Croatia Chief Engineer Officer cheat sheet

Indicated power (two-stroke): IP = (P_m × L × A × n × 10^5) / 60 kW, where P_m = mean indicated pressure (bar), L = stroke (m), A = piston area (m²), n = power strokes per second per cylinder.

Brake power BP = 2π × N × T / 60,000 kW with N in rev/min and T in N·m; mechanical efficiency η_m = BP / IP.

Specific fuel consumption (SFOC) = fuel mass flow (kg/h) / brake power (kW); typical large two-stroke SFOC 165–180 g/kWh.

Compression ratio = (swept volume + clearance volume) / clearance volume; diesel engines typically 12–20:1.

Four-stroke cycle: intake, compression, power, exhaust - one power stroke per two crankshaft revolutions; two-stroke: one power stroke per revolution.

Turbocharger pressure ratio π = p2/p1; air cooler outlet temperature must stay above dew point to prevent condensate carry-over into scavenge air.

Crankcase explosion prevention: oil mist detector alarm at 2.5% oil in air by volume (lower explosive limit ~5%); immediately reduce load and identify source.

Starting air: minimum 12 starts for reversible engines or 6 for non-reversible (SOLAS II-1); interlock prevents starting air admission while turning gear engaged.

Propeller law: power P ∝ N³ and thrust T ∝ N² for fixed pitch; required power at reduced speed drops sharply, so fuel saving follows cubic relationship.

Fixed pitch propeller (FPP) vs controllable pitch (CPP): CPP allows constant-speed shaft generator operation and rapid manoeuvring; CPP hydraulic oil pressure typically 60–100 bar.

Shaft generator load limits: cannot exceed 70–80% of main engine MCR when running on shaft generator to preserve manoeuvring margin.

Boiler safety valve setting ≤ design pressure; feed water treatment: maintain pH 8.5–9.5, phosphate 5–10 ppm, conductivity < 30 µS/cm for auxiliary boilers.

Fresh water generator: evaporator temperature ~40–60 °C; vacuum ~90% to lower boiling point; scale prevention by maintaining brine density below 1.015.

Steering gear: SOLAS requires two independent power units; main and auxiliary steering gear tested within 12 hours before departure; emergency steering drill every 3 months.

Pump laws: flow ∝ speed, head ∝ speed², power ∝ speed³; centrifugal pump cavitation occurs when NPSH available < NPSH required.

Air compressor: intercooler and aftercooler drains must be blown daily; safety valve set at 10% above working pressure; relief valve on crankcase.

Load line marks: S = summer, W = winter, T = tropical, F = fresh water, TF = tropical fresh; freeboard increases from S to W by 1/48 of summer draft.

Bulkhead deck is the uppermost deck to which transverse watertight bulkheads extend; collision bulkhead located between 0.05L and 0.08L from forward perpendicular (SOLAS II-1).

Double bottom height: minimum 0.76 m (or 0.5 m at ends) for ships ≥ 500 GT; tank top protects against bottom damage.

Cofferdam: empty space between tanks of different contents (e.g., fuel and fresh water) to prevent contamination; minimum width 760 mm for access.

Structural members: longitudinal strength from sheer strake, keel, and deck plating; transverse strength from frames, beams, and floors.

Hatch covers: steel covers must be weathertight; gasket compression and cleat spacing per load line regulations; hose test or ultrasonic testing for tightness.

Bilge system: branch bilge suction diameter d = 25 + 1.68√(L(B+D)) mm, where L, B, D in metres (classification rule).

Corrosion protection: impressed current cathodic protection (ICCP) or sacrificial anodes; coating breakdown accelerates pitting in ballast tanks.

GM (metacentric height) = KM − KG; positive GM = stable, negative GM = unstable (loll). Minimum GM for cargo ships typically 0.15 m (IMO intact stability).

GZ curve: area under curve to 30° ≥ 0.055 m·rad, to 40° ≥ 0.09 m·rad, and between 30° and 40° ≥ 0.03 m·rad (IS Code 2008).

Angle of maximum GZ should not be less than 25°; initial GM ≥ 0.15 m; maximum GZ ≥ 0.20 m for cargo ships.

Free surface effect (FSE) reduces effective GM: FSM = ρ × i / Δ, where i = second moment of free surface area; subdivided tanks minimise FSE.

Damage stability: SOLAS II-1 probabilistic method uses attained index A ≥ required index R; deterministic for passenger ships with two-compartment standard.

Angle of loll: ship with negative GM rolls to either side; correct by lowering weights, filling low tanks, or adding ballast to lower KG - never by adding top weight.

Bilging and progressive flooding: identify boundaries, close watertight doors, use damage control plan and booklet; calculate flooding effect on trim and stability.

Draught survey: displacement corrected for trim, density, and deflection; use hydrostatic tables and interpolation for final weight.

UNCLOS: territorial sea 12 nm, contiguous zone 24 nm, exclusive economic zone 200 nm, continental shelf up to 350 nm.

SOLAS Chapter I: flag State issues certificates; port State control may detain for deficiencies; ISM Code (Chapter IX) requires Safety Management System.

MARPOL Annex I: oil discharge ≤ 15 ppm from machinery space bilge; Annex II: no discharge of noxious liquid substances except under conditions; Annex VI: sulphur limit 0.50% m/m global (0.10% in ECAs).

STCW 2010 Manila Amendments: rest hours minimum 10 hours in 24 and 77 hours in 7 days; maximum work 14 hours in 24 and 72 hours in 7 days.

MARPOL Annex V: garbage discharge prohibited except food waste comminuted ≤ 25 mm, discharged ≥ 12 nm from nearest land (3 nm if not comminuted).

Bunker Convention 2001: strict liability for bunker oil pollution; certificate of insurance required for ships > 1,000 GT.

LLMC 1976/1996: limitation of liability for maritime claims; tonnage-based limits updated by tacit acceptance.

MARPOL Annex IV: sewage discharge only when approved treatment plant operating, or comminuted/disinfected at ≥ 3 nm, or untreated at ≥ 12 nm with speed ≥ 4 knots.

Chief Engineer unlimited: minimum 36 months sea service in engine department, of which 12 months as second engineer; approved education and training; MCA/flag oral exam.

STCW certificates: Certificate of Competency (CoC) issued by flag State; Certificate of Proficiency (CoP) for specific duties (e.g., survival craft, firefighting, medical first aid).

Basic Safety Training (BST): personal survival techniques, fire prevention and firefighting, elementary first aid, personal safety and social responsibility - refresher every 5 years.

Medical fitness certificate: valid maximum 2 years (1 year if under 18); colour vision and hearing standards per STCW Code.

Watchkeeping: engine room watch ratings must be familiar with duties; bridge and engine room communication maintained; UMS operation requires alarm and safety systems.

Rest hours records: maintained daily and signed by seafarer and master; compensatory rest for interruptions; fatigue management plan required.

Flag State responsibilities: survey and certification, ISM audit, MLC 2006 inspection; recognised organisations (class societies) act on behalf.

Endorsements: GMDSS, ARPA, ECDIS, tanker familiarisation, advanced firefighting, medical care - each requires approved training and sea service.

SOLAS Chapter III: lifeboat capacity for 100% of persons on board each side; life rafts for 25% each side; rescue boat on each side or one free-fall.

Lifeboat drill: every 3 months; abandon ship drill within 24 hours of leaving port if more than 25% crew changed; record in official log.

Lifebuoys: minimum 8 for cargo ships < 100 m, 12 for 100–150 m, 14 for 150–200 m, 16 for > 200 m; at least half with self-igniting lights.

Immersion suits: for every person on board; thermal protective aids for 10% or 2, whichever greater.

Emergency fire pump: independently driven, capacity ≥ 25 m³/h for cargo ships ≥ 1,000 GT; pressure at hydrant ≥ 0.25 N/mm².

Emergency generator: capable of supplying emergency lighting, navigation lights, radio, and steering gear for 18 hours (cargo) or 36 hours (passenger).

GMDSS: Sea Area A1 (VHF coverage), A2 (MF), A3 (Inmarsat), A4 (HF); EPIRB registered with flag State; SART on each side.

Enclosed space entry: permit required, atmosphere tested (O2 20.9%, LEL < 1%, H2S < 5 ppm, CO < 30 ppm), standby person at entrance.

Fire triangle: fuel, oxygen, heat; remove one leg to extinguish. Class A (solids), B (liquids), C (gases), D (metals), F (cooking oils).

CO2 extinguisher: smothering, safe for electrical fires; not for Class D metals; discharge in confined spaces hazardous - evacuate and ventilate after.

Foam: smothering and cooling; AFFF for hydrocarbon fires; do not use on electrical fires or Class D.

Dry powder: multi-purpose ABC; leaves residue; not suitable for Class D metals (use special powder).

Fire main: hydrant pressure ≥ 0.25 N/mm²; two jets simultaneously from different hydrants; hose diameter 50 mm or 65 mm.

Fixed CO2 system: quantity for cargo spaces = 30% of gross volume; alarm before release; 20% for machinery spaces with quick-closing valves.

Fire control plan: permanently exhibited; duplicate in watertight container outside deckhouse; shows fire sections, controls, and escape routes.

Fire drill: monthly for cargo ships; must include checking firefighting equipment, closing fire doors, and simulated rescue.

MARPOL Annex I: Oil Record Book Part I (machinery space) and Part II (cargo); entries for bilge transfers, sludge disposal, bunkering; retain 3 years.

Oil filtering equipment: 15 ppm alarm and automatic stopping device; discharge only when ship en route, outside special areas, and not in port.

MARPOL Annex VI: NOx Tier III for ships built after 1 Jan 2016 in ECAs (North Sea, Baltic, North America, US Caribbean); Tier II elsewhere.

Sulphur cap 2020: 0.50% m/m global; 0.10% in ECAs; scrubber washwater discharge criteria (pH, PAH, turbidity).

Ballast water management: D-1 exchange (200 nm offshore, 200 m depth) or D-2 treatment standard (<10 viable organisms ≥50 µm per m³); BWM Plan and record book.

Shipboard incinerator: only for Annex I sludge, Annex V garbage; not for PCBs, heavy metals, or packaging; temperature 850–1200 °C.

Sewage treatment: MARPOL Annex IV; approved plant; discharge limits BOD5 25 mg/L, suspended solids 35 mg/L, coliform 100/100 mL.

Environmental compliance: SOPEP (Shipboard Oil Pollution Emergency Plan) and SMPEP for noxious liquids; drills and exercises recorded.

Ohm's law: V = I × R; power P = V × I = I²R = V²/R; three-phase power P = √3 × V_L × I_L × cos φ.

Insulation resistance: minimum 1 MΩ for low-voltage circuits; test with 500 V megger; record in insulation resistance log.

AC generator: frequency f = (p × N) / 120, where p = number of poles, N = rpm; 60 Hz at 1800 rpm for 4-pole, 50 Hz at 1500 rpm.

Circuit protection: fuses for short-circuit, circuit breakers for overload and short-circuit; earth fault detection on IT (ungrounded) systems.

Programmable logic controllers (PLC): ladder logic, inputs/outputs, scan cycle; used for alarm monitoring and machinery control.

Variable frequency drive (VFD): controls motor speed by varying frequency and voltage; harmonics and EMI mitigation required.

Battery maintenance: lead-acid specific gravity 1.250–1.280; equalising charge; ventilation to prevent hydrogen accumulation (4% LEL).

Electrical safety: lockout/tagout before work; test for dead; use insulated tools; arc flash PPE for high-energy circuits.

Planned maintenance system (PMS): based on manufacturer intervals, condition monitoring, and running hours; records kept for class surveys.

Condition monitoring: vibration analysis, oil analysis (spectrometry, ferrography), thermography, performance trending.

Crankcase inspection: every 3,000–4,000 hours; check bearings, piston crown, liner wear; measure liner wear with micrometer.

Piston ring replacement: when ring gap exceeds manufacturer limit or wear rate increases; check cylinder liner honing.

Valve clearance adjustment: per manufacturer; too tight causes burning, too loose causes noise and wear; check when engine cold unless specified.

Bearing clearance: measured with plastigauge or lead wire; compare to manufacturer limits; check crankshaft deflection.

Welding repair: preheat for high-carbon steels; use correct electrode; post-weld heat treatment for stress relief where required.

Spare parts management: critical spares list; storage conditions; inventory control; class requires certain spares on board.

Steel types: mild steel (0.2% C), medium carbon (0.3–0.6% C), high carbon (>0.6% C); alloy steels for high strength; stainless steel (Cr > 10.5%).

Heat treatment: annealing (soften, relieve stress), normalising (refine grain), quenching (harden), tempering (toughness).

Welding processes: MMA (stick), MIG (GMAW), TIG (GTAW), oxy-acetylene; electrode selection by material and position.

Measuring tools: micrometer (0.01 mm), vernier caliper (0.02 mm), dial gauge (0.01 mm), feeler gauge for clearances.

Threads: metric (M), unified (UNC/UNF), BSP; pitch and diameter identification; torque values per manufacturer.

Bearings: plain (white metal, bronze), rolling (ball, roller); clearance and lubrication; alignment critical.

Pipe fitting: flanges, unions, compression fittings; pressure testing; use of PTFE tape on threads (not on flare fittings).

Corrosion: galvanic corrosion between dissimilar metals; use isolation, sacrificial anodes, coatings; crevice corrosion in stagnant areas.

ISM Code: requires Safety Management System (SMS), designated person ashore (DPA), master's responsibility and authority, and internal audits.

Human element: fatigue, situational awareness, communication, teamwork; Bridge Resource Management (BRM) and Engine Room Resource Management (ERM).

Safety culture: just culture, reporting near misses, safety committee meetings, risk assessment.

MLC 2006: minimum age 16, hours of work/rest, accommodation, food, medical care, repatriation, complaint procedures.

Leadership: transactional vs transformational; effective delegation; conflict resolution; cross-cultural communication.

Permit to work: for hot work, enclosed space entry, working aloft, electrical work; risk assessment and isolation.

Drills and training: must be recorded; debrief after drills; identify deficiencies and improve.

Management of change: assess risks before changes to equipment, procedures, or personnel; update SMS.

Primary survey: DR ABC - Danger, Response, Airway, Breathing, Circulation; call for help and use AED if available.

CPR: 30 compressions : 2 breaths; compression rate 100–120/min, depth 5–6 cm; use AED as soon as possible.

Burns: cool with running water for at least 10 minutes; do not remove stuck clothing; cover with sterile non-adherent dressing.

Fractures: immobilise with splint; check circulation, sensation, and movement distal to injury.

Hypothermia: remove wet clothing, insulate, warm gradually; do not rub extremities; give warm fluids if conscious.

Seasickness: antihistamines or scopolamine; hydration; avoid fatty foods.

Medical chest: per flag State requirements; check expiry dates; controlled drugs log; medical guide and radio medical advice.

Infectious disease: isolation, PPE, disinfection; report to port health; follow WHO guidance.