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 MCA Orals
Examination
Revision: General
Engineering
Knowledge

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1: What Interlocks are there on the Start Air System?

An Interlock to prevent Fuel being Injected

An Interlock on Turning Gear and
An Interlock CCP System, pitch has to be on Zero before Starting Engine.

2: Give a Shipboard use of Cupro-Nickel and the Properties that make it

suitable for this use.

Heat Exchanger Tubes.

It has good corrosive qualities and very good heat transfer qualities.

3: What is the First Indication of a Leaking Exhaust Valve?

The First Indication of a Leaking Exhaust Valve is a rise of Exhaust Gas Temperature at
the outlet of the Valve.

4: What is the Purpose of a Volute Casing in a Turbo Charger?

The purpose of a Volute Casing in a Turbo Charger is to change the Air Velocity in to
Pressure. It also ensures a Constant Velocity of Air leaving the Turbo Charger by
accommodating for the gradual increase in quantity of Air that builds up at the
circumference of the Compressor.

5: How is the Signal from the Bridge when the Helm is Moved Transmitted to
the Hydraulic Rams in Steering Flat?

When the Helm on the Bridge is moved, electrical impulses are produced. These
impulses are transmitted via an amplifier or control unit to the Steering Flat. In the
Steering Flat, these impulses are relayed to a servomotor (telemotor) which drives an
adjusting gear and floating lever which puts the steering gear variable delivery pump on
stroke, thus creating hydraulic pressure in the system which moves the Rams, thus
moving the Tiller and Rudder.

The Pump is only required to deliver Oil when the Helm is moved i.e. once rudder has
matched the Helm Angle, the Control Lever will put the Pump Off Stroke.

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6: What would you do in the Event of an Oil Spill?

Raise the Alarm, Inform Bridge and Chief Engineer.

There should be a Set Drill for Oil Spills, which is practised regularly.
If possible contain the Spill on deck and start clean up procedures using appropriate Oil
Spill Equipment.
If the Oil has Spilt into the Sea:- If in Port, Port Authorities should be informed. If at
Sea, Coastguard should be informed.
The Time of Spill should be Recorded with the Place or Position of Ship at the Time of
Spill along with Approximate quantity and Type of Oil.
Circumstances of Discharge or Escape would be Logged in Oil Record Book and Engine
Room Log Book.

7: Give a Shipboard use for Grey Cast Iron and the Properties that make it
suitable for this use.

Freshwater Pump Casings.

It has fairly good machining qualities and is also inexpensive.

8: What is the Critical and Barred Range on an Engine?

This is where the Speed of an Engine in rpm, at which the resonant condition occurs, and
is referred to as Critical Speed.
The high stresses associated with resonant condition start to build up as Critical Speed is
approached and do not come back to a safe value until speed is beyond Critical Speed.
The unsafe stresses either side of Critical Speed are known as Flank Stresses, this is
known as the Barred Speed Range.
The Engine must not be continuously operated at speeds within the Barred Range.

9: How many Starts do you require to get from an Air Receiver without
Recharging?

On a Reversible Engine: 12 Starts

On Engines with CPP Propellers: 6 Starts.

10: What Fittings would you expect to find on a Start Air Receiver?

Fittings found on a Receiver are: Safety Valve, Fusible Plug, Isolating Valve to Main Air
Start System, Filling Valve from Compressor, Drain Valve, Valve to Control Air, Valve
to Whistle, Pressure Gauge.

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11: What is the Purpose of a Fusible Plug on an Air Receiver and at what
Temperature is it Designed to Melt?

The purpose of the Fusible Plug is to act as a Safety Feature to Release Compressed Air
from the Receiver in the event of a Fire in the Vicinity. The Fusible Plug is designed to
melt at 150°C.

12: What Steering Gear Checks would you do before Setting Sail?

Prior to a Ship's departure from any Port, the Steering Gear should be tested to ensure
satisfactory Operation. These Tests should include:
Operation of the Main Steering Gear
Operation of the Auxiliary Steering Gear or the use of the Second Pump which acts as the
Auxiliary.
Operation of the Remote Control Systems from the Main Bridge Steering Positions.
Operation of Steering Gear using the Emergency Power Supply.
The Rudder Angle Indicator Reading with respect to the actual Rudder Angle should be
checked.
The Alarms fitted to the Remote Control System and Steering Gear Power Units should
be checked for Correct Operation.
Steering Gear Header Tank Level should be checked.

During these Tests, the Rudder should be moved through its Full Travel, in both Port and
Starboard and the various equipment items, linkages, etc. visually inspected for damage
or wear. The Communication System between Bridge and Steering Gear Compartment
should also be Operated.

13: What is the Function of the Condenser in a Refrigeration System?

The function of a Condenser in a Refrigeration System is to condense and sub cool the
refrigerant below Saturation Temperature.

14: What is the correct method of Starting and Stopping a Centrifugal Pump?

The correct way to Start and Stop a Centrifugal Pump is with the Discharge Valve from
the Pump closed, i.e. less load on the Motor when Starting and Stopping.

15: What is the purpose of Rocker Gear on an Engine?

The purpose of the Rocker Gear is to operate the Inlet and Exhaust Valves on the
Cylinder Head.

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16: What is the Primary Function of the Expansion Valve in a Refrigeration
System?

The Primary Function of an Expansion Valve in a Refrigeration System is to regulate the

Flow of Refrigerant from the H P side to the L P side of the System.
The pressure drop causes the Saturation Temperature to drop, enabling it to boil off at the
Low Temperature of the Evaporator.

17: Why is Overlap necessary on Air Start Valves?

Overlap is necessary as if there was no Overlap it would be possible for the Engine to
stop in a position where no Valves are Open, i.e. unable to Start.

18: What is the Pressure of a Start Air Receiver?

25-40 bar depending on the type of Engine.

19: Where On Board a Ship would you find Information on the Carriage of
Hazardous Substances?

Information on the Carriage of Hazardous Substances would be found in the IMDG

(International Maritime Dangerous Goods Code), which would normally be found on the
Bridge.

20: How is a Medium Speed Engine Reversed (without CPP)?

In Medium Speed Diesel Engines, reversing is achieved by the use of Duplicate Cams for
the Air Inlet Valves, Exhaust Valves and Fuel Pumps. Air Start Distributor Timing is
also changed by means of Camshaft Movement or by a Directional Air Supply being
admitted to the Start Air Distribution, to reposition Cams.
To engage correct Cams for Ahead and Astern Movements, the Camshaft slides axially in
its Bearings. This movement is controlled by the Camshaft Reversing Gear, which is
normally a Servo Piston. Motion of the Piston being directly transmitted to the Camshaft.
Note: In a Slow Speed, only Duplicate Fuel Cams required.

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21: 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.

22: Explain how you would Start an Air Compressor and Stop It (after overhaul)

Check Oil Level in Crankcase.

Then ensure all drains are open, i.e. Intercooler Drains and also Unloaders.
Check Air Intake Filter is clean.
Ensure Oil Pressure Gauge is Open and that Air Pressure Gauges i.e. 1st and 2nd Stage,
are Partially Open to stop Gauge Fluctuation.
If Water Cooled, check Valves are open and Cooling is supplied. Also check Header
Tank.
Bar Machine Over by hand to see if it is Free to Turn.
Start the Machine, check there are no unusual Noises or Vibrations and Oil pressure is
Correct.
Then close Drains and Unloader.
If all seem okay, run for 30 minutes, after which, it can be stopped, covers removed and
bearings checked. If okay Machine can be Started on Automatic and run.
To Stop the Machine, always make sure the Machine is unloaded and Drains opened
before stopping, unless Automatic Drains and Unloaders are Fitted.

23: What are the Safety Devices fitted to an Air Compressor?

Low Lub Oil Pressure Shut Down

High Air Temperature Shut Down
1st Stage Relief Valve
2nd Stage Relief Valve
A Fusible Plug is fitted after the 2nd Stage Cooler, Set at 120°C
If Water Cooled, a Jacket Water Safety Valve is fitted.

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24: How would you prepare a Main Engine for Sea?

This may vary from Engine to Engine.

 Have a visual check all round the Engine.
 Start the Engine Lub Oil Pumps, engage Turning Gear and turn the Engine
ensuring Indicator Cocks are open.
 Jacket Water Heating should be on ensuring the Engine is warmed through,
Circulated by Circulating Pump.
 The Fuel Oil Booster Pumps should also be running, circulating Fuel around the
System.
 Note: If manoeuvring on High Viscosity Fuel Oil, the Fuel should be heated and
circulated around the Injectors to give the correct viscosity for the Grade of Fuel
in use. Ensure Fuel Injectors are vented and primed.
 Drain any water from Air Start Receivers and Starting Air Manifold, also Control
Systems.
 Check Jacket Heater Tank Level.
 Check all Oil Levels, Sump, Governor, Turbocharger, Cylinder Lub Oil Tank,
Rocker Arm if on 4-stroke.
 Operate Cylinder lubricators by hand.
 Check Fuel Oil Service Tank, i.e. drain off water/sludge
 Disengage Turning Gear.
 Inform Bridge that you are about to Blow the Engine Over on Air - they will give
you permission. Open Air Start Valve from Receiver.
 Once Engine is Blown Over on Air, close Indicator Cocks, start Jacket Water
Pumps, shut off Jacket Heating and Circulating Pump.
 If two stroke Engine, start Auxiliary Blower.
 Inform Bridge you are ready to start Engine.
 Start Engine and Seawater Cooling Pump, have a good visual check around the
Engine and check all parameters are correct.
 Inform Bridge that you are ready for Stand-by.

25: What is the Importance of "M" Notices?

"M" Notices are important as they convey very useful information such as:

Merchant Shipping Notices (MSNs): which will only be used to convey mandatory
information, which must be complied with under British Legislation.

Merchant Guidance Notes (MGNs): which will provide advice and guidance to relevant
parties in order to improve the Safety of Shipping and of Life at Sea.

Marine Information Notes (MINs): which will provide information to a more limited
audience such as Training Establishments or Equipment Manufacturers.

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26: What is Uniflow Scavenging?

With Uniflow Scavenging, the Incoming Air enters at the Lower End of the Cylinder and
Leaves at the Top. The Outlet at the Top of the Cylinder being a Large Exhaust Valve.
The advantage of Uniflow is the simple design of the Liner, plus it is the most efficient.

27: What is the Maximum Compressed Air Temperature that should leave an
Air Compressor?

93°C

28: What would you do if you had a High Chloride Level in the Boiler?

To reduce the Chloride Level in the Boiler, the Boiler would be Blown Down, thus
allowing Fresh Feed to the Boiler

29: What is Loop Scavenging in a 2-Stroke Engine?

Loop Scavenging is where the Incoming Air passes over the Piston Crown, then rises
towards the Cylinder Head forcing Exhaust Gases down and out the Exhaust Ports, just
above the Inlet Port. The advantage of Loop is that no Exhaust Valve is required.

30: What are the Pipes, used for Pumping Fuel around the Ship, Protected by?

Quick Closing Valves: which can be operated remotely. In most cases from the Bridge
or a remote location from the Engine Room.

31: How can Exhaust Valve Leakage be confirmed?

Exhaust Valve Leakage can be confirmed by taking an Indicator Card, the Card should be
taken with Fuel "On" and "Off" the Unit. If the Valve is leaking, the compression
pressure and maximum pressure will be low.

32: What would cause an Excessive High Pressure in a Refrigeration System?

High Pressure could be caused by lack of Cooling or a Fouled Condenser or even

Overcharge, but this is usually unlikely.

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33: Fresh Water supplied for Drinking and Culinary purposes must meet
Specified Purity Standards. How is this achieved?

These Standards are met by passing the Fresh Water through a Hypochlorinator where
the Water is Sterilised by an excess dose of Chlorine provided as Hypochloride Tablets.
It is then de-chlorinated in a Bed of Activated Carbon to remove excess Chlorine. Any
Colour, Taste and Odour, which was present in the Water, will also be removed by the
Carbon.
Another Method is to pass the Fresh Water through an Ultra Violet Steriliser.

34: What is the Pressure between an Engine Fuel Pump and Injector?

250-350 bar.

35: What is the Regulation regarding use of Evaporators Inshore?

Evaporators should not be used within 20 miles from Shore, due to risk of pollutants
being taken into the Freshwater System.

36: What is Cross Flow Scavenging

In Cross Flow Scavenging, the Incoming Air is directed upwards, pushing the Exhaust
Gases before it. The Exhaust Gases then travel down and out of the Exhaust Port.
Advantage is no Exhaust Valve.

37: Why is Simultaneous Injection of Fuel Oil and Starting Air into a Main
Engine Cylinder Undesirable and How is it Prevented?

Simultaneous Injection of Fuel and Starting Air into a Cylinder is Undesirable as it could
lead to an Explosion in the Start Air System.
It is prevented by means of Interlock, which prevents Fuel being Injected when the Air
Start Auto Valve is Open.
The Interlock Operates a Stop Solenoid, which keeps the Fuel Rack at Zero Position.

38: After Stripping and Cleaning a Purifier, what do you have to make sure of
on re-assembly?

You have to make sure that the Mark on the Bowl Lock Ring lines up with the Mark on
the Bowl.
Also if Vertical Shaft has been removed, that height of Shaft is correct.

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39: What is the Purpose of the Scum Valve on a Boiler?

The Scum Valve on a Boiler is connected to a shallow dish positioned at the normal
water level of the Boiler and enables the Blowing Down or Removal of Scum and
Impurities from the Water Surface.

40: Why does a Centrifugal Cargo Pump have a Relief Valve?

A Centrifugal Cargo Pump requires a Relief Valve as the Working Pressure of the Pump
has to tie in with the Working Pressure of the Cargo Pipework.

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