MARINA Second Engineer / Chief Engineer Theoretical Exam study plan

Define and interrelate core thermodynamics quantities (pressure, temperature, enthalpy, entropy, specific heat) and apply the first and second laws to closed and open marine systems.

Solve steady-flow energy balance problems for heat exchangers, condensers, feed heaters and evaporators, showing each step and unit conversion.

Explain the Rankine cycle as applied to ship's steam plant and calculate ideal and actual cycle efficiency from given enthalpy values.

Describe heat transfer modes (conduction, convection, radiation) and compute overall heat transfer coefficients and log-mean temperature difference for a tubular exchanger.

Interpret fluid flow fundamentals (continuity, Bernoulli, Darcy-Weisbach friction loss) and apply them to a seawater cooling or fuel transfer line.

Compare two-stroke and four-stroke marine diesel engine construction, scavenging methods, and valve/uniflow arrangements with labelled sketches.

Explain the diesel cycle and calculate indicated and brake power, mean effective pressure, specific fuel consumption and mechanical efficiency from given data.

Describe the function and failure modes of fuel injection equipment (HP pumps, injectors, timing) and the combustion process in a large slow-speed engine.

Trace the turbocharger system including axial/radial turbine types, air coolers, and explain surging causes and remedies.

Outline starting air, camshaft, and reversing arrangements on a reversible direct-coupled propulsion engine.

Explain the operating principles of main engine cooling, lubrication, and fuel oil service systems, identifying each component in a simplified flow diagram.

Describe auxiliary boiler construction, water-tube vs fire-tube, feedwater treatment, and combustion control, and calculate boiler efficiency by the indirect (heat loss) method.

Explain the operation of centrifugal and positive displacement pumps, including NPSH, cavitation, and priming, and select a pump type for a given duty.

Describe air compressors, separators/purifiers, and fresh water generators, stating their operating limits and common faults.

Explain steering gear (ram, rotary vane, electro-hydraulic) and windlass/mooring winch systems and their safety interlocks.

Explain ship structural members (keel, floors, frames, stringers, bulkheads) and their role in longitudinal and transverse strength.

Define and distinguish intact and damage stability terms (KG, GM, GZ, free surface effect, list, trim) and calculate the effect of a weight shift or addition on GM.

Describe damage control measures including watertight subdivision, collision bulkhead requirements, flooding boundaries, and progressive flooding prevention.

Explain bilge, ballast, and dewatering systems and how they are used during an emergency flooding scenario.

Interpret a simple hydrostatic table or stability booklet extract to determine drafts, displacement, and required GM for a loading condition.

Explain three-phase AC generation, distribution, and protection (circuit breakers, fuses, earth fault detection) on a ship's main switchboard.

Describe the operation of alternators, voltage regulators, synchronising, load sharing, and blackout recovery procedures.

Explain electric propulsion and variable frequency drive fundamentals, including harmonics and motor protection.

Interpret control system elements (sensors, transmitters, PID controllers, pneumatic and electronic loops) and explain a simple PID response to a setpoint change.

Describe alarm, monitoring, and safety systems (UMS, dead-man alarm, fire detection interface) and their testing requirements.

Describe watchkeeping duties at sea and in port under STCW, including handover, rounds, log entries, and action on alarms.

Explain the planned maintenance system cycle: job cards, running hours, condition monitoring, and spares control, and draft a sample PM schedule for a main engine.

Describe safe isolation, permit-to-work, and lockout/tagout procedures for maintenance on electrical and pressure systems.

Explain condition monitoring techniques (vibration, oil analysis, thermography, performance trending) and interpret a simple trend to justify intervention.

Outline UMS operation requirements, unmanned machinery space checks, and the engineer's response to a blackout or major alarm at night.

Explain MARPOL Annexes I-VI requirements relevant to engineers, including oily water separator limits, sludge handling, and garbage and air pollution controls.

Describe the operation and legal requirements of the oil record book, garbage record book, and bunkering documentation.

Explain ballast water management, antifouling, and sewage treatment requirements and their operational implications.

Describe fire prevention and firefighting systems in the engine room (fixed CO2/foam, portable extinguishers, detection) and the engineer's role in drills.

Explain personal and shipboard safety, risk assessment, and emergency response for fire, flooding, and oil spill in the machinery space.

Explain STCW certification structure, watchkeeping standards, rest hour requirements, and the engineer's legal responsibilities.

Describe the regulatory framework: SOLAS, MARPOL, Load Line, classification societies, flag state and port state control, and ISM Code obligations.

Review and consolidate the highest-yield formulas and concepts from Domains 1 and 2 through timed practice.

Complete a full-length timed mock examination under exam conditions and mark it against the syllabus weighting.

Identify the three weakest areas from the mock and write a targeted revision plan for each.