2 Equipment
Clasification Society 2024 - Version 9.40
Statutory Documents - IMO Publications and Documents - Resolutions - Maritime Safety Committee - Resolution MSC.188(79)/Rev.1 - Revised Performance Standards for Water Level Detectors on Ships Subject to SOLAS Regulations II-1/25, II-1/25-1 and XII/12 - (Adopted on 28 April 2022) - Annex - Performance Standards for Water Level Detectors on Ships Subject to SOLAS Regulations II-1/25, II-1/25-1 and XII/12 - Appendix - Guidelines on Installation and Testing of Water Level Detection Systems on Ships Subject to SOLAS Regulations II-1/25, II-1/25-1 and XII/12 - 2 Equipment

2 Equipment

2.1 Detector equipment type test requirements

2.1.1 Detector equipment should provide a reliable indication of water reaching a preset level and should be type tested to demonstrate their robustness and suitability under the appropriate conditions of IEC 60092-504 and the following:

  • .1 Protection of the enclosures of electrical components installed in the cargo holds, ballast tanks and dry spaces should satisfy the requirements of IP68 in accordance with IEC 60529. The water pressure testing of the enclosure should be based on a pressure head held for a period depending on the application. For detectors to be fitted in holds intended for the carriage of water ballast or ballast tanks the application head should be the hold or tank depth and the hold period should be 20 days. For detectors to be fitted in spaces intended to be dry the application head should be the depth of the space and the hold period should be 24 h.

  • .2 Operation in cargo/water mixture for a selected range of cargo groups such as iron ore dust, coal dust, grains and oils using seawater with a suspension of representative fine material for each cargo group. For type test purposes an agitated suspension of representative fine materials in seawater, with a concentration of 50% by weight, should be used with the complete detector assembly including any filtration fitted. The functioning of the detection assembly with any filtration arrangements should be verified in the cargo/water mixture with immersion repeated 10 times without cleaning any filtration arrangements.

2.1.2 Protection of the enclosures of electrical equipment located on the deck above ballast and cargo spaces should satisfy the requirements of IP56 in accordance with IEC 60529.

2.1.3 Equipment which is to be used in refrigerated cargo spaces should satisfy the requirements of a suitable industry standard covering the relevant service temperatures.

2.2 Detector equipment installation requirements

2.2.1 The sensors should be located in a protected position that is in communication with the specified part of the cargo hold (usually the aft part) such that the position of the sensor detects the level that is representative of the levels in the actual hold space. These sensors should be located:

  • .1 either as close to the centreline as practicable, or

  • .2 at both the port and starboard sides of the cargo hold.

2.2.2 The sensors should be located at the height specified in the regulations. These heights are to be measured from the upper surface of the inner bottom and if the bottom of the bilge well is below the upper surface of the inner bottom, its heights are to be measured from the bottom of the bilge well.

2.2.3 When a lining or insulation is fitted, if the lining or insulation is not constructed to a watertight standard, then the height is to be measured from the upper surface of the inner bottom. If the lining or insulation is tested as watertight, then the heights may be measured from the upper surface of the lining/insulation.

2.2.4 The detector installation should not inhibit the use of any sounding pipe or other water level gauging device for cargo holds or other spaces.

2.2.5 Detectors and equipment should be installed where they are accessible for survey, maintenance and repair.

2.2.6 Any filter element fitted to detectors should be capable of being cleaned before loading.

2.2.7 Sensors, electrical cables and any associated equipment installed in cargo holds should be protected from damage by cargoes or mechanical handling equipment associated with bulk carrier operations, such as in tubes of robust construction or in similar protected locations.

2.2.8 Any changes/modifications to the ship's structure, electrical systems or piping systems that involves cutting and/or welding should be approved by the classification society before work is carried out.

Parent topic: Appendix - Guidelines on Installation and Testing of Water Level Detection Systems on Ships Subject to SOLAS Regulations II-1/25, II-1/25-1 and XII/12
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