Valves found poorly maintained
USCG port State control inspections are finding fuel oil quick-closing valves intentionally blocked, modified, and poorly maintained preventing them from operating as designed during an emergency.
Fuel oil quick-closing valves are positive shutoff valves on fuel oil systems to isolate fuel tanks in the event of an emergency. These valves are designed to be remotely operated so a situation where they are rendered inoperable is hazardous for the crew and the ship.
Proper routine maintenance and in some cases approved modifications and/or replacement of components may be necessary to ensure reliability of the remote operation and closure of the valve. Fittings for testing remote closure without cutting of fuel supply should only be used as intended.
USCG recommendations for port State control inspections include:
- Ships engineers should be able to explain maintenance requirements
- Operational test and maintenance records should be available
- Ships engineers should be able to describe how to test and reset the valves
All crew should be aware of the need for fuel oil quick-closing valves and how to operate these valves remotely if instructed to do so.
To view the full safety alert report please click here
Source: USCG
