Section 10 Machinery surveys – General requirements
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Clasifications Register Rules and Regulations - Rules and Regulations for the Classification of Inland Waterways Ships, July 2022 - Part 1 Regulations - Chapter 3 Periodical Survey Regulations - Section 10 Machinery surveys – General requirements

Section 10 Machinery surveys – General requirements

10.1 Annual Surveys

10.1.1 In ships which are to be subjected to Annual Surveys as set out in Pt 1, Ch 2, 3.5 Existing ships – Periodical Surveys and are placed in dry dock or on a slipway, see Pt 1, Ch 2, 3.5 Existing ships – Periodical Surveys 3.5.7, the propeller(s), sternbush(es), water inlets and outlets and gratings are to be examined. The clearance in each sternbush or the efficiency of each sterngland is to be ascertained.

10.1.2 In ships which are subject to Annual Surveys as set out in Pt 1, Ch 2, 3.5 Existing ships – Periodical Surveys 3.5.2 the Surveyor is to inspect the machinery spaces generally, with particular attention being given to the following:

  1. Propulsion system, auxiliary machinery and to the existence of any fire and explosion hazards.

  2. Emergency escape routes are to be checked to ensure that they are free of obstruction.

  3. The bilge pumping system, including operation of extended spindles and level alarms, where fitted. Satisfactory operation of the bilge pumps is to be proven.

  4. Verification, so far as is practicable, that the remote controls for stopping fans and machinery and shutting off fuel oil supplies in machinery spaces and, where fitted, the remote controls for stopping fans in accommodation spaces and the means of cutting off power to the galley are in good working order.

10.1.4 The main propulsion, essential auxiliary and emergency generators including safety arrangements, controls and foundations are to be generally examined. Surveyors are to confirm that Periodical Surveys of engines have been carried out as required by the Rules and that safety devices have been tested.

10.1.5 For ships fitted with automation equipment for main propulsion, essential auxiliary and emergency machinery, a general examination of the equipment and arrangements is to be carried out. Records of changes to the hardware and software used for control and monitoring systems for propelling and essential auxiliary machinery since the original issue (and their identification) are to be reviewed by the attending Surveyor. Satisfactory operation of the safety devices and control systems is to be verified.

10.1.6 For ships fitted with an electronically controlled engine for main propulsion, essential auxiliary and emergency power purposes, the following is to be carried out to the satisfaction of the Surveyor:

  1. A general examination of the electronic control system and associated parts.

  2. Verification of evidence of satisfactory operation of the engine and where possible this is to include a running test under load.

  3. Verification of satisfactory operation of the safety devices and control systems.

  4. Verification that any changes to hardware and software for control of the engine have been submitted and approved by LR.

  5. Verification that any changes to control and monitoring arrangements that affect the operation of the engine have been submitted and approved by LR.

  6. Verification that where changes have been carried out, there is evidence of acceptance tests and trials for Programmable Electronic Systems which include confirmation of software life cycle activities appropriate to the stage in the system's life cycle at the time of system examination.

  7. Identification and verification that the key monitoring parameters/sensors are in working order.

10.2 Intermediate Surveys

10.2.1 In ships which are placed in dry dock or on a slipway for this survey, the propeller(s), sternbush(es), water inlets and outlets and gratings are to be examined. The clearance in each sternbush or the efficiency of each sterngland is to be ascertained.

10.2.2 The machinery installation is to be generally examined and tested under full load working conditions.

10.2.3 For additional requirements for tankers, see Pt 1, Ch 3, 3.2 Examination and testing 3.2.12.

10.2.4 For ships fitted with a classed dynamic positioning system, the control system and associated machinery items are to be generally examined under working conditions.

10.3 Complete Survey of machinery

10.3.1 When the ship is in dry dock or on a slipway, the propeller(s), sternbush(es), water inlets and outlets and gratings are to be examined. The clearance in each sternbush or the efficiency of each oil gland is to be ascertained.

10.3.2 All shafts (except screwshafts and tube shafts for which special arrangements are detailed in Pt 1, Ch 3, 15 Screwshafts, tube shafts and propellers), thrust block(s) and all bearings are to be examined. The lower halves of bearings need not be exposed if alignment and weardown can be established and found to be within acceptable limits.

10.3.3 An examination is to be made of all reduction gears complete with all wheels, pinions, shafts, bearings and gear teeth, thrust bearings and integral clutch arrangements. Toothed parts and clutches may be checked through inspection doors. Opening up may be required by the Surveyor in view of the visible condition of the components.

10.3.4 The following auxiliaries and components are to be examined under working conditions:

  1. Auxiliary engines, auxiliary air compressors with their intercoolers, filters and/or oil separators and safety devices, and all pumps and components used for essential services.

  2. Steering machinery.

  3. Windlass(es) and associated driving equipment, where fitted. Opening up may be required by the Surveyor depending upon the trial results or the visible condition of the components.

10.3.5 The holding down bolts and chocks of main and auxiliary engines, gearcases, thrust blocks and intermediate shaft bearings are to be examined.

10.3.6 All air receivers for essential services, together with their mountings, valves and safety devices are to be cleaned internally and examined internally and externally. If internal examination of the air receivers is not practicable, they are to be tested hydraulically to 1,3 times the working pressure.

10.3.7 The valves, cocks and strainers of the bilge system are to be opened up as considered necessary by the Surveyor and, together with pipes, are to be examined and tested under working conditions. The fuel oil, feed, lubricating oil and cooling water systems, also the ballast connections and blanking arrangements to deep tanks which may carry liquid or dry cargoes, together with all pressure filters, heaters and coolers used for essential services, are to be opened up and examined or tested, as considered necessary by the Surveyor. All safety devices for the foregoing items are to be examined.

10.3.8 Fuel tanks which do not form part of the ship’s structure are to be examined and if it is considered necessary by the Surveyor, they are to be tested to the pressure specified for new tanks. The tanks need not be examined internally before the ship is 15 years old if they are found satisfactory on external inspection. The mountings, fittings and remote controls of all fuel tanks are to be examined, so far as practicable.

10.3.9 Where remote and/or automatic controls are fitted for essential machinery, they are to be tested to demonstrate that they are in good working order.

10.3.10 Detailed requirements for engines, electrical installations and boilers are given in Pt 1, Ch 3, 11 Engines – Detailed requirements, Pt 1, Ch 3, 12 Electrical equipment and Pt 1, Ch 3, 13 Boilers, respectively. In certain instances, upon application by the Owner or where indicated by the maker’s servicing recommendations, the Surveyor will give consideration to the circumstances where deviation from these detailed requirements is warranted, taking into account design, appropriate indicating equipment and operational records.

10.3.11 For tankers the cargo vapour detection and alarm systems are to be examined, calibrated and tested to demonstrate that they are in good working order. Upper deck cargo loading and discharge pipe lines are to be subjected to a pressure test of 1,1 times the approved maximum working pressure with a minimum of 10 Bar.

10.3.12 For ships that are provided with wheelhouse elevation arrangements, these arrangements are to be examined and tested to the extent as considered necessary by the Surveyor.

10.3.13 On vessels fitted with a classed dynamic positioning system, the control system and associated machinery items are to be examined and tested under working conditions.

10.3.14 Where Thrusters and/or Podded Propulsors are fitted and have been assigned the ShipRight descriptive note ThCM, the degree of inspection required whilst in dock will be determined by the analysis of Condition Monitoring records. Refer to ShipRight Procedure Machinery Planned Maintenance and Condition Monitoring, Section 8.
Note Not applicable where a single thruster, or podded propulsor, is solely responsible for the propulsion and/or steering of the vessel.

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