Marine Engineering Systems and Machinery
What the exam tests
Marine Engineering Systems and Machinery tests propulsion, auxiliary systems, steering gear, fuel handling, bilge and ballast, and emergency power. The deck officer must recognise abnormal operation and know immediate actions.
Core rules and concepts
- Diesel propulsion: fuel injection timing, scavenge air, turbocharger, cooling water and lubricating oil pressure are critical.
- Steering gear: SOLAS requires two independent power units; test main and emergency steering, alarms and communication within 12 h before departure.
- Fuel: viscosity and pour point must suit the engine; changeover must be gradual to avoid thermal shock and filter blockage.
- Bilge system: oily water separator alarm at 15 ppm; discharge overboard is prohibited in special areas.
- Bunkering: agree quantity, grade, sampling and emergency shut-off; monitor tanks to prevent overflow.
- UMS alarms must be tested and acknowledged; never bypass a safety trip.
Worked example
A ship burns 150 t/day at 20 kn. At 15 kn, fuel consumption follows the cubic law: 150 × (15/20)³ = 150 × 0.4219 = 63.3 t/day. The saving is about 58%. Use this for voyage cost and ETA planning, but check engine load limits and keep a manoeuvring reserve.
Traps
Changing fuel viscosity too quickly; assuming steering gear is tested only by the pilot; ignoring a high bilge alarm; treating a 15 ppm alarm as a nuisance; and planning speed reduction below a safe manoeuvring margin.
Key points: steering gear tests; fuel viscosity; 15 ppm alarm; bunkering checklist; cubic consumption; UMS alarms.