HK Engine Operator Grade 2 flashcards

32 cards. Read the term and the definition here. The deck at the top of this page is optional.

Watch handover briefing

The relieving engineer receives a face-to-face report on machinery status, active alarms, fuel and water levels, ongoing work, and standing orders, then signs the logbook to accept responsibility.

Exhaust temperature spread

The difference in exhaust gas temperature between cylinders. A spread beyond roughly 30-50 C indicates a faulty injector, valve, or fuel rack setting on the affected unit.

Bell book function

A record of every engine telegraph order with its time and the engine response. Each order is repeated back to the bridge before execution during manoeuvring.

Standby engine preparation

Before arrival: pre-lubricate, warm fuel to correct viscosity, test telegraph and alarms, drain air bottle condensate, and confirm steering gear and generator readiness.

Cylinder liner wear rate

A normal wear rate is about 0.05-0.1 mm per 1000 running hours. A sudden increase suggests abrasion, poor combustion, or inadequate cylinder lubrication.

Starting air pressure minimum

Manoeuvring requires sufficient starting air, typically above 2.0-2.5 MPa, with compressors maintaining receiver pressure. Low air pressure prevents reliable engine starting.

Unattended machinery space

A space where alarms and safety systems allow operation without a permanent watch. The system must not be isolated while the engine is manoeuvring.

Four-stroke cycle

Intake, compression, power, and exhaust strokes complete in two crankshaft revolutions, giving one power stroke per cylinder per two revolutions.

Two-stroke cycle

Scavenging and compression occur together, with one power stroke per crankshaft revolution. Air is supplied by a blower or turbocharger through scavenge ports.

Fuel oil viscosity control

Fuel is heated to the injector specification, often 10-15 cSt at injection. Too viscous causes poor atomisation; too hot causes pump wear and leakage.

Purifier gravity disc

The disc bore is selected to match fuel density and sets the water-oil interface. An oversized bore allows water to escape with the clean oil outlet.

Total base number

TBN measures a lube oil's capacity to neutralise acids from combustion. Falling TBN shows the additive is being consumed and the oil may need renewal.

Turbocharger surging

Repeated whooshing with rpm fluctuation, caused by fouled blades, a blocked charge air cooler, or rapid load change. It can damage bearings if allowed to continue.

Air distributor function

Times pilot air to each cylinder head starting valve in the correct firing order, so the engine cranks in sequence during starting.

Jacket water circuit

Freshwater cooling loop serving cylinder liners and heads, kept hot to limit thermal stress, with heat rejected through a central cooler to seawater.

Bilge mud box

A strainer box on the bilge suction line that traps debris before the pump. It must be cleaned regularly to prevent blockage and loss of bilge suction.

15 ppm bilge alarm

Monitors oily water separator output. If oil content exceeds 15 ppm the alarm activates and discharge stops automatically, as required by MARPOL Annex I.

Fuel quick-closing valve

A remotely operated valve on the fuel tank outlet, closed from outside the engine room in an emergency to cut fuel supply and limit a fire.

Engine room fire response

Raise the alarm, stop fuel and ventilation, close quick-closing valves, then release fixed CO2 or foam. Do not open the space until it has cooled.

Enclosed space entry

Requires a permit, atmosphere testing for oxygen, hydrocarbons, and toxic gases, a standby person at the entrance, and rescue equipment ready for immediate use.

Emergency generator test

Must start automatically on main power failure and accept load within the class time, commonly 45 seconds. It is tested weekly under load.

MARPOL Annex V garbage

Plastics are never discharged overboard. Other garbage discharge depends on category and distance from land, and every discharge is recorded in the Garbage Record Book.

MARPOL Annex IV sewage

Discharge is allowed with an approved treatment plant, or beyond 12 nautical miles from land when comminuted and disinfected using approved equipment.

Hot work permit

Required before welding or burning. It specifies fire watch, removal of combustibles, ventilation, and gas testing, and is signed by the responsible officer.

Local vessel ordinance

Hong Kong's Merchant Shipping (Local Vessels) Ordinance and regulations govern certification, operation, and safety of local vessels, including engine operator qualifications.

Oil record book retention

Local vessels must keep oil record book entries and engine room logs available for Marine Department inspection on request, showing bunkering and discharge records.

Port reception facilities

Shore facilities that receive oily waste, sewage, and garbage. Vessels must use them instead of discharging into Hong Kong waters and retain receipts.

Typhoon Signal No. 3

Strong wind signal. Vessels secure moorings and prepare machinery for possible worsening conditions while maintaining a listening watch on broadcasts.

Typhoon Signal No. 8

Gale or storm signal. Vessels move to designated typhoon shelters, secure moorings, and keep engines ready for immediate manoeuvring if needed.

Vessel Traffic Centre

Hong Kong Marine Department facility issuing harbour directions and traffic information. Vessels must comply with its instructions in harbour waters.

Machinery defect reporting

Any defect affecting seaworthiness or manoeuvrability must be reported to the Marine Department, which may require the vessel to stay in port.

Muster list familiarity

Crew must know their emergency stations and the location of firefighting and lifesaving appliances before the vessel sails, as shown on the posted muster list.