Machinery Spaces & Systems
It’s crucially important that a vessel’s power is maintained – both propulsion and electrical power. Loss of either of those can lead to serious problems! There are a number of steps to take to prevent issues here:
- Ensure that the manufacturer's operating and maintenance manuals are onboard, understood and followed.
- Generally unattended machinery spaces must be provided with proper alarm detection and machinery and control systems.
- Housekeeping standards must be maintained – keep the engine room as clean as possible. Clean up leaks or other potential hazards, and don’t let rags or other flammable materials accumulate.
- Keep fuel and lubricating systems clean. Change oil and fuel filters and sea strainers as per requirements.
- Keep fuel tanks clean. Regularly check day tanks for water condensation.
- Stow / secure equipment and tools against movement. Deck plates should have a non-slip surface. Make sure they are secure.
- Machinery space ladders should be well maintained. Non-slip treads and adequate handrails should be a feature here.
- Fit the engine room with handholds wherever practicable to prevent accidents involving hot surfaces and moving parts.
- Only remove guards, fences and safety devices for repair purposes – and replace immediately when repairs are done.
- Always vent engine compartments properly before starting and correct fuel leaks immediately.
- Where possible, exhaust pipes should be water-jacketed or effectively insulated.
- Regularly inspect exhaust systems for fire and fume hazards. Beware of carbon monoxide leaking hazards.
- Inspect lagging or insulation where exhaust pipes pass through combustible materials. Maintain watertightness where exhaust pipes pass through the side of a vessel.
- Permanently mark all machinery controls, gauges, pumping systems, valves, cocks, air-pipes, inlets, sounding pipes, switches, etc., to show their purpose. Mark the direction of closure on hand-wheels.
- Regularly check engine & gearbox oils and change as required.
- Vessels should be equipped with alarms to warn of low engine and gearbox oil levels or overheating.
