Things to be aware of:


– A significant share of incidents has resulted from a lack of familiarity with the bilge system. The vessel’s crew should be familiar with the unique characteristics of the vessel’s bilge system. This includes understanding the schematic layout of the bilge system, mimic boards, remote actuators, any cross functionality with such systems as the ballast management system, emergency firefighting system, etc.


– Inspection and testing of cargo hold bilge system non-return valves should be included in routine pre- loading checks of the holds.


– Bilge system valves and pipework require to be periodically checked and maintained as part of the planned maintenance system.


– Rigorous procedures should be in place to prevent valves being left open when not in use. Read the article in full at https://bit.ly/3u5uvd0.


MAIB ISSUES SAFETY WARNING AFTER DISCOVERY OF BLOCKED FIXED CO2 FIRE EXTINGUISHING SYSTEM PILOT HOSES


On 19 September 2021, a fire broke out in the auxiliary engine room on board the Finland registered roll-on/roll-off cargo ship Finnmaster while departing Hull. In an attempt to extinguish the fire, the ship’s crew activated the machinery space’s carbon dioxide (CO2) fire extinguishing system, but only half of the system’s gas cylinders opened. The initial investigation identified that one of the CO2 system pilot hoses was blocked due to a manufacturing defect. Several coupling leaks were also found in the pilot lines.


Safety Issues


– The quality assurance processes of the pilot hose assembly supplier failed to identify that the hose couplings had not been fully bored through


– The onboard installation testing processes did not identify that some of the hose assemblies were blocked and that there were leaks in the CO2 system pilot lines


– Latent defects may exist in the CO2 fire-fighting systems on board ships supplied with potentially affected hose assemblies delivered from the same batch


Download the Safety Bulletin at https://bit.ly/3LGBm2A.


The Report • June 2022 • Issue 100 | 29


Safety Briefings


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