In January, 1931, Engineering Knowledge was introduced by the Board of Trade into the Syllabus for the Examination of Candidates for the Foreign-going Master’s Certificate.

During 1935, the Merchant Navy Training Board included this subject in the Syllabus for the Instruction of Apprentices, the purpose being to enable an Apprentice to appreciate the functions of the various engineering appliances on board ship. This Syllabus has been followed as closely as thought desirable, but since the subject covers a wide range, it has been treated in a general manner, without excessive detail, unless where such detail was thought to be of value to a Deck Officer.

Although primarily intended for Apprentices, it is hoped that the information given in the book will be found of value to Candidates preparing for the Master’s Certificate.