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Reoccuring 2nd class gen. and motor knowledge questions

Posted: Fri Oct 29, 2010 8:28 am
by Jason
This is my first time posting, I 'm studying for the 2nd class general and motor knowledge exams. Jsut wondering if anyone out there has any advice on the types, or possiblely the reoccuring questions that offent come up on the exams. Also is there any web site thats better than others for find info for the answers to questions.


Thank you for any help that anyone can give.

Jason

Re: Reoccuring 2nd class gen. and motor knowledge questions

Posted: Sat Oct 30, 2010 5:31 am
by Sébastien
Hello Jason,
Just look at the syllabus that Transport Canada gave you, everything on there is fair game and is likely to show up on the exams. One sure bet on the motor exam is anything relating to fuel injection: sketch and describe a fuel injector, fuel injection pump, helix controlled fuel metering, valve controlled fuel metering, timing diagrams, methods of changing timing and length of injection time, etc. Reeds are another sure ressource, if you can answer all the questions in these books you are ready for the exam.
By the manner in which you asked the question it seems like you are trying to study only the 'important' material in order to cut down on the time required for studying; if this is the case I strongly recommend you change your strategy. Approach an examination the same way you do maintenance: do it right the first time, every time. This means not cutting corners and being prepared to answer any question that shows up on paper.
As for web sites, Martin developed the most comprehensive online ressource available as far as marine engineering goes, anything not on this site has a link going to one that does.
Good luck!

Re: Reoccuring 2nd class gen. and motor knowledge questions

Posted: Tue Nov 09, 2010 10:01 am
by JollyJack
Jason, look at TP 2293, Examination and Certification of Seafarers, chapter 27.10

http://www.tc.gc.ca/eng/marinesafety/tp ... 480.htm#10

27.10 Engineering knowledge of motor vessels (examination code: 2EKM)

The duration of the examination is 3½ hours.

The examination consists of essay-type questions and the applicant answers 6 out of 9 questions; he may be required to illustrate his answers by means of freehand sketches.

Subject
Required knowledge

Construction of marine machinery
Design considerations and operation of internal combustion engines;
differences between various types of engines;
constructional details of internal combustion engines in general use.

Internal combustion engine systems
Nature and properties of the fuel and lubricating oils generally used in internal combustion engines;
supply of air and fuel to cylinders of engines of different types;
means of cooling the cylinders and pistons;
constructional details and working of air compressors.

Construction of internal combustion engines
Methods of constructing marine internal combustion engines;
processes to which the several parts are submitted or which are incidental to their manufacture;
methods employed in fitting the machinery on board ship.

Starting and reversing systems
Starting and reversing arrangements and the various operations connected therewith.

Operation and maintenance
Attention required for the operation and maintenance of the various parts of machinery;
use and management of valves, pipes, connections and safety devices employed.

Defects and remedies
Enumeration and description of defects arising from working of machinery;
the remedy for such defects.

Auxiliary boilers
Operation and maintenance of auxiliary steam boilers, their fittings and mountings, with special reference to water gauges, safety valves and programmers;
constructional details and management of auxiliary machinery;
draught, combustion equipment, oil fuel equipment.

Compressed air systems
Care and maintenance of air compressors, receivers and coolers.

Power transmission
Operation and maintenance of reduction gears, reverse gearing, thrust systems, lubrication, clutching, and evaluation of visible signs of deterioration.

Lubricating systems
Operation and maintenance of closed lubrication systems, testing for contamination, factors leading to over consumption, symptoms and remedies.

There, that's not too bad, is it? If you have experience on repair and maintenace of Marine engines, if you've done the work, you'll have no problem with the exam. If you haven't, a pass is doubtful. The Exam is based on practical experience rather than "book learning".

My advice is to look at all nine questions, then answer the easy one. Look at the eight left, and answer the easy one. Do that until you have answered 6. The best advice I can offer is RTFQ...Read The F Question and understand what is being asked for. If the question is about pistons, don't write a book on crankshafts, you won't score any more points by trying to impress the Examiner, but get something wrong about crankshafts, you will lose points!

The criterion is really quite simple, as Second, you will be the Head Honcho in the Engine room, you'd better know what you are doing, and how to do it safely.

Re: Reoccuring 2nd class gen. and motor knowledge questions

Posted: Tue Nov 09, 2010 12:08 pm
by JollyJack
JK, there are no "automatic fail" or compulsary questions any more. That went out with the advent of the Canada Shipping Act 2001 on 1 July 2007, when the Marine Personnel Regulations came into effect.

Good advice on time management, 30 to read and 30 for each question. The instructions say "attempt six questions", it doesn't say "answer six". The questions come on a printed sheet now, the old card system is gone.

You can almost bet that the questions you didn't answer will come up in the Oral. :) The scope of the Oral is almost limitless. Again, TP 2293, has the whole thing in Chapter 27.12.

1) The examination is of unlimited duration.

2) Bearing in mind that a Second Engineer Officer must be in the position to assume the responsibilities of the Chief Engineer at any time, assessment in these subjects will be designed to test the applicant's ability to assimilate all available information that affects the safe operation of the ship's machinery and the protection of the marine environment.

3) The oral examination is based on:

(here followeth pages of Required Knowledge, set forth in 27.12)

Re: Reoccuring 2nd class gen. and motor knowledge questions

Posted: Tue Dec 14, 2010 6:13 am
by Jason
Tank's a million for the info there is so much much material to get through going to soon take a shot at the exam soon.

Re: Reoccuring 2nd class gen. and motor knowledge questions

Posted: Tue Dec 14, 2010 7:39 am
by JollyJack
Bear in mind that EK exams are the "practical" ones, you can't really memorize the answers. It's what you have done that counts. If you've changed a liner in a large crosshead 2-stroke engine, you'll be able to answer that one with little problem. If you haven't, you won't.

Look at the questions, understand what is being asked, then answer the easiest one first. Look at the rest of them, then answer the easiest one.....and so on..and so on til you have attempted 6. If you get lost on one, put a line diagonally through it and carry on. Let the Examiner know by scoring it out that this one is not to be considered an answer. Sign the bottom of the page of each answer you are submitting for consideration. TAKE A FRESH PAGE FOR EVERY QUESTION!

NB! If you submit more than 6 answers, THE HIGHEST SCORING ONES WILL BE DISCOUNTED. You will be given a sheet with the Rules for Exams, these rules are repeated inside the front cover of the answer book. READ THEM! That bit of info is in there.

Best advice I can give is RTFQ and answer what is asked. If the question is about pistons, and you write a book about crankshafts, you'll get no extra marks, but if you get something wrong, you'll lose marks!