SHIP CONSTRUCTION

Q1. Explain the meaning and purpose of EACH of the following ship terms:
a) Transverse watertight bulkhead.
b) Bilge keel.
c) Shear strake.
d) Cofferdam.

a) A transverse watertight bulkhead is a bulkhead that extends across the whole breadth of the
ship from the bottom plates up to the upper main deck. Its purpose is to provide a watertight
barrier that separates two adjacent compartments. It must prevent the spread of smoke and fire
and is stiffened to provide additional strength to prevent racking of the ship and resist internal
water pressure of a flooded compartment.

b) The bilge keel is a stiffened plate that is welded to the outside hull plates and acts as a
stabilising device that reduces the severity of a ships rolling. It operates best when the ship is
moving at a fast speed. Reduction in speed effect the efficiency of bilge keel

c) The shear strake is the top line of ships side plating running adjacent to the weather deck. This
plate is required to be of higher strength, either a thicker section or made of stronger high tensile
steel. The shear strake experiences the highest level of shear stress due to its maximum distance
away from the neutral axis.

d) A cofferdam is used to segregate and resist cross contamination between tanks of different
contents. Cofferdam would commonly be found between a fuel storage tank and a ballast water
tank. If one tank become damaged internally it would leak into the cofferdam without
contaminating the ballast water and risking environmental pollution. It also acts as an indicator of
ships internal plate condition.

Q2. Describe, with the aid of a sketch, the structural features of the bow which impart
structural strength.
A fine form vessel will have a solid round stem bar running from the bottom plat up to the fore
peak. More modern vessels employ a bulbous bow. Transverse and longitudinal plating, stiffeners
and beams, deep solid floors that run transversely across the ship are used. Stiffeners and plates
are placed closer together from forward of the aft perpendicular. The forward hull plating has a
thicker section to resist panting and pounding. There is a collision bulkhead that allows only one
penetration for a ballast line that provides additional strength and safety.
Q3.
a) State the structural features to bow and stem which impart structural strength.
b) State the stability implications when using water to fight a fire on board a ship.

a) State the structural features to bow and stem which impart structural  strength.
The bow of the ship will be stiffened using plate stiffeners and deep solid floors. Thicker hull plate
to resist panting and pounding in the forward region. A forward collision bulkhead adds additional
strength. The aft end of the ships is strengthened using similar methods of closely spaced plates
and stiffeners.
The stem frame is commonly' cast as a single piece as it is a complex design allowing space for
the stem tube. Thicker plating is used to resist panting. There is an aft bulkhead to provide
strength and a watertight barrier. The transform plate at aft end of ship is stiffened.

b) State the stability implications when using water to fight a fire on board a  ship
Water used in fighting a fire can reduce the stability of a vessel if it collects in one compartment
and is not allowed to drain overboard or to a double bottom tank/bilge well. It will reduce stability
by the creation of a free surface effect as water is allowed to flow freely in a compartment. In
addition water allowed to collect on an upper deck will raise the centre of gravity of a vessel
thereby reducing the GM distance and overall stability.

Q4.
a) Sketch the following ship construction features:
(i) A plate floor;
(ii) A watertight bulkhead.
b) Explain how watertight bulkhead integrity may be tested.

a) Sketch the following ship construction features:

i) A plate floor
ii) Watertight bulkhead

b) Explain how watertight bulkhead integrity may be tested.

Watertight integrity may be tested in several locations. Testing of hatch coamings and watertight
doors may be subjected to a fire hose test to check for excessive leakage into next compartment
or hold.

Q5.
With reference to forward collision bulkheads:
a) Describe their construction.
b) State their function.
c) State their position, giving a reason for this positioning.

a) Forward collision bulkheads are formed by one continuous plate running transversely across
the ship from bottom plates to bulkhead deck. It will be stiffened to provide additional strength to
the bulkhead and surrounding hull. It is permitted to have only one bulkhead penetration for the
ballast main. 

b) Their function is to provide a watertight barrier that prevents water flowing from aft into next
compartment in the event of a collision or damage to forward hull plating.

c) The collision bulkhead is placed at least 10m or between 5 and 8 percent of the ships length aft
of the forward perpendicular, whichever is greater. This positioning is a legal requirement set out
in SOLAS allowing for survivability in an event of forward collision.

Q6.
a) Describe, with the aid of a sketch, a freeing-port.
b) Explain how freeing-ports assist in maintaining the stability of a ship.

a) Describe, with the aid of a sketch, a freeing-port.

al A freeing port is an open hole cut into a bulwark that allows rapid drain sea and pooled
rainwater from the weather can sometimes be sealed by a hinged plate that opens via the action
of water pressure acting on the inside surface. These ports can also be located on hull side plating
such as RO-RO ferries in order to drain the water from internal car decks.

b) Explain how freeing-ports assist in maintaining the stability of a ship.

The freeing ports maintain stability by draining large volumes of water collect on the weather deck.
The collection of water would increase the overall mass of the vessel. Which increase its
displacement, draft and affect vessel stability. Moreover water collected on the upper deck would
raise the centre of gravity, reduce the height of GM and consequently the righting lever GZ
shortened. This would adversely effect on stability. The collection of water would also reduce
stability by the free surface effect generated by a freely moving volume of water.

Q7.
a) Explain the term free-surface effect.
b) Explain why free-surface effect is important in ro-ro ferries.

a) Explain the term free-surface effect.

a) The free surface effect is the term given to the reduction in stability caused by an unconstrained
body of water contained within a vessel. The body of water can move to one side of the vessel or
the other and will cause the ship to list in that direction. The effect on stability is modelled by
raising the centre of gravity. Which will reduce overall stability and the ability of ship to right itself

b) Explain why free-surface effect is important in ro-ro ferries.

RO-RO ferries are designed to have a low value of GM, the distance between the metacentre and
the centre of gravity which provides a long slow roll recovery. Providing a soft ride which is better
for passengers and vehicles. Water ingress to vehicle deck on ferries is very bad as there are no
longitudinal bulkheads to stop cross flow of water and reduce free surface effect. Only a small
change in height of centre of gravity could cause vessel to become unstable and capsize

Q8.
a) Describe how the thrust of the propeller is transmitted to the hull of the ship.
b) Show with the aid of a sketch the principle of operation of a Michel thrust block.

a) Describe how the thrust of the propeller is transmitted to the hull of the ship.
The main thrust block transfers forward or astern propeller thrust to the hull and limits axial
movement of the shaft. It is solidly constructed and mounted onto a rigid seating or frame work. It
may be an independent unit or an integral part of the main propulsion engine. Both ahead and
astern thrusts must be catered for and the construction must be strong enough to withstand
normal and shock loads. 

b) Show with the aid of a sketch the principle of operation of a Michel thrust  block.

Q9.
List EIGHT actions to be taken by the Engineer Officer of the Watch to ensure the safe
passage of the vessel through an area of heavy weather.

If engine room is on UMS mode, man the engine room and ensure sufficient man power is
available. 
Monitor all the parameters of the main propulsion plant and auxiliary power plant machinery.

All spares in the engine room should be stowed and lashed properly. In bad weather, propeller
may come in and out of water which will affect the main ' engine load. Thus engine rpm is to be
reduced or main engine control setting is to be put on rough weather mode. 

Ensure the correct sump levels of all the plant as during a rough Sea the ship may roll. Which may
result in false level alarms which could trip the running machine and lead to a dangerous
situation. 

The levels in all important tanks have to be maintained so that pump inlets do not lose suction at
any time, 
The Stand-by Generator is kept on load 'until the bad weather situation stops.
.
Water tight doors in the machinery spaces sky light and other openings are closed. 

All drip trays are emptied to avoid spillage. 

Q10.
With reference to transferring large quantities of fuel from double bottom storage
tanks to wing bunker tanks:
a) Explain the possible effects on the stability of the vessel.
b) State the important checks to be made before and during the fuel transfer operation.

a) The possible effects on the stability of the vessel.

Transferring fuel from double bottom tank to a wing tank will affect stability two ways. It will raise
the centre of gravity of the ship thereby making it less stable as the GM is reduced. It will also
cause the ship to list as centre of gravity is moved off the centreline. During transfer the tank on
suction will become slack and the free surface effect of the liquid fuel will become apparent
making ship less stable.

b) State the important checks to be made before and during the fuel transfer operation
Before fuel transfer the temperature of the tank to be transferred should be checked to ensure it is
warm otherwise transfer could be very slow or trip out the pump motor on overload. The fuel
system valves must be lined up to transfer to the correct tank, checking that all other valves are
closed. Inform bridge that fuel transfer will now take place. The ships SMS may require that a
safety checklist be completed prior to and during transfer. Once transfer started monitor the pump
condition and running amps and also the remote tank levels to check that transfer is correctly
operating .Regularly drain the receiving tank if possible to check for water content of
the fuel. Upon completion of the transfer, fill out oil transfer log and inform the bridge

Q11.
a) State the measurement that gives an indication of a ship’s stability.
b) Explain the meaning of the measurement stated in Q a)
c) Explain how the measurement given in Q a) indicates EACH of the following:
I. Stable stability,
II. Unstable stability
III. Neutral Stability

a) State the measurement that gives an indication of a ship’s stability.

The measurement is called GM. It is the distance between the centre of gravity and the
metacentre of a vessel.

b) Explain the meaning of the measurement stated in Q a),

The GM is the distance between the centre of gravity and the metacentre of a vessel

c) Explain how the measurement given in Q a) indicates EACH of the following

i) Stable Stability is indicated by a positive value for GM. If the vessel is forced away from its
stable position to an angle of roll, it will right itself to a stable position once force is removed.

ii) Unstable stability is indicated by a negative value for GM, if the vessel is forced away from its
original position it will continue to roll once force is removed and vessel will capsize.

iii) Neutral Stability is indicated by a GM value of zero. If the vessel is forced away from its stable
position to an angle of roll, once force is removed the vessel will remain at that angle until acted on
by another force.

Q12.
With reference to Bilge Injection System
a) Describe, with the aid of a sketch, a bilge injection system.
b) State the purpose of fitting a bilge injection system on board a ship.
c) Identify the location on board a ship of a bilge injection system.

a) Describe, with the aid of a sketch, a bilge injection system.

In engine room you will have a bilge injection system which will pump the bilge water directly
overboard (which is allowed in emergencies) this pump in some case will have a submergible bell
encasing the motor so this will still function under water. It will be one of the largest pumps
available within that compartment, typically SW cooling supply and will take suction through a
course filter direct from a low point. 
The suction line diameter will be 2/3 the maximum seawater suction pipe diameter
b) State the purpose of fitting a bilge injection system on board a ship.
The purpose of a bilge injection system is to allow rapid discharge of water from the machinery
space in the event of an uncontrolled flooding situation, bypassing the bilge tank and oily water
separator as allowed in emergency situations.

c) Identify the location on board a ship of a bilge injection system.

Bottom platform (tank top) connected with main sea water pump

Q13.
With reference lubricating oil or fuel oil tanks that have ventilators on the vessels
main weather deck, explain EACH of the following:
I. The purpose of the ventilation;
II. How ingress of sea water in bad weather is prevented.
III. How the risk of fire entering the ventilator is reduced.
IV. How the risk of pollution is reduced.
a) The purpose of the ventilation.
The purpose of ventilators is to release the explosive hydrocarbon fumes from the tank.it also
prevent the tank in case of over and under pressure during loading and discharging.

b) How ingress of sea water in bad weather is prevented.

The vent of the tank fitted with closing device and is especially design for submerge experience.
Inside the vent ball is floating against the rubber to seal the vent.

c) How the risk of fire entering the ventilator is reduced.

A vent is fitted with flammable gauge to prevent the fire and spark entrances in the tank. The
device is fitted with one or more corrosion wire resistance and fibre mash to restrict the flame
and spark in the tank.

d) How the risk of pollution is reduced.

During the transfer of FO or LO there is always a risk of pollution in case of over flow. For
Safety every FO tank is fitted with floating gauges with alarm to monitor the level of tank.
In case if alarm fails then a separate line is going to over flow tank .Over flow tank also fitted
with high level alarm and high-high level alarm to prevent the risk of pollution.

Q14.
Explain, with reference to stability, why, when the vessel has full bunkers, fuel stored
in higher tanks, such as wing tanks, is generally used before fuel stored in lower
tanks, such as double bottom tanks.

Wing tanks are higher than the double bottom tank and are off centre of the ship. The result is
high centre of gravity due to high weight acting on the both side of the ship. Which reduce the GM
distance and make the ship unstable.
If the weight is loaded G moves towards the centre of gravity and if remove the G moves toward
remove weight. Therefore if we use the double bottom fuel first and wing tanks already full and off
centre of the ship. Which reduces the GM distance and reduce the GZ right inning lever also.
So according to thumb rule we use the wings tank first to increase the metacentric height GM and
reduce KM. Which make the ship more stable.
Q15.
Describe the inspection required of a weather deck water-tight door to ensure
compliance with load line survey.

A weather deck watertight door is fitted to prevent the ingress of water, when expose to head of
water. It is designed to remain watertight. When one of the compartments either side is flooded.
So according to load line survey the door should be check for following,
Check the door hinges move freely and properly grease.
Check the door for any sign of corrosion and damage.
Check the door open and close properly.
Check the frame of the door for any corrosion or damage.
Check the door rubber gasket seal for any hardness, damage and breakage.
Check the lock wheel rotate and seat freely.
Do the seal pressure test (door is holding properly against any leakage) by using fire hose.
Check the hook which is used to hold the door in good condition.
Check the door is correctly stencil for open and closing with wheel direction.
Check the surrounding light and emergency light is in good condition.

Q16.
Important point preparing For Load Line Survey on Ships.

1. Check Access Points: Access points at enclosed structures should be checked. All movable
parts (clamps, dogs etc.) should be well greased. Gaskets and watertight packings should be
checked for cracks and repaired accordingly.
2. Check Ventilators and Air pipes: Ventilators and air pipes (openings) should be provided with
closing mechanisms. Check the installation if already provided and repair any damages. Often,
heavy rusting eats up most of the flaps in which case they should be replaced.
3. Keep Deck Clear: Portable beams must be checked for efficiency and securing. Also, a habit
must be inculcated of squaring up of used equipment. It reflects very well on the ship to have a
deck free from unnecessary tools lying about.
4. Check Hatches: Hatches should be checked for being weather tight. Check booby hatches too
for the same. The butterfly screw should be checked for easy movement.
5. Check Locking Bars: Locking bars, locking pins, hatch ventilators must be checked, de rusted
and operated for free movement. As we all know, liberal use of WD 40 is always encouraged and
helpful!
6. Keep Tarpaulins in Good Condition: Tarpaulins, if used to cover hatches, must be in top
condition and of an approved material and standard. In fact, the same logic should apply to most
equipment and/or materials used for the purpose of operation and maintenance onboard.
7. Check for Water tightness: Check manholes, scuppers and other similar parts enabling water
flow for water tightness. The manholes must be screwed tight using the T wrench as far as
possible. Scuppers often get clogged over time and restrict the outlet of water, in which case, they
should be cleaned. Also, plugs of the exact dimensions as the outlet should be used for closing.
8. Ensure Proper Working of Non-Return Valves: The non-return valves must be checked for
working efficiency with respect to overboard discharge. Most authorities are rather stern when it
comes to this.
9. Keep Machinery Spaces Clean: All machinery space opening on deck must be thoroughly
inspected. Keep the general appearance clean at these sections for they generally have patches
of oil and other dirt.
10. Check Ports for Watertight Integrity: All ports under the freeboard deck must be strictly
checked for their watertight integrity. Also, any and every freeing port should be moving freely.
Inspect that shutters, hinges, pins are not corroding and are well lubricated and have free
movement.
11. Repair Fractures: Fractures in guardrails and bulwarks must be repaired. In fact, irrespective
of an impending survey, these areas ought to be in mint condition since they mean so much to
personnel safety.
12. All Lines Should Be Ready For Inspection: The deck line, load line mark, load line, draught
marks, important signage’s etc. should be de rusted and painted for inspection. The required job,
when carried out, must be done under apt supervision and with full safety gear in play, as this job
is most likely to involve being hung by the side of the ship. Keep necessary LSA on standby for
any probable necessity that may arise.

Q17.
a) State the main purpose of the Load Line survey.
b) Explain the importance of EACH of the following with reference to the purpose of the
Load Line survey:
i. Bilge System;
ii. Ballast System.

a) State the main purpose of the Load Line survey.

The purpose of the load line is to ensure that a ship has sufficient freeboard (the height from
the waterline to the main deck) and thus sufficient reserve buoyancy (volume of ship above
the waterline). It should also ensure adequate stability and avoid excessive stress on the ship's
hull as a result of overloading.
b) Explain the importance of EACH of the following with reference to the purpose of the Load Line
survey:

I) Bilge System.
According to load line survey bilge system removes unwanted water and liquids from within the
vessel in order to maintain its reserve buoyancy and stability.
Bilge pump:
Normally on ship bilge wells are pumped out through OWS by using bilge pump.in order to meet
the survey requirement all bilge well fitted with audible automatic alarm system.
Bilge fire and GS Pump:
It is cost effective to share pipes and pumps. Water being pumped in to fight fire will eventually
need to be pumped out before it sinks the ship. Consequently shared bilge/fire systems are
common in vessels. Reliable equipment and alarms are vital, particularly in the engine room where
water ingress may stop the motors, power supply and the pumps themselves. The new NSCV Part
C Section 4 Fire Safety however does not allow fire pumps to be used as bilge pumps but only in
emergency.
Emergency bilge injection system.
It is normally fitted with main sea water pump and open only in case of emergency flooding.

II) Ballast system:

Ballast can be loaded into a vessel to improve her stability by adjusting her trim or lowering/raising
her centre of gravity. Water ballasting allows a larger vessel to more conveniently achieve the
same ends by pumping sea water in or out of dedicated ballast tanks. These are typically the
double bottom tanks low down in the hull. Smaller vessels may use water ballasting to improve
their operations, such as tugs loading ballast to immerse their large propellers to gain greater
thrust or landing craft to pin the bow on the beach after landing

Q18.
Explain the meaning and purpose of EACH of the following ship terms:
a) Keel.
b) Beam (structural member).
c) Girder.
d) Frame.

a) Keel of the ship is the bottom most plate of the ship laid along the entire length of the ship.it
reduce the ship side wave making friction.
b) A beam is a structural element that increases load bearing capability and avoid bending of the
structure.
c) Girders are one form of longitudinal stiffeners. These are big size steel plate (or sometimes
beams) connected to bottom of the ship. Runs in fore and aft direction strengthen the ship against
bending moment.
d) Frames are ribs that are transverse bolted or welded to the keel. Frames support the hull and
give the ship its shape and strength.

Q19.
Explain the meaning and purpose of EACH of the following ship terms:
a) Hawse pipe;
b) Chain stopper;
c) Fairlead;
d) Bollard.

a) Tubes that leads from shall plating to the forecastle deck. It absorbs 20% of the minimum break
b) Holds the anchor while the ship is underway. Guides the chain during anchoring and absorbs
pull of the chain by diverting it to hull.
c) Roller attached to it to guide mooring wires to winches for the correct lead – Roller fairleads can
vertical or horizontal .Purpose is to guide a mooring lines lead between the chock and the winch.
d) Bollard Short vertical post to secure Ship’s mooring lines. Withstand strong against forces often
present during mooring