MAJ EOOW Engineer Exam key terms

The average pressure that, if applied to the piston throughout the power stroke, would produce the measured brake power. It indicates how effectively an engine converts cylinder volume into useful work.

The average pressure during the complete engine cycle derived from the indicator diagram. It represents the work done on the piston before friction and auxiliary losses are deducted.

The mass of fuel consumed per unit of brake power per unit time, usually expressed in g/kWh. It is a key indicator of engine efficiency and is used to monitor performance trends.

A pressure-volume or pressure-crank angle diagram taken from an engine cylinder. It shows combustion quality, peak pressure, and compression pressure, and is used to diagnose faults and balance cylinders.

The maximum pressure reached inside the cylinder during combustion. It is measured from the indicator diagram and compared with the engine builder's limit to detect overloading, injection timing errors, or fuel quality problems.

The moment, measured in crank angle degrees before top dead centre, at which fuel injection begins. Correct timing ensures efficient combustion; advanced or retarded timing affects peak pressure and exhaust temperature.

The pressure of the fresh air supplied to the cylinder by the turbocharger or blower before compression begins. It is a key indicator of turbocharger performance and engine load.

A violent oscillation of airflow through the turbocharger compressor, often caused by fouled scavenge air passages, a faulty non-return flap, or rapid load changes. It produces a distinctive barking noise and can damage the turbocharger.

The build-up of dirt, oil, or scale on the air side or water side of the scavenge air cooler. It reduces heat transfer, raises scavenge air temperature, and lowers engine efficiency.

The ratio of the actual volume of air drawn into the cylinder to the swept volume of the cylinder. It indicates how effectively the engine breathes and is affected by valve timing and intake restrictions.

A system that allows the officer of the watch on the bridge to control the main engine directly, with the engine room in attendance or unattended. It includes safety interlocks to prevent unsafe commands.

A spring-loaded control on the bridge or engine room manoeuvring console that must be held or periodically reset. If released, it triggers an alarm and may slow or stop the engine to prevent loss of control.

The local control station in the engine room from which the main engine is operated during manoeuvres. It allows direct control and immediate response to commands from the bridge.

A classification notation indicating that the engine room may be operated without a continuous watch, provided that alarms, safety systems, and automatic controls are approved and regularly tested.

A mandatory record book in which all oil-related operations, such as bunkering, transfers, discharges, and machinery space bilge handling, are recorded. It must be available for inspection by port State control officers.

The chapter of the MARPOL Convention that regulates pollution by oil. It sets limits on oily water discharge, requires pollution prevention equipment, and mandates the Oil Record Book.

Equipment used to separate oil from machinery space bilge water before discharge. It must be capable of producing effluent with an oil content not exceeding 15 parts per million.

An automatic alarm that activates when the oil content in the effluent from the oily water separator exceeds 15 parts per million. It is linked to a three-way valve that stops overboard discharge.

A record book required under MARPOL Annex V in which all garbage discharges, incinerations, and landings are logged. It helps verify compliance with garbage management regulations.

A planned sequence of actions for transferring fuel oil to the ship, including pre-transfer checks, communication with the supplier, monitoring of tanks, and emergency shutdown arrangements.

A table that relates the depth of liquid in a tank, as measured by a sounding tape or gauge, to the volume of liquid at a given trim. It is used to calculate quantities during bunkering and transfers.

A structured schedule of maintenance tasks based on running hours or calendar intervals, used to ensure that machinery is serviced before failure. It provides records for classification society surveys.

The practice of measuring parameters such as vibration, temperature, and oil analysis to assess machinery health. It allows maintenance to be planned based on actual condition rather than fixed intervals.

A diagnostic technique that measures vibration frequencies and amplitudes to identify faults such as misalignment, imbalance, or bearing wear in rotating machinery.

An inspection carried out by a classification society to verify that a ship's hull and machinery comply with its rules. Surveys may be annual, intermediate, or special and can lead to the issuance of a class certificate.

The inspection of foreign ships in national ports to verify that their condition and equipment comply with international conventions. Deficiencies can lead to detention until rectified.

The machinery that turns the rudder in response to commands from the bridge. It must be capable of moving the rudder from hard over to hard over within specified time limits and has redundant power arrangements.

A gauge on the bridge and in the engine room that shows the actual angle of the rudder. It allows the officer of the watch to verify that the rudder responds correctly to helm orders.

A mandatory check, performed before departure and at least every three months, of the steering gear's operation, including emergency power, alarms, and communication with the bridge.

A self-contained generating set that starts automatically on loss of main power and supplies essential services such as emergency lighting, steering gear, and radio communications. It is tested regularly.

The distribution board fed by the emergency generator or emergency battery. It supplies power to vital circuits and is isolated from the main switchboard to prevent back-feed during an emergency.

A complete loss of electrical power on the ship. It triggers the emergency generator and requires immediate action to restore propulsion and essential services safely.

A door designed to withstand water pressure and prevent flooding between compartments. It may be manually or power-operated and must be kept closed when required by the collision bulkhead or damage control plan.

The first watertight transverse bulkhead forward of the bow, required by SOLAS to limit flooding in the event of a collision. It must extend to the freeboard deck and have no openings below it.

A plan showing the location of watertight compartments, doors, valves, and damage control equipment. It is used by the crew to respond effectively to flooding or other emergencies.

The minimum periods of rest that must be provided to seafarers under STCW and flag State regulations to prevent fatigue. Records must be maintained and are subject to inspection.

The International Convention on Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping for Seafarers, which sets minimum requirements for training, certification, and watchkeeping. It is enforced by flag States.

A state of physical or mental exhaustion that impairs performance and judgment. It is managed through rest hours, proper watch schedules, and awareness of its effects on safety.

A short, informal meeting held before a task to discuss hazards, procedures, and responsibilities. It is a key element of human element leadership and helps prevent accidents.

A formal written authorization required before carrying out high-risk tasks such as hot work or entry into enclosed spaces. It specifies precautions and must be signed by an authorized person.

The process of identifying hazards, evaluating the likelihood and severity of harm, and implementing controls. It is a legal requirement and forms the basis for safe working practices in the engine room.