Tag: Quick closing valves

Companies should review the placement and labelling of fuel quick-closing valves and assess the operation of fire dampers, the Norwegian Maritime Authority highlights in a new safety notice, following a fire on a Norwegian vessel.

AMSA issued a marine notice that serves as a reminder of the requirements to test and maintain fuel isolation valves for multi-engine installations, following an increase that has been noticed in the failure of remotely operated isolation valves in the fuel supply lines to generators.

A bulk carrier was anchored prior delivery to a shipowner. Before delivery, the shipowner requested bunker supply to the ship, so a bunker barge got alongside on port side of vessel and started bunker supply at late afternoon hours.

RMI Administrator issued a marine advisory to underline the importance of ensuring awareness of the requirements for completing and submitting RMI 'Critical Items Checklist', and ensuring that it accurately reflects the status of the critical items, to avoid unsafe conditions onboard RMI-flagged ships.

The Bahamas Maritime Authority issued a technical alert, to highlight major deficiencies related to fuel oil quick closing valves, during Port State Control inspections. These deficiencies are considered very important and generally lead to detention.

Corrective / preventative actions A small gas tanker was on a loaded coastal voyage. Prior to arrival at the discharge port, the chief engineer and a company superintendent who was on board to carry out an inspection of the vessel, planned to test the operation of QCVs in the fuel oil (FO) and diesel oil (DO) tanks. At about 11:30, both the chief engineer and superintendent positioned themselves near the FO service tank and ordered the tripping of the tank's QCV from the remote emergency control station.After confirming proper closing, the QCV was manually opened and reset. It was then decided to break for lunch. At about 12:40 hrs, when one hour's notice of arrival had been given by the bridge, the Chief Engineer returned to the engine room. At the time, the vessel was proceeding along the traffic separation scheme in the outer approaches to the destination port. At 12:55 hrs, No. 1 generator engine suddenly stopped, causing a blackout and loss of propulsion and steering. The Master broadcast a safety message on VHF and arranged to display Not Under Control (NUC) signals. Immediately, No. 2 generator engine was started manually and was taken on load, but after about ...

A need for adequate knowledge, training, instructions and stocks of replacement Quick Closing Valves are positive shut off valves that are designed to isolate oil tanks in the event of a fire and also prevent fuelling of a fire in circumstances where system piping and components are compromised.These valves are designed to be remotely operated, and are also capable of being operated and reset locally. Inoperable QCVs can put the vessel and its crew at greater risk in the event of a fire and it is absolutely critical that they operate correctly, are properly maintained, and ready for use at all times.Adequate knowledge, training, instructions and stocks of replacement spares and must be provided to ship's staff to ensure the reliability of the remote operating arrangements. Intentionally blocking or disabling these valves is unacceptable under any circumstance.QCV disabled by inserting a bolt (Note: The bolt is partly painted, indicating it has possibly been there for some time.)Source: Mars/Nautical Institute

They cut off fuel supply to an engine in times of emergency UK P&I Club issued Bulletin 765-05/11 for fuel oil quick closing valves as follows:Quick closing valves are an essential safety component in a vessels power plant. They cut off fuel supply to an engine in times of emergency. These valves ensure that an engine room fire remains small and controllable and have saved many vessels in the past. It is then regrettable that due to poor maintenance or wilful neglect that these valves are being used incorrectly. InspectionAfter recognising an increase in the number of deficiencies on inspected vessels the United States Coast Guard (USCG) has increased its vigilance in its inspection regime in this area. The USCG had found numerous cases where Quick Closing Valves (QCV) were poorly maintained, modified in some way or intentionally blocked. The USCG is tasking a dim view in these circumstances and Members should expect their vessels to be rebuked either through the nomination of deficiencies or through fines. Also this may induce the USCG to closer scrutiny of the vessel.DeficienciesIntentionally blocked valves shows a wilful disregard to safety and is counter to any safety culture a company is trying to build.Modified ...