IAMI PAST EXAM QUESTIONS

SECTION C – GENERAL ENGINERRING KNOWLEDGE

This Section contains NINE questions, in THREE parts: Auxiliary Systems, Electrical and Ship
Construction. Candidates MUST attempt ALL NINE questions in this Section. (1h 20min)

PART 1 – Auxiliary Systems

Question 1
Describe the procedure for testing a steering gear within 12 hours of sailing. (16)

Question 2
(a) Outline the separation process that occurs within centrifugal oil purifiers. (12)
(b) Explain the change required to a non ALCAP type purifier if it is to be used for an oil
of lower density. (4)

Question 3
Sketch an oily-water separator system that complies with present legislation. (16)

Question 4
(a) State the regulations that make each ship responsible for the prevention of pollution
at sea and in port. (4)
(b) Name the equipment that must be used in machinery spaces to comply with Annex 1
of the regulations stated in Q(a). (2)
(c) Describe the principle of operation of the equipment named in Q(b) (10)

Question 5
Outline a safe procedure for final daily watch-keeping checks of an engine room which is
designated UMS. (16)

Question 6
Describe, with the aid of sketches, a plate type heat exchanger. (16)

Question 7
(a) Name the International convention that regulates the prevention of oil pollution at
sea. (4)
(b) Describe how oily water from machinery space bilges is treated to ensure that the
discharge complies with the convention mentioned in (a). (10)
(c) State the legal document that is required to comply with the convention mentioned
in (a). (2)

Question 8
(a) Describe the actions that the EOOW should take on finding that the temperature of
the thrust block is rising above normal acceptable range. (6)
(b) Explain why the thrust block temperature is critical. (10)

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Question 9
(a) Name FOUR types of portable fire extinguisher that may be found in the machinery
space onboard ship. (4)
(b) Explain which of the extinguishers named in (a) may be found in the machinery
control room (7)
(c) State the fire classifications, including the type of material involved with EACH (5)

Question 10
Describe the actions necessary to prepare the engine room for rough weather. (16)

Question 11
(a) Sketch a simple refrigeration system showing the FOUR major components. (8)

(b) State the condition of the refrigerant between EACH component in the sketch of Q(a). (8)

Question 12
(a) State the entries necessary in the Oil Record Book when discharging bilge water at
sea. (8)
(b) State FOUR precautions taken prior to taking bunkers. (8)

Question 13
(a) Describe the actions that the EOOW should take on finding that the temperature of the
thrust block is rising above normal acceptable range.(6)
(b) Explain why the thrust block temperature is critical. (10)

Question 14
Describe, with the aid of sketch, a typical single element temperature control for a large
lubricating oil system. (16)

Question 15
(a) State FOUR actions the Engineer Officer of the Watch would take on discovering a
small oil fire in the engine room bilge. (8)
(b) State FOUR good watch keeping practices that can help prevent such fires mentioned
in Q(a) from occurring. (8)

Question 16
List EIGHT reasons why a bilge pump may not be able to remove water from an engine room
bilge. (16)

Question 17
Explain the actions that the Engineer Officer of the Watch should take on discovering the
lagging on the main engine exhaust, within the funnel spaces, was on fire. (16)

Question 18
(a) Describe the operation of a domestic refrigeration plant, referencing the refrigerant
condition at the main components. (12)
(b) State how liquid is prevented from returning to the compressor. (4)

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Question 19
State, with reasons, FOUR principle requirements for maintaining records on board ship. (16)

Question 20
State EIGHT actions the Engineer Officer of the Watch would take on acknowledging
unexpected high-level engine room bilge alarms, in both port and starboard bilge wells. (16)

Question 21
(a) Explain the importance of regular fire drills. (8)
(b) Describe how a drill relating to a fire in a purifier room may be organized. (8)

Question 22
As the engineer officer of the watch list EIGHT circumstances where it would be necessary to
call the Chief Engineer Officer. (16)

Question 23
With reference to centrifugal pumps:

(a) Explain why large pumps should be started with the discharge valve closed; (8)
(b) State FOUR possible reasons for failing to achieve suction from a double bottom tank.
(8)

Question 24
(a) State FOUR conditions to be complied with in order that bilge water may be discharged
overboard while the vessel is in a special area. (8)

(b) Describe an engine room bilge system that complies with current legislation. (8)

Question 25
Describe the actions to be taken to operate a bottled CO2 fixed fire-fighting system, from
the decision being taken that CO2 must be used, to the CO2 being released into the
compartment. (16)

Question 26
Name the appropriate regulations and describe the safety practices relating to EACH of the
following:

(a) Grinding wheels; (4)

(b) Rotating machinery; (4)
(c) Safety clothing and footwear; (4)
(d) Prevention of skin reactions. (4)

Question 27
Describe EIGHT actions to be taken by the relieving Engineer Officer of the Watch before
taking charge of the watch (16)

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Question 28
With reference to the treatment of lubricating or fuel oil:

(a) State the function of a purifier; (4)

(b) State the function of a clarifier; (4)
(c) State TWO constructional differences found in the bowls of purifiers and clarifiers. (8)

Question 29
State, with a reason, TWO types of portable fire extinguisher that may be used to fight a fire
in EACH of the following shipboard areas:

(a) Galley; (4)

(b) Accommodation space; (4)
(c) Machinery space control room; (4)
(d) Main electrical switchboard. (4)

Question 30
(a) State the meaning of the term enclosed space. (4)
(b) Explain the procedure for preparation for entry into a cofferdam prior to an
inspection. (12)

Question 31
With reference to two stage water cooled reciprocating main engine starting air
compressors:

(a) Describe, with the aid of a sketch, a protective device fitted to the water side of the
intercooler or aftercooler; (8)
(b) Explain why the device described in Q(a) is fitted; (4)
(c) Describe the possible consequences should the device described in Q(a) fail to
operate. (4)

Question 32
State FOUR advantages and FOUR disadvantages of plate type heat exchangers. (16)

Question 33
State the precautions to be taken against spillage during bunkering operations. (16)

Question 34
(a) Describe the FOUR classes of fire indicating which firefighting media should be used
to extinguish each. (8)
(b) State the document that indicates the location of the fire extinguishers on board a
vessel. (2)
(c) State THREE places where the document stated in Q(b) would be found. (6)

Question 35
List EIGHT actions to be taken by the Engineer Officer of the Watch to ensure the safe
passage of the vessel through an area of heavy weather. (16)

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Question 36
(a) State the operations which should be entered in the Oil Record Book of ALL ships.
(12)
(b) State the conditions which must be complied with for the discharge of accumulated
machinery space. (4)

Question 37
In the event of discovering a fire in the machinery space, list the actions to be taken by the
EOOW after EACH of the following situations:

(a) Initially finding a small fire; (6)

(b) Finding a fire that has become too fierce to fight and the fixed Carbon Dioxide (CO2)
installation is to be used. (10)

Question 38
State the safety checks needed before using EACH of the following lifting gear (assuming
that all certificates are in order and the equipment load capacity is sufficient for the lift):

(a) Wire strops; (4)

(b) Chain blocks; (4)
(c) Eye bolts; (4)
(d) Shackles. (4)

Question 39
With reference to main start air compressors;

(a) State how a deterioration in the efficiency would be detected; (4)

(b) State FOUR causes for deterioration in efficiency; (8)
(c) Describe a test for establishing performance. (4)

Question 40
Describe the procedures to be observed when taking over the responsibility for the engine
room on a ship that is operating under Unmanned Machinery Space conditions. (16)

Question 41
With reference to centrifugal purifiers:

(a) state the function of the gravity disc; (4)

(b) Explain the consequences of EACH of the following:
(i) Gravity disc too large; (6)
(ii) Gravity disc too small. (6)

Question 42 (see also Q56)

(a) Describe the procedure for operating the oily water separator. (12)
(b) State TWO ways that the separator could be made to operate more efficiently. (4)

Question 43
Sketch an Aerobic Sewage Treatment Plant. (16)
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Question 44
Define EACH of the following abbreviations, briefly explaining their relevance in the
maritime industry:

(a) SOLAS; (6)

(b) STCW’95; (6)
(c) ISM Code. (4)
(c) (alternative) International Maritime Organization (IMO) (4)

Question 45
(a) Describe the immediate action that the Engineer Officer of the watch should take in
the event of the engine room bilge rising faster than can be contained by the bilge
pump. (10)
(b) State the features provided in the engine room pumping systems to deal with the
situation in Q(a). (6)

Question 46
With reference to a refrigeration system:

(a) Describe how air is removed from the system; (8)

(b) Describe how and where refrigerant gas is added to the system. (8)

Question 47
Describe the routine inspection of the portable fire extinguishers found in the machinery
spaces. (16)

Question 48
With reference to the testing of a ship’s steering gear, prior to departure, list EIGHT items of
machinery or control systems whose operation must be tested. (16)

Question 49
(a) Describe, with the aid of a sketch, the bilge injection system. (12)
(b) State the purpose of fitting a bilge injection system on board a ship. (4)

Question 50
Sketch a cross-section of a horizontally mounted two pass, tubular heat exchanger suitable
for lubricating oil cooling, showing the flow path of the fluids, labelling all parts. (16)

Question 51
(a) List FOUR different types of fire detector head that may be fitted to the Fire
Detection System. (4)
(b) Briefly describe the operation of THREE of the fire detector heads listed in Q(a). (12)

Question 52
With reference to of a gear pump suitable for use with fuel or lubricating oil:

(a) sketch a cross-section indicating the flow of fluid; (10)

(b) Explain the operating principle. (6).
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Question 53
(a) Describe how the thrust of the propeller is transmitted to the hull of the ship. (8)
(b) Describe, with the aid of a sketch, how the surfaces transmitting the thrust are
separated by the lubricating oil. (8)

Question 54
With reference to the disposal of bilge water from the machinery spaces:

(a) Explain when it is NOT permissible to discharge the bilge water overboard, even via
oily water separator; (8)
(b) State the maximum permissible oil content of the overboard discharge; (2)
(c) Identify the documentation to be completed and state by whom, following such an
operation. (6)

Question 55
Sketch and describe a method of remotely monitoring the contents of a fuel oil tank. (16)

Question 56
(a) Describe the operating procedure for using a static oily water separator to discharge
bilge water overboard. (12)
(b) State the effect that EACH of the following would have on the efficiency of the
separator:
(i) The addition of heat to the separator; (2)
(ii) Agitating the bilge water before it is pumped. (2)

Question 57
With respect to two-stage reciprocating compressors used for air start purposes:

(a) State FOUR reasons taking too long to fill the main starting air bottles; (8)
(b) State FOUR safety devices that may be fitted. (8)

Question 58
(a) State FOUR legal documents which are found in the engine room. (8)
(b) State the procedure to be carried out if you found no one in the engine room when
taking over a watch. (8)

Question 59
State the Marpol regulations for pumping engine-room bilges in special areas. (16)

Question 60
Sketch a cross section through a two stage main starting air compressor, labelling the main
components. (16)

Question 61
(a) State FOUR engineroom records that are kept. (2)
(b) State why the records stated in Q(a) are important. (4)
(c) State the frequency of updating the records stated in Q(a). (2)

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Question 62
(a) State FOUR features which assist in the starting of lifeboat engines in cold climatic
conditions. (8)
(b) Briefly describe TWO devices that control the rate of fall of a lifeboat when launched
from standard davits. (8)

Question 63
(a) Describe the maintenance required by EACH of the following portable fire
extinguishers.
(i) CO2 (6)
(ii) Dry Powder (6)
(b) Describe the procedure and the frequency of the maintenance for the fire detection
system. (4)

Question 64
(a) Define the term “Enclosed Space” (2)
(b) State THREE areas on board a ship that would designated as an enclosed space. (6)
(c) Describe the procedure for the entry into an enclosed space. (8)

Question 65
With reference to the regulations relating to the pollution of the seas with oil, explain EACH
of the following:

(a) The purpose of the Oil Record Book; (3)

(b) The action to be taken in the event of an oil spillage; (3)
(c) How the bilge discharges are monitored. (2)

Question 66
(a) State the operations which should be entered in the Oil Recorded Book of ALL Ships.
(12)
(b) State the conditions which must be complied with for the discharge of oily water
from machinery spaces. (4)

Question 67
(a) Describe the purpose of EACH of the following publications issued by the Maritime
and Coastguard Agency (MCA):
(i) Merchant Shipping Notices (MSNs); (4)
(ii) Marine Guidance Notes (MGNs); (4)
(iii) Marine Information Notes (MINs). (4)
(b) State how it can be determined that such MCA publications have been superseded or
cancelled. (4)

Question 68
Describe the routine watch-keeping duties carried out in the steering flat. (16)

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Question 69
With reference to main starting air compressors:

(a) State THREE maintenance procedures that maintain their efficiency; (6)
(b) Describe the procedure for the manual starting of a compressor. (10)

Question 70
With reference to a low pressure fresh water evaporator:

(a) Explain why the water at evaporator outlet is unsuitable for drinking; (8)
(b) State the treatments that may be used to make the water potable. (8)

Question 71
With reference to the prevention of pollution at sea regulations, explain EACH of the
following:

(a) Shipboard Oil Pollution Emergency Plans (SOPEP); (8)

(b) Oil Record Book. (8)

Question 72
With reference to a centrifugal lubricating oil separator gravity disc:

(a) Explain the importance of using the correct size; (12)

(b) State the TWO factors that determine the size to be used. (4)

Question 73
(a) List the THREE types of Notice issued by the Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA)
to disseminate information to ship-owners and seafarers. (6)
(b) Describe the function of the Merchant Shipping and Fishing Vessels (Health & Safety
at Work) Regulations (10)
(b) (alternative) Define the relevance and importance of each of the Notices stated in
Q(a). (10)

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 PART 2 – Electrical
Question 1
State the procedure to be carried out if you found someone you suspected of having
received an electric shock (16)

Question 2
With reference to a small 3 phase electrical motor driving a transfer pump that is not used
on a regular basis failing to rotate when the start button is pressed:

(a) Outline the procedure to determine the possible cause; (8)

(b) Explain the procedure to remove the motor should it be faulty and require changing.
(8)

Question 3
(a) State THREE underlying causes of electrical equipment failure. (6)
(b) State the precautions to be taken before working on the switchboard. (10)

Question 4
With reference to the testing and maintenance of large electric motors:

(a) State the minimum satisfactory value of insulation resistance: (2)

(b) State the instrument AND the voltage to be used for the insulation resistance test: (4)
(c) State the regular maintenance that is necessary for good electric motor operation.
(10)

Question 5
Explain why EACH of the following protective devices is fitted to a main electrical
switchboard:

(a) Reverse power. (4)

(b) Under voltage. (4)
(c) Main circuit breaker overcurrent. (4)
(d) Preference trips. (4)

Question 6
With reference to large capacity secondary cell batteries:

(a) State the two types; (4)

(b) State four applications onboard ship; (4)
(c) Describe the maintenance required. (8)

Question 7
With reference to large capacity secondary cell batteries:

(a) State the two types; (4)

(b) State four applications onboard ship; (4)
(c) Describe the maintenance required. (8)

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Question 8
(a) Describe how you would overhaul an electric motor that has been flooded with sea
water. (8)
(b) Explain how to check the insulation resistance of the motor, starting the minimum
acceptable value. (8)

Question 9
(a) List FIVE precautions that should be taken before any work is carried out on electrical
equipment. (10)
(b) Identify THREE additional precautions to those in Q(a), if it has become essential to
work near to live equipment. (6)

Question 10
With reference to electrical distribution systems:

(a) state the meaning of the term earth fault; (2)

(b) state FOUR different possible causes of an earth occurring in an electric motor; (4)
(c) state THREE undesirable consequence of earth faults; (3)
(d) describe ONE method of detecting earth faults. (7)

Question 11
With reference to electrical motors:

(a) State the routine maintenance that is necessary: (8)

(b) Describe the tests carried out to prove good electrical condition. (8)

Question 12
With reference to electrical motors:

(a) List FOUR maintenance criteria that is necessary for good operation; (8)
(b) Describe how to test for electrical faults within an electrical motor. (8)

Question 13
(a) List FIVE protective devices fitted to a main electrical switchboard (10)
(b) State the meaning of the term Earth Fault and explain why it is undesirable in
electrical installations (6)

Question 14
(a) State the requirements for connecting an incoming alternator to live busbars. (6)
(b) State the possible consequences of incorrect paralleling. (4)
(c) Explain how the main circuit breaker for an alternator that is not running is
prevented from being accidentally connected to live busbars. (6)

Question 15
With reference to the emergency generator:

(a) State the checks required prior to starting the engine: (6)
(b) Describe the routine testing. (10)
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Question 16
Explain the procedure to be taken in EACH of the following circumstances in order to
prepare a large electrical generator set for maintenance:

(a) Taking the a.c. generator off electrical load; (6)

(b) Isolating the machine in order that work may be safely carried out. (10)

Question 17
With reference to marine electrical distribution systems:

(a) state the meaning of the term insulated neutral; (8)

(b) Briefly describe how the location of an earth fault can be found; (4)
(c) State the safety precautions to be taken before investigating faulty electrical
machinery. (4)

Question 18
(a) Name ONE publication dealing with the storage of ships batteries (2)
(b) List SEVEN precautions that should be taken when working in an area where
batteries are stored. (14)

Question 19
(a) State FOUR causes of earth faults. (8 )
(b) For EACH cause stated in Q3 (a), explain how the fault is rectified. (8)

Question 20
(a) State the conditions that must be satisfied before paralleling an a.c. generator with
the main electrical switchboard. (6)
(b) For EACH conditions stated in Q3(a)explain EACH of the following:
(i) How it is monitored; (4)
(ii) How it is adjusted. (6)

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 PART 3 – Ship Construction
Question 1
With reference to the accumulation of water on the open decks of ships:

(a) Explain the importance of ensuring that there is no accumulation of water; (6)
(b) Explain, with the aid of sketches, how it is prevented. (10)

Question 2
With reference to forward collision bulkheads:

(a) Describe their construction; (8)

(b) State their function; (4)
(c) State their position, giving a reason for this positioning. (4)

Question 3
With reference lubricating oil or fuel oil tanks that have ventilators on the vessel’s main
weather deck, explain EACH of the following:

(a) the purpose of the ventilation; (4)

(b) how ingress of sea water in bad weather is prevented; (4)
(c) how the risk of fire entering the ventilator is reduced; (4)
(d) how the risk of pollution is reduced. (4)

Question 4
Describe, with the aid of a sketch, the structural features of the bow which impart structural
strength. (16)

Question 5
(a) State the structural features to bow and stern which impart structural strength. (8)
(b) Explain the stability implications when using water to fight a fire onboard a Ship. (8)

Question 6
Explain the meaning and purpose of EACH of the following ship terms:

(a) Transverse watertight bulkhead; (4)

(b) Bilge keel; (4)
(c) Shear strake; (4)
(d) Cofferdam. (4)

Question 7
Explain, with reference to stability, why, when the vessel has full bunkers, fuel stored in
higher tanks, such as wing tanks, is generally used before fuel stored in lower tanks, such as
double bottom tanks. (16)

Question 8
Describe the inspection required of a weather deck water-tight door to ensure compliance
with load line survey. (16)

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Question 9
(a) Sketch and describe EACH of the following ship construction features:
(i) Plate floor; (6)
(ii) Watertight bulkhead. (6)
(b) Explain how watertight bulkhead integrity may be tested. (4)

Question 10
(a) State the measurement that gives an indication of a ship’s stability. (2)
(b) Explain the meaning of the measurement stated in Q(a). (2)
(c) Explain how the measurement given in Q(a) indicates EACH of the following:
(i) Stable stability; (4)
(ii) Unstable stability; (4)
(iii) Neutral stability. (4)

Question 11
(a) Explain the term free surface effect. (8)
(b) Explain why free surface effect is important in ro-ro ferries. (8)

Question 12
(a) Describe, with the aid of a sketch, a freeing-port. (8)
(b) Explain how freeing-ports assist in maintaining the stability of a ship. (8)

Question 13
With reference to transferring large quantities of fuel from double bottom storage tanks to
wing bunker tanks:

(a) Explain the possible effects on the stability of the vessel; (8)
(b) State the important checks to be made before and during the fuel transfer operation.
(8)

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