轮机工是轮部的第一把手，也是船上仅次于船长的重要管理人员。实践表明，没有很好的轮机长是很难保证船舶的安全的。目前，世界主要船队的船舶老化问题相当严重，而要保证大龄船舶的营运安全，没有很好的轮机班子是很难实现的。因此，船东在面试船员时轮机长往往是他们考核的重点。特别是东南亚的很多船东公司，他们对轮机长的考核从技术到管理，每一环都很严格。对轮机工的经验、技术和解决实际问题的能力尤其相当重视。我们认为，轮机长不但要有丰富的经验、灵活的头脑，也要有很好的管理能力和团队工作精神，只有这样，才能管好轮机班子，才能和船长以及甲板部的管理工作配合好。

       另外，经验表明，相对船长和甲板部队的人员而言，轮机工的英语相对稍弱一些，希望在业余时间下苦功练习英语听力和写作。面试时主要是看你的听力理解，而在国外船上干时主要是做一些英文的确PAPER WORK， 另一方面，随着ISM的生效和强制实施，PSC检查和EXTRA AUDIT方面的审核都要求一定的听力和书写方面的能力。

      下面的一些问题不但有技术方面的，也有很多是管理方面的，请轮机长在阅读时能举一反三，联想到其他船东可能考到的问题。

1.      Can you tell something about your last ship? What types (brands) of main engine have you ever experienced?

My last ship (type of engine, horse power, trading area, GRT/DWT, etc.)

I have experience with several different types of main engines, such as Sulzer, B&W, MAN, PC etc.

2.      What abilities should a Chief Engineer possess?

First, I think it is very important for a Chief Engineer to be skillful and proficient at work. Second, he should maintain good management in the engine department. Third, he should be able to try to motivate every person under his management by assigning jobs fairly among them. Fourth, he needs to be good in English and language communication. Last, it is very important for a Chief Engineer to maintain good relationship with the Master, the technical superintendent and other personnel from company, First Engineer and the Chief Officer. Above all, he should listen to orders from the Master in most cases.

轮机长不是船上的轮机总工程师，也是仅次于船长的重要的管理人员。因此，在做好自己技术工作的同时，更应该考虑如何做好管理工作。轮机长和船长的配合也是非常关键的。上面的答案仅供参考。

3.      What were the consumption rates of cylinder lube oil and fuel oil in your previous ship?

For your reference: for a 10000HP main engine, the consumption rate of fuel oil could be roughly 20~25 tons per day, cylinder oil about 280~310 liters per day (depending on the engine type).

The duty engineer should check to see if the consumption is normal. The Second Engineer usually is responsible for checking the fuel oil and recording the figures in the Engine Log Book. Lube oil should be checked on every duty watch. The Chief Engineer is responsible for application of the supplies of lube oil and fuel oil.

4.      Can you please describe in detail the bunkering procedures?

I should make a bunkering plan firstly according to the ship owner’s instructions and then report the plan to the Master for approval.

Secondly, a bunkering meeting should be held to specify the responsibilities of crew during the procedure.

Thirdly, preparations of the following like plugs, extinguishers, drums, alarms, communication means, and fuel oil system graphics (drawing) should be made.

Fourthly, I should order the Third Engineer to measure the oil volume in the supplier’s tanks and record the flow meter figures.

Bunkering starts after all is ready. I should order the duty engineer to take sounding all the time, especially at the beginning and at the end of bunkering each tank. My duty engineers should pay attention to the oil pressure, the temperature and the oil sample to be taken and used as evidence in the future.

Lastly, I should not sign the receipts, regardless of any delay, until quantities of the bunkered oil are confirmed. I should also note down any dispute over the quantity or adverse specifications of bunkers taken on the receipt and advise the company.

I should bear the following precautions in my mind during bunkering.

Before bunkering, I need to make sure that all scuppers are plugged and cemented. I should stop ballasting, de-ballasting and taking fresh water on board whist bunkering, if possible. If I have to do all the jobs together, I should take all care to prevent an overflow of water and fuel oil. If the decks become awash due to such water overflow or rain, then bunkering should be stopped whilst the scuppers are being drained.

5.      Please tell me the minimum safe oxygen percentage for the safety of the workers in an enclosed space. Please describe the procedures of entry into and work in enclosed spaces.

More than 18% and no more than 23% of oxygen in an enclosed space will be OK for the safety of the workers.

The procedures are as follow

First, I should prepare an entry permit to be signed by the Master.

Second, before entry is allowed, all the relevant manholes should be opened for ventilation.

Third, the air and surrounding of the enclosed space should be tested to see whether it is safe.

Fourth, necessary equipment like the fire extinguisher, lights, communication equipments should be carried by the crew when entering.

Fifth, before entry into an enclosed space, a meeting regarding the work procedure should be held.

Lastly, when someone is working in a enclosed space, good communication between the crew inside and the crew outside should be maintained and the emergency rescue team should stand by for any rescue work.

When entering, at least one of the crew inside is to do the lookout job. During the crew’s stay in the space, ventilation should be continuously on to provide enough oxygen.

6.      What is a “Bunkering Plan”?

A bunkering plan is made according to the owner’s and / or charterer’s order, the passage (voyage) plan, and capacity of the tanks, oil ROB, and so on. A bunkering plan is made by the Chief Engineer and approved by the Master and the company.

Generally, the volume of the bunkered oil shouldn’t exceed 85% of tank capacity.

7.      What will you do if the oil supplied by the oil company is less than the agreed amount after bunkering?

Receipts should not be signed, regardless of any delay, until quantities are confirmed by all parties concerned. Any dispute over the quantity or adverse specifications of bunker taken shall be noted on the fuel receipt and the company should be advised accordingly.

8.      Did you ever encounter any mechanic problems on board your previous vessels? How did you handle them?

It is suggested to answer this question frankly and honestly.

不必编造故事，除非故事是完整的，没有任何疏漏的。

9.      The ISM Code requires preventive maintenance schedules. How do you make your maintenance schedules?

According to the ISM Code, the preventive maintenance plan is made based on the ship’s “Planned Maintenance System” and the machinery running hour records. This plan should be made on an annual basis (or a five-year basis). Usually, the monthly maintenance schedules are made based on the annual preventive maintenance schedules are made based on the annual preventive maintenance plan and the basic occasional maintenance work.

10.  Have you ever been to the US ports? Are you familiar with the USCG inspections?

美国是是世界上港口国检查最为严厉的国家之一。对轮机长来说，去过美国，经历过美国的港口国检查对船东来说是很重要的资历。但是，若没有去过，千万不要生搬硬套，编造故事。另外，如果您做大管轮时去过，也是很好的经历。

Some of the useful words you may use when you answer the question:

US ports: New York, New Orleans, San Francisco, Tampa, Houston, Mississippi River, etc.

USCG refers to the US coast guards.

The most important thing in US is the sanitation (hygiene). Besides, fire fighting equipments (FFE) and life saving apparatus (LSA) and training drills must be well prepared for check.