breaker To Trip.
 
Describe How An A C Motor Works?
Most A C Motors On Ships Are Of The Induction Or Squirrel Cage Motor Types, The Principle Of Operation For Which Is As Follows:  The Starter Is Made Up Of Three Separately Phased Windings, To Which A 3-phase Supply Is Connected.  The Rotor Has A Series Of Copper Conductors Along Its Axis, Which Are Joined By Rings At The Ends To Form A Cage.  When The Motor Is Started, The Rotating Magnetic Field Induces An E M F In The Cage And Thus A Current Flow.  The Current Carrying Conductor In A Magnetic Field Produces The Motor Effect, Which Turns The Rotor.  The Motor Speed Builds Up To A Value Just Less Than The Speed Of Rotation Of The Magnetic Field.  The Motor Speed Depends Upon The E M F Induced In The Rotor And This Depends Upon The Difference In Speed Between The Conductors And The Magnetic Field.
A Number Of Different Fixed Speeds Are Possible By Changing The Number Of Poles (Conductors).
 
What Is Meant By The Term, Type Ex'e'?
Ex'e' = Increased Safety Equipment.
Increased Safety Equipment Is Based Primarily On The Elimination Of  "open Sparking", I.e. Equipment That Does Not Have Contacts.
 
What Is Meant By The Term, Type Ex'i'?
Ex'i' = Intrinsically Safe.
Equipment With Circuits That Do Not Generate Enough Heat To Ignite A Gas.  This Generally Means Limiting Circuits To Less Than 30V, 50mA.
 
What Is Meant By The Term, Type Ex'p'?
Ex'p' = Pressurisation.
This Is Where Equipment Is Pressurised To Prevent Any Gases Entering Equipment.

What Is Meant By The Term, Type Ex'd'?
Ex'd' = Flame Proof Enclosure.
This Is An Enclosure That Will Withstand An Internal Explosion Of Flammable Gas Within Itself And Dissipate Heat From That Explosion Before Reaching Outside Atmosphere, Which Could Ignite The Gas In Surrounding Atmosphere, I.e. A Ship's Battery Locker Could Be Classed As Ex'd'.

 Why Do You Require Earth Lamps On 220V Distribution Board When You Have Them On The Main Switchboard?
You Require Earth Lamps On The 220V Distribution Board As Well As The Main Board, Due To The Air Gap In Step Down Transformer, I.e. 440V Earth Lamps Can Not Detect Earth On 220V Systems Due To The Gap.
 
What Would You Do If You Found An Engineer In Electric Shock?
First Raise The Alarm Then Isolate Or Switch Off The Current.
If This Is Not Possible, Pull Or Push The Victim Away From The Source, Taking Care Not To Make Electrical Contact With The Victim Or The Electrical Source, I.e. Use Something Non-conductive.
Once The Victim Has Been Removed From The Electrical Source, If The Breathing Is Feeble Or Ceased, Artificial Respiration Should Be Started At Once.  Delay In Starting Artificial Respiration Can Prove Fatal.
Note:  If Artificial Respiration Is Started At Once, 70% Of The Victims Recover.  If There Is 3 (three) Minutes Delay, Only 20% Of Victims Recover.

FAQ Orals (safety)

In The Occurrence Of An Oil Spill, What Do You Do?

In The Occurrence Of An Oil Spill, What Do You Do?
Stop The Flow Of Oil.  If Possible Contain The Spill On Deck And Start Clean Up Procedure Using Appropriate Oil Spill Equipment And Raise The Alarm.  There Will Be A Set Drill For Oil Spill Procedure.
If The Oil Has Spilt Into The Sea, If In Port, The Port Authorities Must Be Informed, If At Sea, The Coastguard Must Be Informed.
The Time, Place Or Position, Type Of Oil And Approximate Quantity Must Be Recorded In The Engine Room Log, Bridge Log And Oil Record Book.  Circumstances Of Spill Must Also Be Recorded.
 
How Is "Water Hammer" Prevented?
In Order To Prevent Water Hammer It Is Necessary To Open Up Drains On Steam Lines Being Brought Into Use.  The Water Must Be Completely Drained So It Leaves The Line Clear.  The Steam Valve Is Then Cracked Open So The Line Is Heated And Brought Up To Near Working Temperature.  Any Condensate Found During This Process Drains Out Of The Line Via The Drains Previously Opened.  The Valve May Then Be Opened And Drains Closed.
 
What Safety Equipment Should There Be At A Bunker Station?
Safety Equipment That Should Be Found At A Bunker Manifold Are A Foam Fire Extinguisher, Oil Spill Gear Such As Spill Absorbent, Bunker Plan And Equipments For Communication.
  
What Is The Bilge Injection Valve?
The Bilge Injection Is A Valve That Enables The Engine Room Bilges To Be Pumped Out Directly Overboard In The Event Of An Emergency Such As Flooding.  The Valve Is Normally Fitted To The End Of A Branch Connection With The Main Sea-water Suction Line.  This Enables Large Main Sea-water Cooling Pumps To Be Used As A Bilge Pump In An Emergency.
 
What Is Regarded As An Enclosed Space?
An Enclosed Space Is A Space That Cannot Be Assumed To Contain Oxygen I.e Space Without Any Means Of Ventilation. These Are Spaces Such As A Duct Keel, A Double Bottom Tank, A Cofferdam, Etc.
 
What Are The Dangers Of Excessive Lubrication In Start Air Compressors?
There Is A Danger That Excessive Cylinder Lubrication In Start Air Compressors Could Lead To Explosions In Air Start Lines/Manifolds. 
Excessive Lubrication Can Lead To Carry Over With Compressed Air, Being Deposited In The Receiver Then Transferred To The Air Start Manifold, Where A Leaking Air Start Valve May Allow Hot Gases From Combustion Into The Air Start Manifold, Ignite The Oil Vapour, Causing An Explosion. 
 
Fire Is The Combination Of Three Factors, What Are These?
1.  A Substance That Will Burn
2.  Ignition Source
3. A Supply Of Oxygen, Usually From Air.
 
Regarding The Emergency Bilge Injection Valve, What Is Its Relevant Size Compared To The Main Sea Water Injection Valve?
The Valve Size Of The Emergency Bilge Injection Valve Must Not Be Less Than 2/3 The Size Of The Main Sea-water Injection Valve.
 
What Is The Procedure For Entering An Enclosed Space?
An Enclosed Space Entry Permit Is Required Which Can Only Be Obtained With The Permission Of A Responsible Officer.  This Permit Will List The Conditions To Be Met Before Entry.
The Space Should Be Well Ventilated Before Entry Takes Place;  Before Entry, Oxygen Levels Must Be Checked Using An O2 Meter.
Another Person Should Remain At The Entrance While The Person Is In The Space, To Summon Assistance If Necessary And There Should Also Be Means Of Communications Arranged Between The Person Within The Space And The Attendant.
Lifelines And Harnesses Should Be Available At The Entrance To The Space.
If The Occupant Appears To Be In Danger, The Attendant Should First Raise The Alarm, But Should Not Enter The Space Unless Equipped With Breathing Apparatus.
 
What Is, And Where Would You Find, The International Shore Connection?
This Is A Standard Size Flange Which Is Fitted With A Suitable Coupling Suitable For The Ships Fire Hoses.  The Flange Is Slotted In Order To Fit Any Shore Side Fire Main And Enable Water To Be Brought On Board Ship Lying Alongside.  Usually Located On The Bridge.
 
What Is "Water Hammer" And Its Danger?
When Steam Lines Are Shut Down It Is Possible From Various Causes For Them To Fill With Water.  If Steam Is Allowed To Enter A Line With Water, The Steam Starts To Move The Water Down The Line.  The Steam In Contact With The Water Eventually Condenses And A Vacuum Is Formed Causing The Water To Be Pulled Back To The Valve Which Has Just Been Opened And Striking It With A Heavy Blow, Often Fracturing The Valve.  If The Valve Fractures, It May End Disastrously With Risk Of Loss Of Life.

Fires Are Classified According To The Types Of Material, Which Are Acting As The Source, What Are These Classifications?
Class A  –  Fires Burning Wood, Glass Fibre, Upholstery And Furnishings
Class B  –  Fires Burning Liquids Such As Lubricating Oil And Fuels
Class C  –  Fires Burning Gas Fuels Such As Liquefied Petroleum
Class D  –  Fires Burning Combustible Metals Such As Magnesium And Aluminium
Class E  –  Fires Burning Any Of The Above Materials Together With High Voltage Electricity. 
 

FAQ Orals (Batteries)

What Are The Two Main Types Of Battery Commonly Us

What Are The Two Main Types Of Battery Commonly Used On Board Ships?
Lead Acid And Alkaline.
 
What Are The Advantages And Disadvantages Of Alkaline Batteries?
The Advantages Of Alkaline Batteries Are That They Retain Charge On Open Circuit And Even If Discharged, It Can Be Left For Long Periods Without Adverse Effect.
The Disadvantages Are That They Require A Greater Number Of Cells To Produce A Particular Voltage.
They Are Also More Expensive Than Lead Acid Batteries.
 
What Are Batteries Used For On-Board Ships?
They Are Used For Supplying Essential Power To:  Radio Equipment, Telephone Exchange, Fire Detection, General Alarm Circuits, Etc.  These Systems Are Often Supplied From Two Sets Of Batteries Worked On A Regular Charge/discharge Cycle.
They Are Also Used As Emergency Supplies, I.e. For Emergency Generator Start-up And Emergency Lighting.  Being Used In This Case In A "stand-by" Role To Give Power When Main Supplies Fail.
 
How Do You Ensure That Batteries Are Always In Good Working Order?
Where Lead Acid Batteries Are Used, They Require A Constant Trickle Charge, But For Both Types Of Battery A Regular Charge Up Is Necessary. 
Check State Of Battery Using A Hydrometer;  Lead Acid – S G 1270®1285   Alkaline Is 1190 But
S B For Alkaline Batteries Does Not Change Much During Charge Or Discharge.
Ensure Cells Are Covered With Electrolyte, If Not, Top Up With Distilled Water.
Keep Batteries Dry And Clean
Terminals Should Be Smeared With Petroleum Jelly.
 
When Working On Batteries, What Precautions Should Be Taken?
Ensure The Space Is Well Ventilated, Do Not Smoke Or Use Naked Lights And Also Wear Protective Clothing Such As Apron, Gloves And Face Shield.
 
What Are The Disadvantages And Advantages Of A Lead Acid Battery?
The Advantages Of A Lead Acid Battery Are;  They Require Fewer Cells To Achieve Particular Voltage And Are Reasonably Priced.
The Disadvantages Are That They Require Regular Attention To Keep Fully Charged, Always Require A Trickle Charge And They Discharge On Open Circuit.
 
What Gas Is Given Off By Batteries While Charging?
Hydrogen
 

FAQ Orals (Emergency Supply )

Where On The Ship Is The Emergency Generator Locat

Where On The Ship Is The Emergency Generator Located?
The Emergency Generator Is Located Remotely From The Engine Room, Usually On The Accommodation Deck Or At Weather Deck Level Or Above.
 
What Are The Essentials Supplied By The Emergency Switchboard?
Essentials Are:  Emergency Lighting, Alarms, Communications, Navigational Equipments, Watertight Doors And Other Services Necessary To Maintain Safety And To Permit Safe Evacuation Of The Ship By Lifeboats.  Also You Will Find That A Steering Gear Motor, Emergency Air Start Compressor And Emergency Fire Pump Motor Are Supplied From The Emergency Switchboard.
 
Explain How The Emergency Generator Starts Up In The Event Of Total Power Failure?
The Start-up Of The Emergency Generator Is Initiated By An Electrical Relay, Which Monitors The Normal Mains Power Supply.  Falling Mains Frequency Or Voltage Causes The "start-up" Relay To Operate The Generator Starting Equipment.  The Prime Mover May Be Electrically Cranked From It's Own 24V Battery And Starter Motor Or Air Started From It's Own Air Reservoir Fitted Local To The Generator Engine.  A Manual Start-up May Also Be Initiated By Push Buttons In The Main Control Room And In The Emergency Generator Room.
Also When Power Loss Occurs, The Breaker Feeding The Emergency Switchboard From The Main Switchboard Opens.  This Breaker Is Interlocked With The Emergency Generator Breaker, Which Is Normally Open Under Normal Circumstances, But In The Event Of Total Power Failure, This Breaker Will Close When The Breaker Feeding The Emergency Board From The Main Board Opens.  Thus The Emergency Generator Will Feed The Emergency Switchboard.
 
What Is Done To Ensure The Emergency Generator Is Always Available And Will Start?
The System Should Be Checked Regularly And Operated Weekly To Ensure It's Availability If Required.  Fuel Tanks Should Be Kept Full, Ample Cooling Water In Radiator Cooling System And Starting Equipment Should Be Functional, I.e. Batteries Should Be Fully Charged Or Air Receivers Full.
 
 

World Maritime Day

World Maritime Day Is An Official United Nations D

World Maritime Day Is An Official United Nations Day. Every Year, It Provides An Opportunity To Focus Attention On The Importance Of Shipping And Other Maritime Activities And To Emphasize A Particular Aspect Of IMO's Work.
Each World Maritime Day Has Its Own Theme. For 2016, The Theme Is “Shipping: Indispensable To The World” – Chosen To Focus On The Critical Link Between Shipping And The Everyday Lives Of People All Over The Planet, And To Raise Awareness Of The Role Of IMO As The Global Regulatory Body For International Shipping. The Importance Of Shipping In Supporting And Sustaining Today's Global Society Gives IMO's Work A Significance That Reaches Far Beyond The Industry Itself.
According To The United Nations Conference On Trade And Development (UNCTAD), Around 80% Of Global Trade By Volume And Over 70% Of Global Trade By Value Are Carried By Sea And Are Handled By Ports Worldwide. These Shares Are Even Higher In The Case Of Most Developing Countries.

A Single Ship Can Carry Enough Grain To Feed Nearly Four Million People For A Month; Another, Enough Oil To Heat An Entire City For A Year, And Others Can Carry The Same Amount Of Finished Goods As Nearly 20,000 Heavy Trucks On The Road. Ships Are Among The Engineering Wonders Of The Modern World.

Shipping Is The Only Truly Cost-effective And Sustainable Delivery Mechanism For International Trade And The Global Economy.  People All Over The World Rely On Ships To Transport The Commodities, Fuel, Foodstuffs, Goods And Products That Are So Vital In Their Everyday Lives.

“As The World Maritime Day Theme For 2016 So Rightly Acknowledges, Shipping Is Indispensable To The World – And Is Set To Remain Central To World Economic Growth As We Make The Inevitable Transition Towards An Era Of Clean And Sustainable Development,” Said IMO Secretary-General Kitack Lim In His Annual World Maritime Day Message.
“This Is A Message That Needs, And Deserves, A Wider Audience. Almost Everyone In The World Today Relies On Shipping To Some Extent – But Very Few Are Aware Of It,” Mr. Lim Said, Urging All All Those Involved In Shipping To Take The Opportunity To Highlight This Vital Industry, On Which So Many Depend.

United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon Also Issued A Message For World Maritime Day,
The Importance Of Shipping In Supporting And Sustaining Today's Global Society Makes It Indispensable To The World, And To Meeting The Challenge Of The 2030 Agenda For Sustainable Development,” Mr. Ban Said.
Individual Governments Are Encouraged To Mark The World Maritime Day, On A Date Of Their Choosing But Usually In The Last Week Of September.