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.