Let’s go through each section of the exam paper and provide the answers for the questions.
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### **Section A: Fill in the Blanks (10 MCQs/Fill in the Blanks, 1 Mark Each)**
1.IGC code is an acronym for**
Answer:** International Gas Carrier (IGC). The IGC Code stands for the International Code for
the Construction and Equipment of Ships Carrying Liquefied Gases in Bulk.
2.Gas Freeing a tank means decreasing O2 level below 8% (T/F)**
Answer:** False (F). Gas freeing a tank means removing hazardous gases and making the
atmosphere safe for entry, typically by reducing the concentration of flammable gases to below
the lower explosive limit (LEL), not specifically O2 to below 8%.
3.LPG Carriers maintain cargo temperatures at**
Answer:** -48°C. Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) carriers typically maintain cargo at
temperatures around -48°C to keep the gas in a liquid state, depending on the type of LPG
(e.g., propane or butane).
4.ISGOTT gives guidelines for Chemical Tankers (T/F)**
Answer:** False (F). ISGOTT (International Safety Guide for Oil Tankers and Terminals)
primarily provides guidelines for oil tankers and terminals, not specifically for chemical tankers,
which are covered by other codes like the IBC Code.
5.COW is an acronym for**
Answer:** Crude Oil Washing (COW). This is a method used to clean cargo tanks on oil tankers
by using crude oil itself as a washing medium.
6.Chemical Tanker Ship Type 3 has many restrictions on amount of cargo they can carry (T/F)**
Answer:** False (F). Type 3 chemical tankers have the least restrictions among chemical tanker
types (Type 1, 2, and 3), as they are designed to carry less hazardous cargoes with fewer
containment requirements.
7.On Oil Tankers the Drop Lines lead from**
Answer:** Deck to the tank bottom. Drop lines on oil tankers are used for loading and unloading
cargo, running vertically from the deck to the bottom of the tank.
8.MARVS is an acronym for**
Answer:** Maximum Allowable Relief Valve Setting (MARVS). This term is used in the context of
gas carriers to define the maximum pressure at which the relief valve will operate.
9.The Deck Seal on the Inert Gas prevents**
Answer:** Backflow of gases. The deck seal on an inert gas system prevents the backflow of
hydrocarbon gases from the cargo tanks to the inert gas system, ensuring safety.
10.Centrifugal pumps are self-priming pumps (T/F)**
Answer:** False (F). Centrifugal pumps are not self-priming; they require the pump casing to be
filled with liquid (primed) before they can operate effectively.
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### **Section B: Five Questions of 2 Marks Each**
11. **Explain what is INTERTANKO?**
INTERTANKO stands for the International Association of Independent Tanker Owners. It is an
organization that represents the interests of tanker owners globally, promoting safety,
environmental responsibility, and best practices in the tanker industry.
12. **What are different Tank types used on Gas Carriers?**
Gas carriers typically use three types of tanks:
Independent Tanks (Type A, B, C):** Self-supporting tanks not integral to the ship's hull.
Membrane Tanks:** Thin, flexible walls supported by the ship's hull.
Semi-Membrane Tanks:** A hybrid between membrane and independent tanks, partially
supported by the hull.
13.Name additional Certificates required for chemical tankers carrying dangerous cargo?**
Chemical tankers carrying dangerous cargo require:
- **Certificate of Fitness (CoF):** Under the IBC Code for chemical tankers.
- **Noxious Liquid Substances (NLS) Certificate:** For carrying noxious liquid substances as
per MARPOL Annex II.
14. **Explain Thermal Oxidation method on Gas Carriers?**
Thermal oxidation on gas carriers involves burning (oxidizing) excess hydrocarbon vapors or
boil-off gas in a controlled environment, typically using a flare or incinerator, to prevent the
release of flammable gases into the atmosphere and ensure safety.
15. **Explain the difference between Inerting & Purging of a Tank?**
Inerting:** Introducing an inert gas (like nitrogen or CO2) into a tank to reduce the oxygen level
below the threshold needed for combustion, preventing explosions.
Purging:** Removing hazardous gases or vapors from a tank by displacing them with inert gas
or fresh air, typically to make the tank safe for entry or maintenance.
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### **Section C: Five Questions of 10 Marks Each**
16. **a) Describe the risks & hazards associated with chemical tank cleaning?**
Chemical tank cleaning on chemical tankers involves several risks:
Chemical Exposure:** Contact with toxic or corrosive residues can cause burns, poisoning, or
respiratory issues.
Fire/Explosion:** Flammable residues may ignite if not properly inerted or gas-freed.
Oxygen Deficiency:** Inert gas used during cleaning can reduce oxygen levels, posing an
asphyxiation risk
Slippery Surfaces:** Cleaning agents and residues can create slippery surfaces, leading to
falls.
Confined Space Hazards:** Tanks are confined spaces, with risks of entrapment, poor
ventilation, and difficulty in rescue.
**b) Explain primary barrier, secondary barrier & inter barrier space on Gas Carriers?**
- **Primary Barrier:** The innermost layer that directly contains the liquefied gas (e.g., the
tank's inner wall or membrane).
- **Secondary Barrier:** An additional layer outside the primary barrier, designed to contain
any leakage from the primary barrier (e.g., a drip tray or outer hull).
- **Inter-Barrier Space:** The space between the primary and secondary barriers, often
monitored for leaks and filled with inert gas or insulation to prevent heat transfer.
17. **a) Describe a Nitrogen Generator?**
A nitrogen generator on a ship produces nitrogen gas by separating it from the air, typically
using methods like Pressure Swing Adsorption (PSA) or membrane separation. It’s used for
inerting tanks to prevent combustion by reducing oxygen levels.
**b) What is the difference between Radar Gauging system & UTI?**
- **Radar Gauging System:** A non-contact method using radar waves to measure the level of
liquid in a tank, typically mounted on the deck, providing continuous and accurate readings.
- **UTI (Ullage, Temperature, Interface):** A portable device (tape) lowered into the tank to
measure ullage (space above liquid), temperature, and the interface between oil and water. It’s
manual and less automated than radar gauging.
18. **a) Explain PERC on LNG Gas Carriers?**
PERC (Piston Engine Room Combustion) on LNG gas carriers refers to a system where boil-off
gas from LNG cargo is used as fuel in the ship’s engines. It involves compressing and
combusting the gas in a controlled manner to power the ship.
**b) Explain briefly portable gas detectors used on Oil Tankers?**
Portable gas detectors on oil tankers are used to measure:
- **Hydrocarbon Levels:** To detect flammable gases.
- **Oxygen Levels:** To ensure safe levels for entry (around 21%).
- **Toxic Gases:** Like H2S or CO.
Common types include multi-gas detectors with sensors for LEL (Lower Explosive Limit), O2,
and toxic gases, used during tank entry or gas-freeing operations.
19. **a) Explain the process of Inerting a tank by Dilution method?**
Inerting by dilution involves introducing inert gas (e.g., nitrogen) into the tank to mix with the
existing atmosphere, gradually reducing the oxygen and flammable gas concentration. The
mixture is vented out, and the process continues until the oxygen level is below the combustion
threshold (typically <8%).
b) Explain the LNG Independent Tank Type A?**
LNG Independent Tank Type A is a self-supporting prismatic tank designed to carry LNG. It’s
not integral to the ship’s hull, has flat or slightly curved surfaces, and relies on a secondary
barrier (like the ship’s hull) to contain leaks. It’s typically used on older LNG carriers.
20. **a) Describe the ship shore link on Gas Carriers?**
The ship-shore link (SSL) on gas carriers is a communication and safety system connecting the
ship to the terminal during loading/unloading. It ensures safe operations by monitoring
parameters like pressure, temperature, and flow rates, and enables emergency shutdown (ESD)
if needed.
**b) Name paints usage & maintenance on Chemical Tankers?**
Paints Usage:** Chemical tankers use specialized coatings like epoxy or zinc silicate paints in
cargo tanks to resist corrosion and chemical reactions with cargoes. Deck areas may use
anti-slip paints.
Maintenance:** Regular inspection for coating breakdown, touch-up painting, and recoating
during dry-docking to prevent corrosion and ensure cargo purity.
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