Ship Driver Vessel Systems and Maintenance 2

Question 1

What is the function of a vessel's seacock?

Accepted Answer

Opens and closes a through-hull fitting to control water flow

Answer

A seacock is a valve on a through-hull fitting that can be closed to stop water flow — critical for controlling flooding if a fitting fails.

Question 2

What does 'cavitation' mean in the context of a propeller?

Accepted Answer

Formation and collapse of vapor bubbles on the propeller causing loss of thrust and damage

Answer

Cavitation occurs when low pressure behind propeller blades causes water to vaporize into bubbles that collapse violently, eroding the propeller and reducing efficiency.

Question 3

How can you detect a fuel leak in the engine compartment before starting?

Accepted Answer

Open the engine hatch and sniff for fuel vapors before starting

Answer

Before starting a gasoline engine, open the hatch and sniff for fuel or gas vapor — starting with accumulated vapors present can cause an explosion.

Question 4

What is the purpose of running the bilge blower before starting a gasoline inboard engine?

Accepted Answer

To remove potentially explosive gasoline vapors from the engine compartment

Answer

Federal law requires running the bilge blower for at least 4 minutes before starting a gasoline inboard to evacuate any accumulated explosive fuel vapors.

Question 5

What should be done if the engine temperature gauge rises rapidly to the red zone?

Accepted Answer

Shut down the engine immediately and investigate

Answer

An engine in the red zone is overheating — immediate shutdown prevents catastrophic engine damage, and you must find the cause (failed impeller, low coolant, blocked intake) before restarting.

Ship Driver Practice Test

Ship Driver Practice Test

Ship Driver Vessel Systems and Maintenance 2