MARLINS READING

Part 1
 GENERAL STRATEGIES

• Get familiar with the instruction. The instruction on the Marlins reading section
is only one: Read the text and choose the correct words or phrases.
• There are no shortcuts in mastering the Marlins reading section, all you can do is
just reading a lot and reviewing grammar.
• Some reading texts in Marlins reading section are identical with procedures, so
it is best for you to be familiar with the vocabulary in any procedural things in a
vessel.
• Some other reading texts require your knowledge of grammar, so it is best for
you to review grammar before taking the test.
 READING PART 1
PROCEDURES

https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1b1uosqiuCGQh76vaX0aEk97SjJWCzJtE_qAoP3zummU/edit
Click the link for Reading Test 1
LET’S DISCUSS READING TEST 1
ANSWER: SPILLAGE OF BUNKER OIL
ANSWER: ALL NECESSARY
PRECAUTIONS ARE TAKEN
ANSWER: ANY ESCAPE OF OIL
ANSWER: OIL SPILL REMOVAL
EQUIPMENT
ANSWER: PORTABLE PUMPS
ANSWER: IN A CONVENIENT
STOREROOM
 SUMMARY

OIL SPILL
Half of all major pollution claims arise from incidents on ships that are
not carrying oil cargoes spillages of bunker oil and collision account for
over one third of the total number of pollution claims. All ships'
personnel must ensure that all necessary precautions are taken and that
proper procedures are strictly followed during all oil transfer operations.
A close watch must be maintained during these operations to ensure
that any escape of oil does not go unnoticed. All vessels must carry oil
spill removal equipment which includes sorbents, non sparking hand
scoops, shovels, and buckets, emulsifiers for deck cleaning, protective
clothing, scupper plugs, portable pumps with hoses, etc. The equipment
must be kept in a convenient storeroom and must not be used for any
other purpose.
 A TIPS!

We can learn the reading texts which were used in

the Marlins test taken by the previous test takers.
Some recent reading texts in the same year of the test
taken might be useful.
 SPONTANEOUS COMBUSTION

Spontaneous combustion can occur when packed cargoes such as coal,

hemp, copra and grain are carried especially if these have been loaded in
damp conditions. In the centre of these cargoes there is very little
ventilation to supply a cooling effect and the natural heat generated can
rise to such a degree that it causes combustion of the material. Due to the
restriction of oxygen supply, this will just smolder for a considerable time
until part of the cargo is removed. Then by admitting additional air, the
cargo could burst into flames. Stowage of engine room stores is important
since materials such as cleaning rags, cotton waste, sawdust can all
cause spontaneous combustion especially if they are stored next to the
various chemicals carried on board ships.
 LIFE-SAVING APPLIANCES

Lifeboats are the primary means of escape from a vessel in distress,

however operations involving the lowering of lifeboats are potentially
hazardous. Lifeboats must be launched and exercised in the water once
every three months. If the vessel is equipped with free fall lifeboats,
launches are required six monthly. It is important to maintain the
lifeboats falls and davits as per manufacturer's manual. Release systems
must be properly adjusted, regularly maintained, correctly operated
and tested regularly. Failure to do this can lead to a malfunction of the
release equipment resulting in the boat being released prematurely or
alternatively not being released.  Training must be carried out to ensure
that all crewmembers are familiar with the correct operation of this type
of equipment.
 SECURITY

Threats to the security of ships and crews are always present, whether it

be theft, stowaways, piracy, terrorism, bomb threats or drug smuggling.
The security of the ship is in the interest of everyone on board. The ship
has a security plan which gives the SSO assistance in organizing effective
security and practical guidance in procedures and precautions. A Ship
Security Officer is appointed onboard and is responsible to the Master
for all security issues and for conducting regular security training on
board for the crew. Everyone on board has a duty to ensure that the
vessel is kept as secure as possible and that any suspicious
activities, persons or packages are reported immediately to the SSO.
 DANGEROUS MATERIALS AND GOODS

Many materials used on board ships have health and safety implications
for personnel handling them. All dangerous materialsare only to be
used in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions. Chemicals must
always be handled with great care and personal protective equipment
utilized. This equipment is to consist of eye protection, rubber
gloves and an apron. Care is to be taken not to breathe chemical vapors.
Proprietary eye wash liquid is to be available as a first aid measure to
remove chemicals from the eyes.
 SAFE WELDING

If welding or flame-cutting are needed in areas other than in the

workshop you should receive a Permit to Work. Where portable lights
are required to provide adequate illumination, they should be
clamped or secured in position. Adequate ventilation should be
provided when welding in enclosed spaces. Breathing apparatus may be
needed. Welding equipment should be inspected before use to ensure
that it is in serviceable condition. All repairs should be carried out by a
competent person. Protective clothing including welding helmet, or
goggles, leather welding gloves, leather apron and long-sleeved boiler
suit must be worn by the operator. The area of work should be free
of combustible solids, liquids or gases. Suitable fire extinguisher should
be kept at hand ready for use during the operation.
 READING PART 1
PROCEDURES

https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1DGxP911SUaGQ7e7KgBbDVo_8CX5Hfv1ay6PTCRliRbQ/edit
Click the link for Reading Test 2
LET’S DISCUSS READING TEST 2
ANSWER: THE NEAREST ALARM
SWITCH
ANSWER: AS TO THE NATURE AND
LOCATION OF
ANSWER: OF A MORE SERIOUS FIRE
ANSWER: ON THE MUSTER LIST
ANSWER: ESSENTIAL
ANSWER: PUBLIC ADDRESS SYSTEM
 SUMMARY

EMERGENCY PROCEDURES
Anyone on board who discovers an emergency must first activate the
nearest alarm switch. He must ensure that the Deck Officer on duty is
informed without delay as to the nature and location of the emergency,
and then proceed to his Emergency Station. In the case of a minor fire,
after the alarm has been raised, an attempt should be made to tackle it
with minor fire appliances. In case of a more serious fire, doors should
be shut and the area secured before evacuating it. All alarm signals are
shown on the Muster List. It is essential that all crew members are
aware of the meaning of the various alarm signals in use on board. In all
cases, signals are to be backed up with information on the ship's public
address system, where fitted.
THANK YOU!