MEK – 2 : Engine room- operations and safety 

Engine room- operations and safety 

Introduction: Engine room- operations and safety 

Machinery space-


it means any enclosed space that either contains an installed internal combustion engine, machinery or systems that would raise the temperature above 45 degrees Celsius in all environment the vessel operates. 

Engine room machinery-


summarize the key mechanical components and their function [ main engine, shafting, auxiliary engines and boilers]

Propulsion machinery-

items meant for moving a ship [ main engine, shafting and propellor]

Auxiliary machinery-

support more machines or systems. Example- boilers, air compressors, distillers etc.

Engine-

it is a complete set of items to move a vehicle [ship, car, truck], but it is also used for other machines such as generator engine, diesel engine, steam engine which may indirectly contribute in moving a vehicle.

Propulsion machinery-

items meant for moving a ship [ main engine, shafting and propellor]

Auxiliary machinery-

Support more machines or systems. Example- boilers, air compressors, distillers etc.

Machine-

it is a group of components put together to achieve mechanical output [ turn a shaft etc]. example- pumps, lathe, drill machines etc.

Duties of engine room crew-

  • Assist ship engineers in maintenance.
  • Lubricate moving parts of various ER machinery.
  • Clean engine room parts and engine room
  • Paint engine room.
  • Assist in watchkeeping of engine room.
  • Monitor various operational parameters of machinery and report abnormalities to senior engineers.

Watchkeeping-

it is an important aspect for efficient ship operation in order for maintain the machinery in proper working condition at all times and to reduce breakdown maintenance.

A watchkeeper is just keeping an eye and is required to inform a superior at regular interval or if there is change in the condition.

Watchkeeping-

  • it is an important aspect for efficient ship operation in order for maintain the machinery in proper working condition at all times and to reduce breakdown maintenance.
  • A watchkeeper is just keeping an eye and is required to inform a superior at regular interval or if there is change in the condition.

Important aspects to keep in mind to the members of engineering watch-

  • Use and operation of internal communication systems.
  • Escape routes.
  • Engine room alarm systems.
  • Location of firefighting equipment.
  • Emergency items like bilge suction valve, emergency lighting, quick closing valves etc.

Taking over an engineering watch-

  • Read chief engineer’s standing orders and special instructions.
  • Nature of work going on ER, hazards and persons involved.
  • Condition and level of FO in settling & storage tanks.
  • Condition and mode of operation for various main & auxiliary systems.
  • Engine room bilge water level.
  • Special mode of operation dictated by equipment failure or adverse ship conditions.
  • Possibilities of bad weather, ice, contaminated or shallow water.

Watchkeeping on generators and main engine-

TemperaturesExhaust, CW, LO, FO etc.
PressuresLO, CW, FO etc.
levelsLO sump, turbo-charger oil, CW expansion tank, FO tanks.
Other itemsAbnormal noise, leakage of water-oil-air

Watchkeeping on auxiliary machineries-

Air compressorsLO&CW level, abnormal noise or vibration, leaks.
PumpsPressures, load, vibrations, leakages, motor conditions.
boilerWater level , pressure, operations of feed pumps.

Watchkeeping at port or at anchorage-

  • The conditions onboard and in the engine room depend upon whether the ship is loading or discharging or just waiting or bunkering or combination of such activities.
  • If the weather is unpredictable, we neead to be prepared for any of the likely emergencies. The captain may decide to keep the ship ready to move at all times or at a very short notice.

Internal communication systems-

  • Sound powered telephone- it is used in communication without a power source. These are normally found in- bridge, ECR, steering flat, forecastle, aft deck areas etc.

Ships telephone system- every ship is fitted with a telephone system with digital electronic exchange. Telephones are provided in bridge, ECR, in each officers cabin, lounge etc. power is supplied by ships main system.

Public address system- these are provided to make mass announcement. The microphone may be fitted on bridge or other places and speakers are fitted throughout the ship.

Walkie talkie these instruments are carried in hand and person can contact with each other very conveniently. They can recharge once the battery level is low.

Six senses-

SightSee the danger, visual sings, lights etc.
TouchFinding abnormality [ temperature, vibration etc]
HearingAbnormal sounds of operating machinery, alarms etc
SmellAbnormal smell of gases, burning etc
TasteAbnormal food
Sixth senseGut feeling

Preventive measures for accidents and injuries-

Using PPE.

Checking of tool and equipment before using.

Barricading the work areas.

Taking extra precautions when using power tools.

Using appropriate tools correctly.

Taking care while working near operating machinery.

Taking care of internal pressures prior overhauling machineries.

Taking care while working on electric motors or connections and in fridge rooms.

Taking proper permits prior execution of work.

Using safety harness while working on heights.

Taking precaution while working in pump rooms, store rooms and paint rooms.

Good housekeeping.

Hazards in engine room-

MechanicalA moving object hitting a person can cause injury.
ElectricalOne can come in contact with live circuits and gets shock.
Thermalcontact with hot or cold body Can cause burns.
ChemicalContact with corrosive and poisonous chemicals can cause allergies.
InhalationInhalation of toxic gases can cause unconsciousness or death.
Noise and vibrationif above certain limit can be hazardous.

Safety precautions in bad weather-

  • UMS mode to be changed to manual mode and sufficient man power available.
  • Monitoring of parameters of main and aux. machineries.
  • All ER spares should be stowed and lashed.
  • Continuous monitoring of main engine RPM.
  • Top-up sump level of all the machineries.
  • Watertight doors should be closed.
  • Skylight should be closed.

Safety precautions during hot work-

  • No flammable material available near to the cutting/welding area.
  • Never use oil or grease in any point of assembly of gas.
  • Wear PPE.
  • Rectify leakage ASAP to avoid accidents.
  • Close all valves and regulators after use.

Safety precautions while working on electrical equipment-

  • Treat all electrical devices as If they are live or energized.
  • disconnect the power source prior repairs.
  • Use only insulated tools & equipment.
  • Never use metallic rulers or wear metal rings while working on electrical equipment.
  • Wear PPE.
  • If any individual comes in contact with live conductors don’t touch the equipment or a person in contact.
  • Never handle electrical equipment with wet hands/body.
  • When it is necessary to touch the electrical equipment use back of the hands to avoid freezing due to electric shock.
  • Do not store highly flammable liquid near to the electrical equipment.
  • Do not wear loose clothing.

Safety precautions before entering enclose space- 

  • Risk assessment to be carried by competent officers.
  • Identify the presence of toxic gases with suitable detector instruments.
  • All fire hazard possibility to be minimized if hot work is to be carried out.
  • Secure all the openings of ththe enclosed space.
  • e place.
  • Ensure proper ventilation of  

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