Small Vessel Machinery Operator (SVMO)

Going through the licensing process ? Have queries, comments, or do you need an answer to that obscure exam question ? This is the place to post.
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JK
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Re: Small Vessel Machinery Operator (SVMO)

Post by JK »

From the Book of Words, Marine Machinery Regulations, Schedule XV
LOL, very good. I confer with this Book of Words much more regularly!
Brian Brooks
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Re: Small Vessel Machinery Operator (SVMO)

Post by Brian Brooks »

Thanks everyone...

Very good. I'll have to digest some items, but I think the answer is buried in there for sure.

It basically has to do with the type of valves fitted, not necessarily whether the discharge is above the water line or not.

JK. Does this seem correct?

Brian
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Re: Small Vessel Machinery Operator (SVMO)

Post by JollyJack »

Criterion is if the valve can be in direct communication with the sea, ie anywhere below the uppermost sheer strake on the ship's side, it has to be a non-return valve to prevent water

"inadvertently passing from

(a) water-containing spaces or the sea into cargo or machinery spaces;"

It can be a screw down non-return or a flap valve, but it must allow water to pass in only one direction...out......to prevent sea water getting into the ship's hull.

I have checked with our Naval Architechts and pooled other Engineer Examiners and none of us have ever heard of any regulation or convention, either in Canadian Regulations or in international Conventions, which specifies where bilge and ballast discharges have to be above or below the waterline. In fact, I and other Examiners have served in ships where ballast was above water. I have seen bilge discharges below waterline too.

Follow the Book of Words, in this case the Marine Machinery Regulations, and you can't go wrong.
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Re: Small Vessel Machinery Operator (SVMO)

Post by Brian Brooks »

Jollyjack:

Excellent. Perhaps the most thorough explanation I've seen. Many thanks.

Best regards,

Brian
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Re: Small Vessel Machinery Operator (SVMO)

Post by Brian Brooks »

Hi All:

Those wishing to find out more about Small Vessel Machinery Operator certification (SVMO) in the Toronto/Hamilton/Niagara area, or about certifying to operate any small vessel, including Police and Fire Boats, Public Utility boats, Marina Workboats, certain commercial fishing vessels, or Sport Charter fishing vessels that operate across the U.S. border with customers on board, contact us using the information below. Also, if you wish to work aboard a charter fishing vessel, sightseeing or tour boat, we can assist. See our Web site;

http://www.hamiltonwaterfront.com/marin ... centre.php

or contact us at;

[email protected]

In the meantime, use this forum to ask any questions or to add comments concerning exams or other subjects that will assist crew wanting to certify or work aboard small vessels.

Brian Brooks
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Re: Small Vessel Machinery Operator (SVMO)

Post by Brian Brooks »

Hello Everyone...

This is our first post of a student question in the new year. It's a pretty good one, and anyone is invited to respond.

Q: On the subject of galvanic corrosion, will the use of any grease containing a metallic element, such as lithium or graphite, cause galvanic corrosion inside a bearing or bushing regularly subjected to immersion in water or wet (an electrolyte?).

Posted by B. Brooks
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Re: Small Vessel Machinery Operator (SVMO)

Post by JollyJack »

From where did this question spring Brian? Seems a bit deep for wave-watchers in small vessels taking the SVMO exam.
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Re: Small Vessel Machinery Operator (SVMO)

Post by The Dieselduck »

I think (I dont truly know though)the short answer is yes. But the reality is that it is so minuscule as to be inconsequential.

I think the important thing with this type of question is that the relation is made between corrosion and material, but ultimately, I think the day to day importance is the assurance that your system is properly protected by shaft grounding straps, and anodes on the outside hull.

The question like JollyJack is pretty advance to answer I think.
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Re: Small Vessel Machinery Operator (SVMO)

Post by Brian Brooks »

Hi all:

Where did this question come from? It originated with an SVMO candidate in small town northern Ontario. A former employee on a tour boat in North Bay, now wanting to get a job on a vessel operating somewhere in N.S. His name is Nicolas - don't want to embarass him.

He read the section of the SVMO manual on galvanic corrosion and the nobility scale, including the concept of two dissimilar metals emersed in an electrolyte (as simple as salt water). He obviously understood the principle.

Two and two equals four. His observation is perfectly correct, though as you point out, the effect may be too small to measure - though I'm not certain that's completely true for a rudder bushing greased over 20 years, say.

I personally love seeing this type of technical metamorphosis in my students (previously thought brain dead under the old restricted engineer program).

You know, the rennovated SVMO program (assisted by our belief that all these candidates need is high quality study material and encouragement) has the potential to really make a ship safety difference while introducing many new people to the industry.

Whoops! The old soap box again. Sorry.

Brian
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Re: Small Vessel Machinery Operator (SVMO)

Post by JollyJack »

Thanks Brian, sounds like he has an enquiring mind! :) The subject of galvanic corrosion is dealt with on a pretty basic level in SVMO, but I'm all in favour of encouraging further research on the part of the candidate.
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Re: Small Vessel Machinery Operator (SVMO)

Post by Brian Brooks »

Every now and then one of these candidates shows real promise. Sort of vindicates all the effort that's been put into this project.
Oh..I should tell you that our Marine Training Centre will graduate it's 26th small vessel operator this weekend, having only really started up in October. At last we're starting to have a little fun!

Best regards,

Brian
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Re: Small Vessel Machinery Operator (SVMO)

Post by Brian Brooks »

Hi all:

Well, our incubator marine school has graduated 28 light vessel Masters (MED A3 and SVOP) under 15 gross tons, and four watchkeeping engineers (SVMO). Two of the latter are now working for McKiel Marine and eight others studied on their own to write the challenge exam. We don't have all results in yet. It's been a pretty good start-up winter training season on Hamilton Harbour.

SVOP Captains included people from Corrections Canada, Police, Fire personnel, Sport Charter fishing, Sport Dive vessels, one operator to train on a Pilot Boat and four for the light sightseeing vessel industry.

Best regards to all and have a great navigation season,

Brian Brooks
Instructor/Examiner, Hamilton Waterfront Trust Marine Training Centre
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Re: Small Vessel Machinery Operator (SVMO)

Post by Brian Brooks »

Hamilton Waterfront Trust had a total of 32 graduates of various courses during our first winter season. Not huge.

We had only four graduates from our small, fledgling SVMO course, but two out of four are already working for McKeil Marine and we hired one ourselves. (The fourth is on tour in China until June, 2011).

Not bad.

Brian Brooks
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Re: Small Vessel Machinery Operator (SVMO)

Post by Brian Brooks »

We have found that many Transport Canada exams contain questions on water superheaters (they're not supposed to contain any "boiler" questions at this level). Superheaters - or similar equipment by another name - are used to provide heat to vessel accommodation and perhaps to process heavy fuels in some cases.

These heaters may use water as a medium, though most apparently use antifreeze. The main thing to check on these systems is that they don't run out of water (or whatever heating medium is used). I assume that internal pressure is another item which must be checked.

Anything else to add which the SVMO might have to watch out for?

Brian
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Re: Small Vessel Machinery Operator (SVMO)

Post by JollyJack »

Brian, I have gone over all the SVMO written Examination questions, your post concerned me. There are NO questions on boilers, let alone superheaters, none, zilch, zero. Drop me an e-mail, (I lost your addy when I cleared out old e-mails!) and we'll discuss this.
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