Blackout Recovery Procedure on a Vessel (short instruction)

A blackout on a vessel is a complete loss of electrical power, which affects all systems and equipment dependent on the ship's power supply.

This situation can be critical, affecting the vessel’s propulsion, navigation, communication, lighting, and safety systems. Blackouts can occur due to various reasons, including mechanical failures, fuel supply issues, overloads, or faults in the electrical distribution system.

Key Impacts of a Blackout

1. Loss of Propulsion:

   • The main engine and thrusters stop functioning, leading to a loss of control over the vessel's movement.

2. Navigation and Communication:

   • Navigation systems (such as GPS, radar, and electronic chart systems) and communication equipment (radio, satellite communications) cease to operate, which can compromise the vessel's situational awareness and ability to communicate with other ships or shore stations.

3. Safety Systems:

   • Essential safety systems, including fire detection and alarm systems, bilge pumps, and emergency lighting, may become inoperative, increasing the risk in emergency situations.

4. Life Support Systems:

   • Ventilation, air conditioning, and other systems critical to maintaining a safe environment on board may shut down.

Common Causes of Blackouts

1. Mechanical Failures:

   • Engine or generator malfunctions, including issues with fuel injection, cooling, or lubrication systems.

2. Electrical Failures:

   • Short circuits, faults in the main switchboard, or failure of circuit breakers.

3. Fuel Supply Issues:

   • Contaminated fuel, air in the fuel system, or fuel pump failures.

4. Overloading:

   • Excessive electrical load causing generators to trip.

5. Human Error:

   • Mistakes during operations or maintenance, such as incorrect switching or failure to follow procedures.

Preventive Measures

1. Regular Maintenance:

   • Routine inspection and maintenance of generators, engines, switchboards, and other electrical components.

2. System Redundancy:

   • Installation of backup systems such as emergency generators to provide power in case of primary system failure.

3. Training and Drills:

   • Regular training for crew members on blackout recovery procedures and conducting periodic drills to ensure preparedness.

4. Monitoring and Alarms:

   • Use of advanced monitoring systems to detect potential issues early and alarm systems to alert the crew of any anomalies.

5. Load Management:

   • Proper management of electrical loads to prevent overloading of generators and distribution systems.

By understanding the causes and impacts of a blackout on a vessel, and implementing preventive measures, the risks can be minimized, and the safety and operational integrity of the vessel can be maintained.

Blackout Recovery Procedure on a Vessel

1. Initial Assessment:

• Ensure Safety: Confirm that all personnel are safe. If anyone is in danger, follow emergency procedures to ensure their safety.
• Check Alarms and Indications: Identify the cause of the blackout by checking alarm systems and indications on control panels.

2. Immediate Actions:

• Stop Main Engine: Ensure the main engine is stopped to prevent damage.
• Isolate Non-Essential Systems: Disconnect non-essential systems to reduce load when power is restored.
• Activate Emergency Power: If not automatically done, manually start the emergency generator to power essential systems such as emergency lighting, communication systems, and essential navigation equipment.

3. Restore Power:

• Check and Reset Breakers: Inspect and reset the main circuit breakers and ensure they are in good working order.
• Start Auxiliary Generators:
  • Check Fuel and Oil Levels: Ensure that there are adequate levels of fuel and oil.
  • Start the Generator: Start the auxiliary generator manually if it does not start automatically. Follow the manufacturer’s procedure for starting.
  • Synchronize Generators: Once one generator is running, if applicable, start additional generators and synchronize them according to standard operating procedures.

4. Gradual Load Reconnection:

• Reconnect Essential Systems: Gradually bring essential systems back online, such as navigation, communication, and engine room systems.
• Monitor Load: Carefully monitor the electrical load to avoid overloading the generator.

5. Main Engine Restart:

• Check Engine Readiness: Ensure that the main engine is ready to be started, checking fuel, lubricating oil, and cooling water systems.
• Start the Main Engine: Follow standard operating procedures to restart the main engine.

6. Full System Check:

• Inspect All Systems: Check all onboard systems to ensure they are functioning correctly.
• Report and Log: Document the blackout event and recovery process, noting any irregularities and actions taken.

7. Preventive Measures:

• Review the Incident: Conduct a review to determine the cause of the blackout and implement measures to prevent future occurrences.
• Regular Maintenance: Ensure regular maintenance and testing of generators, switchboards, and emergency systems to maintain reliability.

Important Considerations

• Communication: Maintain clear communication with all crew members throughout the recovery process.
• Safety First: Always prioritize the safety of personnel and the vessel.
• Training: Ensure all crew members are trained in blackout recovery procedures and conduct regular drills.

Summary

• Ensure Safety
• Stop Main Engine
• Activate Emergency Power
• Reset Breakers and Start Generators
• Reconnect Essential Systems
• Restart Main Engine
• Full System Check and Logging
• Implement Preventive Measures

Following these steps can ensure a safe and efficient recovery from a blackout situation on a vessel.

Blackout recovery on the vessel (short instruction)

The following action have been carried out.

1. Inform the Bridge and Master.
2. Notify Chief Engineer.
3. Start STBY generator and cut-in power.
4. Check and stop Emergency Generator & STBY position mode activated.
5. Start SW pump cooling system.
6. Check cause of black out and rectify.
7. Start ME Auxiliary Blowers.
8. Start ME Auxiliary pumps, LO Pump, etc.
9. Check all pressures & temperatures are normal.
10. STBY pumps check and restore to STBY mode.
11. Steering system check and restore to STBY mode.
12. Check Main Starting Air Bottle and press-up.
13. Check LO System on all STBY and service machinery & top-up as needed.
14. Check and remedy caused on STBY generator failure to gain power upon black-out.
15. Check Bridge & Engine communication system.
16. Check control air system at 6.5 – 7 kg/sm².
17. Drain air bottle of water accumulation.
18. Confirm all machineries in good working condition.