SCOTTISH QUALIFICATIONS AUTHORITY

MARKERS REPORT FORM

SUBJECT: 040-36

DATE: 18-10-2023

General Comments on Examination Paper

Both questions in section ‘b’ were poorly attempted by a significant number of candidates which has led to a lower
pas rate.

General Comments of Specific Examination Questions

Q1. Their was no real problem with the components in this drawing, but that did not help some candidates
understand it’s operation.

Q2. Descriptions for part ‘d’ were generally not good, which lost marks and several candidates described the
direction of flow in the wrong direction for part ‘b’ when trying to explain it’s function? Confusion over the angle
of projection led to several candidates incorrectly identifying the visible flange in part ‘c’.

Q3. Parts ‘c & e’ of this question proved problematic for several candidates. The common answer for part ‘c’ if
checked by a quick calculation would identify that it was incorrect. There were some strange answers for part ‘e’
which can’t be explained.

Q4. Despite the fact that the question stated the deck service air was required and should be maintained, several
candidates merely closed off the air supply to deck to resolve the problem. A little bit more thought was required
for the four marks on offer.

Q5. Some candidates did not recognise this type of drawing and barely attempted the question, but for the majority
it was not a problem, even if the sequence of actions in part ‘c’ was not complete for some candidates.

Q6. Many candidates did not demonstrate understanding of how the system operated. Several spoke of the stern
tube lubricating pumps supplying oil to the ford seal, when there was another pump in the system which was
identified for that purpose. Many neglected to mention the air system at all and the confusion over the flow path of
oil under normal operating condition, led to poor attempts by many for part ‘b’.
Several candidates described the normal flow path of the lubricating oil as discharging from the stern tube through
the drain valve into the catch tray and down into the drain tank. It can be seen from the drawing that the main stern
tube lub. oil pump pump suction does not come from the drain tank. I’m not sure what vessels candidates have
experienced that have lubrication service systems where the return oil is open to the engine environment?
Poor marks in this question contributed to the lower pass rate in this exam.

Q7. Explanations of the dismantling of the pump were confusing. The fact that the securing arrangement for the
bearing casing was not visible on the provided section led to the majority of candidates ignoring it in their procedure.
It can be clearly seen in both section views that the mechanical seal cover securing bolts are threaded into the
bearing casing, which is separate to the main pump body. The 3D view of the pump shows two sets of securing
bolts with the bearing casing securing arrangement clearly visible. Many did not dismantle the relief valve, with
some stating they would not dismantle it? There were again some poor marks in this question, contributing to the
lower pass rate.