Marine Systems & Equipment Flashcards

What is the primary function of a marine holding tank?

Answer: Collect and store sewage until it can be properly discharged

Holding tanks collect sewage from the marine toilet to comply with no-discharge zone regulations and prevent water pollution.

What type of battery is best suited for a house bank (sustained onboard loads) on a sailboat?

Answer: Deep-cycle battery

Deep-cycle batteries are designed to be repeatedly discharged and recharged, making them ideal for powering onboard systems over time.

What is 'raw water' in the context of a marine engine cooling system?

Answer: Water drawn directly from outside the hull to cool the engine

Raw water is seawater (or lake/river water) pumped directly from outside the hull through the engine's cooling circuit.

Which component in a marine electrical system prevents battery overcharging?

Answer: Voltage regulator or charge controller

A voltage regulator or charge controller monitors battery voltage and limits charging current to prevent damage from overcharging.

What is the purpose of VHF Channel 16?

Answer: International distress, safety, and calling channel

Channel 16 is the international distress and calling frequency that all vessels and the Coast Guard are required to monitor.

What does AIS (Automatic Identification System) do on a vessel?

Answer: Broadcasts and receives vessel identification, position, and navigation data

AIS broadcasts a vessel's position, heading, speed, and identity to other AIS-equipped vessels and shore stations.

What is the main mechanism of galvanic corrosion on a sailboat?

Answer: Dissimilar metals in contact with seawater creating an electrochemical reaction that erodes the less noble metal

Galvanic corrosion occurs when dissimilar metals in contact through an electrolyte (seawater) generate a current that erodes the less noble metal.