Monthly Safety Scenario (MSS)
The Monthly Safety Scenario (MSS) is a Loss Prevention initiative to assist members in their efforts to comply with international safety regulations and to follow best practices.
The Club is publishing, every month, a new Monthly Safety Scenario (MSS) to assist owners in their efforts to comply with the above regulations. Alternative scenarios will be uploaded in SCOL. It is easy to download the MSS and enter the written conclusions from the meeting and send feedback to the shore-based organisation.
Right-click on the link below and select “Save target as…“ to save the pdf file on your computer.
MSS Case August: Contaminated lube oil caused engine damage
The vessel was sailing when the high lube oil temperature alarm activated, and the main engine stopped.
Subsequent investigations revealed an abnormal level in the sump tank and the cooling water expansion tank had lost water. Cooling water had found its way into the lubricating oil sump and contaminated the lube oil system.
It was also found that the number 2 cylinder head was leaking coolant from a loosened guide bolt on the inlet valve crossbar. Attempts to tighten the bolt failed and so the cylinder head was replaced with a spare. Approximately 900kg of fresh oil was added and the main engine was restarted and the voyage resumed. No contaminated oil was drained off.
Two days later when the vessel was approaching the pilot station an alarm sounded indicating a high lube oil temperature from cylinder number 3. The engine was stopped, and investigations were carried out. These did not reveal any abnormalities and the engine was restarted. Shortly after the pilot embarked, the crankcase oil mist alarm was triggered followed by a banging noise from the engine and then again the engine automatically shut down. A tug provided assistance and the vessel anchored. It was decided that the vessel should be berthed with tug assistance.
The number 3 cylinder unit had suffered piston seizure. Further damage was noted to the number 3 big-end bearing and crankpin journal, caused by the contaminated lube oil.
An analysis of the lubricating oil taken three months earlier for the main engine, showed that the oil was within specification. Another oil sample was taken one month before the incident and the analysis at this time showed
a water content of 0.17%. For some unknown reason this sample had not been sent for analysis prior to the incident.
Review the questions with your team in the latest Monthly Safety Scenario.
MSS Case August: Contaminated lube oil caused engine damage
The vessel was sailing when the high lube oil temperature alarm activated, and the main engine stopped. Subsequent investigations revealed an abnormal level in the sump tank and the cooling water expansion tank had lost water.
Under the ISM requirement, owners are obliged to carry out monthly safety meetings or safety committee meetings onboard their vessels. This obligation stems from Chapter 5 of the ISM Code: “Master’s responsibility and authority” and furthermore from “5.1.2, motivating the crew in the observation of that policy”.
The obligation can also be derived from the Code of “Safe Working Practices for Merchant Seamen”, where it is stated that the safety committee should meet regularly: “3.13.2, The frequency of meetings will be determined by circumstances but as a general guideline, the committee should meet about every 4-6 weeks”.
For more Loss Prevention information, please contact:
Scenarios archive
(older scenarios are available in SCOL)