A blackout on a vessel refers to a complete loss of electrical power on the ship. This situation can arise from various causes, including mechanical failures, electrical faults, or human error.
When a blackout occurs, it impacts all systems that rely on electrical power, which can include:
- Navigation Systems: Loss of radar, GPS, and other essential navigation tools.
- Communication Systems: Inability to use radios, satellite phones, and other communication devices.
- Propulsion Systems: Potential loss of control over the main engines and steering mechanisms.
- Lighting: Both interior and exterior lights may go out, causing visibility issues.
- Safety Systems: Systems such as fire alarms, emergency lighting, and bilge pumps may become non-functional.
Causes of a Blackout
- Engine Room Failures: Problems with the main or auxiliary engines.
- Electrical System Failures: Faults in the generators, transformers, or distribution panels.
- Human Error: Incorrect operation or maintenance procedures.
- Fuel Problems: Contaminated fuel or fuel supply issues to the generators.
- Overload: Electrical systems being overloaded by excessive demand.
Consequences
- Navigational Hazards: Increased risk of collisions, grounding, or getting lost.
- Safety Risks: Greater danger of accidents and inability to respond to emergencies effectively.
- Operational Downtime: Potential delays and financial losses due to the ship being out of service.
- Environmental Risks: Increased risk of spills or other environmental incidents if the blackout affects containment systems.
Mitigation Measures
- Regular Maintenance: Keeping all machinery and electrical systems in good working order.
- Redundancy: Installing backup systems to take over in case of primary system failure.
- Training: Ensuring that crew members are well-trained in handling blackout situations and emergency procedures.
- Fuel Management: Proper management and monitoring of fuel quality and supply.
By understanding and preparing for the risks associated with a blackout, vessel operators can minimize the chances of occurrence and effectively manage the situation if it does happen.
Simple instruction for recovery of power generating plant after blackout.
Maybe this instruction will be suitable for your vessel.
ENGINEER ON WATCH:
- Change over the control level to ER
- Inform duty officer by phone about blackout and estimated time for engine recovery
- Stop the main engine
- Sound engineer alarm
- Start stand by diesel generator
- Switch on synchronoscope and main circuit breaker running DG on main switchboard
- Restart all pumps in following sequence:
- ME LO pump
- ME SW cooling pump
- ME FW cooling pump
- Piston cooling pump
- Boiler feed pump
- Check whether ME AUX blower is on auto mode
CHIEF ENGINEER:
- Check all ME service system parameters and reset ME shut down button
- Ring “DEAD SLOW AHEAD” by telegraph
- Upon positive replay from bridge – start ME
ENGINEERS:
- Check and restart all AUX systems
- Check and restart the boiler
- Check all running pumps in engine room for leakage and proper temperature
- Restart A/C compressor; domestic fridge (ECR); A/C cooling pump
EL. ENGINEER:
- Investigate reason of blackout to avoid reocurrence
- Switch on ESB LINK circuit breaker
- Stop emergency generator
- Restart all consumer’s breakers
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