Guidance on Machinery Space Deficiencies issued by Liberia

Liberia Maritime Authority has issued the Marine Advisory Note MA 06/2023 regarding the guidance on machinery space deficiencies.

The note was published on 15 March 2023.

The purpose of this Advisory is to alert you on the recent focused trend by various Port State Control regimes during the inspection of Machinery Spaces. There has been an increased focus on the proper operation of firefighting equipment and the cleanliness of Machinery Spaces. Specifically, the following items are consistently noted by Port State Control Officers:

1. Engine Room Water Mist system set in “Manual” mode.
2. Fuel Oil Quick Closing valves blocked open by use of wedges or wires.
3. Pipes insulation laggings wrongly installed, soaked in Fuel Oil, or missing.
4. Excessive Fuel, Oil accumulation and Lubrication Oil leaks in Machinery Spaces, Auxiliary Engines, Steering Gear Room or Purifier Room.

The Liberian Administration encourages Owners, Operators and their Masters and Chief Engineers to take this Marine Advisory into account during the regular operation of their vessels and ensure the following steps and checks are included in the proper conduction of the Engineering Watches and Planned Maintenance:

1. Engine Room Water Mist Systems must be readily available for immediate use and in good working order. Activation switch on the system control panel must be set to “Remote” or “Automatic.” Precaution shall be taken to prevent the nozzles from becoming clogged by impurities in the water, regular checks must be carried out to identify corrosion of piping, nozzles, valves, and pump.

2. Quick Closing Valves are positive shut off valves that are designed to isolate oil tanks in the event of a fire and also prevent fueling of a fire in circumstances where system piping and components are compromised. Such valves must always be free to operate, manual wires activators and/or hydraulic systems must be kept under close examination and tested regularly. Under no circumstance shall a valve operation be hindered by fitting wedges or wires to preclude the activation. A maintenance plan should be in place, including technical manuals containing diagrams and information that describe the system components, required spare parts, operation, maintenance and repair. All engine department personnel should be able to identify the location of each valve, the respective remote closure and how to close them locally and remotely in an emergency.

3. Insulation Lagging should be inspected regularly. Inspection should include looking for signs of cracking, distortion, or any damage or signs of a hot spot. Evidence of leaks shall be acted upon with celerity and corrected to prevent the possibility of fire. Equipment hot spot should be identified and insulated to prevent the creation of areas that could ignite a fire in case of sprays or leaks in the system.

4. Fuel and Lubricant leaks can easily lead to a fire or an explosion due to their highly flammable nature or create pollution and hazardous situations. Leaks from Fuel Pumps, Main Engines, Generators and Steering Gears shall be corrected immediately. Adhering to a robust Preventative Maintenance System ensures that repairs are carried out before the development of leaks that can lead to fires, and pollution and are a common reason for ships to be detained by Port State Control. Following areas have been known or leaks and oil accumulation:

a. In the vicinity of double jackets pipes on top of the main engine
b. Accumulation on top of the main engine
c. Oil leaks dripping down the main engine crack case
d. Bilge area around the lube oil pumps behind the main engine
e. Under the rocker covers of auxiliary engines
f. Fuel filters for the auxiliary engine
g. Underneath the auxiliary engine platforms
h. Underneath the lube oil/fuel oil purifiers
i. Oil soaked lagging in the purifier room
j. Shaft penetrations of any fuel/oil pumps
k. Valves throughout any fuel/oil piping
l. Oil soaked lagging throughout any fuel/oil piping
m. Sides/bulkheads of tanks in the engine room

Rectification and prevention of these situations are vital for safe operation of any vessel.