8.5 Bridge control of propulsion machinery
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Statutory Documents - IMO Publications and Documents - International Codes - 1989 MODU Code – Code for the Construction and Equipment of Mobile Offshore Drilling Units, 1989 – Resolution A.649(16) - Chapter 8 – Periodically Unattended Machinery Spaces for all types of Units - 8.5 Bridge control of propulsion machinery

8.5 Bridge control of propulsion machinery

  8.5.1 In the marine mode, including manoeuvring, the speed, direction of thrust and, if applicable, the pitch of the propeller should be fully controllable from the navigating bridge.

  8.5.2 Such remote control should be performed by a single control device for each independent propeller, with automatic performance of all associated services, including, where necessary, means of preventing overload of the propulsion machinery. However, where more than one propeller is designed to operate simultaneously, these propellers may be controlled by a single control device.

  8.5.3 The main propulsion machinery should be provided with an emergency stopping device on the navigating bridge which should be independent of the navigating bridge control system referred to in 8.5.2.

  8.5.4 Propulsion machinery orders from the navigating bridge should be indicated in the main machinery control station or at the propulsion machinery control position, as appropriate.

  8.5.5 Remote control of the propulsion machinery should be possible only from one location at a time; at such locations interconnected control positions are permitted. At each location there should be an indicator showing which location is in control of the propulsion machinery. The transfer of control between the navigating bridge and machinery spaces should be possible only in the main machinery space or in the main machinery control station. The system should include means to prevent the propelling thrust from altering significantly when transferring control from one location to another.

  8.5.6 It should be possible for all machinery essential for propulsion and manoeuvring to be controlled from a local position, even in the case of failure in any part of the automatic or remote control systems.

  8.5.7 The design of the remote automatic control system should be such that in case of its failure an alarm will be given on the navigating bridge and at the main machinery control station. Unless the Administration considers it impracticable, the pre-set speed and direction of thrust of the propeller should be maintained until local control is in operation.

  8.5.8 Indicators should be fitted on the navigating bridge for:

  • .1 propeller speed and direction of rotation in the case of fixed pitch propellers; or

  • .2 propeller speed and pitch position in the case of controllable pitch propellers.

  8.5.9 The number of consecutive automatic attempts which fail to produce a start should be limited to safeguard sufficient starting air pressure. An alarm should be provided to indicate low starting air pressure, set at a level which still permits starting operations of the propulsion machinery.

Parent topic: Chapter 8 – Periodically Unattended Machinery Spaces for all types of Units
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