Exam Question
Describe the possible faults which may be found during a dry-dock inspection of the following
(a) Stern frame
(b) Sea chest
(c) Bilge keel
(d) Anodes
(e) Rudders
Class 2 (2nd Engineer)
MEKG
📅 Mar 2018
Reference Answer
(a) Stern Frame
The stern frame, being a structural component, can exhibit a few defects during a dry-dock inspection. Minor damage might include cracks in the brackets that connect the propeller post and shoe piece or in the upper end of the rudder horn hanging from the stern. Major damage, often caused by grounding or impacts, includes fractures, bending, or twisting of the shoe piece. Surveyors also need to check for corrosion and deterioration of zinc anodes typically fitted to the stern frame and rudder, as they required in reducing galvanic corrosion.
(b) Sea Chest
The sea chest is prone to structural and functional defects due to its exposure to seawater. Typical issues include cracks in the welds of girders, floor plates, or around pipe ends, as well as corrosion and marine growth on the internal and external surfaces. Internal coatings may peel off, and sacrificial anodes might be worn out. Additional faults include fouling or choking of pipes and the deterioration of sea chest valves, often caused by pitting or corrosion.
The stern frame, being a structural component, can exhibit a few defects during a dry-dock inspection. Minor damage might include cracks in the brackets that connect the propeller post and shoe piece or in the upper end of the rudder horn hanging from the stern. Major damage, often caused by grounding or impacts, includes fractures, bending, or twisting of the shoe piece. Surveyors also need to check for corrosion and deterioration of zinc anodes typically fitted to the stern frame and rudder, as they required in reducing galvanic corrosion.
(b) Sea Chest
The sea chest is prone to structural and functional defects due to its exposure to seawater. Typical issues include cracks in the welds of girders, floor plates, or around pipe ends, as well as corrosion and marine growth on the internal and external surfaces. Internal coatings may peel off, and sacrificial anodes might be worn out. Additional faults include fouling or choking of pipes and the deterioration of sea chest valves, often caused by pitting or corrosion.
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