USCG: Launch of Concentrated Inspection Campaign on Engine Room Fire Safety

(www.MaritimeCyprus.com) The USCG has announced an ongoing Enhanced Examination Program (EEP), which is similar to the Concentrated Inspection Campaigns (CIC) performed by other PSC regimes.

For the three-month period of 1 April 2024 to 30 June 2024, the USCG PSC inspectors are directed to carry out an enhanced examination during regular USCG examinations on board cargo ships verifying fire safety in the engine room, focusing on the following items:

• Proper operation of at least one fuel oil shutoff valve via remote operation (SOLAS II-2/4.2.2.3.4).
• Proper operation of control of stopping power ventilation for machinery spaces from outside the machinery space (SOLAS II-2/5.2.1.2).
• Presence and condition of protection against hot surfaces, i.e. lagging (SOLAS II-2/26.1).

It is important to note that PSC inspectors are instructed not to test the operation of fuel oil shutoff valves affecting the current operation of a ship’s machinery.

How to prepare

Crews are advised to verify the following:

• Correct operation of remote and local control of fuel oil shutoff valves and functionality of power ventilation stopping arrangements.
• Proper, uncontaminated lagging in the engine rooms and other machinery spaces, ensuring appropriate protection against hot surfaces.

The CIC on fire safety by the Paris and Tokyo MoUs in 2023 partly overlap with this USCG campaign.

Checklist published by China MSA:

1. Proper function of main propulsion unit (fuel system, communication and adjacent instruments, starting air, lube oil system, cooling water system, control air system, enginereversing measures).
2. Proper function of safety, monitoring and remote control and other auxiliary devices of the main propulsion unit (all alarms in working condition oil mist concentration detector,
   no alarm records related to safety and automatic shutdown of engine).
3. Ships steam boiler in order (water supply system, combustion system, safety system).
4. Ships main power supply in order (sufficient capacity to account for generator failures, safety systems, switchboards and control panel, insulation monitoring).
5. Emergency power supply in order (start and operation, starting device meets requirements, fuel reserves, switch to automatic mode, power to emergency systems after blackout within 45s, emergency battery pack, quick closing valve, air supply, leakages).
6. Steering gear in order (automatic start after power failure, backup power equipment, hydraulic oil storage tank, alarms, performance, communication facilities).
7. Crew is competent and familiar with the operation of mechanical and electrical equipment within their duties (certificates, Communication, familiar with operation, testing and emergency procedures).
8. System documents related to mechanical and electrical equipment are effectively implemented on board (shipping company support to master, qualified crew, communication, proper procedures, emergency response for equipment failure, maintenance plan implemented).
9. Other issues that may cause marine mechanical and electrical failures (e.g maloperation of fuel oil quick closing valve, lack of protective facilities, failure of bilge water system, crew fatigue, etc.).

Additional items recommended by DNV:

10. Maintenance records for both planned and corrective maintenance should be up-to-date and the description of performed maintenance should be sufficiently detailed.

11. For those cases where corrective maintenance (repair) has been required, it is recommended that a probable cause of the failure is identified, or at least an investigation initiated, and, where possible, maintenance routines are updated to prevent reoccurrence.

12. The condition of lubrication and fuel oil filters should be monitored and documented, e.g. last filter changeover/replacement, average number of cycles per hour for automatic filters, etc.

13. Testing of the emergency generator should be conducted and documented on a regular basis, including automatic connection to the emergency switchboard (ESB) and loading of the generator. Automatic starting of the ESB connected steering gear pump after loss of power should be included.

14. Starting of the standby generator, including any preferential trips, should be tested and documented in good time before arrival.

15. Any failures or damages that can be presumed to lead to a condition of class shall have been reported to class and records of the notification shall be available to PSC for inspection.

Relevant Preparation Material:

1. Maritime Loss Prevention: Fire in Engine Room

2. Maritime Loss prevention: Engine room Fire Safety

3. Risk Focus: Fuel leaks and unshielded hot spots in Engine Rooms

4. Paris MoU and Tokyo MoU CIC on Fire Safety (Checklist)

Source: USCG