MARINA OIC-EW Theoretical Exam key terms

The machinery that drives the ship's propeller, usually a slow-speed two-stroke diesel engine directly coupled to the shaft. It is the primary source of thrust and the focus of engine-room watchkeeping.

A diesel engine, typically medium or high speed, used to drive alternators, pumps, or compressors rather than the propeller. It supplies electrical and pneumatic power for ship services.

An alternator driven by the main propulsion shaft, either through a gearbox or directly, to generate electrical power while the ship is at sea. It reduces auxiliary engine fuel consumption during passage.

A self-contained generating set located above the bulkhead deck, with its own fuel supply, that starts automatically on main power failure. It supplies emergency lighting, steering gear, radio, and safety systems.

A total loss of electrical power on board, causing propulsion, steering, and lighting to fail. Engineers must restore power quickly, often by starting the emergency generator and resetting main breakers.

A protective arrangement in the main switchboard that sheds non-essential loads in stages when a generator is overloaded. It preserves power to propulsion, steering, and navigation equipment.

The central electrical distribution panel where generator outputs are paralleled and ship circuits are protected by breakers. It is the control point for power management and fault isolation.

The electrical resistance between a conductor and earth, measured with a megohmmeter to detect deterioration of cable or winding insulation. Low readings indicate moisture, contamination, or damage and require investigation.

An unintended connection between a live conductor and the ship's hull or earth. On an insulated system it may not trip protection, so alarms and insulation monitoring are essential to locate it.

An industrial computer that executes control logic for machinery such as purifiers, boilers, and alarm systems. It reads sensors, drives outputs, and is programmed for automated sequences and interlocks.

A networked system that scans machinery sensors and raises audible and visual alarms on the bridge and engine control room. It records events and supports unmanned machinery space operation.

A classification notation allowing the engine room to operate without a permanent watch, provided automated alarms, safety trips, and fire detection meet class rules. Engineers then serve on call.

A structured schedule of inspections, servicing, and overhauls for ship machinery and equipment, with records of completion. It supports class surveys and demonstrates compliance with the ISM Code.

Measuring parameters such as vibration, temperature, oil analysis, and performance trends to detect machinery deterioration before failure. It allows maintenance to be planned rather than reactive.

Laboratory testing of lubricating oil for wear metals, water, viscosity, and insolubles. Results reveal bearing wear, fuel dilution, or cooling water leaks and guide maintenance decisions.

The controlled stock of spare parts, tools, and consumables carried on board and required by class and maker recommendations. Accurate records prevent delays during repairs at sea or in port.

A facility where a ship is lifted or floated into a drained basin for inspection and repair of hull, propeller, shafting, and sea valves. Class surveys and statutory inspections are commonly performed there.

The mark on the ship's side showing the maximum permitted draught for each seasonal zone, assigned under the Load Line Convention. It ensures adequate freeboard and reserve buoyancy.

The vertical distance from the waterline to the freeboard deck at side, measured amidships. It provides reserve buoyancy and is fixed by the assigned load line.

The watertight volume above the waterline that can be flooded before the ship sinks. It is preserved by watertight subdivision, closing appliances, and adequate freeboard.

A ship's ability to remain afloat and upright after flooding of one or more compartments. It is assessed against SOLAS subdivision and survivability criteria using loading and damage conditions.

The condition in which watertight doors, hatches, and fittings are closed or correctly secured to prevent flooding between compartments. It is maintained through closure procedures and regular inspections.

The total weight a ship can carry, comprising cargo, fuel, fresh water, ballast, stores, and crew, expressed in tonnes. It is the difference between loaded and light displacement.

A period of duty in the machinery spaces during which the engineer monitors propulsion, auxiliary machinery, and alarms. Duties include log readings, rounds, and immediate response to defects.

The formal transfer of responsibility between watchkeepers, covering machinery status, ongoing work, defects, and standing orders. It must be completed face to face before the relieving officer assumes the watch.

Written instructions from the master or chief engineer defining routine duties, reporting requirements, and actions for watchkeepers. They remain in force regardless of who is on watch.

The senior engineering officer responsible for the ship's machinery, maintenance, spares, and the engineering department's compliance with regulations. The chief reports to the master and holds overall technical authority.

The international convention setting minimum standards of training, certification, and watchkeeping for seafarers. It defines competence requirements, sea service, and certification for engineers and deck officers.

A document issued by a flag state confirming that a seafarer meets the STCW requirements for a specific rank and function. It must be valid and endorsed for the ship and trade.

The minimum periods of rest required by STCW and MLC to prevent fatigue, typically ten hours in any 24-hour period. Records must be kept and made available for inspection.

The Maritime Labour Convention setting minimum living and working conditions, including accommodation, food, hours of work, medical care, and repatriation. Compliance is verified by a maritime labour certificate and inspection.

The International Safety Management Code requiring companies to operate a safety management system with documented procedures, risk assessment, and emergency preparedness. It aims to prevent accidents and pollution.

The documented structure of procedures, responsibilities, and records required by the ISM Code. It covers safe operation, reporting of nonconformities, drills, and continuous improvement.

A observed failure to meet a requirement of the safety management system or a regulation, recorded during audits or inspections. It requires root-cause analysis and corrective action within a set time.

Inspection of foreign ships in port by the coastal state to verify compliance with international conventions. Deficiencies may lead to detention until rectified, affecting the ship's schedule.

The part of the MARPOL Convention regulating prevention of pollution by oil, covering discharge limits, the Oil Record Book, and oily water separator requirements. Violations can lead to prosecution and detention.

Equipment that separates oil from bilge water so that the discharged effluent contains no more than 15 parts per million oil. It requires a monitoring device and an alarm to stop discharge if the limit is exceeded.

A mandatory record of all oil transfers, bilge discharges, sludge handling, and bunkering operations on board. Entries must be signed by the officer in charge and the master.

An independently driven pump, located outside the machinery space, that supplies fire main pressure if the main pumps fail. Its capacity and location are specified by SOLAS.

A permanently installed suppression system such as CO2, foam, or water mist protecting machinery spaces or cargo holds. It is operated from a control station after ensuring the space is evacuated and sealed.

The designated assembly point where crew and passengers report during an emergency and are accounted for. Drills and musters are recorded to satisfy SOLAS and STCW requirements.

A situation in which the main propulsion and electrical plant are unavailable, leaving the ship without power. Recovery requires emergency generator operation and restoration of essential services.