Moonraker

Accommodation climate is to be maintained at comfortable level. Air conditioning should accordingly done to adjust to hot/cold weather conditions. CE must ensure that the A/C compressor is being operated and maintained in good order and system is free of leaks. CE must take daily rounds of AC room to verify proper operation of A/C plant and air…[Read more]

Air compressors are to be operated and maintained as per maker’s recommendations. CE to ensure that all the engineers are familiar with operation of air compressors and line up of the pneumatic system Watch keeping engineer must ensure that compressor unloaders are operating properly and are not leaking. CE must ensure that LO consumption is w…[Read more]

Purifiers are high speed rotational centrifuges and are to the handled with utmost care during operation and maintenance. Follow maker’s manual for proper starting, operation and maintenance. Some of the common guideline applicable to all the purifiers are listed below:
1. During starting observe purifier for any signs of vibration. In case of a…[Read more]

Positive Displacement Pumps
These pumps work on principle of trapping the fluid and pushing it forward/out. Fixed volume of fluid is trapped in suction side and pushed/squeezed to the discharge side. These pumps can be:
1. Reciprocating type.
2. Gear type.
3. Vane type.
4. Screw type.
5. Diaphragm type.
Since these pumps work on moving fixed…[Read more]

These Pumps produce a head and a flow by increasing the velocity of the liquid that passes through the machine with the help of the rotating vane/ impeller. Pump impeller traps the liquid and accelerates the fluid. The casing of pump is designed to convert the rotation kinetic energy to hydrodynamic energy of flow (pressure). The amount of flow…[Read more]

SOOT FIRES CANNOT OCCUR IN A HEAT EXCHANGER WHICH IS FREE OF SOOT DEPOSITS

Soot deposits occur in diesel engines running on heavy fuels generally when running at light load, or when manoeuvring where no exhaust gas bypass exists. These deposits may also contain excess cylinder lubricating oil and are highly susceptible to ignition once engine…[Read more]

It is the responsibility of the Chief Engineer to ensure that all members of the Engine room Staff are familiar with the procedures for the safe operation and maintenance of the exhaust gas boiler/economizers. Principles of safe operation, such as ensuring that valves and mountings are operational and correctly set and the necessity to warm…[Read more]

OPERATION
During anchorages and port stays, aux boiler is to be run in auto mode. Ensure the pilot burner and main burner are in good condition and ensure exhaust gas is not SMOKY. Smoke sensor where fitted should be monitored. HFO temp at burner inlet to be checked from the FO analysis report. Local regulations regarding type of fuel/ Sulphur…[Read more]

STARTING PROCEDURE
The below instructions are to be followed whenever starting a diesel generator under normal circumstances. The remote starting must also be frequently tested to ensure that it is in order. The generator engines will normally be set for automatic starting and must be in this position before the engine room operates in an unmanned…[Read more]

TURBOCHARGERS
Turbochargers must always be in good condition to obtain the expected engine performance and meet current emission standards. Turbochargers can be pulse type, constant flow type, jet assist type. Refer to the maker’s manual for proper operation and maintenance. Ensure that turbocharger air intake filters are maintained clean at all t…[Read more]

Scavenge Fires (2- Strokes)
Fires in the scavenge spaces of diesel engines can be caused by wear of mechanical components, faulty fuel injection, inefficient exhaust system and incorrect cylinder lubrication. Scavenges spaces shall be drained regularly each day and manually cleaned on a regular basis, but not exceeding 2 months so that the risk of…[Read more]

Warming Through:
Main engines are to be warmed through gradually following a stay in port or other occasion when they have been shut down to 65 degC. The jacket water circulation temperature is to be raised over a period of time to as near as is possible the operating temperature. The period of time is dependent on the jacket water temperature…[Read more]

For this post, we have a question asked by an active seafarer and answered by the wife of another active seafarer.

Q: “As you are growing each day and progressing in your career, you’d like a partner who can help you along the way or just simply understand what you’re facing. The difficulties in your career progression right.
However, if your…[Read more]