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Macgregor Hatch Cover on board of bulk carrier

Maintenance of Macgregor type of steel hatch cover on board of bulk carrier.

Poor maintenance of hatch covers causes leakage leading to cargo damage and represents a hazard to the ship and its crew. Although hatch covers are simple and durable, their sealing gaskets are easily damaged. The quality of sealing is affected by lack of alignment and poor gasket compression. When hatch covers are opened at the end of an ocean voyage, look for signs of leakage such as rust staining or drip marks.

Regular adjustment and repair, by ship’s staff, will reduce the overall cost of maintenance. Painting double drainage channels will help to prevent corrosion.

Always keep a detailed record of maintenance. Take care during extensive hatch cover repair to avoid cover distortion.

Rubber Gaskets: -Keep clean and free from paint. If physically damaged, permanently set-in or aged, replace with minimum 1 metre lengths. Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions when renewing gaskets.

Macgregor Hatch Cover - Rubber Gaskets
Macgregor Hatch Cover – Rubber Gaskets

Gasket Channels:- If gasket channels are badly corroded, causing the hatch packing to hang loose, the packing should be removed and the channel repaired by welding new metal strips which should be painted before fitting new rubber. Always follow proper fire prevention safety procedures. Make sure that cargo spaces are free of cargo and combustible material. When conducting extensive structural repairs, remove the hatch covers to shore.

Macgregor Hatch Cover - Gasket Channels
Macgregor Hatch Cover – Gasket Channels

Hatch Cover Structure:- Repair or replace any damaged, worn or defective hatch covers or comings. Consult with the ship’s classification society before commencing repair. Paint new structure immediately.

Compression Bars:- Effective sealing is only possible with a straight, undamaged and non-corroded compression bar. Compression bars which are not in this condition should be repaired or replaced, taking care to align the bars properly. Remember to carry out a chalk test to check alignment, both during and after repair.

Landing Pads:- Hatch sealing is arranged by design to give the correct compression of the gasket when there is metal-to-metal contact on the hatch landing pad, side plate, or inter panel block. If landing pads are reduced in height (check with manufacturers’ drawings) because of wear, repair is essential.

Hatch Wheel Track Ways:- Track ways can corrode. They are weakened by abrasive wear and tear. When weakened, track ways can distort and break, affecting hatch movement and alignment. Deterioration is visible to the naked eye. Repair by replacing the worn or damaged material with sufficient new material to restore strength. Always keep hatch wheel track ways clean and painted.

Macgregor Hatch Cover - Hatch Wheel Track Ways
Macgregor Hatch Cover – Hatch Wheel Track Ways

Hatch Coamings:- Look for cracks at coaming corners. If any are found, consult the ship’s classification society before commencing repairs in case the coaming needs to be reinforced. Examine coaming support brackets for corrosion where they connect with the ship’s deck. Make sure coamings and their support brackets are painted. Coamings can be damaged by cargo equipment during loading or discharge. Look out for damage and repair if found.

Macgregor Hatch Cover - Hatch Cleats and Wedges
Macgregor Hatch Cover – Hatch Cleats and Wedges

Hatch Cleats and Wedges:- It is important for compression washers to be adjusted correctly. A locking nut for adjusting compression is situated at the base of the cleat. The procedure to alter compression (see illustrations) is as follows:

  • Close hatch and secure for sea;
  • Place the cam of the cleat in the hatch socket as if to lock it, but leave it unlocked (the cam should move freely and fit snugly in its housing);
  • Adjust the locking nut until the compression washer touches the underside of the hatch coaming or its steel washer;
  • Turn the locking nut one full turn to achieve the desired tension;
  • Do not over-tighten;
  • Protect the thread on completion.

When closing and securing a hatch for sea passage, check the tension in side cleats. Cleats should never be adjusted in isolation, adjust all cleats along the hatch skirt at the same time.

Hatch Cross-Joints:- It is essential for the cross-joint to be in good condition and properly aligned.

Maintenance and repair should focus on:

  • Examination of the cross-joint structure for corrosion.
  • Examination of joint hinges for pin wear, blade cracking or weld failure.

(Re-grease the hinge pin bushes making sure grease reaches the hinge pins).

  • Examination of the steel-to-steel inter-panel blocks and locators for wear. (Check the top plate of hatch panels, they should be level when closed).
  • Checking the gap between panels when they are closed. Misalignment could be caused by an incorrectly adjusted cylinder or the wheel tracks could be worn.

Hatch Wheels:- Hatch wheel spindles and bearings (where fitted) need to be greased regularly. Check the wheel spindle for wear and the wheel housing for physical damage. Repair if the spindle is worn or if the wheels are out of alignment.

Drain Channels and Non-Return Valves:- Clean coaming tops and cross-joint channels by removing any loose scale or cargo residue by brushing or hosing. Clean coaming drain holes and check that the nonreturn valve is functioning.

Greasing:- Wheel spindles, cleat spindles, hinge pins, hydraulic cylinder protective sheaths, cleat wedges, drive chain sprockets, toothed rack and cylinder spherical bearings need to be kept well-greased. Re-grease every month if necessary, and always apply new grease after the ship has passed through heavy weather.

Painting:- Corrosion occurs mainly at the panel ends along the cross-joint or where access is difficult, but it can also occur on the underside of a panel, especially along hatch beams. Regular painting will be necessary.

Inert Gas:- Hatch covers with a double skin, in the form of a closed box, are filled with inert gas. After structural repair, the inner spaces must be re-inerted. This is done by inserting special tablets (available from the hatch cover manufacturer) into the space and welding shut. Never allow water to penetrate the box construction.

Hydraulic Systems and Components:- The cleanliness and viscosity of hydraulic oil must be checked. Samples of the oil should be sent to a chemist for testing (use the same company that checks and tests your fuel and lubricating oil). The hydraulic system is provided with bleed points from which samples can be taken. Hydraulic oil should be changed every five years or after there have been significant repairs, such as piping or cylinder replacement. Hydraulic oil filters should be changed every twelve months. Do not contemplate repairing the hydraulic system without the proper components and skilled fitters.

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Testing & Inspection of Hatch Covers

Testing of Hatch Covers – Weather Tightness:

After maintenance procedure it is advised to test the water tight integrity of the hatch cover by different methods. The three methods to check water tightness of hold covers are:

Hose water Test:

In this test a water spray from a nozzle of 12mm diameter is sprayed over the joint of hold and cover from a distance of 1m to 1.5 m with a pressure of 0.5 m/ second water jet.

Hatch Cover - Hose Water Test
Hatch Cover – Hose Water Test
  • The limitation or drawbacks of this test is that it requires two persons and hatch cover to be tested must be empty.
  • The leakage if very minimal cannot be identified by naked eye and cannot be performed in sub zero or cold weather.

Advantages:-

  • The hose test is the traditional way of testing hatch covers.
  • It is an inexpensive method as a fire hose with nozzle & a good water pressure from the fire pump is the only primary requirement.
  • It can be useful to have good results of hatch cover tests entered in the logbook.

Disadvantages:-

  • Surplus amount of sea water required for performing the test.
  • Sometimes have resulted in cargo damage.
  • From a surveyor’s point of view, the hose test also has the disadvantage of not being fool proof. The surveyor will not be able to observe how the spraying is performed on the outside, while he is the cargo hold looking for leakages.
  • If a hard water jet is not armed directly over the hatch cover joints, then the test may prove worthless.

Chalk Test:

  • The Chalk Test is often carried out when the vessel is new in the shipyard.
  • All the compression bars are rigorously rubbed with a piece of chalk thereafter the hatch covers are put in place & secured and then opened  again.
  • If there has been insufficient compression between the compression box and the hatch cover gasket there will be lack of or incomplete chalk marks in such areas of gaskets.

Advantages:-

  • It clearly defines the persisting problem in achieving weather tightness.
  • It also marks if the gasket lands off-centre on the compression bar.

Disadvantages:-

  • Surplus amount of chalk required to cover the full periphery of the compression bar length.
  • The method is rather time consuming and can only be used in dry weather.

Ultra Apparatus Test:

One of the possible applications for using ultrasounds in the marine industry consists of testing the weathertight integrity of hatch covers, weathertight doors, ventilators, on board of ships. The testing principle is based on the generation of a distinctive ultrasonic signal by using a transmitter (SDT 200mW for small compartments and SDT 8 MS for larger compartments) which is placed inside the compartment to be tested. Through reflection, the ultrasounds generated by the transmitter will fill up the cargo hold.

Ultrasounds passing through sealing arrangements, cracks, holes etc. can easily be picked up and measured by the SDT Sherlog ultrasonic receiver equipped with a handy flexible sensor.

        Positioning the transmitter in the hold     Checking sealing arrangements for leaks:-

Hatch Cover - Ultra Apparatus Test
Hatch Cover – Ultra Apparatus Test

Advantages:-

Testing hatch covers, or other cargo access equipment such as bow-doors, visors, ramps, etc., with ultrasonic testing equipment offers the surveyor or inspector several advantages. The most important benefits of using ultrasonic testing material are:

Reliable, Non-destructive, repeatable testing method:

  • Detection of areas where lack of compression exists with pin-point accuracy (no time consuming investigation needed for finding the leaks, as the leak can be pin-pointed local repairs might be sufficient and adequate,….).
  • Information about compression status.
  • Quick and easy testing, without assistance from ship’s crew (except for supervision and safety aspects).
  • Possibility to use the equipment in holds loaded with water susceptible cargo.
  • Possibility to test hatch covers irrespective of weather conditions.
  • Testing for weathertightness and air/gas tightness.
  • Identification of leaks without the use of a transmitter (on condition that the compartment tested for leaks is pressurised (air escaping through small openings, cracks etc… will cause disturbance of molecules/friction which creates ultrasounds that can be detected)).

Carrying out Hatch Cover Inspection w.r.t. Load Line Survey:

Guide Notes for Hatch Covers of Dry Cargo Ships Survey:
  1. Statutory surveys of hatch covers and their coamings are to be carried out by the Administration as part of the annual survey required by article 14 of the International Convention on Load Lines, 1966, as modified by the 1988 Protocol relating thereto. The International Maritime Organization (IMO) adopts the International Code on the Enhanced Program of Inspections During Surveys for Bulk Carriers and Oil Tankers, 2011 (2011 ESP Code) by means of the Resolution A. 1049 (27) regarding IMO mandatory inspection regime for tankers and bulk carriers which contains the approved text as set out in the annex to this Resolution.
  2. A thorough survey of hatch covers and coamings is only possible by examination in the open as well as closed positions and should include verification of proper opening and closing operation. As a result, at least 50% of hatch cover sets should be surveyed open, closed and in operation to the full extent in each direction, at each annual survey. The closing of the covers should include the fastening of all peripheral, and cross joint cleats or other securing devices. Particular attention should be paid to the condition of hatch covers in the forward 25% of the ship’s length, where sea loads are normally greatest.
  3. If there are indications of difficulty in operating and securing hatch covers, additional sets above those required by 2, at the discretion of the surveyor, should be tested in operation.
  4. Owners and operators should ensure that facilities and personnel are available to perform the required hatch cover movements during each annual survey.
  5. It is implicit that if the hatch securing system cannot be properly operated, the ship will be obliged to effect repairs under the supervision of the Administration. Where hatch covers or coamings undergo substantial repairs, the strength of securing devices should comply with IACS UR S30.
  6. Owners and operators should be made aware that partial replacements in cleating systems have the potential to introduce imbalance between old and new cleats. This could result in isolated cleats being subjected to excessive loads, which may then lead to sequential failure.
  7. For each hatch cover set, at each annual survey, the following items should be surveyed:
    • cover panels, including side plates, and stiffener attachments of opened covers, by close up survey (for corrosion, cracks, deformation);
    • sealing arrangements of perimeter and cross joints (gaskets for condition and permanent deformation, flexible seals on combination carriers, gasket lips, compression bars, drainage channels and non-return valves);
    • clamping devices, retaining bars, cleating (for wastage, adjustment, and condition of rubber components);
    • closed cover locating devices (for distortion and attachment);
    • chain or rope pulleys;
    • guides;
    • guide rails and track wheels;
    • stoppers;
    • wires, chains, tensioners and gypsies;
    • hydraulic system, electrical safety devices and interlocks; and
    • end and inter-panel hinges pins and stools where fitted.
  8. At each hatchway, at each annual survey, the coamings, with plating, stiffeners and brackets should be checked for corrosion, cracks and deformation, especially of the coaming tops.
  9. Where considered necessary, the effectiveness of sealing arrangements may be proved by hose or chalk testing supplemented by dimensional measurements of seal compressing components.
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Maintenance of Hatch Covers

Procedure for Maintenance of Hatch Covers:

The watertightness of hatch covers is imperative to protect the cargo and avoid large cargo claims. The vessel’s maintenance program for testing & maintenance of hatch covers should also include recommended instructions from hatch cover manufacturers. Due to frequent operation of the hatch cover requires constant maintenance of various moving and non-moving parts including renewals as listed below:

Rust removal from steel work:- The top & sides of the hatch covers, coamings & stays must be thoroughly checked for signs of corrosion and reduction in plate thickness. Areas particularly liable to corrosion include welded seams on the hatch top, edges of pontoons, drain channels, circumference of lightning holes in stays, edges of flanges or brackets, shadow areas  such as behind accentric wheels where chipping devices cannot reach underside of the trackway, retaining channel for rubber packing, etc.

Cleaning:- Dirt & Cargo residues or the trackway and rubber packing will prevent watertightness.

Compression Bars:- Compression bars must be of an even height, with a rounded profile and no sharp edges due to corrosion as this could damage the rubber packing. If uneven, they must be built up by welding or ground to an even height. Extremely bad lengths are to cropped & renewed. Compression bars are often made of stainless steel for long life to avoid the problems mentioned above.

Rubber Packing:- The rubber packing all around the hatch cover and across each panel should be in good condition, elastic & not hardened. The point is t have gaskets of sufficient residence to achieve tightness when resting against compression bars of adjoining panels and hatch coamings. Rubber packing should be protected from paint and chemicals. The retaining channels in which the packing sits should be free of corrosion. Rubber packing is to be replaced if damaged or compressed to less than 80% of original size. Rubber packing cannot be repaired in bits & pieces as uneven compression will result. The entire length must be replaced. The retaining channel must be chipped & painted prior to renewal of rubber packing.

Eccentric Wheels & Balancing Wheels:- Eccentric wheels should freely rotate even by hand. They should be greased atleast once a month especially after a long voyage. Every six months depending on their use they should be opened up, cleaned greased and the bearings renewed if necessary. Wheel bush wheel pin must be replaced if there is more than 1 mm of wear down.

Towing Chains:- Towing chains are susceptible to elongation as they bear a lot of stress when pulling the covers. If elongated a gap will appear between adjoining panels when closing. However any elongation means deformation and weaking and loss of strength. If elongation exceeds 5 % of its original length that particular length of chain must be replaced.

Quick acting cleats:- Quick acting cleats and screw bolt cleats pull the hatch cover down tight over the coaming. Thus, compressing the rubber packing. The length of the cleat should be adjusted by a nut so as to produce just the right amount of compression. On old cleats the rubber washer often hardens & the threads should be protected from corrosion by greasing.

Resting Pads:- The full weight of the hatch covers is not supposed to be borne by gaskets alone, only to the extent that the correct design compression of the gasket is achieved  and then limited by the hatch cover resting steel to steel on coaming top on designed resting pads. Wear and corrosion of the resting pads or where these are not fitted, reduction of the lower edges of hatch covers and the corrosion of contact area of the hatch coaming top should be avoided by proper maintenance.

Guttes & Drain pipes:- Cross over joints between panels will have gutters fitted underneath the packing to accumulate small amounts of water penetrating. These gutters will drain the water to the hatch coaming gutters and it is important to check that they are not fractured or damaged at the ends so water drains down the inside of the coamings instead. The hatch coaming gutters will drain the water aft to drain pipes. They should be kept clean of all remains of cargo before battering down. Non-return valve of the drain pipes should be checked for clogging by duster cargo residues and tested for efficient functioning.

Pull Wire:- The pull wire for the covers should be in good condition & greased. Blocks through which it is led must be regularly checked & maintained.

Planned Maintenance System for Hatch Covers:

Bulk carrier hatch cover maintenance standards:

As per IMO /MSC/Circ.1071 Ship owners and operators are recommended to maintain a record of maintenance, and component replacement, to facilitate statutory surveys by the Administration.

All major repairs should be undertaken only after consultation with the hatch cover manufacturer and with the approval of the Administration. Hatch cover maintenance plans should form part of a ships safety management system as referred to in the ISM Code.

Although the PMS has an ongoing system both for renewals and maintenance regime, it is recommended that vessels maintain a simple checklist as per makers instructions is advisable to be maintained on board and the checklist should cover the below items.

After Each cargo operation:

  • Clean the coaming tops and remove any debris or equipment.
  • Clear drain line holes and valves of debris.
  • Drain valve caps should be attached by chain, but not screwed on. They must be ready in case of a fire in the hold or when carrying out fumigation operations.
  • Grooves and worn landing pads can be built up with welding and ground down, as required, giving a permanent repair.
  • Check and clean the surface of the seals and take special care if the cargo is dusty or gritty.
  • After discharge check hold internals, including ladders, sounding pipes, backetrs and inner coaming surface for mechanical damage.
  • Check hydraulic system for leaks, especially coupling, valve blocks and flexible hoses.
  • Check forrust streaks on the inside of the coaming which would indicate a leaking hatch cover, then take any necessery remedial action. Clean off the old rust streaks and stains.

Routine Maintenance – Three monthly:

  • Grease wheel spindles, cleat spindles, hinge pins and hydraulic cylinder protective sheaths.
  • Check hinge pins for wear and repair as necessary. Worn hinge pins can casue slewing of panels and leaking cross joint cleats.
  • Grease cleat wedges, drive chain sprockets, toothed racks and cylinder spherical bearings.
  • Check and adjust drive and towing chain adjusters.
  • Check rubber seals for elasticity, mechanical damage or permanent deformation
  • Hatch covers usually make steel ¨Cto steel contact when a compression bar indents rubber seals by 12-16 mm, check makers manual for exact compression.
  • When the hatch covers are opened the rubber should almost retain its original shape, although new rubber will invariable suffer a 1-2 mm permanent set after the first operation.
  • Once the permanent indentation reaches 70% of the designed compression the hatch cover is likely to leak.
  • Do not grease the rubber packing or seals unless proceeding into cold wetaher when glycerine based grease can be used.

9 Monthly or Annual checks:

  • Check quantity and condition of spares carried on board
  • The rubber packings and adhesive have a limited shelf life and normally should be date stamped when purchased
  • Check hydraulic system oil by analysis
  • Check safety locking devices and hydraulic system cutouts

Dos and Donts:

  • Always rectify steel to steel faults first
  • Keep chains and cleats correctly adjusted
  • Attach locking pins and chains to doors and hatch covers in open position
  • Keep coaming tops and double drainage channels in good order
  • Keep hatch covers and clean coaming tops and double drainage channels after loading bulk cargo through the grain or cement hatches
  • Always keep wheels, hinges and chain tension equipment well greased
  • Do not enter a hold with suspect atmosphere
  • Do not remove ball valve from drain valves
  • Do not allow grooves to form in coaming tops in way of the side panels
  • Do not leave loose cleats when proceeding to sea
  • Do not screw down cleats beyond normal tension
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Pontoons Hatch Covers

Methods of Securing Hatch Pontoons:-

Positioning of Hatch Covers:-

  • Every precaution must be taken to ensure that the hatch panels are correctly positioned when they are lowered onto the coaming.
  • If a panel is wrongly positioned the cleats will not meet truly. They should not be forced, instead the panel should be repositioned.
  • With Single pull covers it is imperative when closing that the leading panel is positioned correctly, the hauling wire is then shifted to the trailing panel and again pulled tight to ensure that ultimately all the sections are properly mated together so that the transverse compression bars are in the center of the gaskets. Failure to above this could result in leakage in the way of cross joints.
  • In folding type hatch covers, correct positioning of the panel is ensured by placing longitudinal stoppers fitted on panel side & corresponding locator pads on the coaming side.

Cleating Arrangements:-

  • There are various ways of securing the hatch covers once they are in place. The hatch panels are held in position by cleats of varying design.
  • Because of the need for an elastic joint between adjoining panels and between panels and coamings due to flexing of ship structure at sea and conditions of loading resulting in a hog or sag there by arising the need that the decks is to restrict the vertical movement of the hatch panels in heavy seas and also achieve watertightness by physical compression of gaskets against the rounded profile of compression bars.
  • Modern covers may be self-cleating or secured by hydraulically operated cleats or wedges.
  • But the most common type an older vessel is the manual quick-acting cleat, having a cam at the upper end, which is forced onto a snug on the hatch cover panels. A rubber disc between two steel washers at the lower end of the cleat has enough elasticity for the cam to be placed on the snug by using a portable lever. Thus the hatch covers are restrained from lifting, but are allowed some movement on the hatch coaming in the transverse and longitudinal directions.
  • When hatch cover panels are not sufficiently linked together by hinges, they also need cleats across the cross joints of the panels. These cleats are termed as cross joint wedges/ screw cleats. Some covers may have torsion bars/ internal cleats operated manually or automatically.
  • The manufacturers recommended sequence for fastening of cleats should be followed, since uneven tightening of cleats might after the flexing & watertightness of hatch cover.
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Damage to Cargo Spaces on Ships

Common damage/ defects that may occur on watertight transverse bulkheads situated at the ends of dry cargo holds of a bulk carrier.    

The following are examples of the more common damage/defects that may occur:

  1. Fractures at the boundaries of corrugations and bulkhead stools, particularly in way of shelf plates, shedder plates, deck, inner bottom, etc..
  2. Buckling of the plating/corrugations, leading to the failure and collapse of the bulkhead under water pressure in an emergency situation. .
  3. Excessive wastage/corrosion, in particular at the mid-height and bottom of bulkheads, which may look in deceptively good condition. This is created by the corrosive effect of cargo and environment, in particular when the structure is not coated. In this respect special attention should be given to the following areas:
    • Bulkhead plating adjacent to the shell plating;
    • Bulkhead trunks which form part of the venting, filling and discharging arrangements between the topside tanks and the hopper tanks;
    • Bulkhead plating and weld connections to the lower/upper stool shelf plates;
    • Weld connections of stool plating to the lower/upper stool shelf plates and inner bottom;
    • In way of weld connections to topside tanks and hopper tanks;
    • Any areas where coatings have broken down and there is evidence of corrosion or wastage. It is recommended that random thickness determination be taken to establish the level of diminution; and
    • Other structures, e.g., diaphragms inside the stools, particularly at their upper and lower weld connections.

Actions you would take as a Chief Officer to avoid the detrimental effects on bulk carriers due to corrosion, fatigue and improper cargo handling:

Fracturing of the Structural members of a transverse bulkhead of a Bulk carrier are:-

  1. Side Shell Plating
  2. Connection of Bulkhead plating to side shell.
  3. Connection of side shell frame & end brackets to the shell plating and hopper side tank plating by close-up inspection.
  4. Connection of side shell frame & end brackets to the shell plating and topside tank plating.

Actions to control structural stresses and fatigue:-

  1. Routing Planned Maintenance & Inspection of Structural members of cargo holds & hatch covers.
  2. Identification of susceptible areas prone to Fatigue & Stresses.
  3. Ensure accessibility of the area to be surveyed with due regards to the area under inspection shall be clean and will lit.
  4. Careful planning of the surveys to be undergone with all personnel involved.
  5. Where a fracture which not been caused by contact damage is found in the main hull structure on one side of a ship, corresponding structure on the opposite side should be examined to see if a similar fatigue has occurred. Fractures of this nature are of concern, especially where corrosion is associated with failure & may have been contributing factor.

Structural Surveys include:-

  1. Routine Inspections.
  2. Planning Surveys
  3. Surveys of known defects.
  4. Classification surveys.
  5. Annual surveys
  6. Intermediate Surveys
  7. Special surveys
  8. Condition Surveys
  9. CAP Surveys
  10. Life extension surveys, etc.

Fatigue cracking of steel structures:-

  • Fatigue cracking occurs at points such as hatch covers where stresses are locally high.
  • Such cracking is the result of cumulative damage caused by cyclic loading of structure & invariable starts at welded joints.
  • The fatigue life is the time required in service for the structure to experience enough stress cycles for a crack to occur. A bulker is so designed that with proper maintenance cracking should not occur until a fatigue life span of 20 years.
  • Fatigue life span once used up cannot be regained except by complete replacement of welded joints.
  • Therefore, it is very essential that the welded joints of an overstressed structure are replaced, before proceeding with life exterior surveys/ programmes.
  • Fatigue cracking have been most frequently observed in the bracket toes at the connection of the main frames to the hopper and topside tanks and in the boundaries of the vertically corrugated transverse bulkheads with upper stools, lower stools and topside tanks.

Corrosion / Structural Deterioration:-

  • The major barrier preventing structural deterioration on ships, especially in very corrosive environment of Water Ballast Tanks and to a slightly lesser extent cargo holds is the tank/ hold coating. Since the establishment of ESP water ballast tanks and CH of all new ships must be fully coated. Such coatings should be hard coating & preferably light in colour.
  • To maintain a good and efficient standard of coating is an important part of structural condition management. If coatings are kept in good condition the structure will be effectively protected and the original scantlings will be available to resists “service loads” & “stresses”.
  • Sea staff therefore should meaningfully report the condition of tank/ hold coatings during routines inspections and same to be documented in the company PMS system.
  • The most effective method of protecting a structure of a bulk carrier is to maintain coatings and carry out repairs of coating breakdown in good time.
  • Installation of Anodes, subject to the tank being regularly ballasted is an effective back-up that will prevent accelerated corrosion in the way of local coating breakdown.
  • The most effective time to carry out coating repairs in the tanks i.e. freshwater washing, surface preparation and coating application, can be done during a routine repair period of reasonable duration.

Damage to ship structure by improper cargo handling:-

  • Ships can be and are frequently damaged during discharging discharging over this especially if the operation is carried out by grabs or payloaders making heavy contact with the ship’s structure.
  • Local overloading, when bulk corners are loaded in ways not for seen by their classification society or shown in their loading manual, resulting in cracking of deck plating at the hatch covers & backing of plating between the hatchways.
  • A faulty distribution of weight can occur when:-
    • A ship jump loads to her tropical marks and corner less than full bunkers. In that situation some or all of the strengthened holds are subjected to greater tonnage of cargo than they were designed to carry.
    • Particular holds are loaded with greater tonnage then the tonnage for which the hold was designed.
    • The vessel is block loaded – i.e., where two or more adjoining holds are heavily loaded with adjacent holds empty. Although it is imperative that the longitudinal stresses are negligible but still the vessel suffers structural damage of the cross deck structures which separates adjacent cargo hatchways at the upper deck level.
  • Failure to Trim cargo reasonably:-
    • Cargoes with a low angle of repose are particularly liable to dry surface movement aboard ship.
    • To overcome this problem the code states that such cargoes should be trimmed as reasonably leveled & spaces completely filled without causing any excessive stresses on adjoining structure.

Importance of assessing defects and damage to cargo spaces:-

  1. It is important that the protective coatings in cargo holds and water ballast tanks are maintained. Therefore, it is imperative that the cargo holds and deck areas should be inspected by ship’s deck officers upon completion of cargo operations to identify any signs of Physical Damage, corrosion or coating damage to the ship’s structure.
  2. Where hull damage is identified, which may affect the integrity of the hull structure and sea-worthiness of the ship, it should be reported accordingly to the classification society.
  3. The internal hold structure and protective coatings in the cargo hold and adjacent double bottom spaces are vulnerable to damage when the cargo is discharged by using grabs. Grabs are made from toughened steel material and when carelessly used can cause considerable damage to the ship’s structure.
  4. Chipping (sharp indentations) and the local buckling or detachment of side frames and end brackets at lower connections could lead to cracking of the side shell plating which would allow the ingress of water into the cargo spaces.
  5. The protective coating which may be required to be applied in the cargo hold are also subject to deterioration caused by the corrosive nature of the cargo, high temperature cargoes, cargo settlement during the voyage and abrasive action of the cargo.
  6. Where no protective coating has been applied or the applied protective coatings have broken down, the rate of corrosion in that area will greatly increase, especially when carrying corrosive cargoes such as coal.
  7. Corrosion will weaken the ship’s structure and may eventually seriously affect the ship’s structural integrity. The severity of the corrosion caused by a structural member may not be easily detected, without close-up inspection or until the corrosion causes serious structural problems such as the collapse or detachment of hold frames, resulting in cracks propagating in the side shell.

It is therefore extremely important for a close-up inspection of the cargo spaces, after discharge operations when such corrosive and high temperature cargoes are being carried.

  • When the main grab discharge is ended, front end loaders (Pay Loaders) are usually lowered into the hold to gather the cargo from the ends and wings and pile it in the square of the hatch, to facilitate easy discharge by the grab.

Also, trimmers men are employed to shovel up the last of cargo from the position which front end Payloader, cannot reach, i.e. all the inaccessible places, elsewhere by the Payloader, in order to assist in discharge of final remaining cargo.

  • Standards of trimming vary considerably and ship’s officers are therefore encouraged to inspect the holds, thoroughly, whilst the trimmers are working in the hold, in order to remove as much residual cargo as possible. Thereby, utilizing the maximum efficiency and preparing hold for hold cleaning preparations.
  • The final inspection, after each cargo operation should include that no bilge gratings or manhole cover plates are missing that the securing bolts have not been damaged, that all the sounding pipes, airpipes and ballast lines and their pipeguards are intact, that no new indents can be seen in the plating of the tanktop, lower or upper hopper sides, or athwart ship bulkheads, that the side frames are regular and undamaged with brackets undamaged and that the hold ladders platforms, rails are complete and undamaged.
  • Any damage to the tank top plating, hopper sides, shell plating and framing, hatch coamings, hatch covers, bulkheads, stools and upper deck plating, air and sounding pipes, which could affect the sea-worthiness of the vessel, should be directly reported to the classification society.
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Emergency Position Indicating Radio Beacon (EPIRB) on Ship

Emergency Position Indicating Radio Beacon (EPIRB):

Emergency Position Indicating Radio Beacon (EPIRB) on ships
  • EPIRB stands for Emergency Position Indicating Radio Beacon.
  • An EPIRB is meant to help rescuers locate you in an emergency situation, and these radios have saved many lives since their creation in the 1970s.
  • Boaters are the main users of EPIRBs.
  • A modern EPIRB is a sophisticated device that contains:
    • A 5-watt radio transmitter operating at 406 MHz (see How the Radio Spectrum Works for details on frequencies).
    • A 0.25-watt radio transmitter operating at 121.5 MHz.
  • A GPS receiver once activated, both of the radios start transmitting. Approximately 24,000 miles (39,000 km) up in space, a GOES weather satellite in a geosynchronous orbit can detect the 406-MHz signal. Embedded in the signal is a unique serial number, and, if the unit is equipped with a GPS receiver, the exact location of the radio is conveyed in the signal as well. If the EPIRB is properly registered, the serial number lets the Coast Guard know who owns the EPIRB. Rescuers in planes or boats can home in on the EPIRB using either the 406-MHz or 121.5-MHz signal.
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Enclosed Space Entry on Ship

Check list prior to Entry into a space that has been closed for an extensive period of time:

Enclosed Space Entry Permit:- This permit relates to entry into any enclosed space and should be completed by the master or responsible person and by any persons entering the space, e.g. competent person and attendant.

  • Checklist Enclosed Space Entry Permit on Ships
    Checklist Enclosed Space Entry Permit on Ships
  • Checklist Enclosed Space Entry Permit on Ships
    Checklist Enclosed Space Entry Permit on Ships
  • Checklist Enclosed Space Entry Permit on Ships
    Checklist Enclosed Space Entry Permit on Ships

Precautions to be taken prior, during and after entering enclosed space:

Before EntryAll parties to discuss the job to be done in the space: What are the hazards of the space and how can they be controlled?What are the hazards of the job and how can they be controlled?  
Risk assessment: Document the hazards and necessary safety measures and controls.  
Secure the space: Empty the space if necessary and take steps to prevent the space filling up:Lock out valves and pumps and Place notices forbidding their operation. Is the space adjacent to other tanks, holds, or pipelines which if not secure could present a danger?  
Ventilate: Allow sufficient time for the space to be thoroughly ventilated naturally or mechanically. Guard any openings against accidental and unauthorized entry.  
Test: Test the atmosphere in the space for oxygen content and the presence of flammable and toxic gases or vapours. Do not enter until the atmosphere has been determined to be safe.  
Permit – complete an enclosed space entry permit to work, confirming that: The hazards of the job and of the space have been dealt with. The atmosphere in the space is safe and ventilated. The space will be adequately illuminated. An attendant at the entrance has been appointed. Communications have been established between bridge and entry point, and entry. Emergency rescue equipment is available at the entrance and there are sufficient personnel on board to form a rescue party. All personnel involved are aware of the task and the hazards, and are competent in their role.
During EntryEnsure the space is suitably illuminated.
Wear the right PPE.
Continue to ventilate the space.
Test the atmosphere at regular intervals.
Communicate regularly.
Be alert, and leave the space when requested or if you feel ill.
After EntryEnsure all equipment and personnel are removed from the space.
Close the access of the space to prevent unauthorized entry.
Close the entry permit.
Reinstate any systems as appropriate.
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Chief Mate Orals Syllabus

FUNCTION 1 – NAVIGATION

A) BRIDGE TEAM MANAGEMENT

  1. Voyage planning and Navigation for various conditions such as in restricted Waters/ Meteorological conditions / Ice / TSS / Restricted visibility / Gross of extensive tidal effect / Ship routeing and reporting systems criteria.
  2. Position determination in all conditions by celestial terrestrial observations. Various publication of modern electronic aids with knowledge of principles / error / corrections etc. Knowledge of principles of Magnetic / Gyro / Compass and Master Gyro Systems and care of all other navigation equipments on the Bridge.

B) TRAFFIC MANAGEMENT

  1. Thorough knowledge and addition of collision Regulations / Buoyage system.
  2. Thorough knowledge and application of the principles to be observed in keeping an effective navigation watch (Senior Officer Duties).
  3. Assist Master with Command decision-making situations on bridge.

C) WEATHER MANAGEMENT

  1. Ability to understand and interpret synoptic chart to forecast area weather taking into account local weather conditions and information received by Weather Fray and Weather Routing.
  2. Knowledge of characterizes of various weather systems including TRS avoiding actions in storm centers/ dangerous quadrants.
  3. Knowledge of ocean current systems / tidal calculations / publications relating to this.

D) CRISIS MANAGEMENT

  1. Handling of various emergencies beaching, grounding collision / assessment of damage control / emergency steering / emergency towing arrangements and towing procedures.

FUNCTION 2 – CARGO HANDLING & STOWAGE

  1. GENERAL
  2. Knowledge of cargo related terminology / load destiny / stowage factor / angle of repose and various plans used for cargo loading.
  3. Knowledge and applications of international Regulations, Codes concerning safe handling, stowage, securing and transport of cargoes.
    Examples:-

Bulk Codes, Grain Code, Lashing Code, IMDG Code, Timber Code, ISGOTT, etc.

  • Use of stability and trim diagram and stress calculating equipment including Automatic data based equipment hull, stress calculation within acceptable limits.
  • SPECIALISED CARGO STOWAGE
  • Knowledge of Oil / Chemical / LPG / Tanker Operations relating to ship operation, care of personnel and Stowage Tanker (various types of chemicals as per chemical code), LPG (various types of gases as per gas code).
  • Carriage of IMDG / Dangerous, Inspection, Hazardous and harmful cargoes.
  • TRANSIT CARE:
  • Precautions during loading and unloading and care during voyage of said cargoes.
  • DOCUMENTS
  • Knowledge and application of various cargo related documents such as stowage plan, shipping list, boat note. Mate’s receipt, B/L, shipping documents, DG Manifest.
  • Documents with regard to cargo claims, disputes, damage etc., note of protest and knowledge of collection of evidence.
  • CRISIS
  • Contingencies plan / remedial action during loading / unloading of cargoes.

Example:-

Cargo Gear Breakdown / Power failure / Oil Spillage, Bilge Leakages into hold with cargo, concentrates becoming liquids.

FUNCTION 3 – OPERATION AND CARE OF PERSONNEL

  1. GENERAL –
  2. Definitions of Operation / Environment Protection.
    1. Knowledge of fundamental principles of ship construction, various ships plans/ manuals used for operation ballasting and de-ballasting deck machinery.
  3. Statutory Certificates requirements and their validity including various documents relating to Official Log Book, Oil Record Book, Chain Register thorough knowledge of Dock Labour regulations.
  4. Knowledge and application of Articles of Agreement and other Biparty / Triparty Agreements on board Indian Foreign Ships. Knowledge of provisions for indiscipline on board under various Rules / Regulations.
  5. Knowledge of ISM / STCW 95 Code relating to the duties of Chief Mate.
    1. Knowledge of statutory certificates/ class / port state control / flag state / damage etc., surveys and inspections.
  • MAINTENANCE MANAGEMENT –
  • A thorough knowledge of LSA / FFA and L & SS (Screening of Navigation Lights) Regulations / Organization of Drills and maintenance of these appliances under SOLAS.
  • P.M.S. for hull deck machinery, accommodation emergency / steering gear and anchor cable.
  • Knowledge of Personnel Management, Organisation and Training on board as head of Deck Department.
  • EMERGENCIES –
  • Knowledge of occupational hazards on ship, crew welfare, social responsibility. In accordance with code off safe working practice for merchant seamen.
  • Preparation of contingency plans for response to various emergencies:-

Fire, Explosion, Collision or Grounding, Cargo Shift, Flooding, Foundering, Privacy and Pilferage.

Procedures for use of those equipments including slipping of cables, foul anchor, foul cable, anchor dragging and ground tackle.

  1. Brief knowledge on manoeuvring of ships in Rivers & Harbours / Berthing alongside under various conditions without Tugs.
  2. Management of ships in adverse situation at Sea. Heavy Weather duties / Handling of disabled ship.
  3. Preparation of Dry-docking / undocking. Use of shores, Bilge blocks and Bilge shores.
  4. Measures to be taken to prevent the spillage of oil during cargo work. Bunkering of oil transfer. The keeping of records under the M.S. (Prevention of Pollution of the Sea by Oil) Rules.
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Chief Mate Phase 2 Syllabus

1. BRIDGE WATCHKEEPING, SHIP HANDLING & EMERGENCIES

  • The content, application and intent of COLREG 1972.
  • Explain factors deciding the composition of the watch on the bridge.
  • Explain communication between chief engineer and Master in deciding the composition of engine room watch.
  • Master – Pilot exchange of information.
  • Explain IMO ship routeing guide.
  • Explain Manoeuvring in and near vessel traffic service (VTS) areas.
  • Describe muster list, assignment of duties to personnel, composition of emergency team, drawing of plans to deal with heavy weather damage.
  • Describe excessive list, flooding, & bilging, fire in engine room, paint locker, cargo spaces, wheel house and galley, stranding, abandoning ship, spillage of noxious substances, piracy and armed robbery, collision.
  • Describe circumstances in which the vessel is to be beached.
  • Describe precautions to be taken prior to and after beaching and log book entries.
  • Explain actions to be taken if stranding is imminent and after stranding.
  • Explain discharging or transferring of weights on board to facilitate refloating.
  • Explain control of discharge of harmful substances.
  • Explain assessment of damage and control, refloating of stranded ship with & without assistance and log book entries.
  • Explain duties of Master following a collision or impairment of the water tight integrity of the hull as per SOLAS.
  • Explain duties of crew members to assist and muster passengers.
  • Explain precautions for the protection and the safety of passengers in emergency situations.
  • Describe boundary cooling, effect on stability of the vessel caused by use of water to mitigate fire.
  • Describe procedure for man entry, procedures for using fixed fire extinguishing system, procedure for rescue of person/s from the space.
  • Abandoning Ship:-
    • Explain situations under which to abandon ship, procedure for abandoning a ship.
    • Explain preparation on ship prior abandoning a ship, duty of crew and passengers.
    • Explain distress call transmission until acknowledgement, mustering of crew and passengers.
    • Explain importance of mustering and carrying extra rations, EPIRB, SART and other resources such as blankets etc, Use of distress signal to attract attention, launching of boats and life rafts in heavy weather.
    • Explain steps for avoidance of false distress calls, cancellation of false distress alert calls, log book entries.
  • Emergency Steering Gear:- Explain change over bridge control to local control in the steering gear compartment, standard emergency procedures, need for proper communication.
  • Towing:- Explain the content of emergency towing booklet, emergency towing arrangements, procedure and tools for towing in good and rough weather conditions, Calculation of bollard pull and towing speed prior towage.
  • Search and Rescue:- Explain man overboard procedures, precautions in Manoeuvring the ship to be able to launch rescue boats in bad weather.
  • Explain contents of IAMSAR Manual Vol 3, various search patterns, role and duties of MRCC, RCC, OSC, recovering a person from the sea in heavy weather.
  • Explain action to take when a person is reported missing at sea, log book entries.
  • Emergencies in Port:- Explain actions to take when emergencies arises in port (at berth or at anchor) –
    • Fire, Pollution, Approaching Strom, Tsunami, Casualties, Personnel related accidents.
  • Piracy or armed robbery:- Explain best management practices (BMP), guidelines provided by Indian authorities. Explain IMB PRC (Piracy Reporting Centre), UKMTO (UK Maritime Trade Organisation), MSCHOA (Maritime Security Centre Horn Of Africa).
  • Manoeuvres:- 
    • Explain manoeuvres required when approaching a pilot vessel or station with, tide and current, Head Reach, stopping distance and rudder cycling.
    • Define shallow water, squat.
    • Explain how squat is dependent on speed of the vessel, block coefficient and the width of the channel.
    • Explain reduction in under keel clearance resulting from rolling and pitching and heel or list.
    • Explain how to round bends in a channel with a current in either direction, taking account of the effect of wind, use of an anchor to assist in rounding a bend, how to turn short round in a narrow channel, with or without a wind and current.
    • Calculate the approximate sinkage due to squat.
    • Describe use of constant rate of rate and constant radius turn in restricted waters.
  • Berthing and Unberthing:-
    • Describe the effect of right and left handed propellers on Manoeuvring, the use of twin screw of Manoeuvring, the advantage and disadvantage of controllable pitch propellers with regards to ship handling.
    • Describe the use of lateral thrusters (bow & stern), how an anchor or anchors may be used to assist in manoeuvring, the different ways in which tugs may be made fast and used.
    • Explain pivot point and girding of tugs.
    • Describe the interaction between a ship and nearby banks (bank cushion and bank suction).
    • Describe the interaction between ships when meeting end-on.
    • Describe the interaction between ships in an overtaking situation.
    • Describe the particulars dangers of interaction when working close by other craft such as tugs.
  • Anchoring:-
    • Explain the procedures for anchoring with one or two anchors, factors for deciding the scope of the cable, swinging circle, procedures and precautions taken for anchoring in deep waters.
    • Describe running moor, Standing Moor, open Moor, Mediterranean Moor.
    • Describe actions taken when vessel starts dragging its anchor(s).
    • Describe how to slip anchor(s), foul hawse and methods to clear it.
  • Lighterage at sea:- Describe contents of ship to ship transfer guide, lighter age preparations for both vessels, Method of separating on completion of transfer operations.
  • Dry-docking:- Describe preparation of repairs list, Hull cleaning, inspection, blasting, painting, describe precautions before flooding the dock, Measurement of rudder and propeller drop, Ship’s plans, steel renewals and thickness measurements, floating Dry Dock, critical period.
  • Heavy Weather:- describe pooping, Broaching to, Synchronous rolling, Parametric rolling, Actions to take to minimize the effect of all these. Explain rolling period in sec.
  • Manoeuvring:- 
    • Define advance, transfer, tactical Diameter, Track reach, Stopping distance, Turning circle at various draughts and speeds.
    • Explain the effect of displacement, draught, trim, speed and under-keel clearance on turning circle and stopping distances. Effect of transverse thrust on turning circle of the ship with right/left handed propeller.
  • Ice Navigation:-
    • Define Solid, Soft, Drift and Pack Ice; Growler; Ice berg.
    • Explain procedure and precautions to be taken prior entering ice, contents of the Polar code, Master’s obligation to report dangerous ice, Cold weather precautions, freezing sprays and steps required to minimize same.
  • Bow wave and stern wave:- Explain damage to shore facilities due to excessive bow waves and stern waves, The effects of passing ships on ships moored alongside, precautions that should be taken by ships alongside to minimize the effect of passing traffic.

2. NAVIGATIONAL AIDS

Electronic System Of Position Fixing

  • GPS:-
    • Explain working principle, system configuration and frequencies used.
    • Describe C/A and P code, How position is determined, contents of navigation message, various DOP’s used, Errors and alarms of GPS, accuracy obtainable with GPS and how accuracy can be downgraded.
    • WGS 84 datum- why GPS position cannot be directly plotted on the navigational chart, Datum shifts, working principle of DGPS and its limitations, Dangers of over reliance on satelite derived positions, IMO Performance Standards.
    • Brief outline of GLONASS and GALILEO.
  • AIS:- 
    • Explain purpose of AIS, limitations of AIS, Precautions during use of AIS for collision avoidance, Pseudo AIS.
    • Describe the principle, frequencies used, types of messages and time intervals, information displayed on AIS screen, IMO performance standards.
  • VDR/SVDR:- 
    • Explain purpose of VDR, duration of data storage, modules of VDR, saving and retrieval of data in case if incidents and training purpose, IMO Performance Standards.
    • List data recorded on VDR and SVDR.
  • LRIT:-
    • Explain purpose of LRIT, data transmitted by LRIT, authorized receivers of data.
    • Describe diffence between LRIT and AIS.
  • BNWAS:- Explain Performance standards for BNWAS.
  • Rate of Turn Indicator (ROTI):-
    • Describe procedure to executed a constant radius turn with or with out current.
    • Explain the need to monitor the turn, Methods of monitoring the turn, IMO performance Standards.
    • Radar plotting exercises with three targets and current and taking action to avoid collision as per Collision Regulations. (more info)
  • Echo Sounder:-
    • Explain basics principle, Effect of density, temperature and pressure on velocity of sound and the limits in which the true value may lie.
    • Describe Ranging and Phasing, Inaccuracies of equipment, scale error and measures to eliminate them.
    • Describe false echoes, errors due to Trim, List & positioning, Various alarms and settings, IMO performance standards. (more info)
  • Speed Log:- Explain the difference between ground reference and water reference speed. IMO Performance Standards. 
  • Doppler speed log:- Describe principle, Janus configuration, Dual axis configuration and its uses during docking operations, calibrations of the log, the limitations, the errors of doppler log.
  • Course Recorder:- Explain setting of course Recorder, Information to be recorded on the course recorder by the operator, alarms of course recorder. 
  • Auto Pilot:-
    • Explain the principle, Various setting of the auto-pilot for optimal performance, the procedures and factors to take into account for change over, Adaptive automatic pilot systems and its functions, various alarms.
    • The need for regular checking and test of auto pilot, The regulations regarding the use of auto pilot.
  • Magnetic Compass Error and Correction:-
    • Explain earth as a magnet, Ship’s permanent magnetic field components P, Q and R, Induced Magnetism, Principles of Magnetic compass, Method of compensating effect of P,Q and R, Method of compensating effect of induced magnetism, why a deviation curve made in one hemisphere and position cannot be used in the other hemisphere.
    • Describe method of obtaining table of deviation/ deviation curve.
  • Gyro Compass Error and Corrections:- 
    • Calculate error on gyro compass given latitude, speed, course steered and ratio between control and damping process.
    • List the equipment getting heading inputs from gyro compass, outline the performance standards of gyro compass. 

3. GENERAL ENGINEERING KNOWLEDGE

  • Marine Engineering terms:- Define Mass, Force, Work, Power, Energy, Stress, Strain, Heat, Efficiency of a machine, Indicated power, Propeller power and thrust.
  • Fuel consumption:-
    • Define Admiralty coefficient, Fuel coefficient, Thermal Efficiency, Specific Fuel Consumption.
    • Explain effect of condition of hull, tips of propeller on fuel coefficient, fuel consumption and propeller efficiency.
    • Describe Indicator diagrams and the information obtained.
    • Calculate Power output from indicator diagrams, Daily consumption at service speed, bunker fuel required for the voyage, speed for a given daily consumption, speed required to complete a voyage with given consumption.
  • Auxiliary Boiler:-
    • Describe water tube boiler, fire tube boiler, exhaust gas boiler, importance of maintaining correct water level and function of safety valve.
    • Distinguish between water tube and fire tube boiler, describe the procedure of flashing the boiler from cold.
    • Effect of salts in boiler feed water and procedure for treatment of feed water.
  • Distillation and fresh water system:- Explain with sketch as necessary principle of operation of a low pressure fresh water generator, Principle reverse osmosis, Hydrophore system for domestic water supply, drinking water treatment.
  • Pumps and pumping systems:-
    • Describe with sketch the principle of working of reciprocating pump/ Gear pump/ Screw pump/ Centrifugal pump, Fire pumps, Emergency fire pump and its pumping arrangement.
    • Describe typical bilge system of a ship, typical ballast system of a ship.
  • Steering Gear:-
    • Describe with sketch ram type hydraulic steering gear, rotary vane steering gear, Electrical steering gear, tele motor system, Fail safe arrangement.
    • State IMO requirements for auxiliary steering gear, IMO requirement for testing steering gears, requirements for emergency control.
  • Generator, Alternators and electrical distribution:-
    • Explain operation of an alternator, electrical distribution systems, use of circuit breaker & fuses, Procedure for maintenance of batteries, operation of emergency compressor, purpose and operation of purifiers.
    • Describe with sketch, Navigation light circuit with indicators/ alarm and alternative power supply.
    • List services to be supplied from Emergency generator, Describe procedure for starting emergency generator manually.
  • Refrigeration, air-conditioning and ventilation:-
    • State properties of a refrigerant.              
    • Describe with sketch simple refrigeration cycle for domestic refrigeration and cargo spaces.
    • Working principle of air conditioning plant.
  • Stabilisers:- Describe construction and operation of fin stabiliser.
  • Sewage treatment plants:- Describe with sketch operation of chemical and biological treatment plant.
  • Oily-water Separators and oil filtering equipment:- Describe with sketch construction and operation of oily water separator and ODMCS.
  • Incinerator:- Draw block diagram for the operation of a waste incinerator.
  • Deck machinery:-
    • Explain advantages and disadvantages of steam, electric and hydraulic drive for winches.
    • Describe routine maintenance including lubrication of deck machinery, Describe with sketch windlass drive system. 
  • Hydraulic system:-
    • Describe Hydraulic accumulator, ram and rotary vane actuators, common failures of system and remedial measures.
    • State necessity for cooling/ heating of hydraulic oil.
  • Diesel Engines:-
    • Describe working principle of two stroke and four stroke internal combustion engines.
    • Compare and contrast, Two stroke and four stroke internal combustion engines.
    • Explain causes of Scavenges fires and remedial actions, Causes of Crankcase explosions, super charging.
    • Describe preparation of diesel engine for Standby mode, procedure for starting and reversing.
    • State number of starts is limited by capacity of starting air reservoir.
    • Draw a block diagram of fuel oil system from bunker tank to injection, lubricating oil system, cooling water system.
  • Steam turbine system:-
    • Explain working principle of, impulse turbine, reaction turbine.
    • Describe steam turbine and its bearing, procedure for warming through a steam turbine for manoeuvring, procedure for manoeuvring using a steam turbine (forward & astern).
  • Propeller and propeller shaft:-
    • Define pitch, slip and efficiency of a propeller.
    • Calculate percentage apparent slip, real slip, Ship’s speed given rpm, mean pitch and percentage slip, Indicated power, haft power, delivered power and effective power. 
    • Explain how propeller thrust is transmitted to the hull, how propeller shaft is supported, how propeller is secured to tail shaft.
    • Describe operation of a controllable pitch propeller.
  • Bridge Control:-
    • Describe with block diagram of control systems for main Engine and bridge control of controllable pitch propeller.
    • List indicators and alarm provided with bridge control, indicators for lateral thrusters.
    • Explain arrangements and operation of lateral thrusters, main engine starting arrangement, purpose of turbocharger and need to control rpm whilst carrying out turbocharger washing.
  • Engine room watch keeping:-
    • Describe arrangement necessary for appropriate and effective engineering watches to be maintained for the purpose of safety under normal circumstances and UMS operations.
    • Describe arrangements necessary to ensure a safe engineering watch is maintained when carrying dangerous cargo.

4. MARITIME LEGISLATION

  • Introduction to Maritime Law.
  • Law of the Sea (UNCLOS):- Define (as per THE TERRITORIAL WATERS, CONTINENTAL SHELF, EXCLUSIVE ECONOMIC ZONE AND OTHER MARITIME ZONES ACT, 1976 as amended) Territorial sea and the contiguous zone, exclusive economic zone and continental shelf, International straits, High seas.
  • International Convention on Load Lines, 1966:-
    • Describe requirements for initial and periodical surveys, requirements for periodical inspections.
    • List fittings and appliances to be inspected, circumstance in which LLC would be cancelled, contents of record of conditions of assignment of freeboard.
  • International Convention for the Safety of Life at sea, 1974 as amended (SOLAS):-
    • Describe procedure for testing of ship’s steering gear, change over procedure for remote steering gear, requirements for emergency steering drills, general requirements for carriage of navigational equipments.
    • List the chapters of SOLAS and brief outline of the contents as covered therein, log book entries to be made regarding steering gear and emergency drills, the amendments to SOLAS (within last three years).
  • International Convention on Standards of Training and Watchkeeping for Seafarers, 1978 (STCW) as amended:-
    • Explain 2010 Manila amendments to STCW 78.
    • Explain Aims, objectives and general provisions of the Convention for the suppression of unlawful act against the Safety of Maritime Navigation 1988 as amended.
    • Explain Aims and objectives of the regulations, ITU Radio Regulations.
    • Explain contents and purpose of MARPOL, OPA – 90, National Pollutant Discharge Elimination system (NPDES) of the U.S Clean water Act.
    • Explain particularly sea sensitive areas, discharge provisions for oil and oily waste from machinery spaces outside special areas and within special area.
    • Describe content of SOPEP, Vessel Response Plan (VRP), Notification procedures as per SOPEP and VRP.
    • Describe Entries to be made in OIL Record Book (Part 1, Machinery Space Operations) and Part ll (cargo and ballast operations).
    • Describe need to maintain records, contents and validity of IOPP certificate and annexures.
    • Explain contents of MARPOL Annex ll, Chemical discharge criteria in special and other areas, need to maintain records, entries to be made in cargo record book for chemical cargoes, SMPEP.
    • State notification procedure for loading/unloading harmful substances as per MARPOL Annex III.
    • Explain discharge criteria for Sewage (Annex lV), Holding tanks, Nearest land, Contents and validity of 
        ISPP certificate and annexures).
    • Explain (with regards to annex V) special areas, discharge criteria, Garbage management plan, entries in Garbage record book, need for maintaining records.
    • Explain (with regards to ballast water management):-  Ballast water management plan, need for maintaining 
        records, ballast water management convention.
    • Describe (with regards to Annex lV) SECA (Sulphur Emission Control area), Volatile Organic Compounds (VOC) managements plan, Contents and validity of IAPP certificate and annexures.
  • London Dumping Convention (LDC):- Define dumping, waste or other matters, special permit and general permit. Explain Aims of the convention.
  • Intervention convention:- Define Maritime casualty, Related Interests. Describe the rights of parties to 
      intervene on high seas.
  • Civil Liability convention (CLC) and Fund Convention:- Define Pollution damage, Incident. State Exceptions to liability & Limitations to liability. 
  • Oil Pollution Preparedness, Response & Co-operation Convention (OPRC) as amended (OPRC –  HNS Protocol):-
    • Explain Aims, objectives and general provisions of the convention.
    • Explain reporting incidents. Explain need for prompt reporting & probability of discharge.
  • Passengers:-
    • Explain special trade passenger ships agreement, protocol and rules on space requirements for special trade passenger ships, 1973, General provisions of Athens Convention relating to the carriage of Passengers and their luggage by Sea.
  • International Convention On Tonnage Measurement of Ships, 1969 as amended:- Define Gross Tonnage, net Tonnage, Excluded space. List the information available in International Tonnage Certificate.
  • ILO Maritime Labour Convention (MLC) – 2006:- 
    a) Minimum requirements for seafarers to work on ships: minimum age, medical certificates, training and qualification, requirements and placement.
    b) Conditions of Employment: Seafarers Employment Agreements, Wages, Hours of Work and Hours of Rest, Entitlement to leave, Repatriation, Seafarer compensation for the ship’s loss or Foundering, Manning Levels, careers and skill development and opportunities for seafarer’s employment.

c) Accommodation, Recreation Facilities, Food and Catering.
d) Health Protection, Medical Care, Welfare & Social Security Protection: Medical care on-board ship and ashore, Ship-owners Liability, Health & Safety Protection and Accident Prevention, Access to Shore-based Welfare Facilities, Social Security.

e) Compliance and Enforcement.

i) Flag State Responsibilities: General Principles, Authorization of recognized Organizations, Maritime Labour Certificate and Declaration of Maritime Labour Compliance, Inspection and Enforcement, On-board Complaint Procedures, Marine Casualties.
ii)  Port State Responsibilities: Inspection in port, Detailed inspection, Detection, On-shore Seafarer Complaint, Handling Procedures.
iii) Labour supplying Responsibilities: Recruitment and Placement services, Social security provisions. (more info)

  • International Health Regulations (IHR):-
    • Define Arrival of Ship, Baggage, Container, Crew, Epidemic, Free pratique, In quarantine, International voyage.
    • Define Requirements of Ship Sanitation/ ship sanitation Exemption Certificate, Master’s obligation concerning maritime declaration of health.
  • Convention on facilitation of International Maritime traffic, (FAL 1965):-
    • State the purpose of the convention, IMO Standard forms for general declaration, cargo declaration, ship’s and crew effect 
        declaration, crew list and passenger list.
    • List the documents for arrival or departure of ships.
    • Explain Standard and Recommended practices regarding documentation under FAL convention.
  • Noting protests:- Explain note of protest, conditions in which Note of Protest is to be filed, Extended  Note of Protest.
  • Collision:- Describe duties of Master after collision, Explain apportionment of Liability, State convention applies where even no collision has taken place.
  • International Salvage Convention:-
    • Define salvage, Vessel, Property. Describe No cure- No Pay principle, Application of convention, Duties of Salvor, Owner and Master, Right of Salvor.
    • Explain criteria for assessing reward, criteria for assessing special compensation (SCOPIC Clause), Apportionment of the remuneration.
    • Explain The contents and clauses of Lloyd’s Standard Form of Salvage Agreement (LOF).
  • Convention on Limitation of Liability for maritime Claims:-
    • State scope of application of convention.
    • List persons entitled to limit liability, claims subject to limitation of liability, claims exempted from limitation, circumstances in which limitation would be barred.
    • Describe constitution of a limitation fund.
  • Classification Societies:-
    • State the role of IACS, Repairs/ Alterations must be carried out under surveys and to satisfaction of class. Explain reasons for having ship’s classed, special survey requirements, role of classification society.
    • State that periodical surveys ard annual surveys, dry docking, intermediate and special surveys. 
  • Cargo:-
    • Define carrier, contract of carriage, goods, ship and carriage of goods.
    • List Duties of Carrier, Information to be shown on Bill of Lading, Exceptions to carrier’s responsibility for loss or damage.
    • Explain Bill of Lading as evidence of contract, Shipper’s responsibility for loss or damage, Limitations of Liability.
    • Describe Scope of application of convention, system of documentary credit.
    • State Right to Deviate, Burden of proving due diligence is on the carrier.
  • Charter-Parties:-
    • State Charter party is a contract, charter party drawn using standard forms.
    • Explain Voyage Charter party, Time Charter party, Demise or Bare boat charter party, Tonnage contract or Contract of Affreightment.
    • Explain (with regards to Hamburg Rules) Effect of charges for goods carried under hamburg rules.
      – The York-Antwerp Rule:- Define General Average Act and general Average Sacrifice. 
    • Explain duties of Master in GA, Rights to contribution in GA.
    • Marine Insurance:- Explain purpose of Marine Insurance, Insurable interest, Utmost good faith, Misrepresentation or non-disclosure, Warranty, Deviation, Institute clauses, Particular Average, Subrogation, Partial loss, Total loss, Constructive total loss, Functions of P and I clubs. Risks, liabilities and expenses by P and I clubs.
    • Describe voyage policy, time policy, floating policy, perils covered in insurance.
    • List Certificate carried on board ships by International conventions and their periods of validity. Documents to be carried on board.
    • General provisions of Merchant Shipping Act and brief outline of Rules made there under.

5. SHIP CONTRUCTION

  • Define tensile Strength, ductility, Hardness, Toughness, Yield Point, Ultimate tensile stress, Modules of Elasticity, Stress/Brittle/Fatigue Fracture, Mild steel, Strain.
  • Explain with Stress and Strain curve.
  • Explain Advantages of use of aluminum alloys, Use of higher tensile steel and hazards associated with them.
  • How aluminum superstructure strength is preserved. 
  • List examples where castings or forgings are used.
  • State Ship building steel is tested, graded and stamped with approval marks.
  • Describe Precautions against corrosion where aluminum is connected to steel work.
  • Explain General layout of a ship yard and co-operation between departments with block diagrams.
  • Describe and sketch sheer plan, half breadth plan, body plan.
  • Describe various tests for ship building steel.
  • Explain conditions of Assignment of freeboard.
  • Define Margin line, Forward and aft perpendicular, LBP, Sub divisional load lines, minimum bow height, factor of sub-division, Garboard and Sheer strake.
  • Explain Multiple load lines, Type A and Type B ships.
  • List Items to be inspected during annual, periodical and renewal surveys.
  • Explain Gross tonnage, Net tonnage, Exclude spaces, Enclosed spaces.
  • Calculate Gross tonnage, Net tonnage.
  • Explain Floodable length, permissible length and sub division load line.
  • Explain Types of bulkheads and standard fire tests.
  • Sketch and label mid ship section of following ships: general cargo ship, cellular container ship, hatch cover less cellular container vessel, Bulk carrier, Double hull oil tanker, Chemical tanker, LPG carrier, LNG carrier, OBO vessel, Ro-Ro Vessel.

6. SHIP STABILITY

Moment of Inertia calculations:-

  • Explain Theorem of parallel axis.
  • Calculate Moment of Inertia of Rectangular and curvi-linear surface (using vertical or horizontal ordinates) about a stated axis.
  • Calculate BML and BMT of a ship given ordinates of water plane area, KM of a vessel in a floating dry-dock after taking to the blocks.
  • Thrust due to liquid pressure:- Define Centre of pressure and Thrust.
  • Calculate Centre of pressure and thrust of rectangular and curvi-linear surface (using vertical or horizontal ordinates) at a stated liquid level.
  • State (i)  GZ = GM sin 0 for angles of heel up to 100 
              (ii) GZ =  (GM + ½ BM tan20) sin 0 for angles of heel greater than 100 
              (iii) BM = i/V 
              (iv) KM = KB + BM
  • Define Rolling period.
  • Explain Procedure to determine Ship Stability by means of rolling period test, Limitations of the Rolling period test.
  • Calculate approximate GM by means of rolling period tests.
  • Explain procedures of carrying out inclining test and calculation of KG.
  • Describe procedure to determine initial KG of the ship by Inclining Test, procedure to be taken while carrying out Inclining test. Calculate Initial KG given inclining test data.
  • Recommendation on intact stability for passenger and cargo ships (IMO Intact Stability Code 2008):
  • Explain precautions against capsizing, intact and damage stability criteria for passenger and cargo ships.
  • Stability information available in hydrostatic tables.
  • Describe IMO severe wind and weather heeling criteria, Heel while turning.
  • Explain effect of GM on rolling, effect of draught and displacement on rolling, function of bilge keels, anti-rolling tanks and stabilizer fins to reduce the amplitude of rolling.
  • Explain conditions under which parametric or synchronous rolling occurs.
  • Explain Parametric rolling and action to be taken to mitigate. Synchronous rolling and actions to be taken to mitigate.
  • Explain Shear force, bending moment Load, How wave profile effects shear force and bending moment.
  • Explain Wave and cargo induced Torsional stress, Maximum Permissible Torsional moments.
  • Calculate Shear force and bending moments, at stated stations.
  • Draw Shear forces and bending moment curve for above calculations.
  • Explain Margin Line, Permeability of a space and cargo.
  • Explain Loss of Buoyancy of a bilged compartment = volume regained, how area of intact water plane is reduced, Effect of flooding on transverse stability.
  • Calculate stability of the ship after bilging of a mild ship compartment, List of the ship after bilging of a mild ship side compartment (with or without permeability). (All calculations to be based on box shaped vessels).
  • Explain effect of flooding on trim.
  • Calculate Final Fore and Aft drafts after bilging of end/ intermediate compartments (with or without permeability).
  • Calculate Stability of the ship after bilging of end compartments (with or without permeability).
Chief Mate Phase 2 – Exams SyllabusDownload
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Chief Mate Phase 1 Syllabus

Navigation

Practical Navigation

  • Describe ocean passages for the world and sailing directions.
  • Routeing charts and routeing in accordance with general provisions of ship’s routeing.
  • Reporting procedures in accordance with general principles for ships reporting system and with VTS procedures.
  • Planning navigation and plotting courses taken into account restricted waters, meteorological conditions, Ice, Restricted visibility, Traffic Separation Scheme, vessel traffic services (VTS) areas and areas of extensive tidal effects.
  • Explain various stages of passage planning (Appraisal, Planning, Execution and Monitoring)
  • Define Current, Leeway, Tidal stream, Set, Drift.
  • Explain effect of wind and current and determine course and distance made good.
  • Explain course to steer allowing for tidal stream or current or wind.
  • Explain how to determine distance off by Vertical Sextant Angle.
  • Determine position by bearing and range (Exercise).
  • Determine position by plotting astronomical position lines (Exercise).
  • Transferring of position lines (Exercise).
  • Determine position by running fix with leeway and current (Exercise).
  • Plan a passage between two ports from berth to berth using the procedure for passage planning (Exercise).
  • Ability to use appropriate charts, publications, errors in position lines and notice to mariners.
  • Explain how errors may occur in position fixing and how they are minimized.
  • Chart correction and other nautical publications including T&P notices using Notice to Mariners and corrections using tracings (Exercise).
  • Mercator Sailing (Exercise).
  • Explain Spherical triangle, Napier’s Rule, how to transfer GC course to Mercator chart.
  • Describe Gnomonic, Mercator, Transverse Mercator and Universal Transverse Mercator Projections.
  • Calculate Position of vertex of GC track, Initial course, Final course and distance with the stated limiting latitude.

Celestial Navigation 

  • State Kepler’s Laws of motion. 
  • Define civil, nautical and astronomical twilights.
  • Explain conditions necessary for twilight all nights, continuous day light or continuous darkness.
  • Explain influence of latitude on duration of twilight.
  • Explain relationship between time and longitude.
  • Explain relationship between tome and hour angle.
  • Explain magnitude of stars.
  • Explain how to identify stars by star charts and star finder.
  • Calculate Time of meridian altitude of sun.
  • Calculate position lines by means of observation of sun, planet and stars including pole stars.
  • Calculate stars suitable for observation in the twilight period. 
  • Calculate position based on staggered / simultaneous observations.

Meteorology 

  • Explain diurnal variation of temperature, relative humidity, Lapse rate, adiabatic change, Diurnal variation of pressure, geostrophic wind, Gradient and cyclostrophic winds.
  • Describe Characteristics and location of doldrums, ITCZ, Trade winds, Westerlies, polar   easterlies, and sub-tropical oceanic highs.
  • Explain general description of surface temperature and surface current.
  • Describe characteristic and weather associated with various types of clouds, characteristic and weather associated with various air masses, cause of global warming.
  • Depletion of ozone layer, Accumulation of greenhouse gas.
  • Describe effect of global warming – change in weather pattern, melting of ice cap.
  • Explain region and seasons of greatest frequency of TRS.
  • Explain local nomenclature of TRS.
  • Explain Condition associated with formation of TRS.
  • Explain factors affecting movement of TRS.
  • Explain factors associated with decay of TRS.
  • Describe characteristics of TRS.
  • Describe signs which give warning of an approaching TRS.
  • Describe messages required to be sent as per SOLAS.
  • Sketch and describe typical and possible track of TRS.
  • Sketch and describe cross section through a TRS showing areas of cloud and precipitation.
  • Sketch and describe plan of TRS showing isobars, wind circulation, track, path, eye, trough line, dangerous semi-circle, dangerous quadrant and navigable semi-circle for both hemispheres.
  • Explain reason for naming dangerous hemi circles.
  • Explain Method determining in which sector of TRS a ship is situated.
  • Explain method of determining vertex of a TRS.
  • Explain Correct avoidance procedure when in the vicinity of TRS.
  • Define family of depressions, trough, anti-cyclone, ridge, col
  • Sketch and describe structure of typical frontal zone, warm front, cold front, line squall.
  • Explain frontogenesis, frontolysis, Occlusion, weather associated with cold front, warm front, line squall and ITCZ, formation of frontal and non frontal depressions.
  • Sketch and Describe distribution of weather in a depression, isobars and wind circulation in a depression, cross section through warm and cold occlusions, synoptic pattern of anti-cyclone, synoptic pattern of ridge, synoptic pattern of col. 
  • Explain synoptic and prognostic charts along with their use, interpreting isobaric patterns and codes on a synoptic weather chart.
  • How to determine geostrophic and surface wind speed from the charts.
  • Explain purpose of maritime forecast code.
  • Explain data given by MARFOR.
  • List information given in wave chart, ice chart, weather fax charts and shipping forecasts.
  • Explain drift current, gradient current, upwelling current.
  • Explain general patterns of surface water circulation, principle individual currents and their names.
  • Explain information available on current rose.
  • Explain vector mean current, current data present in current atlases and routeing charts.
  • Describe use of data available from all of above for passage plan.
  • Describe Characteristic and weather associated with various ocean currents.
  • Define wave, significant wave height, average wave height, fetch, swell.
  • Explain importance of wind forces, duration, fetch in formation and growth of waves, the method of estimating wave height and wave period, factors affecting wave height and direction, information available from wind rose, the method of estimating wave length of the wave.
  • Define ice tongue, ice shelf, pack ice and fast ice.
  • Explain formation of sea ice, formation of ice bergs from floating glaciers, ice shelf’s and characteristics of each.
  • Explain normal season and probable tracks of bergs from origin to decay (North Atlantic Only), outer limit of area in which ice bergs may be encountered.
  • Explain reason for decay of ice bergs, areas affected by sea ice, Precautions to be taken when navigating near ice.
  • Explain purpose, duties, and responsibilities of International ice petrol, freezing spray and actions to minimize the effect.
  • State signs which may indicate proximity of ice on clear days and nights, the range at which observer may expect ice visually in varying conditions of visibility.
  • State limitations of radar as a means of detecting ice.
  • Describe factors which may give rise to ice accretion, use of mariners hand book to estimate the rate of ice accretion, method of reducing ice accretion, report to be made under international conventions when ice is encountered.
  • List informations in radio messages reporting dangerous ice, conditions leading to ice accretion.
  • List different types of ice, ice bergs, limits of ice bergs, accumulation of ice on ships.
  • Describe information of current, wind and ice to select an optimum route, use of wave chart to select the best route, weather routeing services available to shipping.
  • Describe climatological routeing, optimum (least time routeing), data presented in sailing directions and mariner’s hand book, construction of ship’s performance curves.
  • Explain routeing charts, tide tables, current and tidal stream atlases.

Cargo Handling & Stowage

Dry cargo

Timber Cargo

  • Explain contents of code of safe practice for ships carrying timber deck cargoes, stowage and securing of deck timber cargoes.
  • Explain hazards involved with the carriage of deck timber cargo, need for regular inspection of lashing arrangements.
  • Explain need for controlling height of deck cargo, need for provision of walkways and access to the top of the cargo.
  • Describe action if cargo is lost overboard, stability criteria to be fulfilled, rolling period test for determining ship’s stability and limitations of the method.


Container

  • Explain types and marking of containers, bay plans and stack weight, anti-heeling tanks, torsional stress, lashing and securing of containers, container code.
  • Describe procedures for loading and carriage of refrigerated containers.

Car carriers and Ro-Ro Ships

  • Describe stowage and arrangements of vehicles, procedures for loading and discharging of vehicles, procedure for lowering and hoisting of ramps, procedure for setting up and stowing retractable vehicle deck.
  • Describe procedure for opening and closing and securing hull openings, general precautions to be observed whilst working cargo.
  • Explain need to monitor atmosphere in ro-ro space.

Reefer ships

  • Define cooled, frozen and chilled cargoes.
  • Describe general outline of refrigeration system (vapour absorption and brine cooling), preparation of cargo space for carriage of refrigerated cargoes.
  • Describe Care, monitoring and records of cargo during voyage, Inspection of cargo and brine traps, general precautions to be observed whilst working cargo.
  • Explain load density, need for spreading of the load over an area, use of shoring, hazards and precautions while handling a heavy lift, method of securing heavy lift (below deck and above deck), need for adequate initial GM.
  • Describe Mate’s receipt, Bill of Lading, Charter parties, note of protest.
  • Prepare cargo plan given hatch dimension, stowage factor, load density, broken stowage.
  • Describe prepare cargo space prior loading, precautions to avoid crushing and chafing damage and state which cargoes are liable to be affected, how to protect cargoes which liable to freeze.
  • Describe Ship and Cargo sweat and need for ventilation, importance of and information available from code of safe practice for cargo stowage and securing, importance of and information available from cargo securing manual.
  • Describe securing arrangements of rolled steel, steel coils, steel plates, vehicle, containers, inspection and lightening of lashings, importance of log book entries.
  • Define competent person, authorised person, responsible person, loose gears, lifting appliances.
  • Explain contents of register for ship’s lifting appliances and cargo handling gears (chain register).
  • Describe duties of dock safety inspector.
  • State the requirements of guarding dangerous parts of the machinery.
  • Describe requirements for testing of lifting appliance and loose gears before they used for the first time, requirements for periodic thorough examination and inspection of cargo gears, annealing of loose gears, maintenance of wire ropes, blocks, shackles, hooks, sheaves, pulleys and slings.
  • Describe procedures to check weather tightness of hatch covers, securing of hatch pontoons, maintenance and use of side cleats and cross joint wedge mechanism.
  • Explain importance of clear drainage channels and drain holes, importance of compression bars and sealing gaskets, need to check hydraulic system for leakage.
  • Explain procedures for effective port watch keeping, the items to be checked regarding safety of life, cargo, property, environment and security during a deck watch, the circumstances in which to call Master, the items included in chief officers standing orders/night orders.
  • Knowledge of the limitations on strength of the vital constructional l parts of a standard bulk carrier and ability to interpret given figures for bending moments and shearing forces.
  • Outline and describe the common damage/defects that may occur on water tight transverse bulk heads situated at the ends of dry cargo holds of a bulk carrier.
  • State cracks may often be found at or near the connection of the stool of the transverse bulkheads and the tank top in bulk carrier having combination cargo/ballast tanks.
  • Action to be taken to avoid the detrimental effects on bulk carriers of corrosion, fatigue, and inadequate cargo handling.
  • Explain classification of IMDG cargo, use of IMDG code, MFAG, EmS, segregation table, precautions when handling dangerous goods, dangerous cargo manifest, inspections before loading dangerous goods, dangerous goods carried in containers, construction of magazine for carriage of explosives, limitations of carriage of explosives, compatibility of class 1 cargoes. 
  • Define angle of repose, flow moist point, transportable moisture limit, flow point, stowage factor, load density.
  • Describe preparations for holds for loading.
  • Explain purpose and objectives of IMSBC code, classification of cargoes as per IMSBC code, main hazards and precautions with the shipment of bulk solids (ore, urea, concentrates, sulphur, coal, HBI/DRI).
  • Explain documentation required prior loading, maximum allowable weight for single and adjacent holds, block loading, purpose and objectives of bulk carrier loading and unloading  (BLU) code, test for determining angle of repose and FMP on board, precautions to be taken prior entering cargo holds.
  • Define grain, filled and partly filled compartments, trimmed and untrimmed cargo.
  • Explain preparations of holds for carriage of grain cargoes, securing free grain surface in partly filled compartment, use of shifting boards, document of authorisation, grain loading stability criteria in detail, contents of grain loading stability booklet, methods to reduce grain heeling moments in order to meet grain stability criteria.
  • Explain various hazards in carriage of dangerous goods, safety precautions during cargo operations.

Liquid Cargo

  • Define Crude oil, refined products, spiked crude, sour crude, reid vapour pressure, upper and lower flammable limits, pour point, flammability diagram, TLV, tanker arrangements (tanks, pump rooms, slop tanks, cofferdams, deep tanks), cargo piping system, cargo pumps.
  • Explain contents and application of the ISGOTT.
  • Define segregated ballast, clean ballast, dirty ballast, slop tank.
  • Describe with sketch inert gas system, PV valve, PV breaker.
  • Describe hazards involved in COW, cleaning, purging and gas freeing procedures, loading and discharging operations on a tanker.
  • List items of pre arrival check list, items of COW check list.
  • Explain the use of O2 analyser, Explosimeter, Tank scope, Draeger tubes.

Chemical Tanker

  • Define type 1, type 2 and type 3 chemical tankers.
  • Explain various categories (x,y,z, os) of cargoes, hazards associated with chemical cargoes and control measures, various types of tank coating, purpose and use of IBC and BCH code, purpose and objectives of P&A manual, equipment for evaluation of tank atmosphere, threshold limit value of product, odour threshold, informations available in cargo data sheets, with the aid of a simple diagram, a “closed circuit” loading operation using a vapour return line.
  • List items of pre arrival checklist, entries made in cargo record book.
  • Sketch and describe independent, integral, gravity and pressure cargo tanks, typical tank arrangements with piping.
  • Describe hazards involved with tank cleaning, use of slop tanks, cycle of a tank washing system, discharge criteria as per Annex II of Marpol 73/78.

Gas Tanker

  • Define type A, type B, type C tanks.
  • State each cargo tank is filled with high level alarm and auto shut off.
  • Explain purpose and objectives of IGC code, hazards of gas cargoes and control measures adopted, the terms boiling point, cargo area, cargo containment system, gas carrier, gas/dangerous zone, gas safe space, hold space, inter barrier space, MARVS, primary and secondary barrier, tank dome.
  • Explain various types of ships (fully pressurized, semi pressurized, fully refrigerated and semi refrigerated), various types of tanks (integral, membrane, semi membrane, independent and internally insulated tank), certificate of fitness, detection of cargo leakage through primary barrier).
  • Sketch and explain deepwell pump, re-liquefaction plant.
  • List contents of pre cargo checklist, fumigation information which should be supplied to the Master.
  • Explain reasons for the control of pest, International health regulations, precautions when the vessel is fumigated, how contact insecticides are used for dealing with local infestation, procedure to make man entry in the space after fumigation.
  • State vulnerable areas on ships requiring particular attention, permission to be obtained from port state an administration prior fumigation.
  • Calculate quantity of cargo loaded/ to load, discharge/ to discharge by draft survey (ship stability book), Quantity of cargo using ASTM tables, given density at 15 degrees centigrade in vacuum dimensions of the cargo space and ullage at observed temperature.
  • Using WRF, weight of cargo in tank, quantity of cargo / water by using wedges formula.

Ship Stability

  • State Simpson’s Rule 1, 2 and 3.
  • Calculate Areas, Volume, TPC, FWA using Simpson’s rule, Geometric centre of areas and volumes.
  • Explain the formula FSC= i / Vol
  • Explain i = lb3 / l2 for rectangular areas
  • Calculate free surface correction using formula and ship stability booklet.
  • Moment of inertia (i) of a tank using Simpson’s rules.
  • Explain maximum dead weight moment, minimum permissible GM, maximum permissible KG (diagrams/tables)
  • Explain use of diagrams of dead weight moment.
  • Explain LCG, LCB, effect of loading, discharging and shift of weight on LCG, effect of change in underwater volume on LCB, trimming moment, Moments required to change trim by 1 cm (MCTC).
  • Explain why BM1 is used instead of GM1 to determine MCTC, effect of change in density on MCTC.
  • Explain Trim=Trimming Moment/MCTC.
  • Explain Change in trim = change in draft forward + change in draft aft.
  • Explain use of trim tables.
  • State centre of floatation is centroid of water plane area, LCF is the tipping centre or the pivoting point about which the vessels changes her trim.
  • Change in Draft aft, Ta=(TcX  LCF)/LBP
  • Change in draft fwd, Tf=[TcX (LBP-LCF)]/LBP
  • Calculate quantity of cargo to be loaded /discharged/ shifted to produce a required trim.
  • Calculate final fwd and aft drafts, quantity of cargo to be loaded/ discharged to keep the fwd/ aft draught constant, quantity of cargo to be loaded/ discharged to reach desired fwd and aft draft, final trim, fore and aft draft using ship stability booklet.
  • Explain cross curves of stability and KN curves, how to determine GZ from cross/ KN curves, effect on GZ values due to shift of weights (vertical and horizontal curves), range of stability.
  • Describe effect of increased length, breadth and freeboard on the curve of statical stability.
  • Calculate angle of list resulting from transverse and vertical movement of weight using GZ curve, area under the GZ curve using Simpson’s Rules.
  • State statical stability requirements as per SOLAS, dynamical stability at stated angle of heel represents potential energy of the ship, potential energy is used in overcoming resistance to rolling and in producing rotational energy.
  • Explain intact stability requirement for carriage of the grain, volumetric heeling moments caused due to shift of grain in partly filled/ full compartments, use of maximum permissible VHM curves.
  • Draw heeling arm curve on Righting arm curve of given ship’s condition and determine angle of heel.
  • Compare result from calculations above with the criteria set in reg 4 of Grain Code.
  • State part of the weight is taken by the blocks as soon as the ship touches the blocks and reduces buoyancy force by same amount.
  • Define critical instant, critical period, declivity of docks.
  • Explain upthrust (P) causes a virtual loss of GM.
  • Explain Upthrust P = (MCTC X Tc)/ distance from centre of flotation, why GM must remain positive until critical instant.
  • Calculate minimum GM to ensure ship remains stable at the point of taking blocks overall, maximum trim to ensure ship remain stable at the point of taking blocks overall.
  • Virtual loss of GM and drafts of ships after water level has fallen by stated amount, drafts on taking the blocks overall, Loss in GM for fall in water level after sitting overall.
  • Explain how the stability of a ship aground at one point on centre line is reduced the same way as in dry dock, how increase in upthrust with fall in tide, increases the heeling moment and reduces the stability.
  • Calculate virtual loss of GM and drifts of ship after tide has fallen by a stated amount, point of grounding, given initial drafts after grounding.

Ship Constructions

  • Describe manual arc welding, automatic welding process, electro-slag, electro-gas, TIG, MIG, SAW, Resistance welding, Butt, Lap and fillet welds, preparation of plate edge for welding, Use of tack welding, Weld fault: lack of fusion, penetration, re-enforcement, root penetration, slag inclusion, porosity, overlap and under cut, gas cutting of metals, various tests for welds.
  • Explain purpose of flux, single pass, multi pass and back run, full penetration fillet weld, distortion due to welding and measures to minimise them.
  • State classification societies require test on weld materials and electrodes before approval.
  • State regulation regarding minimum number of bulkheads and their locations.
  • Define water tight, non water tight, weather tight, oil tight and corrugated bulk heads.
  • Sketch and describe construction of W/T bulkheads and its attachments to sides and tank top.
  • How water tightness is maintained when bulkheads are pierced by longitudinal, beams or pipes.
  • Explain purpose of wash bulkheads, use of cross ties in tankers, procedures for testing of bulkheads, Racking stress and transverse bulkheads.
  • Compare water tightness and weather tightness.
  • State W/T doors, mechanism, indicators and all associated valves must be inspected once a week, All W/T doors in main transverse bulkhead must be operated daily, Drills for operating W/T doors, side scuttles, valves and closing mechanisms must be held weekly, Records of drills and inspections to be entered in the log book with record of any defects.
  • Explain categories of watertight doors (Class 1, Class 2, Class3), Rules regarding number of openings in passenger ship and W/T doors, difference between water tight and weather tight doors.
  • Sketch and describe arrangement of power operated sliding W/T door, hinged W/T door and means of securing them, Ramp doors of Ro-Ro ships, Ship side doors.
  • Explain corrosion, erosion, corrosion triangle, formation of corrosion cell, Glavanic series of metals, stress concentrations leading to corrosion cell formation, difference in surface condition leading to formation of corrosion cells, cathodic protection using sacrificial anodes.
  • Describe impressed current system, measures to minimise corrosion, treatment of steel in shipyard.
  • Explain structure of paint and purpose of each constituent, purpose of material safety data sheets (MSDS).
  • List common paint vehicle: drying oil, oleo-resins, alkyd resins, polymerizing chemicals and bitumen and state suitability of each for various applications.
  • Describe typical paint schemes for: underwater areas, boot topping, top sides, weather decks, superstructures and tank interiors, surface preparation for painting, safety precautions when using paints, how anti fouling paint acts, how anti-corrosive paint acts.
  • Define statutory and mandatory surveys.
  • Explain initial survey, intermediate survey, annual survey and renewal survey, harmonised system of ship surveys, enhanced surveys, conditions assessment scheme (CAS), conditions assessment programme (CAP).


Ship safety, Damage control & Maintenance

  • Explain purpose and objectives of LSA code, LSA requirement as per SOLAS.
  • Explain how to draw a muster list and emergency instruction for a given crew and type of vessel, how to assign duties, division of crew into command, emergency and backup teams, how drills and practices should be organized keeping fatigue factor in consideration, importance of debriefings after a drill, importance of steps to be taken to follow up conclusions of any drill.
  • Maintenance of operational condition of life saving fire fighting and other safety system.
  • Actions to be taken to protect and safe guard all persons on board in emergencies.
  • Explain methods and aids for fire preventions and detections and extinction: fire prevention procedures, different types of fires and fire fighting equipments to be used, fighting fire on different types of ships.
  • Understands functions and use of life saving appliance: Different types of emergencies, actions taken, life-saving appliance and instructions to use it.
  • Describe how to draw plans for maintenance and inspection of life saving, fire fighting and other safety systems (Remote controlled W/T doors, Bilge alarms).
  • Describe Procedure for maintenance of LSA (Lifeboat, launching appliance, life boat equipment including radio life-saving appliance, satellite EPIRBs, SARTs, immersion suit and thermal protective aids; life jackets: pyrotechnics: Line Throwing Apparatus), procedure for maintenance of FFA (portable fire extinguishers; fire hydrants; fire hoses, fire nozzles International Shore Connections; Fireman’s outfit, Self-contained breathing apparatus, fire wallet, fire dampers, fire flaps and ventilators, EEBD).
  • Describe actions to be taken in event of fire on own ship (accommodation, engine rooms, cargo spaces and gallery).
  • Explain how to draw plans to deal with: fire and explosion.
  • List contents of emergency check list for fire explosion, collision and grounding.
  • Explain Role of safety committee, purpose and objectives of code of safe working practices, Dock safety regulations, Procedures for reporting of accidents, Security levels and duties and responsibilities of every individual at various levels as per ISPS Code, Action to be taken in case of piracy or armed robbery.
  • Describe planned maintenance system (PMS), care and maintenance of ropes, wires, accommodation ladders, pilot hoist and pilot ladders, W/T doors, mooring equipments, hatch cover and cargo handling equipment.
  • Demonstrate the knowledge of preparations of contingency plans for response to emergencies: Drawing plans to deal with emergencies legal aspects and seamanship practise.
  • Understands ship construction with regards to damage control.
  • Explain how to draw plan to deal with: Leakage and spills in dangerous cargoes, rescue of victims from enclosed spaces, heavy weather damage, rescue of survivors from another ship or sea, & abandon ship, Constructional features with regards to damage control.
  • State that the principles include: being calm and even in temperament when giving orders and dealing with offenders, being honest and fair in all matters, and being firm when necessary, treating all staff on the same basis, avoiding causing disappointment to staff, avoiding making promises, having a proper attitude towards spokesmen or representatives of trade unions, making allowances for differences in nationality, language, religion and other cultural matters affecting behaviour and attitude, ensuring  that all staff feel that their services on board are appreciated.
  • State the reason why people work: need to earn money, need to be a useful member of society, need for security of their standard of living, need to use their manual and mental skills and to derive satisfaction from them, and need to achieve their ambitions and improve their status.
  • State the appointment of a person to a higher rank gives authority, the real authority is achieved when the person concerned demonstrates that he knows the work, is decisive, decisions are generally correct, orders are clear and are quickly carried out without argument, seeks advice when necessary and helps others, accept orders from superiors and carry them out and accepted by those with whom he works.
  • State training should be based on attitude, skill and knowledge.
  • Explain the purpose of on-board training, why training should be relevant to the trainees work and duties aboard ship, how to conduct a training session (purpose objective, contents, mode of training, briefing and debriefing), importance of group activity, demonstration and hands on experience.
  • Explain principles underlying the ISM code, content and application of ISM code, principles underlying STCW convention, content and application of the STCW convention, hours of rest for watch keepers as per STCW and MLC.
  • Explain signs of fatigue, causes of fatigue, the results, if fatigue is overlooked and / or allowed to develop, need to maintain work/ rest hour records, importance of meetings on board for planning, importance of safety committee.
  • State personnel assignment depends upon knowledge, skill, experience, competence, attitude, ship design, manning arrangements, external environmental conditions, reliability of equipment and machinery, and operational conditions.
  • State the work be planned, allocated, delegated, keeping in mind the time and resource constraints, the importance of using all the available resources, with proper planning to obtain optimum results.
  • State importance of prioritizing the work, in different day to day scenarios.
  • State the importance of allocating, assignment and prioritization of resources.
  • Explain interactive and closed loop communication, importance of effective communication, briefings and debriefings.
  • Explain factors to be taken into consideration to allocate and delegate the tasks, effective resource management taking into account the experience of the team, error chains and explains how they can be avoided.
  • Define authority and assertiveness, motivation.
  • Explain need for a balance between authority and assertiveness, methods of motivation and the importance of motivating the crew to obtain the optimum result.
  • Explain the importance of obtaining and maintaining situational awareness.
  • Explain method to carry out situation and risk assessment.
  • Explain need to identify and generate all possible options, method of selecting effective course of action.
  • Explain need to evaluate the outcome effectiveness.
  • Explain how to develop standard operating procedures (SOP’s), methods to implement the SOP’s, reasons of over sighting of SOP’s and the dangers associated with over sight.
Chief Mate Phase 1 – Exams SyllabusDownload