The engineers on the bulk carrier were doing scheduled maintenance on one of the ballast pumps. They had closed all the isolating valves to the ballast pump and put up notices about the job in the engine room and engine control room, but not on the bridge. They didn’t finish the job on the first day, so continued the next day.

The following day the Master asked an officer to print out the alarm list for the ballast water management system before arriving at the next port as a port state inspection was expected. To get the list the officer had to start the ballast water management system, which he did.

The bilge high level alarm was suddenly activated in the engine room. An oiler checked the bilges and could see water pouring in, covering the tank top. An engineer turned off the power to the ballast water management system.

Read more in the latest Monthly Safety Scenario case 
Lack of communication caused serious main engine damage

For more Loss Prevention information, please contact:

Joakim Enström
Loss Prevention Officer 
E-mail: joakim.enstrom@swedishclub.com

Member Alert is published by The Swedish Club as a service to members. While the information is believed correct, the Club cannot assume responsibility for completeness or accuracy.