8 Common Mistakes While Operating Deck Machinery Systems
Working on ship’s deck involves carrying out routine procedures such as painting and chipping, operating deck machinery, or handling cargo. Most of these jobs involve handling one or more types of deck tools and equipment while performing them.
Though a variety of mistakes can occur while operating deck machinery systems, there are a few errors which are very common on all types of ships. Deck officers must take extra precautions with eight of the most common mistakes involved with deck machinery operations that are mentioned below:
1. Bow Thruster: The deck officers operating the bow thruster joy-stick must never increase the pitch from minimum to maximum in one go. It can lead to sudden increase in current and damage the motor as the BT system involves using high voltage and current. Also, maximum given pitch should never exceed 90% and operation at higher pitch must not be continued for long duration of time.
2. Mooring Winch: When ship is berthed in the jetty, the berthing/securing operation of the ship is performed by using mooring winches. Avoid using the brakes of the winches in place of using reduction gear to reduce or control the speed or else it will damage the brake lining of the drum.
3. Anchor Winch: Always use chain stopper when no operation is being performed and while greasing the ship’s anchor parts. Never grease friction washer or brake lining as this will lead to slippage of the anchor chain while stopping.
4. Deck Crane: All cranes comes with maximum safe working load capacity which is stenciled on the crane body for ready reference. Still it’s observed that many deck crew members lift loads without even checking the load of the lifting structure/body/ item.
5. Ballast system: Never start the ballast pump from the cargo control room without checking the system valves and pump conditions from the local position in the engine room.
6. Hydro blaster: For the safety of ship’s personnel, a safety switch is provided on the hydro blaster. This “Dead man’s switch/trigger” must never be taped, tied, or otherwise altered so that the equipment stays in the “ON” position. Also, if the high pressure pipe is not handled properly, If the lance is dropped it will whip about wildly, causing serious injuries.
7. Welding/ Gas cutting : The deck maintenance commonly involves “hot work” which requires using welding machinery. Do check the insulation of welding cable and condition of the gas cables before using them. Check the surrounding of the hot work area (near fuel tank vent, oil tank sounding pipe etc.) before starting the job. Also ensure that the gas cutting piping system is equipped with flash back arrester in the line before the gas bottles.
8. Fire System: The fire system of the ship is supplied with high capacity fire pumps which provide water to the hydrants present in deck and engine room. These pumps are used for emergency situations and thus should not be isolated at any time. However, don’t forget to isolate the fire pump and the system when carrying out any kind of maintenance in the line. Also, after maintenance don’t forget to close the drain of the fire line.
Do you know about any other common mistakes related to deck machinery operations that are seen on board ships? Let us know in the comments below.
Further Readings:
1. The Ultimate Guide to Cargo Operation Equipment for Tankers and The Ultimate Guide to Cargo Operations for Tankers offer procedures and explanations for a variety of cargo operations and deck machinery systems.
2. You might also like to read our eBook – The Ultimate Guide to Deck Machinery Procedures and Operations which explains procedures for operating all deck machinery systems, along with other important guidelines.
Disclaimer :
The information on this website is for general purposes only. While efforts are made to ensure accuracy, we make no warranties of any kind regarding completeness, reliability, or suitability. Any reliance you place on such information is at your own risk. We are not liable for any loss or damage arising from the use of this website.
Related Articles
Disclaimer :
The information on this website is for general purposes only. While efforts are made to ensure accuracy, we make no warranties of any kind regarding completeness, reliability, or suitability. Any reliance you place on such information is at your own risk. We are not liable for any loss or damage arising from the use of this website.
⚓️ Enhance Your Knowledge. Prevent Accidents. Stay Safe at Sea.
1. eBooks for Engine Department
Master machinery operations, troubleshooting, and safety procedures with expertly written guides tailored for marine engineers. Prevent costly breakdowns and onboard accidents through practical knowledge.
👉 Explore Engine Department eBooks
2. eBooks for Deck Department
Sharpen your seamanship, navigation, and cargo-handling skills with real-world case studies and practical insights designed for deck officers and cadets.
👉Discover Deck Department eBooks
3. eBooks on Electrical Fundamentals & Issues
Understand marine electrical systems, identify potential faults, and prevent onboard electrical failures with step-by-step explanations from industry experts.
4. Pocket Guides for Quick Reference
Compact, handy, and loaded with essential checklists—perfect for on-the-go reference during operations and emergencies at sea.
5. Combo Packs to Save Big
Access multiple expert eBooks at discounted prices. Ideal for professionals seeking complete safety and operational knowledge across various ship departments.
6. Digital Maritime Courses – Learn at Your Own Pace
Upgrade your competence with Marine Insight Academy’s online courses. Learn from industry professionals anytime, anywhere, and become a safer, smarter seafarer.
Subscribe To Our Daily Newsletter
By subscribing, you agree to our Privacy Policy and may receive occasional deal communications; you can unsubscribe anytime.
Master Mariner for Panamax or handy max vessel.
These eight tips are very important to remember all the time and it is necessary for the workers on ships to pay much attention to them in order to avoid the mistakes. Keep safe operations value most. I got much useful information from your article.