Real Life Incident: Unnecessary Ship Engine Shut-down Causes Trouble
The general cargo vessel had completed loading and the crew were undertaking the usual tasks prior to departure. Once the pilot was on board, the vessel left the berth with the assistance of one tug. Within ten minutes, the vessel was turned and the tug released. The vessel was then underway. About ten minutes later there was a sudden blackout. Both anchors were quickly dropped but the vessel came into contact with the harbour breakwater nonetheless.
The company investigation found that the engine was shut down automatically due to the main engine crankcase oil mist detector (OMD) having been activated.
As it happened, the particular make and model of oil mist detector (OMD) on the vessel had only one operational mode: if oil mist was detected, it shut down the main engine.
Other vessels under the same management had OMDs with two modes;
1) ‘sea mode’ where detection would shut down the main engine, as in this case, and
2) ‘harbour mode’ where detection of oil mist means the main engine RPM is reduced automatically and vessel manoeuvrability is maintained.
The investigation also found that in this case the OMD experienced a false alarm. While loading in port, the main engine stand-by heating had been switched off to allow maintenance, allowing a higher than normal humidity within the engine. The OMD detection was apparently triggered by the resulting water condensation.
Lessons learned
– Although it is tempting to free harbour tugs as quickly as possible, in the restricted waters of a small port their assistance can be invaluable should something go wrong.
– A well designed safety device such as an OMD should have at least two operating modes to better mitigate risks.
– When conditions are changed from normal operational values, such as in this case by shutting off the main engine stand-by heating, expect the unexpected. Take the time to think through whether any unwanted consequences may result.
Do you have info to share with us ? Suggest a correction
- Real Life Incident: Vessel Collision in Good Visibility
- Real Life Incident: Severe Injury To Deck Crew While Leaving Berth
- Real Life Incident: Departure Damage in Very Restricted Waterway
- Real Life Incident: Low Situational Awareness Has High Impact Consequence
- Real Life Incident: Fouled Anchor in a Designated Anchorage
- Real Life Incident: Fire On Barge Carrying Scrap Metal Causes $7 Million Worth Of Damage
Latest Case studies Articles You Would Like:
Subscribe To Our Newsletters
By subscribing, you agree to our Privacy Policy and may receive occasional deal communications; you can unsubscribe anytime.
Bull shit, oil mist detector of ME and blackout. Only possible if shaft generator is in operation. Usually nobody use shaft generator in ten minutes after pilot off.
You’re right Max, but even so, remain the shout-down of the ME. Having a slow-down or override maneuver mode consequences can be avoided.
Imposible,due to to activation of OMD shut down occur,OMD is the safety of Main Engine not for generators those produce electricity. Investigation uncorrected.