Here are original sample paper for 2nd Class MEO Part A: Exam Tips, designed to help marine engineers prepare effectively and understand the exam structure. This sample paper reflects the types of technical and scenario-based questions often found in MEO exams, and includes useful answering strategies based on up-to-date tips and standards.marineengineeringonline+2
Sample Paper 1: MEO Class 2 Part A
Instructions
- Attempt all questions; diagrams and detailed explanations should be included.
- Use two sheets per answer for clarity.
- Only direct, technical answers will be awarded full marks—elaborate where required.
Engineering Knowledge General (EKG)
1. Explain the following failure mechanisms that may occur in ship propulsion systems. Illustrate with sketches.
- Creep
- Brenelling
- Fretting
- Fretting corrosion
State with reasons where these may occur on board.scribd
2. You join a vessel as Second Engineer and are briefed about frequent boiler uptake fires on board. Draft a comprehensive plan to reduce such incidents, and outline the methods you would use to monitor the progress. What instructions would you give the watchkeepers?.scribd
3. Sketch and describe a fail-safe steering gear arrangement suitable for a tanker over 100,000 Tdwt. What sequence of events occurs during an oil leak in the hydraulic pipeline?.scribd
4. Discuss the importance of maintaining the quality of lube oil for marine diesel engines, highlighting:
- Automatic back flushing filters
- Lube oil separators
- Magnetic filters
- Visual Inspection
- Periodic laboratory tests.scribd
5. With reference to fuel oil properties, explain and state the significance of:
- Calculated Carbon Aromaticity Index (CCAI)
- Open and Closed Flash Points
- Sodium to Vanadium Ratio
- Octane Number.scribd
Engineering Knowledge Motor (EKM)
6. In a two-stroke diesel engine, explain the process of scavenging. When does scavenging begin and what are its effects on engine operation?.dgshipping
7. Describe the sequence for conducting a Main Boiler survey by a classification society. List the preparations and documentation required as the responsible engineer..scribd
Electrical Technology (ET)
8. What is an Automatic Identification System (AIS)? List its functionalities and explain how it supports safety at sea during ship operations..scribd
9. Sketch the sealing arrangement of an oil-lubricated stern tube. Identify common forms of seal failure and state how oil loss can be managed while underway. What materials are used for the sealing ring and shaft liner?.scribd
Marine Engineering Practice (MEP) & Naval Architecture
10. Discuss the principles of trim and stability as applied to oil tankers. Provide sketches illustrating correction of excessive trim at stern during loading..marineengineeringonline
Tips for Answering MEO Class 2 Written Exams
- Clearly label sketches and support answers with practical shipboard scenarios.merchantnavydecoded
- Use a separate answer sheet for each question to ensure clarity and completeness.merchantnavydecoded
- Attempt more than the minimum required questions to demonstrate broad technical understanding.merchantnavydecoded
- Ensure each answer is structured with a step-by-step explanation and incorporates recent regulatory or technological updates where relevant.merchantnavydecoded
- Always use professional terminology and reference applicable IMO standards or codes, if known.merchantnavydecoded
Sample Paper 2: MEO Class 2 Part A
Engineering Knowledge General (EKG)
1. Describe the symptoms, possible causes, and corrective actions for the following marine diesel engine faults:
- Excessive exhaust temperature in one unit
- Sudden drop in lubricating oil pressure
- Black smoke from exhaust
2. Explain the significance of water washing turbochargers at sea. What safety precautions must watchkeepers observe during the process?
3. With a sketch, explain the arrangement and operation of a ship’s oily water separator. How do you ensure compliance with MARPOL regulations during operation?
4. List and explain the methods for detecting incipient bearing failure in a main engine. What corrective actions should be taken if failure is suspected?
Engineering Knowledge Motor (EKM)
5. Differentiate between 4-stroke and 2-stroke marine engines in terms of construction, operation, and maintenance. List specific shipboard scenarios where each engine type would be preferred.
Electrical Technology
6. Draw and explain the wiring diagram of a main switchboard on a modern vessel. Discuss the safety features provided for short circuit and earth fault protection.
Marine Engineering Practice
7. How would you diagnose and rectify a case of hunting in a diesel engine-driven generator set at sea?
Naval Architecture
8. Explain with sketches the effect of free surface and center of gravity movement on the stability of a vessel during ballasting operations.
Sample Paper 3: MEO Class 2 Part A
Engineering Knowledge General (EKG)
1. Write short notes (with practical shipboard examples) on the following:
- Hot corrosion
- Cold corrosion
- Cylinder liner lubrication failure
2. Itemize the planned maintenance routine for a marine air compressor, highlighting safety checks and documentation.
3. Describe the automatic control system in a UMS (Unattended Machinery Space) engine room. How are alarms and remote start/stop features typically implemented?
4. Sketch and explain a crosshead lubrication system, marking the main components and flow path.
Engineering Knowledge Motor (EKM)
5. Discuss the impact of low load operation on marine diesel engines with respect to cylinder liner wear and fuel combustion. Suggest operational countermeasures.
Electrical Technology
6. Describe the construction and working principle of a synchronous generator used on a ship. How is synchronization with the main busbar achieved?
Marine Engineering Practice
7. Explain the procedures and regulations followed during a lifeboat drill on board. State the points you would check as 2nd Engineer.
Naval Architecture
8. What is GM (metacentric height) and why is it important for ship stability? Present a scenario onboard where incorrect GM could endanger the vessel.
Tips for Use:
- Attempt each question with diagrams and real-life examples relevant to ship operations.
- Link maintenance and procedural answers with international maritime conventions (MARPOL, SOLAS) where possible.
- Address each technical term with both definition and application.
These diverse papers help broaden engineers’ exposure to the likely scope and depth of the 2nd Class MEO Part A written exam.
Sample Paper 4: MEO Class 2 Part A
Engineering Knowledge General (EKG)
1. State and explain various types of heat exchangers used on board ships. Sketch and describe the routine maintenance procedure for any one type.
2. Discuss the procedure to be followed if the seawater cooling pump fails at sea. Include troubleshooting steps and temporary remedies.
3. Explain the causes and consequences of fuel injector dripping in marine diesel engines. How would you inspect and rectify this issue on board?
4. With reference to chemical cleaning of boiler tubes, outline the safety precautions and after-treatment process required before re-commissioning the boiler.
Engineering Knowledge Motor (EKM)
5. Compare direct and indirect starting methods for heavy-duty marine electric motors. List pros and cons for onboard machinery applications.
Electrical Technology
6. Describe the functioning of an emergency generator on board a ship. What checks are done during periodic survey and how is automatic starting achieved?
Marine Engineering Practice
7. Your vessel develops a persistent vibration in the main engine at certain RPMs. List possible causes and steps taken as 2nd Engineer to resolve the issue.
Naval Architecture
8. Explain the principles and calculation of block coefficient. How does it influence the fuel consumption and speed of a vessel?
Sample Paper 5: MEO Class 2 Part A
Engineering Knowledge General (EKG)
1. Explain the factors affecting the selection of lubricating oil for slow speed marine engines. Include details on additives and oil analysis.
2. Describe the construction, operation, and maintenance of a shell and tube condenser. Include a labelled sketch and common failure modes.
3. List the steps to be followed if a main air compressor trips on high temperature during operation. Include possible causes and corrective actions.
4. With practical examples, explain the operation and adjustment of engine timing in large two-stroke marine diesel engines.
Engineering Knowledge Motor (EKM)
5. Distinguish between the roles and responsibilities of the 2nd Engineer and 3rd Engineer on board regarding safety and planned maintenance.
Electrical Technology
6. Sketch the layout of a vessel’s fire detection system. Explain sensor types, alarm loops, and actions required during false alarms.
Marine Engineering Practice
7. What is water hammer in shipboard piping systems? Describe how you would prevent and diagnose water hammer incidents on board.
Naval Architecture
8. Discuss the procedure for a deadweight survey and the significance of accurate deadweight calculation for ship operations.
Sample Paper 6: MEO Class 2 Part A
Engineering Knowledge General (EKG)
1. Outline the procedures for safe bunkering operations on board, including pre-bunkering checks, continuous monitoring, and post-bunkering record keeping.
2. Discuss the major causes of crankcase explosions in marine engines. List the preventive measures and explain the action to be taken if a crankcase alarm is activated at sea.
3. With a labelled diagram, explain the arrangement and operation of a shipboard reverse osmosis plant for fresh water generation. State common operational problems and remedies.
4. What are the different methods for shaft alignment on a vessel? Briefly describe the optical and strain gauge methods, including their advantages and limitations.
Engineering Knowledge Motor (EKM)
5. Explain scavenge fire in a two-stroke marine diesel engine. How would you detect it, and what should be your immediate and follow-up actions?
Electrical Technology
6. What is an alternating current (AC) parallel operation of generators? Describe the conditions to be checked before synchronizing two ship generators. What faults may occur if synchronization is not properly carried out?
Marine Engineering Practice
7. A bilge system is found to be contaminated with oil. State the steps for safe cleaning, disposal, and prevention of oil pollution. Reference applicable MARPOL requirements.
Naval Architecture
8. Define and differentiate between trim and list. Give practical shipboard situations where each can occur and state corrective actions.
Sample Paper 7: MEO Class 2 Part A
Engineering Knowledge General (EKG)
1. Explain the causes of boiler priming and foaming. What preventive and corrective actions should an engineer implement on board a ship?
2. Describe the procedures and key parameters monitored during the testing and calibration of fuel injection pumps on large marine engines.
3. List the various safety devices fitted to a marine auxiliary boiler. For any two devices, explain their construction, operation, and importance.
4. With reference to auxiliary engines, discuss the effects of low ambient temperature operation on engine performance and lubricating oil properties. Suggest measures to ensure reliable operation under such conditions.
Engineering Knowledge Motor (EKM)
5. Compare pneumatic and hydraulic control systems used for maneuvering in main propulsion engines. Include typical applications and advantages of each system.
Electrical Technology
6. Sketch and explain any one method used on ships for earth fault detection in distribution circuits. What are the actions if earth fault is detected while at sea?
Marine Engineering Practice
7. During dry dock, propeller blades are to be inspected for damage and wear. Outline the inspection procedure and subsequent actions required if defects are found.
Naval Architecture
8. Define ‘sheer’ and ‘camber’ in ship design. Explain their significance in vessel performance and structural integrity.
FAQs for Sample Paper for 2nd Class MEO Part A
Q: What is the minimum passing mark for MEO Class 2 written exams?
A: 50 out of 100 marks are required to pass.merchantnavydecoded
Q: Should diagrams be included in answers?
A: Yes; diagrams enhance clarity and are often expected for technical questions in engineering knowledge sections.merchantnavydecoded
Q: How should answers be structured for full marks?
A: Provide thorough explanations, use labeled sketches, and organize the answer logically with all steps and relevant details.merchantnavydecoded
Q: Can relevant shipboard incidents be referenced?
A: Yes; referencing practical examples or incidents demonstrates applied knowledge and can improve scores.merchantnavydecoded
You may love to read our amazing post on :The Best 50 Marine Engineer Exam Questions And Answers
These sample papers provides engineers with real exam-style questions, structural tips, and answer strategies to prepare for the 2nd Class Part A MEO Exams, supporting effective revision and greater exam confidence.marineengineeringonline+2
- https://dieselship.com/free-downloads/
- https://marineengineeringonline.com/meo-class-2-question-papers/
- https://www.dgshipping.gov.in/WriteReadData/userfiles/file/meoekmIV_1004.doc
- https://dieselship.com/shop/exam-guides/mmd-engineering/meo-class-2/meo-class-ii-questions-bank/
- https://www.scribd.com/document/409023595/MEO-Class-2-question
- https://www.merchantnavydecoded.com/tips-and-tricks-to-clear-meo-class-2-in-2024/
- https://www.scribd.com/document/441649215/MEO-Class-2-Ques-Ans
- https://t.me/s/meoclass2numericals?before=516
- https://www.meoexamz.co.in/p/meo-class-2-papers.html
- https://www.dgshipping.gov.in/Content/ExamCertificSeafarersView.aspx?modul_id=5
