Forum Replies Created
-
Posts
-
Q: At port, how to handle bilge water if bilge tanks/Wells are all full?
As a junior engineer,
1. Immediately inform Second Engineer and Chief Engineer.
A) Chief Engineer and Captain will inform the ship managers, and liaise with the port and agent for shore disposal of the bilge water.2. Check engine room for source of water contributing to the bilge tanks/wells.
A) If there are jobs that are contributing to the bilge water (such as cooler cleaning), inform Second Engineer to decide regarding these jobs.
B) If water leakages are found, inform Second Engineer and carry out repairs to reduce further increase of bilge water.Updated with 2024 questions
David and Rui, Oct 2024
1. Bilge system
A) Bilge well high level, started bilge pump but bilge well level is not reducing.
2. MPA’s 8 RO
3. IMO conventionsSample requirements for a Bulk Carrier
Notations: +100A1, Bulk Carrier, Enhanced Survey Program (ESP), LI Shipright Ship Emergency Response Service (SERS), Unmanned Machinery Space (UMS), Lloyd’s Machinery Certificate (LMC), Screwshaft Condition Monitoring (SCM)
Annual Survey
For bulk carriers, the following requirements are also applicable:
(i) The survey is to include a close-up survey of the hatch covers, hatch coaming and stiffeners.
(ii) A thorough survey of cargo hatch covers and coamings is only possible by their examination in an open and closed position, including verification of the proper opening and closing position. As such, the hatch cover sets located in the forward 25& of the ship’s length and at least one other additional set are to be surveyed open, closed, and in operation to the full extent in each direction in accordance with requirements. When selecting hatch cover sets, it should be ensured that all sets are subject to survey at least once in every 5-year Special Survey period. The closing of the hatch covers is to include the fastening of all peripheral and cross joint cleats or other securing devices, with particular attention to be paid to the condition of the hatch covers located in the forward 25% of the ship’s length, where sea loads are normally greatest.
(iii) If there are indications of difficulty in operating and securing hatch covers, then additional sets are to be tested in operation at the discretion of the Surveyor.
(iv) Where the cargo hatch securing system does not function properly, repairs are to be carried out under the supervision of the Surveyor.
(v) Surveyors are to survey the sealing arrangements of perimeter and cross joints (gaskets for condition of permanent deformation, flexible seals on combination carrier, gasket lips, compression bars, drainage channels and non-return valves).
Where considered necessary by the Surveyor, the effectiveness of sealing arrangements may be proved by hose test or chalk test supplemented by dimensional measurements of seal compressing components.
For bulk carriers, in addition to the applicable requirements of 2.2.1 to 2.2.29, the following are to be dealt with, where applicable:(a) Examination of cargo holds in accordance with Table 3.2.1 is required.
(b) Where substantial corrosion, as defined in 1.5, has been noted then additional measurements are to be carried out in accordance with Tables 3.6.5, 3.6.6, 3.6.7, 3.6.8, 3.6.9, 3.6.10. The survey will not be considered complete until these additional thickness measurements have been carried out.
For cargo holds and ballast tanks of bulk carriers built in accordance with the IACS Common Structural Rules (CSR), the annual thickness measurement may be dispensed with, where a protective coating has been applied in accordance with the coating manufacturer’s requirements and is maintained in good condition.INITIAL REQUIREMENTS
– Plan approvals for any modificationDOCUMENTATIONS
Documents to check/photocopy for Continuous Survey Machinery (CMS)
– Certificate of operation or C/E confirmative statement
– Any maintenance reports for previously overhauled, above, items to
be credited.Documents to photocopy for Auxiliary Boiler System (ABS) & Exhaust Gas Economiser (EGE)
– Pressure gauge calibration certificates
– Feed water analysisDocuments to check/photocopy AS/LLA/SCIH
– Stability/loading information (inc damage stability) (approval page)
– Emergency towing procedures
– Ballast Water Management Plan (BWMP) approval page
– Damage Control Plan/booklet
– Maneuvering booklet
– Continuous Synopsis Record
– Shipboard Oil Pollution Emergency Plan (SOPEP)
– Loading/unloading booklet
– Operation and Maintenance Manual (doors)Documents to check/photocopy MOIH
– Oil filtering equipment type approval
– 15 ppm alarm and auto stopping device type approval cert
– 15ppm calibration certificate
– SOPEP (approval page)
– SERS contractDocuments to check/photocopy MAIH
– Engine International Air Pollution Prevention (EIAPP) certs
– Incinerator type approval certDocuments to check/photocopy SERH
– Long Range Identification and Tracking (LRIT) conformance test report
– All LSA & FFA service reports1. CSM
– To check and update with C/E the items to be credited this time4. AS/LLA/SCAH
– Check load line items on deck(weather tight doors/tank dome rubber packing & Etc)
– Check/test Steering Gear condition and test records.
– Approved Loading/Stability Information, Deck Log Book, Manning Cert, Maneuvering Booklet, Damage Control Plans.
– Loading instrument input test data.
– Tank high level & overfill alarms
– Emergency Generator test. Check General Service battery condition.
– Main Generators on-load verification. (Black out test, automatic on load test)
– Test fire detectors, automatic fire doors
– UMS: Test D/G stand-by start, Pumps stand-by start and UMS alarms. Any remote controls for sea valves to be tested. (if applicable)
– To test main engine & generator engines fuel leak off alarms
– To verify that E/R vent flaps are free, visual inspection of fire flaps, any need to propose modification of inspection cover
– Test engineer’s alarm
– Check first start arrangement (emergency air compressor)
– Test E/R bilge alarms5. SEAH
– Check Bridge Safety & Navigational equipment with Deck Officer.
– Check LSA & FFA with officer in-charge
– Emergency Fire Pump/Main Fire Pumps and 2 hoses FWD and AFT.
– Lifeboat equipments to check and expiry dates of lifeboat distress signals.(Maker)
– Lifeboat falls last renewed, to renew this time, and submit the certificate.
– Rescue boat falls last renewed. Dates when Lifeboat last launched
– Dates when Lifeboat last dynamic and on-load release tested.
– Lower lifeboat to water / embarkation deck. Start lifeboat engines.
– Annual servicing of lifeboat/rescue boat by maker or LR approved service supplier
– Fire, Safety Training Manuals in mess room.
– Test remote stops for Engine Room fans and fuel pumps.
– Test quick closing valves.
– Fixed Fire fighting system (CO2 or Foam)/Fire alarms
– 3 yearly pressure testing of immersion suits.
– Foam sample analysis (if applicable to be sent for testing)
*Note- Immersion suits to be pressure tested 3 yearly
– Fixed CO2 to be serviced as per MSC 1318- 10 yearly flexible hoses to be replaced
– 10 yearly at least 10% high pressure cylinders to be hydrostatic test(with condition if one or more fail)
– New SOLAS requirement to note ..eg BNWAS, ECDIS, BA set and memos
– Maintenance of FSA equipment as per MSC 14326. MOAH
– Oily Water Separator functions.
– OWS Oil Content Meter calibration (five yearly calibration)
– Test Bilge Pump functions.
– Oil Record Book Part II (to check new version as comply to Form A amendment)
– To check Memo for new regulation (sludge discharge connection, sludge pump)
– Sludge discharge connection
– Any Homogenizers or Incinerators?7. MAAH (Annex VI)
– To Check NOx Technical file (M/E & A/Es)
– Check M/E & A/E spares as per technical file
– To verify the NOx Sensitive components / Issue EIAPP if applicable.
– Test incinerator operation/alarms
– Bunker delivery note & SECA Change over procedure & Change over records8. RTP
– Cargo ship safety radio survey by LR authorized Radio surveyor.
– All checklists to summit to town office. (Ship Security Alert System/Automatic Identification System/Global Maritime Distress and Safety System) by Radio Surveyor
– Voyage Data Recorder/Simplified Voyage Data Recorder
– To be serviced by maker approved technicians & LR approved VDR/SVDR surveyors.
– LR SVDR checklist & Annual performance test and to photocopy
– AIS: To be carried out annually during Safety Equipment Survey by our attending surveyor until further notice.
– SSAS: This item is under International Ship and Port Facility Security (ISPS) survey. But to be checked by approved radio surveyor during radio survey.
– LRIT: Operation test/certificate9. BCAH
As per Annex B of the Certificate.OTHERS:
– LAAC?MALT
– DAD and approvals to be obtained?HALT
– DAD and approvals to be obtained.COC/ MEMOs TO NOTE
Memos to be discussed and dealt with.
Operational, Classification Society
1) International Association of Classification Societies (IACS) Surveyor’s Glossary Hull Terms & Hull Survey Terms
imorules.com – Character of classification and class notationsCommercial
Baltic Exchange – Shipping Glossary
American Association of Port Authorities – Glossary of Maritime TermsLegislation, general
Cayman Islands Shipping Registry – GlossaryUpdated with 2023 questions
David and Steam examiner, March 2023
1) STEAM
A) Propulsion Boilers
– Why Purge main boiler furnace before flashing up?
– Purge Air supplied by what machinery?
– Auto sequential starting of 1st FO Burner via Burner management sys
– MGO Line purged by what medium?
– BOG Line purged by what medium?
– Brief description for flashing/ firing up boiler
– Purpose of Bottom blowdown?
– Steps for scum blowdown
– Atomizing air purpose?
– How is BOG Supplied to M/B From cargo tanks?
– Gas hood room safeties (Gas detector)
– How is De-superheated steam achieved?
– Purpose of De-superheated steam (Services?)
– De-superheated steam temperature: 288-293 C
– Main Boiler Criteria tests?
– 2 types of Chemical Dosing tanks
– What/How much chemical to dose ?
– What kind of burner for Main boiler?
– Types of Fuel mode for Main Boiler (50% FG, 50% FO)
– Common alarms for Main BoilerB) Main Turbine/ Condenser/TG/ Plant ops
– How much Main condenser Vacuum pressure? Purpose of it?
– What is Main turbine Axial displacement ? What to check?
– Explain Auto -Spinning procedures wrt Manoeuvring valve
– Explain why avoid full astern telegraph command wrt astern turbine abnormalities
– Procedures for hand-spinning Main turbine
– Prepare M/T for sea passage/ Procedures for Securing M/T
– Why MT shaft must always be turning?
– Common alarms for Main turbine/ Turbo-Gen
– Purpose of Astern Water spray
– Differences btw Steam plant vs Diesel engine plant
– How to conduct ER watchkeeping for Steamships?2) MOTOR
A) MARPOL (David)
– Explain Annex I, IV, VI + what Certificates/books are needed?
– Standard discharge connection (Annex I, IV, ) location, specificationsB) Bilge system (David)
– Bilge v/v requirement (SDNR)
– At port, how to handle bilge water if bilge tanks/Wells are all full?
– What to do if Bilge level rises above tank top? (ER Flooding)
– Emergency bilge suction v/v purpose + requirement as per SOLAS
– Explain ER bilge managementC) ER Machineries & safety (Rui)
– Explain how starting air line explosion occurs? How to detect?
– What types of +ve displacement pumps are found in ER
– What types of Centrifugal pumps are found in ER
– What kind of pump is Steering gear pump?
– Steering Gear SOLAS Requirements
– What pump is Aux Boiler FO Burning pump?D) Firefighting (David)
– International shore connection purpose, locations, and specifications
– ER FFA inspection? How and what to inspect?E) Explain what are the 8 ROs recognised by MPA (David)
Unknown examiner (Motor)
1. Bilge system – went through line tracing, emergency bilge (mentioning highest capacity pump), what to do when there’s flooding
2. Boiler – gauge glass blowdown, what to do when boiler is over-pressurised
3. Pumps – what kind of pump is bilge pump, how to tell non-return valve from other valves
4. Watchkeeping – what to do during round checks, what to check for cascade tank when conducting round checks
5. MARPOLLeong and Rui, Feb 2023
1. MARPOL
A) Annex I
i) International shore connection: location, purpose, special features, specifications
ii) Standard discharge connections: location, purpose, special features, specifications, which convention it is under
B) Annex IV
i) Certification required
ii) What to do when vessel is in port
iii) How to manage sewage
iv) STP – draw and explain, different types, what is the importance of blower, indication of anaerobic bacteria in system, purpose of sludge air lift
2. PSC Regime
3. CIC
4. Classification societies recognised by MPA
5. Ship fire plan location and purpose
6. Bilge system – Scolding on TARB bilge diagram and drawings, what type of gauges fitted on suction and discharge, why different type, and types of gauges. Troubleshoot and explain actions taken when pump is running but bilge well level not reducing, as well as suction gauge side showing 0 bar pressure.
7. Boiler
A) Boiler gauge glass – blow down, if water level rises, but suddenly drops when steam is introduced, where is the water level and what’s the next action taken. Fittings on gauge glass, number of gauge glass, gauge glass regulations, what to do if one gauge glass is not visible.
B) Boiler stays – purpose of boiler stays, how it is tightened and how to identify if loose.
C) Boiler foundation – how to check.
D) Boiler safety valve – drain is fitted for what purpose.
8. Watchkeeping – how to take rounds.
9. Electrical
A) Earth fault system – How many onboard and what do the indications mean. How to know when to take action. What does dim, no light and bright lamp means.
B) Main switchboard – safeties, colour coding on switchboard meanings, preferential trip, how does it occur and what happens during a preferential trip.
10. Steam system – where does it supply, purpose and operation of tracing steam.5. How to unwind, spend some down time
Sailing is one of the very rare jobs where there’s always a stretch of leave to *not work* between contracts, and might be worth taking advantage of that.
Highly recommended activities!
Low budget:
– Being a homebody
– Exercising (useful for job)
– Cooking (useful when onboard cook isn’t matching your standards)
– Learning free courses (Udemy free courses, edX has lots of free courses)Medium budget:
– Meeting up with friends
– Hobbies (e.g. Rock climbing, building and modding items, learn new hobbies like guitar *very seafarer-like*)
– Travelling intra-Asia, including road tripsHigh budget:
– Travelling outside of AsiaFAQ
1) What are some high paying shore jobs if we want to transit to shore after attaining CoC 1 (Engine)?
2) What are the requirements for said jobs?
3) What are the salaries like for said jobs?
SkillsFuture Sea Transport Career Map
A1) First off, the answers may vary depending on the individual’s rank and experience, and holding a CoC 1 (Engine) does not equate “Chief Engineer” rank. More on that later.
In the above, the following jobs were highlighted for Chief Engineer/2nd Engineer to transit to shore: Technical Superintendent, Marine Consultant, Marine Surveyor. These are most common choices for CoC 1 (Engine) holders, without pursuing additional studies (e.g. Masters Degree or Graduate Diploma).A2) Screenshots of recent real LinkedIn and MyCareersFuture job postings:
Technical SuperintendentA3) Salary varies, more on that later.
Generally Marine Surveyor starts about SGD 6~7K/month, Technical Superintendent SGD 8K onwards. Not including bonuses or allowances.Pretty good introduction by Singapore Maritime Academy about certificates, packing list and a short FAQ.
Main page looks like this:In addition to that, do read:
1) Our guide for first time Engine Cadets
2) How to apply for U.S. Visa
3) Packing list
4) Ship Hierarchy
5) Our FAQ4. Applying for your first Certificate of Competency (CoC) 3 for deck, CoC 5 for Engine
A) The following forms are for applying for assessment of eligibility for Certificate of Competency for Deck/Marine Engineer Officers in the Merchant Navy.
(COCD) Application for Certificate of Competency Deck Officer
Cost = SGD 25
(COCE) Application for Certificate of Competency Marine Engineer Officer
Cost = SGD 25B) Submit TARB to SMA for checking!
Sample TARB for CoC 5 (Engine):
Part 1
Part 2
Part 3
Part 4
Part 5
Part 6Class 3 ‘s Deck Officer Examination for Certificate of Competency
So there’s written exam, simulator and orals for coc3. Have to go for the prep course as attendance for the simulator classes will have a say in your end result due to your class presence during the simulator.
Class 5 Marine Engineer’s Examination for Certificate of Competency (Motor)
1. For students who attended Marine Engineering courses in Singapore, you do not need to attend preparatory course.
2. For students who attended Diploma in Marine Engineering at Singapore Maritime Academy, they are also exempted from MEO CoC Class 5 written exam.
3. All candidates need to take Crew Evaluation System (CES) test before appearing for the oral exam.3. Finances
A) Short (STCW) courses would cost about SGD 5000* up front, before counting MPA’s Maritime Cluster Fund (MCF) subsidies which would be *reimbursed* afterwards.
On average expenditure per month: SGD 500
That works out to about SGD 5000 + (500 x 3) = minimum SGD 6500 needed.Note: Only calculating the non-tanker compulsory courses for engineers. Engineers sailing on tankers have more courses to attend, and Deck officers have additional courses as well.
SailMAP
Eligibility: Singapore Citizen or Singapore Permanent Resident who possesses a Singapore-issued COC and has graduated from any one of the following courses:
• Diploma in Nautical Studies (DNS) from Singapore Maritime Academy (SMA)
• Diploma in Marine Engineering (DMR) from SMA
• Tripartite Nautical Training Award (TNTA) from Wavelink Maritime Institute (WMI)
• Tripartite Engineering Training Award (TETA) from WMI
Note: Scholars under the Tripartite Maritime Scholarship (TMSS) are not eligible for SailMAP.Relevant incentive for the new deck/engine cadets:
To apply, please complete the online application form at this link:
https://www.go.gov.sg/sailmap2. Short courses
SMA’s short courses page
2023 short courses scheduleMPA’s requirement for Marine Engineering Officer Class 5 (Motor) on non-tankers:
Example of requirement for Marine Engineering Officer Class 5 (Motor) on non-tankers:
(i) Basic Safety Training: $1500, 8 days (this would have been done BEFORE cadetship)
(ii) Proficiency in Survival Craft & Rescue Boat: $1200, 5 days
(iii) Advanced Fire Fighting: $1200, 5 days
(iv) Proficiency in Medical First Aid: $700, 3 days
(v) Proficiency in Designated Security Duties: $200, 1 day
(vi) Bridge and Engine Resource Management (Operational): $800, 3 days
(vii) High Voltage Installation Operational Course (Operational): $900, 1 dayMPA’s requirement for Deck Officer Class 3 on Tankers:
1. Expectations
#1 question: How long does it take to get my COC 3 (deck) or COC 5 (engine)?
The answer: It depends on several factors! The shortest could be about 3 months. See the RL example at the end of this post.
A) Safety courses schedule: If you’re lucky enough, you can finish all the courses within 3 months, if the timing is right! (refer to the post below about safety courses)
B) Training and Assessment Record Book (TARB): You’ll need to complete and submit to SMA for assessment as part of the criteria to take the COC 3/5 exam. (More on TARB below)
C) Finances: Usually cadetship salary isn’t enough to sustain few months of living in Singapore while studying for COC 3/5 + paying for all the compulsory short courses. Would suggest a part-time job (as compared to borrowing money).
If staying in Singapore 3~6 months: F & B related.
If staying for 6 months or more: Consider signing up to be a freelance tuition teacher.RL example for CoC 5:
– Application through FormSG: 2nd January 2023.
– Submit TARB (They will inform you the date): 12th January 2023.
– LOE issuance: 13th January 2023. (Same day applied for Oral Exam)
– CES TEST (They will give you a date, can’t choose date unless other reasons): 20th January 2023
– Information for date of oral: 24th January 2023
– Oral exams: 2nd February 2023Note: In between LOE and CES they will ask you to collect back TARB. Also, you won’t be given the choice of oral exam dates (not even which week or month).
