Main engine preparation & Watch keeping Page 20-24 Flashcards
What is the first step to take in the event of a crankcase high oil mist alarm?
Inform bridge and chief engineer.
What should be done to the pitch of the engine during a crankcase high oil mist alarm?
Reduce pitch to slow down level, if not already carried out automatically.
What must be done after receiving permission from the bridge during a crankcase high oil mist alarm?
Stop the main engine and stop fuel supply to main engine.
What should be opened after stopping the main engine due to a crankcase high oil mist alarm?
Open the skylight.
What safety measures should be taken in the engine room during a crankcase high oil mist alarm?
Lock casing doors and keep away from them. Evacuate engine room & prepare firefighting equipment.
What should be done with the circulating oil pumps during a crankcase high oil mist alarm?
Stop the circulating oil pumps. Cut off the starting air and engage the turning gear.
How should the ‘hot spot’ be located during a crankcase high oil mist alarm?
Use powerful lamps and feel over by hand or with thermofeel all sliding surfaces.
What should be checked after starting the engine following a crankcase high oil mist alarm? Oil flow
Check the oil flow from all the bearings, spray pipes and spray nozzles in crankcase.
What should be done if the Main Engine and Controllable Pitch Propeller do not respond to Bridge Control?
Alert the Chief-Engineer and staff the engine-room.
What is the procedure for changing to Engine Room Control?
Match the pitch setting of that on the bridge and take over control to the ER console.
What must be maintained during the change to Engine Room Control?
Maintain bridge communication at all times.
What should be prepared in case of remote control failure during Engine Room Control?
Prepare engine-side control.
What is the first step for manual control of fuel pump delivery during emergency manoeuvring?
Alert the Chief-Engineer and staff the engine-room.
How is control transferred from the bridge to the engine-side during emergency manoeuvring?
Request to take control from the bridge after matching engine speed setting in the ECR.
What should be ensured when setting up manual control during emergency manoeuvring?
Ensure that the speed setting matches that in the ECR and that the control air valve is on local.
How is fuel rack control established during manual control?
Remove the governor control and clutch in the manual control wheel.
Q1 As engineer officer of the watch, explain the procedure to be followed in the event of a crankcase high oil mist alarm on a bridge
controlled, constant speed main propulsion engine fitted with CPP (16)
Inform bridge and chief engineer
Reduce pitch to slow down level, if not already carried out automatically (Take heat out of moving parts)
Ask bridge for permission to stop
When permission is granted, stop the main engine and stop fuel supply to main engine
5. Open the skylight
Lock casing doors and keep away from them Evacuate engine room & Prepare the firefighting equipment (In case of crankcase explosion which could be fatal)
Stop the circulating oil pumps.
Cut off the starting air and engage the turning gear.
Locate the “hot spot”. Use powerful lamps from the start. Feel over by hand or with thermofeel all sliding surfaces
(bearings, thrust bearings, piston rods, stuffing boxes etc.)
10. Start the circulating oil pump and turn the engine by means of the turning gear.
Check the oil flow from all the bearings, spray pipes and spray nozzles in crankcase.
11. Start the engine after
- 15-30mins
-one hour later
- when full load is reached stop and feel over look for any oil mist and feel over the sliding surfaces whiuch caused the
overheating .
Q2a In the case of a Main Engine and Controllable Pitch Propeller not responding to Bridge Control, describe the routine for changing to
Engine Room Control (8)
If not already contacted, alert the Chief-Engineer. Staff the engine-room and standby the engine control console.
• Using the control match the pitch setting of that on the bridge, and take over control to the ER console Maintain bridge communication at all times, and carry out orders immediately using the manoeuvring table for pitch or speed reference, do not leave the control room at any-time
• If requested, or it is necessary prepare engine-side control, in the event of remote control failure
Q2b Explain how manual control of fuel pump delivery is achieved when emergency manoeuvring, on a large 2-stroke crosshead engine (8)
If not already contacted, alert the Chief-Engineer. Staff the engine-room and standby the engine control console
Match the engine speed setting in the ECR, then request to take control from the bridge. Control can now be transferred to the engine-side
Establish communication with the bridge, using the headset, radio or telephone
Set up manual control, ensure that the speed setting matches that in the ECR, as well as ahead or astern running solenoid valves, then by removing the governor control and clutching in the manual control wheel, fuel rack control can be established. Ensure that the control air valve is on local and not remote. Engine speeds are controlled from this position, as well as starting, stopping and reversing the engine.
What is the first step in preparing the main engine for sea service?
Ensure all work on the engine is completed, crankcase cleared of debris, scavenge spaces checked, and all fixtures and fittings correctly in place. Ensure guards, doors, manholes, and covers are in place with no obstructions in moving parts.
What should be checked regarding used rags and oil near hot parts?
Ensure there are no used rags or spilt oil on the engine or near hot parts such as fuel trace heat lines, exhaust manifolds, and turbocharger areas.
What should be done if the propulsion is via a gearbox?
Ensure the gearbox is de-clutched.
What should be checked in the cooling system?
Check that the cooling system is pre-heated, header tanks are filled to the correct level, and circulating.
What should be checked regarding lubrication oil?
Ensure lubrication oil is pre-heated, circulating, and at sufficient level in the engine sump.
What should be done with air start bottles?
Drain air start bottles of water and oil accumulation and check air-compressor sumps for sufficient lube oil.
What should be ensured regarding heavy fuel?
Ensure heavy fuel is heated, settling and service tanks drained of water or sediment, circulating, and at the correct viscosity.
What actions should be taken regarding fuel racks and control linkages?
Grease and lubricate all fuel racks and check free movement of all control linkages.
What should be done before engaging the turning gear?
Open all cylinder indicator cocks and ensure no persons or materials are near moving parts.
What should be done while turning a large two-stroke diesel engine?
Actuate cylinder lubricators manually to ensure effective lubrication of the cylinder liner.
What should be checked regarding fuel filters and the fuel system?
Ensure all fuel filters are cleaned and the fuel system is free of air, checking all pipelines, valves, and flanges for leaks.
What should be checked with sea strainers?
Check that sea strainers are clear, lids fitted, and free from leaks.
What should be done with the engine alarm system?
Activate the engine alarm system and safety control systems.
What should be checked regarding temperatures and flow?
Check the temperature and flow of fuel oil, lubrication oil, and water.
What should be done before stopping the turning gear?
Stop and disengage the turning gear and inform the bridge that you wish to turn the engine on air.
What is the purpose of turning the engine on air?
This is done for around three complete revolutions to clear all cylinders of water and distribute cylinder lubrication oil.
What should be done after closing the indicator cocks?
Observe that all temperature and pressures are correct and start the sea water cooling system.
What should be communicated to the bridge before starting the engine?
Inform the bridge that the engine is ready to start.
What should be checked with the engine running?
Check for leaks, misfire, or abnormal mechanical noise, and ensure all temperature and pressure readings are correct.
What is the first action to prepare a main propulsion diesel plant from a cold condition?
Start all pre-heating systems: lube oil, fuel oil, and water.
What should be done after starting lubrication system pumps?
Ensure correct sump level is maintained.
What should be done with cooling water circulation pumps?
Start cooling water circulation pumps and ensure correct head level, leaving room for expansion.
What should be done with air bottles?
Drain air bottles and charge them to the correct starting pressure.
What should be done with fuel oil settling and service tanks?
Drain them of water and sludge, ensuring heating is on.
What should be checked regarding system temperatures?
Check that all system temperatures are adequate and begin circulation of fuel oil in injectors and pumps.
What should be communicated to the bridge before turning the engine?
Inform the bridge that the engine is to be turned.
What should be done while turning the engine?
Begin turning the engine on turning gear and operate cylinder lubrication by hand.
What should be checked through check glasses?
Ensure adequate oil and water flow through all check glasses, including turbochargers.
What should be checked regarding intermediate shaft bearing oil levels?
Check the oil levels.
What should be checked with the gear box?
Check gear box oil level, CPP hydraulic oil reserve, and stern seal.
What should be communicated to the bridge before kicking the engine on air?
Inform the bridge you are going to kick the engine on air.
What should be done before kicking the engine on air?
Disengage turning gear and ensure main fuel top valves are closed except drains.
How long should the engine be kicked for?
Kick for 3 revolutions.
Q3 Describe the sequence of actions when preparing the main engine, from cold, for sea service. Assume that the engine has been shut
down for a long period of time. (16)
-Ensure that all work carried out on the engine has been completed, the crankcase cleared of any debris, scavenge spaces checked
and cleared and all fixtures and fittings correctly in place. Ensure that all guards are in place, doors, manholes or covers also, with
no obstructions in any moving parts.
-Ensure that there are no used rags or spilt oil on the engine or close to hot parts such as. Fuel trace heat lines, exhaust manifolds
and turbocharger areas. If the propulsion is via a gearbox, insure this is de-clutched.
-Check that the cooling system is pre heated, that the header tanks are filled to the correct level and circulating. Ensure that
that lubrication oil is pre heated and circulating that there is sufficient level in the engine sump. Check for adequate oil and water
flow through turbocharger sight-glasses.
-Drain air start bottles of water and oil accumulation, check the air-compressor sumps for sufficient lube oil in the sumps, that
there is cooling flow and sufficient electrical supply available to run both compressors and charge both bottles
-Make sure that if using heavy fuel that the fuel is heated, settling and service tanks drained of water or sediment and circulating
and at the correct viscosity, that it is circulated through the fuel pumps and fuel injectors.
-Grease; lubricate all fuel racks checking free movement, all control linkages checking free movement. Purge also all alarm sensor
lines of air, such as oil, water.
-Open all cylinder indicator cocks; ensure that no persons or materials are near to any moving part such as the flywheel. Engage
the turning gear. On a vessel with directly coupled propeller inform the bridge that you wish to turn the engine prior to starting,
the turning gear. Whilst the engine is being turned on a large two-stroke diesel engine, actuate cylinder lubricators manually by
hand to ensure effective lubrication of the cylinder liner.
-Ensure that all fuel filters are cleaned and the fuel system is free of any air. Check all pipelines, flexible and fixed, all valves and
jointing flanges for leaks. Check pumps, strainer bodies for leakages.
-Check that the sea strainers are clear, the lids fitted and free from leaks, opening both the sea suction and overboard-discharge
valves, activate the engine alarm system and safety control systems.
-Check the temperature and flow of fuel oil, lubrication oil and water. If placed in manual control, ensure the heating system is now
in full auto control
-Stop and disengage the turning gear, inform the bridge that you wish to turn the engine on air (on a direct-coupled propulsion
system); this is done for around three complete revolutions in order to clear all cylinders of water and distribute cylinder
lubrication oil. It should be observed that each cylinder should purge during this operation.
-Close the indicator cocks of the main engine, observe that all temperature and pressures are correct. Start the sea water cooling
system, ensuring all auxiliary systems such as gearbox and shaft gen have cooling.
-Inform the bridge that the engine is ready to start, on a CPP vessel the engine may be started prior to manoeuvring however, 2-
stroke direct-coupled plant is started by the bridge.
-With the engine running, check for leaks, misfire or abnormal mechanical noise. Ensure that all temperature and pressure
readings are correct. The exhaust may also be checked for colour indicating fuel or other combustion issues
Q4 State the actions to be taken by the Engineer Officer of the Watch, to prepare a main propulsion diesel plant, from a cold
condition, to that of a condition ready for manoeuvring (16)
• Start all pre-heating systems, Lube oil, Fuel oil and Water
• Start lubrication system pumps, and circulate ensure correct sump level
• Start cooling water circulation pumps; ensure correct head level leaving room for expansion
• Drain Air bottles and charge them to the correct starting pressure
• Drain the fuel oil settling and service tanks of water and sludge, ensure heating is on
• Open all indicator cocks of the main engine
• Check all system temperatures are adequate; begin circulation of fuel oil in injectors and pumps
• Inform the bridge the engine is to be turned, begin turning the engine on turning gear
• Operate cylinder lubrication by hand
• Ensure adequate oil and water flow through all check glasses, including turbochargers
• Check Intermediate shaft bearing oil levels
• Check gear box oil level, CPP Hydraulic oil reserve and stern seal
• Inform the bridge you are going to kick the engine on air, Disengage turning gear, ensure main fuel top valves are closed
except drains and kick for 3 revolutions
What is the immediate action for a turbocharger repeatedly surging?
Inform bridge & Chief engineer, reduce the load of the Main engine or reduce pitch to meet the load requirement of the propeller when it’s outside the water to prevent surging and damage to T/C.
What should be done if the air start manifold/branch pipe is overheating local to one unit?
Inform the bridge of the situation and Chief Engineer, request that the engine be slowed or stopped. Remove the fuel supply to that unit and open the indicator cock to minimize damage/explosion within the air start line.
What action is required for a low scavenge air temperature alarm?
Reduce the flow through air cooler as air too cold will cause thermal shock to engine. Reduce the cooling SW flow rate and cooling water control to manual mode if on automatic.
What should be done in the event of an engine misfire with a fuel rail low pressure alarm?
Inform the bridge and chief engineer and request the engine be slowed down. Change over fuel oil pressure filters to maintain supply and check the fuel pump for failure.
What are the important actions to take if an alarm condition is activated on the oil mist detector?
Inform the bridge and request the engine to be slowed down & stopped. If the engine cannot be stopped, evacuate the engine-room, shut and secure all doors, open skylights, set up boundary cooling, and start Emergency Generator.
Why is it important to maintain the temperature of the scavenge air above the dew point?
To prevent condensation forming and washing away the lube oil film and causing corrosion.
Why is maintaining the fuel at the correct viscosity for injection important?
To prevent over pressurisation of fuel rail components and to maintain proper injection of fuel.
What is the importance of regular on-board testing of the lubricating oil?
To indicate any potential contaminants such as water or metal that would cause damage, and to monitor the degradation of the oil.
Why is ensuring rotation of the exhaust valves important?
To ensure even carbon deposit build-ups, cleaning and maintaining the valve seat.
What actions are necessary to prepare the engine room for rough weather?
Man the engine room if on UMS mode and ensure sufficient manpower is available. Monitor all parameters and stow all spares properly. Reduce RPM or set main engine control to rough weather mode. Ensure correct sump levels and maintain tank levels to prevent loss of suction. Keep standby generator on load, close watertight doors, skylights, and avoid spills. Empty bilge wells and ensure sufficient water in the boiler system. Cover tank vents with waterproof hoods.
What should the duty engineer check before taking over the watch?
Check engine room logs for updates, alarm records for safe operation, planned maintenance schedule for outstanding tasks, and standing orders for completion. Visually check the outgoing watch keeper’s condition. Inspect fuel oil storage tanks for levels and temperature, lubrication sump levels and temperature, and structural condition. Ensure power requirements are adequate and check machinery status.
What is the reason for turning the engine with the turning gear prior to starting?
To ensure freedom of movement of all parts of the engine and allow pre-lubrication of the cylinder liner to reduce friction and prevent wear.
Why should the indicator cocks on the main engine cylinders be left open when turning the engine with the turning gear?
To reduce the pressure in the cylinder and to release any water or fuel that may have leaked into the cylinder.
Q8 Describe the actions necessary to prepare the engine room for rough weather (16)
• If engine room is on UMS mode, man the engine room and make sure sufficient man power is available.
• Monitoring all the parameters
• All the spares in the engine room are to be stowed and lashed properly.
• In bad weather, propeller will come in and out of water and will affect the main engine load. Hence rpm is to be
reduced or main engine control setting is to be put on rough weather mode.
• Always make sure for correct sump level of all the machineries as during rough sea ship will roll, resulting in false
level alarm which can even trip the running machine and lead to dangerous situation in bad weather.
• Level of all the important tanks is to be maintained so that pump inlet should not loose suction at any time.
• Stand by generator is to be kept on load until the bad weather situation stops.
• Water tight doors in the machinery spaces to be closed.
• Sky light and other opening to be closed.
• All trays are to be avoided from spilling in event of rough weather
• Ensure that all bilge wells are empties sufficiently to stop false alarms activating due to rolling and pitching.
• Sufficient water within boiler and boiler system to compensate for rolling
• All tank vents on deck covered with water-proof hoods
Q9 State with reasons, eight areas or items which should be checked by the duty engineer before taking over the watch (16)
• Engine Room Logs
Check all parameters are up to date so that engineer on previous watch has filled out log correctly.
• Alarm Record
are acknowledged
Check alarms to ensure all machinery/equipment are in safe working operation and if fault is rectified alarms
• Planned Maintenance Schedule
Check so that any outstanding tasks are properly carried out and recorded within ship regulations.
• Standing Orders
Ensure standing orders are fully completed in accordance with chief engineer regulations
• Physical condition of outgoing watch keeper is he/she well
Carry out visual check of previous watch keeper and if found or in doubt then report any abnormalities he or she
may have undertaken.
• Fuel oil storage tanks, level, temperature drain of water
Check so that no tanks are close to low level and that tank in use is filled to required level . no water to prevent
main engine failure
• Lubrication sump levels and temperature
Check sump level so adequate oil is available for use and correct temperature is satisfactory
• Structural condition
Ensure condition is in safe condition and report any defects found.
• Ensure power requirements for lighting, heating and all auxiliaries are adequate
• Check status of all machinery on service status and standby mode to ensure change over in the event of
Q10a) State the reason for turning the engine with the turning gear prior to starting (4)
• Ensuring freedom of movement of all parts of the engine
• Allows pre-lubrication of cylinder liner to reduce friction and prevent wearing
b) State the reason for leaving the indicator cocks on the main engine cylinders open when the engine is turned initially with
the turning gear (4)
• To reduce the pressure in the in the cylinder
• To release any water or fuel that may have leaked into the cylinder
c) State the reason for leaving the lubricating oil circulating after “finished with engines” (4)
• To allow the piston to cool down gradually
• It removes residual heat from the piston crowns and bearing surfaces
• To keep moving parts lubricated to prevent seizing
d) State why diesel alternator cooling water may be circulated through the main engine after shutdown (4)
• To maintain correct jacket water temperature by using alternator waste heat to warm the main engine
• To slowly allow the engine to cool from operation temperature reducing thermal stress
• The overall efficiency of the plant is increased without the need of additional heat
Q9 State with reasons, eight areas or items which should be checked by the duty engineer before taking over the watch (16)
• Aware of all standing orders relating to operations, maintenance and repairs to ships machinery.
• Be aware of cargo activities, status of maintenance and repair functions and operations that may affect the
watch.
• Ensuring power requirements for lighting, heating and auxiliaries are adequate.
• Check the conditions of ships fuel, lubricants and its control.
• Check status of all machinery on service status and standby mode to ensure change over in the event of failure.
• Check service tanks and drain of any water to prevent main engine failure, air bottles to ensure the quality of
compressed air, conditions of stern tube and shaft oil to ensure no overheating.,
• Check condition of steering gear system and its oil levels to ensure the steering gear system continue to
operate satisfactory.
• Check bilges make sure not full as could be leak if rising.
