IACS launches campaign on emergency power supply tests

by The Editorial Team

January 7, 2025

in CIC

According to Bureau Veritas, IACS is starting a new campaign during 2025, to track the results of emergency power supply tests on ships.

This follows a warning from the Tokyo MoU about potential risks in how emergency power systems are tested, particularly with a method called the “simulated blackout.” This inspection campaign will be held for 12 months commencing from 1 January 2025 and ending 31 December 2025 and examine the Emergency Power Supply of the ship. A ship will be subject to only one inspection under this CIC during the period of the IACS campaign.

Recommendations

According to Tokyo MoU, ISM Management companies should:

Ensure that devices like the “Sequential Test” selector or “Routine Test Switch” (RTS) are designed and wired to use the actual circuit paths required by SOLAS Chapter II-1, Reg. 42.3.1.2 / 43.3.1.2, to fully test the system.
Update the Company Safety Management Procedure (SMS) for emergency generator tests to include periodic ‘Controlled Blackout Tests’ (instead of using the sequence test) to ensure the correct circuit paths as required by SOLAS Chapter II-1, Reg. 42.3.1.2 / 43.3.1.2, are tested safely and practically while maintaining system functionality.
Example: A ‘Controlled Blackout’ can be done by opening the MCR bus-tie (transfer line) circuit breaker while in normal mode and with operation switches in auto, as in a sea-going state.
Be aware that the “Sequential Test” selector and/or “Routine Test Switch” (RTS) may not meet the requirements of SOLAS Chapter II-1 Reg. 42.5.4 / 43.5.4 if it sends a signal to disconnect the inter-connector instead of automatically disconnecting upon loss of the main power source. It also doesn’t meet Chapter II-1 Reg. 42.7 / 43.7 if it doesn’t test the complete system.

Flag State Authorities, Classification Societies, and ISM Recognized Organizations should:

During routine inspections, surveys, and ISM audits, ensure the emergency generator functionality is tested using both the “simulated blackout” routine/sequential test switch and a controlled blackout (as described in (2) above). If a discrepancy is found—e.g., satisfactory results with the test switch but unsatisfactory results with the controlled blackout—appropriate actions should be taken to amend the emergency generator test procedure or ensure the test switch circuit paths allow a full and complete test.
If modifications to the routine/sequential test switch circuit paths are required, these should be approved by the Classification Society/Recognized Organization. Any changes to the emergency generator testing procedure must be documented in the ship’s safety management and preventive maintenance systems.
Note that the electrical system design and approval are the responsibility of the Recognized Organization/Classification Society to ensure compliance with SOLAS requirements.

The attached checklist is for surveyors to use when inspecting ships. It’s also for the crew to make sure the ship is prepared for an inspection. If any issues are found during the check, the crew must fix them immediately, either before the ship leaves or as soon as possible.

If a problem cannot be fixed right away, the ship’s master and company must make a plan to fix it, which will be recorded and confirmed by the surveyor.