Maritime Interview Questions and Answers

▪ TOPICS:

1. Personal & Background

2. Motivation & Career Goals

3. General Knowledge about Maritime (and specifically EMTI), ETO

Roles and Responsibilities

4. Engineering - Purely Electrical Questions

5. Work & Behavior

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 1. Personal & Background

1. What is your name, and from which university did you graduate?
2. What was your year of graduation?
3. What is your CGPA?
4. Tell us about yourself and your educational background.
5. Tell me about your family.
6. Where did you come from? Tell us about your journey.
7. What is your current work or position?
8. Can you explain your job experience and responsibilities?
9. What was your final year project about?
10. What is your hobby?
11. How did you spend your time after graduation? Did you get a job?

Ans :
First of all, I would like to thank you for inviting me to be interviewed for this position
today. My name is … and I come from Addis Ababa, akaki Sub-City. I completed my
BSc degree in Electrical and Computer Engineering from Addis Ababa Science and
Technology University on July 27, 2024.
I am currently working full-time at …Company as a system analyst and support. My
long-term goal is to work in a reputed organization and advance to a higher professional
position where I can contribute more effectively to the company’s success. I consider
myself a hardworking, self-motivated and quick learner who always seeks to improve.
My hobbies include reading books, debating and discussion theological and philosophical
topics, listening to music and sometimes trying my hand at producing.

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 2. Motivation & Career Goals

12. How did you hear about us? How do you know about maritime and EMTI?

Ans:
I have a friend in the company who suggested me to apply in ETO position.

13. Why do you want to join EMTI?

14. Why did you choose maritime / Why do you want to join the academy?
15. Why did you choose us?

Ans:
1. Because your company has a good reputation (name), your payment is good
enough to support my family and it's related with what I learnt in university.

2. It is a great privilege for anyone to work in a reputed company, like yours. When I
read and asking about your company my skills are matched with your
requirement. So that is why I want to do with you.

3. I want to join this well known training institution company because, I want to take
the advantage of the training that offered at maritime academy and become part of
something important. And I want to get unique and amazing experience. To join
maritime is to work with people of all nationalities and have exciting experiences
that no other job offers.

16. Why do you want to be a marine engineer?

Ans:
I am a fresher. I have some skills, knowledge and educational qualification for this job.
My educational qualifications are matching to your company recruitment. I need a
platform to establish my career. Here I can grow up my skill, knowledge and learn new

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 things that utilize my knowledge which is helpful for me in the future. That is why I want
to work here.

17. How do you see yourself in 5–10–15 years?

18. What are your goals?

Ans:
Starting from now in five years I would work sincerely and harder to see myself in
respectable position in the best organization. And I want to work harder and to be top
performer and always be the best in what I do. For which I am sure I will have to pass
many hurdles and challenges and mold myself to be capable enough for such respectable
position in 5 years.

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 3. General Knowledge about Maritime (and specifically EMTI),
ETO Roles and Responsibilities

About Maritime AND EMTI

19. What do you know about the maritime academy, marine engineering and EMTI?
20. What are the missions and vision of EMTI?

Ans:

EMTI :
• The training last for six 6 month
• Following their completion of academic program at EMTI, Cadets will begin
their onboard training process - the Cadetship period
• While at sea, Cadets will undergo on-the-job training, where they will be
assisting Senior Engineers who will provide guidance and instruction to the
Cadets
• Cadets will be trained in watch keeping and will learn how to deal with
emergencies and difficult situations.
• ETO Cadets will be at sea for a period of 6 to 12 months

EMTI’s VISION: Future goal

1. To be world's recognized leader in training service provision
2. making available the highest quality and competent seafaring officers and
ratings … (Ratings are Non licensed crew seafarers who perform manual and
operational duties on a ship, supporting officers in areas like deck work, engine
maintenance and general ship operations.)
3. thus meeting the manpower requirements of the global maritime industry.

VISION: To be world's recognized leader in training service provision and making available
the highest quality and competent seafaring

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EMTI’s MISSION: Present purpose
4. provides a training delivery service in which selected Ethiopians are educated,
trained and developed in the knowledge, skills and attitudes required by the
client through appropriate facilities, methodologies and resources with competent
trainers; in a quality environment; and in a way which provides competent
seafarers who meet the expectations of the maritime industry.

MISSION: Provides a training delivery service for selected Ethiopians from electrical and
mechanical engineering departments to provides competent seafarers who meet the
expectations of the maritime industry.

About SHIP LIFE

21. What do you know about the shipping industry?

Ans:
The shipping industry is a global sector that involves the transport of goods and people by sea.
It is essential for international trade, connecting countries and supporting the world economy.
Key aspects include cargo shipping, passenger transport, logistics and maritime regulations.

22. What is life at sea?

Ans:
Life at sea involves working and living on a ship for extended periods, serving on
different types of marine vessels, and adapting to an isolated but unique environment
away from home

23. What is ETO?

Ans:
An ETO stans for Electro-Technical Officer and it is a seafarer responsible for
monitoring, maintaining and repairing all electrical and electronic equipment
onboard to ensure the vessel runs safely and efficiently.

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24. What is a seafarer?

Ans:
A seafarer is a person employed to work on board a ship, performing duties related to
navigation, operations, maintenance, or management while at sea.

25. How do you plan to deal with homesickness?.

Ans :
I’ll stay focused on my duties, keep in touch with family during free time, and build good
relationships with my crewmates to stay positive and motivated.

26. What challenges do you expect onboard ship? as a seaman?

Ans :
Challenges include long working hours, homesickness, rough weather, and limited
communication. I plan to handle them with discipline, teamwork, and a positive attitude.

27. There are workers from many countries in your workplace — how do you handle a
multicultural crew onboard ship and related problems?

Ans :
I respect cultural differences, communicate clearly, and stay open-minded. Teamwork and
understanding help maintain harmony and good working relationships onboard.

28. Since you travel around the world and it’s tempting, would you disappear?

Ans :
No, I would not. I’m disciplined and responsible. I value my career and the trust of my
employer, so I would complete my duties faithfully.

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General knowledge about Ships

29. What do you know about ships?

A ship is a large vessel designed to travel on water for transporting people, goods, or
performing specific functions such as research and defense.

30. Types of ships?

There are Cargo Ships, Passenger Ships

31. Which type of ship do you prefer to work in and why?

32. What do you think the ship’s supply comes from?
33. What kind of fuel does a ship use?
34. Locations of different canals (like the Suez Canal, etc.)
35. What is the engine room equipment and their functions?
36. Explain two functions of the main engine onboard ship.

Role and Responsibilities

37. What will you do in the engine room?

Typical engine room contains many smaller engines, including : Generators Motor
Transformer and Circute Breaker

38. What do you think is the responsibility of an ETO onboard ship? What is the duty or role of
an ETO/OIEW onboard ship? What are the duties of an ETO if there is no trouble in the
electrical system?

Ans:
- He will be in charge of a watch keeping
- Responsible for the maintenance of specific machinery and
- Record keeping during his time onboard.

39. How many crew members work on one ship?

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 The number of crew members depends on the type and size of the ship. For example,
Cargo/Container Ship typically operate with 20 to 30 crew members, while cruise ships may have
hundreds due to passenger services. The goal is to maintain safe and efficient operations with
minimal personnel.

40. What are the different jobs on ships?

Sea captain, Chief Engineer, Electrician, Ship pilot, Engineer, Motor mar.
Engineering department:

• Chief Engineer: In charge of all engine room operations.

• 2nd Engineer: Maintains main engine, boilers, and machinery.
• 3rd Engineer: Handles fuel, lube oil, and auxiliary engines.
• 4th Engineer: Looks after purifiers, compressors, and pumps.
• Electrical Officer (ETO): Maintains electrical and electronic systems.
• Engine Cadet: Trainee assisting engineers.
• Motorman/Wiper: Assist engineers with maintenance and cleaning.

Catering - Hotel

• Chief Cook, Messman, Stewards, etc.

41. What will you be doing if you join the ship?

If I join the ship, I’ll be part of the engineering team, contributing to the maintenance and
operation of onboard systems. I’ll follow safety protocols, assist in inspections, and ensure
machinery runs smoothly. (Your focus will be on maintaining and troubleshooting electrical
systems, assisting engine officers, and ensuring all electronic equipment works properly.)

42. As an electrical engineer, what kind of tasks do you expect on a ship?

"As an Electrical Engineer or Electro-Technical Officer (ETO), I’d be responsible for:

• Maintaining electrical systems like generators, switchboards, and lighting

• Troubleshooting faults in navigation and communication systems
• Monitoring power distribution and automation systems

43. What is the task of the 4th, 3rd, 2nd and chief engineer?

Rank Main Duties

Head of the Engine Department. Responsible for all mechanical, electrical, and
Chief
propulsion systems. Plans maintenance, ensures efficiency, safety, and compliance
Engineer
with regulations.

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 Rank Main Duties
2nd In charge of daily engine room operations. Oversees main engine, boilers,
Engineer generators, and fuel systems. Supervises junior engineers.
3rd Maintains auxiliary machinery such as fuel/lube oil purifiers, pumps, and air
Engineer compressors. Assists with engine maintenance.
4th Responsible for daily checks of purifiers, sewage system, air compressors, and
Engineer freshwater generators. Also assists in maintenance and engine room watches.

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4. Engineering - Purely Electrical Questions

44. How does a ship float in the sea?

45. What is the function of radar on ships?
46. What is the function of pumps?
47. How does the engine move the ship? How does a ship move? What is the ship’s steering
system? Ships are driven by what?

ANS:

A ship moves through the water because its engine turns the propeller, which pushes water
backward. According to Newtons third law of motion, when the propeller pushes water
backward, the water pushes the ship forward with an equal force.
The main engine provides power. This power rotates the shaft, which is connected to the
propeller. The propeller blades create thrust that moves the ship forward (or backward if
reversed).
The rudder is located just behind (after) the propeller at the stern (back) of the ship. Here’s how
its arranged (from front to back):
Engine → drives the shaft → which turns the propeller → and behind the propeller is the rudder.
The rudder is not part of the propeller, but it is just behind it, and both work together the
propeller makes the ship move and the rudder changes its direction.

48. How do ships generate electricity?

49. What are electrical equipment on ships?
50. What are electronic devices on a ship?
51. What do you know about boiler, compressor, and air conditioning main components?
52. What are communication devices on ships? What are the main components of
communication?

GENERATOR AND MOTOR

53. What is the function of a generator on a ship?

54. What is a generator and how does it work?
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55. What is a motor and how does it work?
56. What is the difference between motor and generator?
57. What are the application areas of motors?
58. What is the working principle of an induction motor?
59. What is a synchronous machine?
60. What are brush, commutator, and armature?
61. What is the standard voltage value in Ethiopia for electronic devices and transmission?
62. Why do we use high voltage?
63. Why do we use single-phase and three-phase power? Why not 2, 4, or 5 phases?
64. What is power factor?

Transformer
65. What is a transformer and why is it called static? Explain its working principle.
66. If we step up a transformer, what will happen to the current?
67. What is the function of a transformer on ships?

Electrical Protection
68. What is the difference between relay and circuit breaker?
69. What do you know about electrical protection (circuit breakers, fuses, grounding)?
70. What is an open circuit and a short circuit?
71. What is the difference between overloading and short circuit?
72. What is a clamp meter?
73. What is an insulation resistance test (using a megger)?

.
74. About IC and diesel engines.
75. Types of engines.
76. Two-stroke and four-stroke engine — explain the difference.

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77. What machines related to your course do you expect on a ship?

ANS:

Generator, Motor and Transformer

Devices
78. Tell us about a transducer
79. What is refrigeration?
80. What is a spanner?
81. What is the difference between an incandescent and fluorescent lamp?
82. What is bandwidth?
83. What are active and passive elements and what is their difference?

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5. Physics & Electrical Laws and Theorems

84. What does Ohm’s Law state?

Ohm’s Law states that the current (I) flowing through a conductor is directly
proportional to the voltage (V) across it and inversely proportional to its resistance
(R)
85. What is Faraday’s law?

When a conductor is placed in a changing magnetic field, an electromotive force (emf) is induced in
the conductor. If the conductor circuit is closed, an induced current will flow through it.

86. Kirchhoff’s Laws

• Kirchhoff’s Current Law (KCL): The sum of currents entering a junction equals the sum of
currents leaving it.
• Kirchhoff’s Voltage Law (KVL): The sum of all voltages around any closed loop in a circuit
equals zero.

87. Lenz’s Law

Lenz’s Law states that the direction of an induced current is such that it opposes the
change in magnetic flux that produced it. It explains the negative sign in Faraday’s
Law.

88. How does the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam generate electricity?

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6. Work & Behavior

89. Why should we hire you? / What makes you unique from other candidates?

You should hire me because I’m a quick learner, highly adaptable and have problem-solving
skills. I’m also passionate about this field and eager to contribute to the team’s success by
bringing dedication and a positive attitude to every task.

I believe I’m a strong candidate for this position because I’m hardworking, punctual, and
goal-oriented. I consistently strive to meet and exceed expectations, and I’m dedicated to
contributing positively to the company’s goals and success.

90. What merits and demerits will you face as a marine engineer?
The main merits are gaining technical experience, traveling the world, and working in a
disciplined, multicultural environment. The demerits include being away from family for
long periods and working under challenging weather conditions — but I see these as
opportunities to grow stronger and more resilient.

91. What are your strengths and weaknesses?

am diligent, fast learner, can enjoy working with others... and weaknesses. (You can check
on YouTube how to tell your weakness by Richard ...

92. Are you shy?

Not really. I may be quiet at first while observing and understanding the environment, but I
communicate clearly and work well with others once I settle in.

93. What is your morning activity?

94. How did you handle a difficult situation ?
95. Tell us about a challenge you have faced in life and how you overcame it.
96. If someone harasses you, what will you do ?

I will stay calm, avoid confrontation and report the incident to the proper authority onboard,
such as the Chief Engineer or the Master. I believe in following company procedures and
maintaining professionalism at all times.

97. What do you think about deserting (leaving the ship)?

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 Deserting a ship is unprofessional and a serious violation of maritime discipline. I would
never do that because I value responsibility, teamwork, and the trust of my employer.
98. How long would you expect to work for us?
As long as I can continue to learn, grow, and contribute to the company’s success, I’d be
happy to build a long-term career with you.
I am thinking to grow till the top most level of this organization .
99. In what position are you applying for?
I am applying for the position of Electro-Technical Officer.

7. Teamwork & Interpersonal

108. How do you handle a multicultural environment?

109. Do you have any relative or friend who works here?

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