🔍 Key Concepts

• IMO SOLAS requirements for starting air systems on main propulsion engines • Difference between requirements for reversible engines versus non-reversible/controllable pitch (CP) systems • The idea of "consecutive starts" in both ahead and astern directions

💭 Think About

• Ask yourself: Why do reversible engines need more starting air capacity than non-reversible ones? Think about starting both ahead and astern in an emergency. • Consider: For a large ship arriving at or leaving port, how many times might the bridge need to start or restart the engine in quick succession? • Review typical SOLAS/Classification Society minimums for starting attempts on reversible main engines and compare the numbers in the choices.

✅ Before You Answer

• Verify the SOLAS chapter II-1 provisions relating to starting air arrangements for main propulsion engines. • Check whether the required number refers specifically to consecutive starts of a reversible engine and not auxiliary engines. • Confirm that the requirement is for starts without replenishing the air receivers from the compressors.