Kerala PSC Forest Boat Driver Syllabus 2026

The Kerala PSC Forest Boat Driver Syllabus 2026 helps candidates understand the subjects and selection requirements they need to prepare for the recruitment examination. A clear understanding of the syllabus and selection process will help applicants plan their preparation effectively and improve their chances of qualifying for the Forest Boat Driver post. Here is the detailed syllabus for this exam.

PART-I (Total Marks: 100)

MODULE I: Inland Vessels General Knowledge (5 Marks)

• a) IV Act 2021 replaces IV Act 1917

• b) Purpose of the new act

• c) Explanation of national waterways and zones

• d) Functions of IWAI (Inland Waterways Authority of India)

• e) Types of inland vessels

• f) Base line, significant wave height, etc.

MODULE II: General and Marine Engineering (15 Marks)

• a) Types of fasteners (e.g., bolts, screws, studs, and their threads)

• b) Measuring instruments (e.g., micrometers, feeler gauge, thermometer, calipers, pressure gauge, etc.)

• c) Types of valves/cocks and their functions

• d) Quick closing valves

• e) Types and working principles of pumps (e.g., centrifugal pump, positive displacement pump, gear pump)

• f) Pipe fittings and welding processes

• g) Diesel engines: cycle of two-stroke and four-stroke diesel engines

• h) Heat engines and petrol engines

• i) Parts of engines (e.g., engine block, cylinder head, connecting rod, crankshaft, camshaft, piston, piston rings, main bearings, cylinder liners, etc.)

• j) Turbochargers and water-cooled engines

• k) Bunkering

• l) Lubrication of engines

• m) Cranking

• n) Types of propellers and rudders

• o) Steering system

MODULE III: Electrical Engineering (15 Marks)

• a) Volt, Ampere, Ohm, frequency, and resistance

• b) Instruments measuring voltage and current, and Megger testing

• c) Lead-acid batteries, alkaline batteries, and battery maintenance

• d) Difference between AC and DC motors

• e) Circuit breakers

• f) Cables and cable joints

• g) Safe electrical working procedures (prevention of electrical shock, etc.)

• h) Maintenance of electrical systems including generators

MODULE IV: Safe Working Practices, Emergencies, and Communication (5 Marks)

• a) Safe practices for commonly used hand tools

• b) Safe practices while working in the engine room

• c) Precautions during hot work and enclosed space entry

• d) Safe practices during dry docking

MODULE V: Prevention of Pollution (5 Marks)

• a) Rules for chemical, oil, sewage, and garbage discharge as per the IV Act

• b) Oil mixture treatment equipment

• c) 15 PPM bilge alarm

• d) Oil water separator and oil record book

• e) Sewage treatment plant

MODULE VI: Firefighting Appliances and Life-Saving Appliances (10 Marks)

• a) Classes of fire, fire triangle, fire alarm, and fire drill

• b) Types of portable fire extinguishers, firefighting equipment, hoses, and nozzles

• c) Fixed firefighting installations (CO2 flooding, sprinklers, etc.)

• d) SCBA (Self-Contained Breathing Apparatus)

• e) Survival crafts: life rafts and launching procedures, lifeboats

• f) General emergency alarm and abandon ship signal

• g) Personal life-saving appliances: lifebuoy, life jacket, etc.

MODULE VII: Watch Keeping and Engine Room Log Book (5 Marks)

• a) Responsibilities of a watchkeeper

• b) Log book entry

• c) Guidance regarding fitness for duty

• d) Basic computer skills

MODULE VIII: General and Marine Engineering - Nature of Duty (5 Marks)

• a) Types of fasteners (e.g., bolts, screws, studs, and their threads)

• b) Measuring instruments (e.g., micrometers, feeler gauge, thermometer, calipers, pressure gauge, etc.)

• c) Types of valves/cocks and their functions

• d) Quick closing valves

• e) Types and working principles of pumps (e.g., centrifugal pump, positive displacement pump, gear pump)

• f) Pipe fittings and welding processes

• g) Diesel engines: cycle of two-stroke and four-stroke diesel engines

• h) Heat engines and petrol engines

• i) Parts of engines (e.g., engine block, cylinder head, connecting rod, crankshaft, camshaft, piston, piston rings, main bearings, cylinder liners, etc.)

• j) Turbochargers and water-cooled engines

• k) Bunkering

• l) Lubrication of engines

• m) Cranking

• n) Types of propellers and rudders

• o) Steering system

MODULE IX: Repairs and Maintenance - Nature of Duty (10 Marks)

• a) Precautions prior to machinery maintenance

• b) Fuel leak action plan

• c) Diesel and petrol engine maintenance (routines, breakdown, overhauling)

• d) Propeller and rudder drop measurement

MODULE X: Survey, Repair, and Drydocking - Nature of Duty (5 Marks)

• a) Surveys in dry docking, UT (Ultrasonic) testing, etc.

• b) Inspection during surveys

• c) Painting of the hull

• d) Cathodic protection

• e) NDT (Non-Destructive Testing)

PART II: General Knowledge, Current Affairs, and Renaissance in Kerala (20 Marks)

General Knowledge

• Facts about India:

  • Geography of India (physical features, climate, soils, rivers, famous sites, etc.)

  • Demography, economic and social development, poverty alleviation, economy, and planning, etc.

  • History of India (period from 1857 to 1947, national movement)

• Facts about Kerala:

  • Geographical facts (physical features, climate, soils, rivers, famous sites, etc.)

Renaissance in Kerala

• Important Events, Movements, and Leaders:

  • Brahmananda Swami Sivayogi

  • Chattampi Swami

  • Sree Narayana Guru

  • Vagbhatananda

  • Thycaud Ayya

  • Ayya Vaikundar

  • Poikayil Yohannan (Kumara Guru)

  • Ayyankali

  • Pandit Karuppan

  • Mannathu Padmanabhan

  • V. T. Bhattathirippad

  • Dr. Palpu

  • Kumaranasan

  • Vakkom Moulavi

  • Blessed Kuriakose Elias Chavara, etc.

Current Affairs

• Important world, national, and regional events related to political and scientific fields, sports, cinema, literature, etc.