Q2 (10 Marks) Surveys & Drydocking 🔥 Repeated 7x in exams
SC&S • Written Exam

With reference to dry docking, define the responsibilities of the Second Engineer and the instructions he needs to give to Junior Engineers:

(a) Prior to docking

(b) Whilst the vessel is in dry dock

(c) Prior to flooding and leaving the dock

Appeared In: Jan 2026Dec 2025Jan 2025Nov 2024Oct 2023Dec 2022Jul 2018

Verified Model Answer (Text Solution)

Structured for DG Shipping MEO Class II examination scoring criteria.

Exam Ready

(a) Prior to Docking:

Preliminary Preparation:

  • Review various plans, manuals, and previous drydock reports for reference.
  • Prepare a detailed repair list and ensure all required spares are accounted for.
  • Conduct an inventory of spares and requisition necessary items.
  • Gather required tools, including special tools like poker gauges, trammel gauges, gagging tools, etc.
  • Mark all overboard valves, NC (normally closed) and NO (normally open) valves clearly for easy identification.
  • Allocate jobs to team members and discuss the time schedule.
  • Conduct a safety meeting to highlight dry dock hazards and necessary precautions.

Before Entering Dry Dock:

  • Identify the power requirements and machinery to be operational during docking.
  • Check the shore connection box for proper functionality.
  • Record the soundings of FO (Fuel Oil), LO (Lubricating Oil), and DO (Diesel Oil) tanks.
  • Discharge contents from clean drain tanks and sewage tanks.
  • Carry out Economizer soot-blowing.
  • Change over Main Engine, Diesel Generators, and Boiler to Low Sulfur Gas Oil (LSGO).
  • Stop and clean purifiers.
  • Ensure the low sea chest is open and the high sea chest is shut.
  • Keep firefighting appliances (FFA) on standby.
  • Shut down all non-essential machinery, including MGPS (Marine Growth Prevention System) and FWG (Fresh Water Generator).

(b) Whilst the Vessel is in Dry Dock

Upon Arrival:

  • Connect shore power and supplies after ensuring safety checks are completed.
  • Start necessary equipment like cooling water, air compressors, air conditioning, and fridge compressors.
  • Check for jobs assigned by dry dock personnel and prepare accordingly.
  • Attend a safety meeting with dry dock personnel to understand local safety rules and procedures.

During Dry Docking::

  • Oversee and assist in:
    • Cleaning and inspecting the hull, rudder, sea chest, anodes, and propeller.
    • Measuring propeller drop, checking rudder clearances, and inspecting the stern tube bearing and seal.
    • Servicing underwater valves and overboard valves.
    • Inspecting anchor and cables conditions.
    • Overhauling deck machinery, cranes, elevators, and engine room equipment such as the Main Engine, Diesel Generators, Boiler, and Economizer.
    • Renewing pipes and valves as needed.
    • Performing electrical equipment maintenance and surveys.
    • Supervising service engineers for specific repair jobs.
  • Ensure tank cleaning, welding, and other repair works are completed according to the plan.
  • Run the standby diesel generator daily after starting the priming pump.

(c) Before Flooding and Leaving the Dry Dock

Final Checks:

  • Verify that all underwater fittings and drain plugs are securely in place.
  • Ensure all machinery has been boxed back and is ready for operation.
  • Check for any leakage in stern tube seals.
  • Take tank soundings to confirm proper levels.
  • Confirm the proper operation of all underwater valves, overboard valves, sea chests, and vents.
  • Inspect the stern tube tank for any irregularities.

System Restart:

  • Switch back to ship's power after confirming all systems are functional.
  • Test the proper operation of all machinery and systems to ensure the ship is fully operational before leaving the dock.
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