1. Purifiers and Fuel Oil Treatment
Efficient purifier operation is essential for engine reliability. Poor separation can lead to dirty fuel, sticking injectors and unexpected stoppages.
Key Points
- Always follow the maker’s recommended operating temperature and throughput.
- Check water seal regularly and ensure proper interface position.
- Monitor sludge discharge quantity — sudden change is a warning sign.
- Use correct gravity disc / paring disc combination for each fuel grade.
2. Auxiliary Engines & Generators
Aux engines are the heart of the ship’s electrical system. Many blackouts are related to simple issues that could be prevented with disciplined checks.
- Keep clean fuel, lube oil and cooling water systems.
- Log exhaust temperatures and compare cylinders regularly.
- Check turbocharger and air cooler condition at every opportunity.
- Listen for unusual sounds — small changes often precede failure.
Quick pre-start checklist:
- LO level & FO level within limits
- Cooling water valves open & pressure available
- Turning gear out / indicator cocks closed (where applicable)
- No active alarms on local panel
3. Planned Maintenance Routines
PMS is not just paperwork. Good routines extend equipment life and reduce emergency repairs at sea.
- Combine maker’s schedule with actual operating hours.
- Use condition-based checks (vibration, temperatures) where possible.
- After maintenance, always re-tighten critical connections after first few hours of running.
4. Engine Room Safety Basics
No technical knowledge is useful if we ignore basic safety rules.
- Never work alone on high-risk jobs (enclosed spaces, high-pressure systems).
- Wear correct PPE: goggles, gloves, hearing protection and coveralls.
- Report and clean oil spills immediately to prevent fires and slips.
- Keep escape routes and stairs free from tools and materials.
5. Learning and Sharing Knowledge
Marine engineering is a practical profession. The best learning happens through:
- Careful observation of senior engineers and their habits.
- Reading manuals before opening machinery.
- Writing your own short notes after every major job.
- Sharing experiences with colleagues — both good and bad.