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Knowledge test for engine ratings

For oilers, motormen, fitters and wipers the test checks the engine room routine: the machinery watch and its alarms, pumps and systems, tools and maintenance, safe working practices, fire safety and the pollution rules that apply to every rating.

Sit the practice test for engine ratings

If you are an Oiler, Motorman, Fitter, Wiper or engine cadet, this is your paper: 30 multiple-choice questions drawn from 387 original questions relevant to your rank, 30 minutes, no feedback until the end, then a score by knowledge area with links to revise. All questions are ours; nothing comes from any real test.

Start the engine ratings test

Independent practice. Not affiliated with any test provider; names of commercial tests appear only to explain what they are. Read our guide to the CES test for what to expect rank by rank.

What the test covers for engine ratings

Weighted by the competence tables of STCW A-III/4 and A-III/5. "Core" areas give most of the questions; "basics" appear once or twice.

Knowledge areaWeightShareRevise
Fuel, lubrication, ballast and pumps core 13%
Main and auxiliary machinery core 13%
Maintenance, tools and repair core 13%
Occupational safety and permits core 13% Ship safety signs
Emergencies, fire and life-saving important 9% Life-saving appliances and fire protection
Pollution prevention (MARPOL) important 9%
Communications, SMCP and GMDSS basics 4% VHF and Channel 16
Conventions and regulations basics 4% STCW English requirements guide
Electrical, electronic and control systems basics 4%
Leadership, teamwork and fatigue basics 4%
MLC: rest hours, contracts and welfare basics 4%
Ship security (ISPS) basics 4%
Vessel types and their cargoes basics 4% English and safety by ship type

Learn the safe way to do the routine jobs: isolate before you open, permits for hot work and enclosed spaces, where oily rags and sludge go. Those questions are worth the most points.

Sample questions for engine ratings

Five questions of the kind you will meet, from the core areas. Think first, then open the answer.

  1. Main and auxiliary machinery In a four-stroke diesel engine, the four strokes are:

    1. Intake, compression, power, exhaust
    2. Compression, ignition, cooling, exhaust
    3. Start, run, stop, cool
    4. Suction, discharge, lubrication, cooling
    Show the answer

    Intake, compression, power, exhaust. Each cycle takes two revolutions of the crankshaft; a two-stroke engine completes the cycle in one revolution.

  2. Fuel, lubrication, ballast and pumps The oily water separator may discharge bilge water overboard only when:

    1. The Master says so
    2. The tank is full
    3. The ship is in port
    4. The oil content is below 15 ppm, the ship is en route and the discharge is allowed in the area
    Show the answer

    The oil content is below 15 ppm, the ship is en route and the discharge is allowed in the area. MARPOL Annex I: 15 ppm alarm and automatic stopping device; entries in the Oil Record Book.

  3. Occupational safety and permits Before entering an enclosed space, the atmosphere must be tested for:

    1. Humidity only
    2. Noise level
    3. Oxygen content, flammable gases and toxic gases
    4. Temperature only
    Show the answer

    Oxygen content, flammable gases and toxic gases. SOLAS III/19 drills and IMO A.1050(27): oxygen 20.8 to 21 per cent, flammable gas below 1 per cent LEL, toxic gases below exposure limits, plus a permit and an attendant. Read more

  4. Fuel, lubrication, ballast and pumps The purpose of a viscosity controller (viscotherm) is to:

    1. Mix diesel and heavy fuel
    2. Keep the fuel at the correct injection viscosity by controlling the heating
    3. Measure the fuel quantity
    4. Remove water from the fuel
    Show the answer

    Keep the fuel at the correct injection viscosity by controlling the heating. Too thick fuel atomises badly; too thin fuel damages pumps and injectors.

  5. Maintenance, tools and repair PMS on board stands for:

    1. Planned Maintenance System: jobs scheduled by running hours or calendar
    2. Pressure Monitoring System
    3. Personal Medical Service
    4. Port Mooring Scheme
    Show the answer

    Planned Maintenance System: jobs scheduled by running hours or calendar. Jobs, intervals, spare parts and records in one system; class and PSC inspectors look at the overdue list.

Take the full 30-question test

How to prepare

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