CHIEF ENGINEER Unit 12 Classification Q2

The classification of a vessel refers to a system of evaluating and categorizing ships based on their structural integrity, safety standards, and adherence to various international regulations and conventions. It’s a crucial process carried out by independent organizations called Classification Societies.  

1. An Introduction to Vessel Classes – 4C Offshore

2. Classification Societies – EMSA – European Maritime Safety Agency

Key Points about Vessel Classification:

1. Assessment of Technical Standards: Classification Societies assess various aspects of a ship’s design, construction, equipment, and maintenance to ensure they meet the required technical and safety standards.   1. Classification Societies – EMSA – European Maritime Safety Agency www.emsa.europa.eu
2. Assignment of Class Notation: If a vessel satisfies the criteria, it is assigned a class notation (e.g., “1A1” or “✠100A5”) indicating its type, construction quality, and intended service.
3. Issuance of Certificates: The Classification Society issues certificates, such as the Certificate of Class, confirming that the vessel complies with its rules and regulations. These certificates are essential for obtaining insurance, registration, and access to various ports and waterways.   1. Classification certificates – Wärtsilä www.wartsila.com2. Ship classification society – Wikipedia en.wikipedia.org
4. Periodic Surveys and Inspections: To maintain its class, a ship undergoes regular surveys and inspections by the Classification Society to ensure ongoing compliance with the rules.   1. Inspections of ships and boats used for commercial purposes – Ísland.is island.is

Factors considered during classification:

• Ship design and construction: Structural strength, materials used, stability, and seaworthiness are evaluated.   1. Ship and vessels design | Navalista LLC navalista.com
• Machinery and equipment: The condition, reliability, and safety of the main and auxiliary machinery, electrical systems, and other onboard equipment are assessed.   1. Ship classification society – Wikipedia en.wikipedia.org
• Safety systems: Life-saving appliances, firefighting systems, navigation equipment, and other safety-related installations are inspected.   1. Maritime Vessel Inspection – Inspexion inspexion.com
• Operational procedures: The ship’s safety management system, crew training, and operational practices are reviewed to ensure they meet the required standards.

Importance of Classification:

• Safety: Classification helps ensure that ships are built and maintained to high safety standards, reducing the risk of accidents and protecting human life at sea.   1. How classification society improves safety of fishing vessels – International Register of Shipping (INTLREG) intlreg.org
• Environmental Protection: It promotes environmental protection by verifying compliance with regulations related to pollution prevention and marine conservation.   1. Our Vision & Mission – Shipping Safety & Decarbonization – IACS iacs.org.uk
• Commercial Confidence: A class certificate from a reputable Classification Society provides assurance to stakeholders like insurers, charterers, and financial institutions about the vessel’s technical condition and seaworthiness.
• International Trade: Classification facilitates international trade by establishing a globally recognized standard for ship safety and quality, enabling ships to operate freely in different countries.

Conclusion:

Classification of a vessel is a crucial process that ensures the safety, reliability, and compliance of ships with international regulations. It is carried out by Classification Societies, independent organizations that set and enforce technical standards for ship design, construction, and maintenance. By classifying ships, these societies contribute significantly to maritime safety, environmental protection, and the smooth flow of international trade.

The continuous survey of machinery (CSM) is a system that allows for a more flexible and efficient approach to machinery surveys compared to the traditional method where all surveys are conducted at one time, usually during the special survey or dry docking.

How Continuous Survey of Machinery is Applied:

• Spreading out Surveys: In CSM, machinery items are divided into groups, and each group is surveyed at different intervals within a specific timeframe, typically a 5-year cycle. This spreads out the workload for both the ship’s crew and the classification society surveyors.
• Chief Engineer’s Role: The Chief Engineer plays a significant role in CSM by conducting many of the surveys themselves. This leverages their onboard expertise and familiarity with the machinery.
• Classification Society Verification: The classification society surveyor then verifies the Chief Engineer’s findings through a confirmatory survey, typically during the annual survey or at other agreed-upon intervals.
• Documentation: Detailed records of all surveys, including those done by the Chief Engineer, must be maintained and made available to the classification society surveyor during the confirmatory survey.

Time Interval:

• 5-Year Cycle: The complete cycle of machinery surveys under CSM is usually spread over a period of 5 years.
• Annual Surveys: While the complete cycle is 5 years, each individual machinery item is surveyed at least once within that period, usually during the annual surveys.
• Flexibility: The exact timing of individual surveys within the 5-year cycle can be flexible, allowing for adjustments based on the ship’s operational schedule and maintenance needs.

Benefits of CSM:

• Reduced Downtime: By spreading out the surveys over several years, CSM minimizes the disruption to the ship’s operations and reduces the downtime associated with surveys.
• Cost-Effectiveness: It can be more cost-effective as it reduces the need for extensive dry-docking periods and allows for better planning of maintenance and repairs.
• Improved Maintenance: CSM encourages a more proactive approach to maintenance as the crew is regularly involved in inspections and surveys.
• Enhanced Safety: By ensuring that machinery is regularly inspected and maintained, CSM contributes to the overall safety and reliability of the vessel.

Key Points:

• Not all items can be surveyed under CSM: Certain critical machinery items, like the main engine or steering gear, may still require direct survey by the classification society surveyor.
• Chief Engineer’s Competence: The Chief Engineer must be deemed competent by the classification society to carry out surveys under CSM.
• Record Keeping: Meticulous record-keeping is essential for CSM to be effective.

Overall, Continuous Survey of Machinery is a flexible and efficient approach to machinery surveys that promotes proactive maintenance, reduces downtime, and enhances the safety and reliability of the vessel.

During a Continuous Survey of Machinery (CSM), a wide variety of machinery and systems vital to the ship’s operation would be inspected. Here are some examples:  

1. Finding the right machinery maintenance system for ship owners

Main Propulsion Machinery:

• Main Engine(s) and their components (crankshaft, bearings, cylinders, fuel injection system, etc.)
• Shafting and Stern Tube
• Propellers and associated equipment
• Gearboxes and clutches
• Main Engine Control and Safety Systems

Auxiliary Machinery and Systems:

• Auxiliary Engines (generators, emergency generator)
• Boilers and associated systems
• Air Compressors
• Steering Gear and its associated hydraulic systems
• Pumps (bilge, ballast, fire, cargo, etc.)
• Purifiers (fuel oil, lube oil)
• Heat Exchangers and Coolers
• Fresh Water Generators
• Sewage Treatment Plant
• Incinerator

Electrical Systems:

• Main Switchboard and Distribution Boards
• Emergency Switchboard
• Batteries and Charging Systems
• Motors and Generators
• Lighting Systems
• Navigation and Communication Equipment

Other Systems:

• Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Systems
• Deck Machinery (winches, cranes, windlasses)   1. Deck equipment, deck machinery, hull machinery – Wärtsilä www.wartsila.com
• Fire Detection and Firefighting Systems
• Safety Equipment (lifeboats, davits, etc.)

The specific machinery items included in the CSM may vary depending on the ship’s type, age, and classification society rules. However, the overall goal is to ensure that all critical machinery and systems are regularly inspected and maintained to ensure the safety and seaworthiness of the vessel.

Key Points to Remember:

• Chief Engineer’s Role: Under CSM, the Chief Engineer often plays a key role in conducting many of the surveys, leveraging their onboard expertise and familiarity with the machinery.
• Classification Society Verification: The classification society surveyor will then verify the Chief Engineer’s findings through a confirmatory survey at specific intervals.
• Documentation: Detailed records of all surveys, including those conducted by the Chief Engineer, must be maintained and presented to the classification society surveyor.

CSM offers a more flexible and cost-effective approach to machinery surveys, but it requires a high level of competence and diligence from the ship’s engineering crew to ensure that all machinery is properly inspected and maintained.