Ships occasionally experience blackouts, leading to a temporary loss of propulsion. While most incidents occur at sea and have no significant consequences, blackouts should be avoided. Effective risk management involves planning, training, and contingency measures, enhancing safety together.
Ensure Correct Maintenance and Operation
Proper maintenance and operation are crucial to prevent blackouts. Key preventive measures include:
- Loss of Lube Oil Pressure: Maintain lube oil pumps, purifiers, and filters; keep sump tanks topped up.
- Fuel-Oil Issues: Maintain fuel oil pumps and filters; ensure proper heating and draining of water; avoid mixing fuels without testing; follow proper fuel switchover procedures.
- Control System Malfunctions: Regularly test safety mechanisms and ensure correct settings for engines and alternators.
- Common Maintenance Failures: Avoid performing similar maintenance on multiple auxiliary engines simultaneously.
Ensure Crew Competence Through Regular Blackout Testing
Regular blackout testing enhances crew competence and system reliability. Key testing practices include:
- Observing power system responses to blackout conditions.
- Performing manual actions for blackout restoration.
- Verifying system behaviours, such as power generation start-up and synchronization, propulsion recovery, and emergency generator functionality.
- Testing under various failure scenarios to prepare the crew for different blackout situations.
Implement Operating Procedures for High-Risk Operations
Establish and follow procedures for high-risk operations, identified through risk assessments. These procedures should specify:
- Number of generators and propulsion units online.
- Configuration of auxiliaries and bus-tie.
- Manning levels in different departments.
Clear and straightforward procedures increase crew awareness and safety during critical operations where blackouts could have severe consequences.
Recommendations
To prevent and mitigate the impact of blackouts, operators should:
- Implement robust operating procedures.
- Enhance crew risk awareness.
- Maintain essential equipment correctly.
- Conduct regular blackout tests.
These measures significantly improve vessel safety and reliability.
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Source: DNV
