Section 4 Fuel oil systems

4.1.1 Two or more filters are to be fitted in the fuel oil supply lines to the main and auxiliary engines, and the arrangements are to be such that any filter can be cleaned without interrupting the supply of filtered fuel oil to the engines.

4.2.1 Where a fuel oil booster pump is fitted, which is essential to the operation of the main engine, a standby pump is to be provided. The standby pump is to be connected ready for immediate use.

4.2.2 Where two or more main engines are fitted, each with its own pump, and the craft cannot navigate safely with one of the main engines out of action, the main engines are to be provided with a standby pump as detailed in Pt 15, Ch 3, 4.2 Booster pumps 4.2.1.

4.2.3 Where two or more main engines are fitted, each with its own pump, and the craft can navigate safely with one of the main engines out of action, standby pumps are not required.

4.2.4 Fuel oil booster pumps are to be suitable for all types of fuel used by the craft.

4.3.1 Where pumps are provided for fuel valve cooling, the arrangements are to be in accordance with Pt 15, Ch 3, 4.2 Booster pumps 4.2.1 to Pt 15, Ch 3, 4.2 Booster pumps 4.2.3.

4.4.1 Where a power driven pump is necessary for transferring fuel oil, a standby pump is to be provided and connected ready for use. The standby pump may be a manual pump. Alternatively, emergency connections may be made to another suitable power driven pump.

4.5.1 All independently driven fuel oil transfer and pressure pumps are to be capable of being stopped locally and from a position outside of the space in which they are located. The remote stop position is always to be accessible in the event of fire occurring in the space in which these pumps are located.

4.6.1 All pumps which are capable of developing a pressure exceeding the design pressure of the system are to be provided with relief valves. Each relief valve is to be in closed circuit, i.e. arranged to discharge back to the suction side of the pump and to effectively limit the pump discharge pressure to the design pressure of the system.

4.7.1 Valves or cocks are to be interposed between the pumps and the suction and discharge pipes, in order that any pump may be shut off for opening up and overhauling.

4.8.1 Transfer, suction and other low pressure oil pipes and all pipes passing through oil storage tanks are to be suitable for a working pressure of not less than 7 bar.

4.9.1 Every fuel oil suction pipe from a storage, settling or daily service tank situated above the double bottom, and every fuel oil levelling pipe, is to be fitted with a valve or cock secured to the tank.

4.9.2 In machinery spaces such valves and cocks are to be capable of being closed locally and from positions outside these spaces which will always be accessible in the event of fire occurring in these spaces. Instructions for closing the valves or cocks are to be indicated at the valves and cocks and at the remote control positions.

4.9.3 In the case of tanks of less than 0,5 m³, consideration will be given to the omission of remote controls for craft not required to comply with the HSC Code.

4.9.4 Every fuel oil suction pipe which is led into the machinery spaces, from a deep tank outside these spaces, is to be fitted in the machinery space with a valve controlled as in Pt 15, Ch 3, 4.9 Valves on deep tanks and their control arrangements 4.9.2 except where the valve on the tank is already capable of being closed from an accessible position above the bulkhead deck.

4.9.5 Where the filling pipes to deep oil tanks are not connected to the tanks near the top, they are to be provided with non-return valves at the tanks or with valves or cocks fitted and controlled as in Pt 15, Ch 3, 4.9 Valves on deep tanks and their control arrangements 4.9.2.

4.10.1 Filling stations are to be isolated from other spaces and are to be efficiently drained and ventilated.

4.10.2 When the tanks are filled from shore under pressure, provision is to be made against overpressure in the filling pipelines. Any relief valve fitted for this purpose is to discharge to an overflow tank or other safe position.

4.11.1 Pipes, valves and couplings conveying fuel oil are to be installed, screened or otherwise suitably protected, to avoid spray or leakages onto hot surfaces, into machinery air intakes, or other sources of ignition such as electrical equipment. Pipe joints are to be kept to a minimum and where provided are to be of a type acceptable to LR.

4.11.2 Pumps, filters and heaters are to be located to avoid oil spray or oil leakages onto hot surfaces or other sources of ignition, or onto rotating machinery parts. Where necessary, shielding is to be provided and the arrangements are to allow easy access for routine maintenance.

4.11.3 The design of filter and strainer arrangements is to be such that they may not be opened inadvertently when under pressure. This may be achieved by either mechanically preventing the pressurised filter from being opened or by providing pressure gauges which clearly indicate which filter is under pressure. In either case, suitable means for pressure release are to be provided, with drain pipes led to a safe location.

4.11.4 Drip trays are to be fitted under fuel oil appliances which are required to be opened up frequently for cleaning or adjustment and at pipes, pumps, valves and other fittings where there is the possibility of leakage. Alternative arrangements may be acceptable and full details should be submitted for consideration.

4.11.5 Short sounding pipes fitted to fuel oil tanks are to be in accordance with Pt 15, Ch 2, 11.11 Short sounding pipes 11.11.2

4.12.1 A fuel oil service tank is a fuel oil tank which contains only the required quality of fuel ready for immediate use.

4.12.2 On service craft required to comply with the International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea, 1974, as amended (SOLAS 74) and on yachts that are 500 gt or more, two fuel oil service tanks, for each type of fuel used on board, necessary for propulsion and generator systems, are to be provided. Each tank is to have a capacity for at least eight hours’ operation, at sea, at maximum continuous rating of the propulsion plant and/or generating plant associated with that tank.

4.12.3 The arrangement of fuel oil service tanks is to be such that one tank can continue to supply fuel oil when the other is being cleaned or opened up for repair.