Emergency Response

Question 1

What would you do in the event of the engine room flooding?

Answer 1

1) Inform bridge and CE.
2) Sound the general alarm and get manpower.
3) Identify the source of water ingress.
4) Start additional generators.
5) Start the bilge pumps, transferring to any waste collection tanks.
6) If permitted, start the OWS to try to empty these tanks, making ORB records.
7) Enter into the ER log book.
8) If the C/E decides, open the direct bilge suction valve.

Question 2

Why do sounding pipes have a weighted valve?

Answer 2

To prevent oil spills from overflows and vapours escaping tanks.

Question 3

What actions in the event of a collision?

Answer 3

1) Inform the master and CE.
2) Ensure the local authorities, classification society and company are aware.
3) Close all watertight doors.
4) Assess the damage in the area, if an enclosed space then take enclosed space entry precautions. Report to the master.
5) Make tank soundings and compare with the current readings. This can allow us to see if there are any leaks or water ingress.
6) Take immediate action if there is damage, making arrangements to pump out water. If the pumping is not quick enough gain permission from the CE to open the direct bilge suction and overboard valve.
7) Check for oil spill, using the SOPEP plan for containment.

Question 4

How quickly must the emergency generator be able to start and take load?

Answer 4

45 seconds

Question 5

How would you deal with a blackout?

Answer 5

1) Ensure emg gen has connected.
2) Inform bridge and CE and call for manpower.
3) If ME is running, bring fuel lever to 0.
4) Shut the main steam stop valve on the boiler to maintain pressure.
5) Find the reason for blackout and rectify.
6) Start the pre-lube priming pump and then start the generator, instantly starting the jacket water and lube oil pump once it has load.
7) Reset breakers and start any stopped machinery.

Question 6

What could cause a blackout

Answer 6

1) Human error
- Closing the wrong valve, pressing the wrong button, starting heavy machinery with not
enough power available.
- Stopping or tripping on-load generator.
2) Equipment failure
- Lack of fuel supply.
- Failure of automation or control equipment.
- Circuit breaker malfunction.
- Main engine shut-downs activated.
3) Bad fuel
- Blocked fuel pumps or injectors.

Question 7

What equipment is connected to the emergency switchboard?

Answer 7

1) Emergency lighting
2) Navigation
3) Steering gear
4) Emergency fire pump
5) Start air compressor
6) Battery charging
7) Fire detection and alarm
8) Radio equipment
9) Signalling lamp and whistle
10) General alarm
11) Watertight doors

Question 8

How long should the emergency generator be able to provide power for?

Answer 8

18 hours, 36 on cruise.

Question 9

How does the emergency generator start?

Answer 9

Undervoltage relay detects a dead bus and pulls the contractor in.

Question 10

How long must emergency batteries last and what must they power?

Answer 10

30 minutes:
1) Fire detection and alarm.
2) Emergency lighting.
3) Navigation lights.
4) Internal communication equipment.

Question 11

Actions in case of OMD activation?

Answer 11

1) Inform CE and bridge.
2) Get permission to stop and gradually lower the speed.
3) Close fuel supply, increase lubrication.
4) Stop blowers and ventilation and open skylight.
5) Evacuate engine room and prepare fire-fighting equipment.
6) Stop lubrication after 30 minutes and then open the crankcase doors.
7) Engage the turning gear.
8) Locate the hot-spot
9) Make permanent repair.
10) Check correct oil flow.
11) Start the engine, inspecting for temperature

Question 12

How does an OMD work?

Answer 12

A reference tube and measuring tube are placed parallel to one another with a photo-electric cell connected to each.

A lamp shines a constant intensity of light onto said cells.

If the concentration of oil mist in the measuring tube rises then the intensity of light reaching the photo-electric cell reduces. As both tubes are electrically connected, the reduction in current will show an imbalance between the two cells, leading to an alarm ringing.

Question 12

How does an OMD work?

Answer 12

A reference tube and measuring tube are placed parallel to one another with a photo-electric cell connected to each.

A lamp shines a constant intensity of light onto said cells.

If the concentration of oil mist in the measuring tube rises then the intensity of light reaching the photo-electric cell reduces. As both tubes are electrically connected, the reduction in current will show an imbalance between the two cells, leading to an alarm ringing.

Question 13

What are concerns while boundary cooling?

Answer 13

Flooding, free surface effect.

Question 14

How to prevent an economiser fire?

Answer 14

1) Regular boiler flame inspection to ensure correct air fuel ratio.
2) Burner and swirler routines as per PMS.
3) Regular soot blowing and water washing.
4) Use of proper grade fuel.
5) Proper fuel oil treatment.
6) Avoid low load operation for long periods.
7) Running boiler near full load helps to expel carbon deposits and reduces chances of fire.

Question 15

Actions to be taken in the case of an economiser fire?

Answer 15

1) Inform bridge and CE. Take permission to stop engine.
2) Gradually slowdown ME and then stop.
3) Bring fire fighting equipment into operation.
4) Boundary cooling.
5) Run up circulation pumps.
6) Ensure the heat source is removed and fire is out.
7) Never soot blow as it can cause hydrogen fire .

Question 16

What must be included in SOPEP?

Answer 16

1) Procedure to be followed by the master or other persons having charge of the ship to report an oil pollution incident.
2) List of authorities or persons to be contacted.
3) Description of action to be taken immediately to reduce or control the discharge of oil.
4) Procedures and point of contact for coordinating shipboard action with national and local authorities.

Question 17

Procedure to be taken in the event of an oil spill while bunkering?

Answer 17

1) Sound the emergency alarm.
2) Emergency shutdown, close all valves and inform bunker barge.
3) Inform master and initiate response procedures, inform port or local authority.
4) Identify the source of leak and try to minimise.
5) Drain oil from affected area into empty tanks.
6) If vapours can be released indoors, shut off ventilation.
7) Start clean up operations.
8) Do not use chemicals if they can go overboard without prior permission.
9) Oil gone overboard must be contained and oil dispersants used with permission.
10) Once the spill is under control, oil spilled overboard and onboard have been removed and the cause of leak stopped, bunkering can resume.
11) Chance of recurrence must be eliminated before bunkering can begin.
12) Permission must be given and incident and actions recorded for further litigation purposes.

Question 18

How would you treat a person who has has prolonged water exposure?

Answer 18

1) Conduct normal first aid.
2) Insulate to prevent further heat loss.
3) Avoid unnecessary manhandling, enclosing in blankets or plastic, but not the face.
4) Move to a warm and sheltered location.
5) Lay down in a semi-horizontal or half-sitting position.
6) Oxygen should be given if available.
7) If water was inhaled, encourage deep breathing and coughing.
8) Monitor and record breathing and heart rate.
9) Seek medical advice.
10) When alert and warm no need to maintain the old position.
11) Give warm sweet drinks, but no alcohol.

Question 19

Regulations on when drills must be done?
What regulation?

Answer 19

SOLAS 3-19:
- One abandon ship and fire drill a month.
- Within 24hr of the ship leaving port if more than 25% of the crew have not participated within the previous month.

• Enclosed space entry and rescue drill every 2 months.

Question 20

What must an abandon ship drill include? SOLAS 3-19

Answer 20

1) Summoning of crew to muster stations.
2) Reporting to stations and preparing for duties in muster list.
3) Checking suitable attire.
4) Checking correct lifejacket donning.
5) Lowering of at least 1 lifeboat after any necessary preparation for launching.
6) Starting and operating lifeboat engine.
7) Operation of lifeboat davit.
8) Mock search and rescue for trapped crew.
9) Instruction in the use of radio life-saving appliances.

Question 21

What must a fire drill include? SOLAS 3-19

Answer 21

1) Reporting to stations and preparing for duties in muster list.
2) Starting of fire pump, using at least 2 required water jets to show proper system function.
3) Checking of fireman outfit and rescue equipment.
4) Checking of communication equipment.
5) Checking operation of watertight doors, fire doors, fire dampers and ventilation in the drill area.
6) Checking abandon ship arrangements.

Question 22

What must an enclosed space entry and rescue drill include? SOLAS 3-19

Answer 22

1) Checking and use of PPE required for entry.
2) Checking and use of communication equipment and procedures.
3) Checking and use of instruments for measuring atmosphere.
4) Checking and use of rescue equipment and procedures.
5) Instructions in first aid and resuscitation techniques.

Question 23

What is required to be in a lifeboat?

Answer 23

1) 3 litres of water per person.
2) Buoyant oars.
3) 2 boat hooks.
4) Bailer.
5) 2 buckets.
6) Survival manual.
7) Binnacle containing compass.
8) Sea anchor.
9) 2 hatchets, 1 at each end.
10) 2 sufficient painters.
11) Rust proof dipper with lanyard.
12) Rust proof graduated drinking vessel.
13) Food no less than 10,000KJ / person.
14) 4 rocket parachute flares.
15) 2 buoyant smoke signals.
16) 6 red hand flares.
17) Waterproof electric torch with spare batteries and bulb.
18) Signalling mirror with instructions.
19) Non-metallic whistle.
20) First-aid kit.
21) 6 doses of anti-sickness medication and 1 sickness bag for every person.
22) Jack knife attached with lanyard
23) 3 tin openers.
24) Manual pump.
25) Fishing kit.
26) Tools for engine.
27) Fire extinguisher for oil fire.
28) Radar reflector.
29) Thermal protective aid.
30) Search light.

Question 24

What is the general alarm signal?

Answer 24

7 short blasts followed by 1 long blast.

Question 25

What is the man overboard signal?

Answer 25

3 long blasts.

Question 26

Why should you not rewarm a person too quickly after they have been recovered from the water?

Answer 26

The heat causes vasodilation, sending cold blood to the heart causing heart arrhythmias.

It can also induce shock.

Question 27

How many times must a full air cylinder be able to start an engine?

Answer 27

Reversible - 12 consecutive
Non-reversible - 6 consecutive

Question 28

What could suggest a leaking start air valve?

Answer 28

Overheating of the line between the start air valve and start air manifold when the engine is running.