IMP PAST QUESTIONS FOR SEMANSHIP, CODE OF SAFE WORKING PRACTICES.

5.1

Q- WHAT ARE TYPES OF FIBRE ROPES AND HOW TO TAKE CARE OF FIBRE ROPES. (5)
ANS- 1.TYPES OF NATURAL FIBRE ROPES ARE AS FOLLOWS-
1. MANILA ,2. SISAL ,3. HEMP, 4. COIR
2. NATURAL FIBRE ROPES ARE MADE FROM FIBRES OF VARYING LENGTHS DEPENDENT ON THEIR SOURCE.
3. NATURAL FIBRE ROPE DOES NOT HAVE A PERMANENT ELASTIC LIMIT.
4. NEVER STOW NATURAL FIBRE ROPE IN WET, IF THIS IS UNAVOIDABLE IT SHOULD BE BROUGHT OUT AND DRIED AT
THE EARLIEST OPPORTUNITY.
5. ROPE SHOULD BE EXAMINED FOR DAMAGE, ROT AND FATIGUE REGULARLY
6. SERIOUS DAMAGE CAN BE SEEN WHEN THE STRANDS ARE DISTORTED AND BEAR UNUSUAL STRAINS OR WHEN
THE ROPE BECOMES OPENED.
7. ROT CAN BE DETECTED BY THE SMELL OF THE ROPE AND BY OPENING OUT THE STRANDS FOR EXAMINATION
8. KEEP AWAY FROM HEAT, FIRE, CHEMICALS, HOT BULKHESDS ETC.

Q.- LIST THE TYPES OF ROPES USED ON SHIPS. (5)

ANS- TYPES OF ROPES USED ON SHIPS ARE AS FOLLOWS
1.NATURAL FICRE ROPES- MANILA,SISAL,HEMP,COIR
2.SYNTHETIC FIBRE ROPES- NYLON,POLYPROPELENE
3.STEEL WIRE ROPES- FLEXIBLE, EXTRA FLEXIBLE.

Q. – HOW NEW COIL OF WIRE ROPE OPENS ON SHIP? (5)

ANS-1. USE A TURN TABLE SUSPENDED ON SWIVEL
2. IT WILL PERMIT THE COIL TO ROTATE FREELY
3. START OPENING COIL SLOWLY AND STRETCH DOWN ON LONG OPEN DECK
4. ONCE FLAKE DOWN ON LONG DECK THE START COILING ON STOWED GRATES.

Q.- WHAT IS CARE AND MAINTENANCE OF SYNTHETIC MOORING ROPES? (5)

ANS- CARE AND MAINTENANCE FOR SYNTHETIC MOORING ROPES IS AS FOLLOWS
1.EXPOSURE TO SUNLIGHT - DESPITE THE USE OF ULTRA VIOLET INHIBITORS BEING USED IN THE
MANUFACTURING PROCESS, MAN MADE ROPES SHOULD NOT BE EXPOSED UNNECESSARILY TO SUNLIGHT
2.CHEMICALS - TRY TO AVOID CONTAMINATION BY CHEMICALS OR FUMES. IF ROPES ARE INADVERTENTLY
CONTAMINATED THEY SHOULD BE WASHED IN COLD RUNNING WATER.
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3. HANDLING - DO NOT DRAG ROPES OVER SHARP OR ROUGH EDGES.
4. RUST - IF ROPE HAS BEEN IN CONTACT WITH CORRODING STEEL IT WILL SHOW SIGNS OF YELLOW OR BROWNISH
STAINING. THESE CAN BE REMOVED USING SOAPY WATER ALTHOUGH SOME MAY BE MORE RESISTANT THAN
OTHERS. AVOID USING BLEACH OR BLEACHING AGENTS.
5. HEAT - AVOID STOWING ROPES WHERE THERE IS EXCESSIVE HEAT, E.G. NEAR RADIATORS OR HOT PIPES.

5.2

Q. DESCRIBE WIRE ROPES CONSTRUCTION AND CHECK. (5)

ANS- 1. A STEEL WIRE ROPE COMPOSED OF THREE PARTS I.E. WIRE, STRANDS AND HEART
2. HEART IS MADE OF SYNTHETIC FIBRE OR NATURAL FIBRE ROPE.
3. MATERIAL USED TO MAKE THESE ROPES IS STEEL WIRE.
4. MANY GRADES USED TO MAKE BUT PLOUGH STEEL IS MOST COMMANLY USED.

TYPES OF WIRE ROPES ARE, ------ FLEXIBLE AND EXTRA FLEXIBLE.

CHECKS OF WIRE ROPES ARE
1. WEAR AND TEAR ON THE OUTER STRANDS
2. RUST BUILD UP
3. TWIST LOOSENING
4. REDUCTION IN WIRE DIAMETER
5. WIRE AND STRANDS DAMAGED

Q.- WHEN WIRE ROPE SHOULD BE DISCARDED? (5)

ANS- WIRE ROPE SHOULD BE DISCARDED WHEN
1. VISIBLE DAMAGE OF WIRE ROPES
2. SIGNIFICANT BUILD UP OF CORROSION
3. FLATTED BY CHAFING AND SQUEEZING
4. WEAR AND TEAR BEYOND 10% FROM ORIGINAL DIAMETER
5. WHEN WIRE ROPE IS BUKLED
6. LOOSENING OF STYRANDS
7. FORMATION OF KNOTS
8. PINCHES
9. VISIBLE WIRES CAME OUT OF STRANDS
10. FRACTURE OF STRANDS
11. TOTAL WIRE FRACTURED

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6.1/6.2/6.3
Q.- WHAT ARE THE MARKINGS ON CARGO BLOCK? WHAT IS DIFFERENCE BETWEEN BLOCK AND TACKLE? (5)
ANS- BLOCK IS PORTABLE PULLEY MADE OF WOOD, METAL, OR WOOD AND METAL, WHICH MAINLEY USED TO GIVE
DIRECTION OF PULL.
MARKINGS ARE AS FOLLOWS
SWL IS PUNCHED ON CHHEK AND BINDING STRAPS, CERTIFICATE NUMBER AND DATE OF TEST AND NAME OF
MANUFACTURER.

A TACKLE (PRONOUNCED ' TAYCLE ') IS A PURCHASE CONSISTING OF A ROPE ROVE THROUGH TWO OR MORE
BLOCKS IN SUCH A WAY THAT ANY PULL APPLIED TO ITS HAULING PART IS INCREASED BY AN AMOUNT DEPENDING
UPON THE NUMBER OF SHEAVES IN THE BLOCKS AND THE MANNER IN WHICH THE ROPE IS ROVE THROUGH THEM.

Q.- EXPLAINS USE OF GUNTACKLE, THREE FOLD PURCHASE AND HAND LEAD LINE. (5)
ANS- GUN TACKLE- IN THE GUN TACKLE THE STANDING PART OF THE FALL IS ALWAYS MADE FAST TO ONE OF THE
BLOCKS.
THREE FOLD PURCHASE- IT CONSIST OF TWO THREE SHEVE BLOCKS AND USED FOR BOAT FALLS
HAND LEAD LINE- THE HAND LEAD-LINE CONSISTED OF A LEAD WEIGHT (WEIGHING FROM 16 TO 20 LBS.), A LONG
ROPE MARKED WITH CLOTH AND LEATHER STRIPS TO INDICATE THE VARIOUS DEPTHS, AND A HAND-HELD REEL
UPON WHICH THE ROPE WAS WOUND. THE LEAD-LINE IS THE OLDEST NAVIGATIONAL INSTRUMENT.IT IS USED
WHERE DEPTH IS VERY LESS AND ECHO SOUNDER DOES NOT WORK.

6.4
Q. Explain the use of sen house slip.
Ans- A hinged hook, fitted with a securing ring which can conveniently be released when under strain. It is used for
holding chain for quick release
Senhouse Slip; For use with liferaft deployment systems; Safe and secure under load; Easy release;
This Liferaft Senhouse Slip Hook is designed to fit between a Hydrostatic Release Unit and a lashing strap securing a
liferaft in its cradle.

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6.5
Q.Explain the use of Swivel.
Ans- Swivels are used to attach an anchor to the chain with the purpose of preventing chain twisting as the boat
moves around in the anchorage. Swivels also help the anchor come up in the correct orientation into the hawse
pipe.

6.6
Q.- EXPLAINS THE EFFECT OF MIXED MOORING AND DANGERS OF BIGHTS DURING MOORING STATION. (5)
ANS- 1. A VESSEL IS SAID TO BE MOORED WHEN IT IS FASTENED TO A FIXED OBJECT SUCH AS A BOLLARD, PIER,
QUAY OR THE SEABED, OR TO A FLOATING OBJECT SUCH AS AN ANCHOR BUOY.
2. MOORING IS OFTEN ACCOMPLISHED USING THICK ROPES CALLED MOORING LINES OR HAWSERS
3. THE LINES ARE FIXED TO DECK FITTINGS ON THE VESSEL AT ONE END, AND FITTINGS ON THE SHORE, SUCH AS
BOLLARDS, RINGS, OR CLEATS, ON THE OTHER END.
4. MIXED MOORING SHOULD BE AVOIDED AS IT REQUIRES MORE DEEPER ATTENTION AND THREAT OF PARTING
5. MIXED MOORING CAN DAMAGE THE MOORING EQUIPMENTS
6. LOAD COMES ON WIRE ROPE AS IT IS STRONGEST ROPE.
7. DANGERS OF BIGHTS OF ROPES
8. BIGHT CAN CAUGHT PERSON TRAPPED, AND FALL ON DECK
9. IT CAN SEVERLY INJURED THE PERSON
10. THE PERSON MAY FALL OVERBOARD DUE TO FOULED IN BIGHT OF ROPES

6.7
Q. Explain the use of Tonberg And Mandal Mooring Shackle.
Ans- Tonberg Shackle- Mooring Link. Galvanized steel mooring link of compact design typically utilized as connection
between wire rope and fiber rope.
Mandal Shackle- Mandal Fairlead Shackle - Stainless steel mooring shackle with sleek shape designed to pass
through fairleads.

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6.8
Q. Explain the use of synthetic rope tails with mooring wire.
Ans- It is used for such functions as shock-absorbing when coupled with a mooring wire: the nylon forms a rope tail
which takes the heavy shocks as a vessel ranges on her moorings. It is also used in a combination tow line – one
section steel wire and one section nylon rope.

6.10
Q. Explain the use of Sledge Hammer.
Ans- Sledgehammers are a large hammer with a metal, mallet-like head. ... These types of hammers deliver a mighty
blow, designed for breaking stone and demolition work.

6.11
Q, - EXPLAIN THE PARTS OF STOCKLESS ANCHOR. (5)

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ANS- PARTS OF STOCKLESS ANCHOR
D- SHACKLE
SHANK
CROWN
BLADE ARMS
BILL
FLUKE

6.12
Q. What are the precautions to be taken while rigging pilot ladder.
Ans- Pilot ladder should be rigged as per the instructions from Master
Leeway side should be used
Should be kept above water level
4/5 steps to be checked
Pilot ladders are to be regularly inspected for wear and tear of side ropes, missing wedges, and damages on the
steps.
The steps should never be painted and should be kept clean, free from oil and grease.
All the steps should be equally spaced between the side ropes and the distance between two steps should be
uniform.
Pilot ladder should be used for pilot embarkation and disembarkation only

6.13
Q. What is the use of deck scuppers?
Ans- Drains from decks to carry off accumulations of rainwater, condensation or seawater. Scuppers are located in
the gutters or waterways, on open decks and connected to pipes usually leading overboard, and, in the corners of
the enclosed decks to the bilge.
Deck scuppers are used while bunkering to stop overflow of oil

6.14
Q. Explain the use of hand lead line.
Ans- The hand lead-line consisted of a lead weight (weighing from 16 to 20 lbs.), a long rope marked with cloth and
leather strips to indicate the various depths, and a hand-held reel upon which the rope was wound. The lead-line is
the oldest navigational instrument
The cavity available in the bottom of the tapered bar of lead is filled with a hard waxy substance, so that when the
lead touches the sea-bed, some of the soil gets stick in the waxy material in the cavity. This will be useful to identify
the nature of the sea-bottom.

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Sec/7 All

Q.- EXPLAIN CATHODIC PROTECTION SYSTEM FOR CORROSION CONTROLON SHIP. (5)
ANS- CATHODIC PROTECTION CONTROLS CORROSION BY SUPPLYING DIRECT CURRENT TO THE IMMERSED SURFACE
OF THE STRUCTURE, THUS MAKING THE STRUCTURE A CATHODE OF A CELL. THE EXTERNAL HULL OF A SHIP IS
EXPOSED TO DIFFERENT WATERS WITH DIFFERING CHEMISTRIES, WHICH HAVE A PROFOUND INFLUENCE ON THE
CATHODIC PROTECTION

Q.WHAT IS CORROSION AND WHAT IS THE PURPOSE OF PAINTING? (5)

•Corrosion is a natural process that converts a refined metal into a more chemically stable form such as oxide,
hydroxide or sulphide. It is the gradual destruction of materials by chemical and/or electrochemical reaction with
their environment. Corrosion can also be termed as the ability of a refined metal to return to its natural oxidation
state.
•A corrosion triangle is required for corrosion to take place

Metal Water

Air

Q. EXPLAIN SACRIFICIAL ANODE METHOD OF CORROSION PREVENTION. (5)

• Bimetallic/Galvanic corrosion occurs when two metals of different types are in contact with each other directly or
indirectly through an electrolyte.
• To prevent this bimetallic/galvanic corrosion, a less inert metal is used in this Galvanic Cell.
• This principle is used to protect the shipside and other metal structures by means of 'SACRIFICIAL ANODES'
• A sacrificial anode is a block of relatively pure metal, normally zinc, aluminium or magnesium.
• The anode corrodes protecting the steel structure of the ship & hence it is made of less noble metal.
• The flow of electrons is from the anodes to the ship's structure
• Good bonding is necessary between the anode and the ship's hull so that the current flow is not obstructed.
 Bonding is achieved by welding the steel bar passing through the anode or bolting it to the studs fitted on
the hull.

Q. WHAT ARE FACTORS AFFECTING CORROSION? (5)

The factors causing corrosion are as follows:
1. Coating not applied
2. Excessive Crude oil/water washing
3. Sulphur Content of Cargo: High Sulphur content in any cargo such as Crude Oil or Sulphur transported in bulk
accelerates corrosion of Cargo holds/Cargo tanks.
4. Inert Gas Quality: The quality of Inert Gas used on tankers affects the rate of Corrosion. More Oxygen content
causes more corrosion.
5. Inadequate earthling of electrical equipment.
6. Material of Construction: Some Metals are more prone to corrosion than others.
7. Microbial Attack: Micro-organisms found in ballast water & Cargo oil can accelerate the rate of corrosion.
8. Sludge Accumulation: Accumulation of sludge on crude oil tankers causes corrosion.
9. Water In cargo tanks.
10 High Humidity
11. High Temperature
12. Structural Flexing
13. Empty Ballast Tanks
14. Exposed, unprotected steel.

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Q. HOW CORROSION CAUSED IN BALLAST TANKS? (5)
1. Coating not applied properly: Exposed and unprotected steel structure causes corrosion in ballast tanks
2. Material of Construction: Some Metals are more prone to corrosion than others.
3. Microbial Attack: Micro-organisms found in ballast water can accelerate the rate of corrosion.
4. High Humidity: High humidity in ballast tanks can accelerate corrosion
5. High Temperature: High Temperature in case of ballast tanks which are close to the engine room can accelerate
corrosion
6. Structural Flexing: The ships structure flexes due to various dynamic forces acting on the ship. This structural
flexing causes the coating to crack, thereby leading to corrosion
7. Empty Ballast Tanks: The chances of corrosion are more in an empty ballast tank than a full ballast tank
8. Exposed, unprotected steel.

Q. WHAT ARE MAIN COMPONENTS OF PAINTS? WHAT TYPE OF BINDER USED IN EPOXY PAINT? (5)
The main components of paints are:
Pigment: Pigments are used in paints in the form of primers & finishing paints. Four types of pigments are Anti-
corrosive, Barrier, Colouring & extending pigments
1. Binder: They are the film forming components of paint. They are the main components which determine the
physical & chemical characteristics of paint.
2. Solvent: They are used in paints, mainly to help application. Its function is to dissolve the binder thus help in mode
of application like brush, roller or spray. After application the solvent evaporates Chemically Curing types of Binders
are used in Epoxy paints

Q. Explain the surface preparation on ships.

Ans- The surface must be dry, clean and free from oil and grease before painting.
Degreasing requires some effort to obtain a clean surface, as the zinc corrosion products can trap grease and other
contaminants.
Clean all surfaces using water soluble detergent and high pressure fresh water.
Remove salt, oil, grease, loose coating, dirt and detergent prior to de-rusting.
When de-rusting, turn smaller patches of rust into one larger area by removing the paint between the rust patches.
After chipping broom all area before water cleaning
Applied first coat of primer allow for 6 to 8 hours drying and then applying second coat.

Q. What are the main components of Paint?

Ans. Pigment and vehicle are main components of paint
The vehicle is basically composed of an oily liquid in which both the base and the pigment are soluble. The primary
objective of the vehicle is to allow the paint to spread over the surface to which it is applied. The vehicle mostly
adjusts the viscosity of the paint.
Pigments are insoluble particulate materials that provide colour, opacity, gloss control, rheological control, and
certain functions such as corrosion inhibition or magnetic moment. They also reduce the cost of coatings by acting as
volume filler.

7.1 List different types of materials and their uses on board

1) Steel
2) Aluminium
3) Brass
4) Wood
5) Forged Steel
6) Canvas
7) Rubber, plastics
8) Ropes and cordages
9) Fibreglass

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7.1 List different types of materials and their uses on board
1) Steel---- Mild steel is extensively used for hull plating, deck plating and for superstructure. Hull plating uses special
quality mild steel. The great advantage of mild steel is that repairs can be easily carried out by welding. The great
disadvantage is mild steel is prone to corrosion by rusting.

2) Aluminium ---- Light and strong metal. As this metal is less “noble” than steel, aluminium will be destroyed if in
vicinity of steel if they are immersed in an electrolyte such as sea water. Modern ship building practice is to make
accommodation superstructure of aluminium. Aluminium cannot be easily repaired through welding.

3) Brass ---- Brass was used exclusively for ship’s bells, port holes, engine telegraph, telescopes, etc. As use of
aluminium increased and synthetic materials were developed, these items were no longer made of brass, except for
ship’s bells. There have been cases of brass piping in use on board ships.

4) Wood ---- General cargo ships often had hatch covers made of portable wooden battens till such time steel hatch
covers replaced the above system. Passenger ships often have wooden sheathing on promenade decks and for their
taff rails. Wooden lifeboats were also in use prior to metal and fibre glass lifeboats. Furniture and other fittings
inside accommodation spaces is extensively made of wood. Wood is used for tonnage on general cargo ships.

5) Forged steel ---- Ship’s anchors and anchor chain are generally made of forged steel. In the engine room, the
connecting rods of the engines are made of forged steel. Wherever strength of steel items is the prime
consideration, these items are made of forged steel.

6) Canvas ---- On general cargo ships which still have wooden hatch cover battens, water tightness is effected by
spreading several layers of canvas tarpaulins over the entire hatch opening, secured by steel side battens and steel
locking bars. Canvas is used for awnings on open promenade decks and for covers for items such as compass
binnacles and compass repeaters. Electrical and hydraulic controls for deck machinery are also covered by canvas
when not in use. Fire hoses are also made of cotton canvas. Sails of lifeboats are made of sail cloth, a special type of
canvas.

7) Rubber / Plastics ---- Rubber is used for piston rings in the engines as well as for smaller washers. Water hoses are
also available in rubber or rubber lined canvas. Plastic is used extensively for laminated table tops as well as for
common domestic items. The quality of synthetic materials has improved tremendously and more items normally
made from metal or wood are now being made of different grades of plastic.

8) Ropes and cordage ---- Sailing ships had all their rigging made of cordage and modern ships still need rope
halyards for hoisting their flags. Rope is also used for mooring ships and for heaving lines and gantlines. Marlin and
wine is also used on board for stitching canvas covers. Ropes are required for making pilot ladders, Jacob ladders
and for accommodation ladder man ropes. Ropes are also required for general use for lashing items and for guys for
Steadying weights being hoisted and moved.

9) Fiber glass --- Life boats are often made of fiber glass due to the non-corrosive properties of this material.
Awnings on parts of accommodation decks are also supplied in fiber glass. Fiber glass pipelines are also available as
An alternative to PVC pipelines.

7.2 Understanding the wasting reasons of each type of material

1) Metallic Corrosion
2) Electro chemical Corrosion
3) Stress Corrosion
4) Thermal Corrosion

1) Metallic Corrosion
Although the corrosion in iron and steel is well known as rust, other metals such as aluminium and brass also
corrode over time though we do not notice or term the corrosion in these metals as rust, Aluminium corrosion is
seen as a powdery white flaking while brass gets tarnished and becomes dull and black.

9
2) Electro chemical Corrosion
An electric current is produced when dissimilar metals are placed in an electrolyte such as sea water. For example,
when steel and zinc are placed close to each other in sea water, an electric current is passed through which tends to
hasten corrosion in the zinc. The more ‘noble’ the metal, the less corrosion takes place in it. Zinc, being less noble, is
sacrificed and the steel is protected from the electro chemical corrosion.

3) Stress Corrosion
When any item is subjected to severe stress, or even moderate stress which is present over a long period, the
material develops tiny fractures due to the wear and tear. Eventually the material will tear apart along the deepest
fracture line. The fractures also tend to break the protective cover such as paint or varnish, exposing the metal or
other material to atmosphere and thus further corrosion is accelerated.

4) Thermal Corrosion
When metal or other material is subjected to sufficient heat or prolonged period of moderate heat, change takes
place at the molecular level. This change increases the surface area of the material, offering more open areas for
corrosion. Thus these materials which are running hot for prolonged periods, similar to stress corrosion, have a
tendency to weaken and also hasten the rate of corrosion.

7.3 Understanding corrosion prevention

1) Understand the meaning of Corrosion and Corrosion triangle.
2) Understand the Galvanic and Bimetallic corrosion
3) Demonstrate the knowledge of surface preparation and painting above and below the water line.
4) Understand basic compositions of paints, causes of paint failure and types of paints.
5) Explain cathodic protection system
6) Understand storage, handling and mixing of paints.

7.3 Understanding corrosion prevention

1) Understand the meaning of Corrosion and Corrosion triangle.
Corrosion is the destruction of material caused by chemical, electro chemical, stress and heat. The following three
ingredients are necessary for electro chemical corrosion to take place in metals:
Metal
Air
Water

2) Understand the Galvanic and Bimetallic corrosion

When dissimilar metals are present in an electrolyte such as sea water, an electric current is produced which results
in destruction of the less noble metal. For example dissimilar metals are found in the stern region of a
ship where steel plates are next to the bronze propeller Both these metal structures are normally resting
underwater.

2) Understand the Galvanic and Bimetallic corrosion

Other examples of bi metallic corrosion on board ships are:
1) Vicinity of engine room inlets and discharges due to the valve metal being different from the steel plating.
2) Port holes, being made of brass or aluminium
3) Valves in tanks
4) Welded seams / joints, due to the electrodes containing small amounts of impurities which differ from the steel
plates.

3) Demonstrate the knowledge of surface preparation and painting above and below the water line.
The paint cover is one of the chief ways by which corrosion is brought under control before painting; the surface of
the area is suitably prepared so that no gaps are left in the paint cover once the paint is applied.
In large areas such as shell plating and deck plating, the plate is generally grit blasted to remove all rust.

10
3) Demonstrate the knowledge of surface preparation and painting above and below the water line.
After the plate is grit blasted and dry cleaned, the first coat is applied on the bare metal. This is called the primer. At
least two coats of primer are applied before a finishing paint is applied. In the case of steel plates forming the
underwater portion of the ship’s hull, a final coat of anti-fouling paint is applied. This paint is not allowed to dry and
the dry dock is flooded soon after the anti-fouling paint is applied and the safety checks are carried out. In the water,
this paint releases toxins which inhibit marine growth. If left unchecked, marine growth will slow down the moving
ship, leading to high consumption of fuel.

4) Understand basic compositions of paints, causes of paint failure and types of paints.
Paint is composed of two ingredients, Pigment and Vehicle. The Pigment is the solid particles. The
Vehicle generally oil, is the liquid portion. A solvent and a drying agent are often added to the paint.

Modern paints have their own special primer and these are more long lasting than the traditional primer paints
Composed of red lead and red oxide followed by traditional enamel finishing paint cover.

4) Understand causes of paint failure

Paint cover is effective provided all ingredients and methods followed are of good standard. Thus paint failure
Can result if the quality of paint is substandard or there has been a compromise in the surface preparation,
application and drying periods of the particular paint used.

4) Types of paints.

Most modern paints are of one of the following:

1) Alkyd
2) Bitumen
3) Chlorinated Rubber
4) Epoxy
5) Polyurethrane

Alkyd
Vehicle is based on alcohols and acids. This type of paint should be used only on superstructures and not on
under water surfaces.

Bitumen
Made by dissolving bitumen or pitch in solvents such as naptha. May be used as a superstructure paint as well as
for fresh water tanks.

Chlorinated Rubber
This paint has good chemical and water resistant quality.
Often used for shell plating.

Epoxy
A two pack paint which is mixed and applied. This paint has very good chemical, water and abrasion resistant
Qualities but the paint is very expensive. Still, they are popular due to their cost effectiveness. Used for deck
Plating and superstructures. Ballast tanks are also covered with epoxy paints.

Polyurethrane
Also a two pack paint which is mixed and applied. White Polyurethrane paint is popular for superstructures as the
paint remains bright for a long period. This paint is similar in quality to Epoxy paints and are used to coat ballast
tanks.

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5) Explain Cathodic protection system
When two dissimilar metals are immersed in an electrolyte, an electric current is generated which eventually results
in the destruction of the less ‘noble’ metal. The above phenomena is made use of in two ways to protect the metal
such as the steel hull of the ship.

Explain cathodic protection system

1. Sacrificial Anode system
The principle of the galvanic current is used to destroy a small amount of ‘cheap’ (less noble) metal, thereby
protecting the other metal.
An example of the above system used on board ships: Zinc or aluminium anodes are fitted in the vicinity of the ship’s
propeller. As zinc and aluminium are less noble than steel, the anode is gradually destroyed, thereby preventing
corrosion to the propeller and the steel plates in the vicinity.

1. Impressed current system

This method is used to protect the underwater portion of the ship’s hull. A voltage difference is maintained between
hull and fitted anodes, which will counteract the tendency to generate the galvanic current.
Insulated lead anodes are fitted to the hull and a positive DC potential is applied to them with respect to the hull.
An electric current travels from anode to cathode. By this system the entire hull is made cathodic, thus stopping the
flow of the galvanic current. The fitted anodes gradually corrode but no corrosion takes place at the cathodic area
which is the hull of the ship.

1. Storage of paints
Paints are made of dangerous ingredients and are liable for risk of fire and toxic gases. Hence they are stored in
special compartments called paint lockers. Fire control is affected by a water sprinkler system which can be
activated from outside the paint locker.
A seaman is detailed for being in charge of the paints and the paint locker is kept locked when not in use. The paint
locker needs adequate ventilation to prevent the build-up of inflammable and toxic gases.

2. Handling of paints
Use personal protective aids when handling paints: gloves, boiler suit, safety shoes, eye and head protection. If
applying paint through a sprayer, the working area should be in the open or well ventilated if spraying within a
compartment. A suitable gas mask should be worn while spray painting.

3. Mixing of paints
Paints such as epoxy are supplied in two packs which have to be mixed well before application. Paints also need to
be well mixed with a certain amount of thinner prior use. The paint manufacturer can advise on the correct amount
of thinner to be used, if any.

3. Mixing of paints
The paint can containing paint is often turned and left upside down for some time before opening the can for use.
This allows the subsided paint elements to be mixed evenly. However further manual mixing of the paint in the can
is needed before pouring out the paint in smaller containers for transport and use at the locality where paint is to be
applied.

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