Engine-room checks

Engine-room checks is a must for several reasons, the reasons are as follows;

(1) Fire prevention

(2) Accident prevention

(3) Flooding prevention

(4) Pollution prevention

With each of the reasons above, the M.C.A. usually asks this question;

(Q) What checks are carried out in the engine-room to prevent fire/accidents/Flooding/Pollution?
(a)

(i) Kept spotless
(ii) No cloths lying around
(iii) Starter and radio batteries contained in a steel box and the box closed
(iv) Starter and radio batteries serviced often
(v) No bare electrical wires
(vi) No fuel leaks
(vii) No oil leaks
(viii) No oil-drums stowed in the engine-room
(ix) Bilges kept dry as possible
(x) No oil in bilges
(xi) Extractor fans used to minimise fumes and air condition
(xii) Walkways kept clean and dry
(xiii) Bilge pumps serviced (maximum of 6 months)
(xiv) Bilge pipes checked often
(xv) Bilge sensors checked often (Test them)
(xvi) Fire detection sensors checked often
(xvii) If freezing gas motors are in engine-room, check the sensors (below motor as the gas is heavier than air)
(xviii) While pumping bilges, have a watch looking over the side to make sure no oily waste is being pumped overboard
(xix) Test Co2 fire sensors
(xx) Have the valve stems for the sea-cocks raised
(xxi) Maintain Sea-cocks and while in drydock withdraw them and get them serviced, clean any barnacles from the intakes to the sea-cocks
(xxii) Fit CCTV
(xxiii) Check non-return valves when in drydock only
(xxiv) Check 24v 110v and 240v lights
(xxv) Have plenty fire-extinguishers in the engine-room and serviced (Mostly foam extinguishers)