The10 useful points of engine room machinery:Marine Engineer should know
Any marine engineer who works on ships knows there is a world of difference between the theoretical knowledge you can learn in a ship’s book and the practical skills you learn by getting your hands dirty in the engine room. There is no substitute for the knowledge gained through years of experience in the engine room, but no marine engineer survived, ignoring book knowledge.
Ship engine rooms are equipped with different engine systems, each requiring a specific approach to performing maintenance and troubleshooting. Only through a healthy combination of knowledge and practical skills can marine engineers understand their machines from the inside out.
Must know how to start and stop machines
All ships are different and have different engine systems. The primary type of engine system is the same for all but operating and maintenance procedures vary by the engine manufacturer and vessel type.
It is imperative for Marine engineers fully understand how their machines start and stop before doing any other works. Starting and stopping procedures can be learned by using the operating instructions for the individual mechanical system and asking a colleague/senior in the machine room. Many times Engineers are scared to share doubts with seniors. Junior Engineers feel that they will be exposed to their poor knowledge.
This thinking bars them from getting exposure to their understanding. But this is not the case. Most seniors are helpful and ready to teach and impart their knowledge and share the same with their subordinates, provided they have the proper approach to asking the doubts. It’s always better to know everything about your machine in advance than regret carrying it around in case of a breakdown or emergency.
Read the Machinery Manual Thoroughly
As a marine engineer, it is essential to have a good understanding of the machinery manual. Not only do you need to be able to read and understand the manual, but you must also have an excellent memory. Without this knowledge, it is impossible to comprehend the functioning of different machinery parts and how they must be used and maintained.
A thorough knowledge of engine manuals is essential for marine engineers. It gives them an insight into all aspects of their profession, from understanding how each component works and its purpose to maintaining it in top condition. It will also help them identify potential problems before they become serious issues that can lead to costly repairs or replacements. By reading and memorizing their machinery manual, marine engineers can ensure that their equipment runs as smoothly as possible for years to come.
The Machinery records is the best guide ever
Every machine in the engine room has a history that ship engineers should carefully study. This history tells us everything the machine has experienced, including serious accidents, troubles, and overhauls. These records allow marine engineers to plan regular maintenance procedures and quickly prepare troubleshooting approaches. With this information, you can make better decisions on how to fix and prevent these issues from occurring. Not only that, but you can also compare the machinery to see which ones are performing better than others. Records of a machine could help you make more informed decisions about which machines should be used for specific tasks. The Machinery records are an invaluable guide to help you keep your equipment running smoothly.
See details of all critical maintenance tasks
To operate machinery efficiently and without any breakdown, it is essential to understand the details of past maintenance reports. Historical maintenance reports provide engineers with valuable insight into issues the machine has faced in the past, related issues, and how they were fixed. The maintenance report also includes critical comments and tips that should be considered when dealing with that particular machine system. Marine engineers need to study maintenance reports to understand past problems and how a machine behaves under different conditions.
With this information, engineers can find potential mechanical problems and fix them before they become more severe or costly failures. Analysis of previous maintenance reports also helps engineers understand trends associated with specific machines and take appropriate preventive actions.
It is recommended to track machine uptime
Maintaining a track of running hours is essential for the long-term well-being of any ship. It helps the engineer to plan and perform the following maintenance procedure depending on the running hours of the machinery. Keeping track of running hours gives an idea about when the parts need to be replaced or serviced so they can keep functioning properly. Furthermore, it ensures that any critical failure is avoided and significantly reduces downtime.
A system that tracks running hours can simplify this process and make it more efficient. It will give engineers a clear picture of how much time each part has been used, which will help them plan further maintenance procedures accordingly. This system would also alert engineers in case of any potential equipment failure so they can take preventive measures before it’s too late.
Knowing the running parts Clearances
One of the essential aspects of the engine room machinery is to be aware of the different types of clearances. Clearance is necessary to ensure that all parts of the machine move correctly and that no part touches or interferes with other parts. These clearances can be even more critical on ships as they can cause catastrophic damage if not done correctly. Marine engineers must carefully monitor the clearances of various parts of the machinery, such as bearing and bumping clearances in compressors, crank pin and piston ring clearances in generators, etc., as they are an essential part of any planned maintenance system. These data would help to plan out and schedule the next maintenance operation.
Check historical records for the alteration made to the parts used
Marine engine systems are constantly subjected to routine maintenance procedures, often involving significant repairs. Some mechanical parts must be changed during such procedures to carry out repair work. For example, extensive repair (by grinding) of a crankshaft journal in a marine engine will also change the dimensions of adjacent components, such as shell bearings. Therefore, engineers need to review historical records to see if changes have been made to mechanical parts and to ensure that future maintenance or repair work uses the correct replacement parts.
Know what spare parts you need
As a marine engineer, one must know all the spare parts required for the machinery. Identifying, procuring, and installing the right parts can ensure that your vessel runs smoothly and safely.
Knowing the various types of spare parts, their uses, and where they can be sourced is a must-have tool for any marine engineer. Knowing which spare parts are needed and when they need replacing can save time and money and help identify potential problems before they become too expensive or hazardous. Marine engineers can ensure their vessels are running optimally by understanding what spare parts are available, how often they need replacing, or how to find them.
Know all the important tests for water and lubricants
All essential machines and equipment in the engine room are connected to several tests to ensure they function correctly. As a marine engineer, it is necessary to understand these tests and learn how to conduct them and the steps required to get the samples needed to land.
For various water and lubricant applications, accurate tests are essential to ensure that the correct components are used. Boiler water tests, generator lube oil tests, cooling system tests, and many others are necessary for engineers to know about their contents and the chemicals involved. Knowing these tests can help engineers identify any issues that may arise from the incorrect quality of water or lubricants in the system. With these tests, they can make sure that the correct quality of water or lubricant is being used for a specific application. By doing so, they can maximize efficiency and productivity while minimizing downtime.
Check logbook parameters for the last 3 months
The logbook is one of the onboard references that marine engineers must refer to daily. Apart from that, you should take the time to examine the machine’s logbook parameters, especially over the last three months, to understand any common problems or significant changes that have occurred in regular operations. If an engineer is new to ships, the logbook is the best and quickest reference to help him know and understand his engine systems.
By regularly checking logbook parameters for the past three months, marine engineers can quickly spot any changes in the performance or efficiency levels of the engine. Regular checking of log books allows them to take proactive measures if needed, such as replacing specific components or adjusting existing settings. Regular maintenance of logbook parameters also helps reduce repair costs and keep vessels running smoothly,
FAQ on engine room machinery
Blog Conclusion
We hope you enjoyed our article about Marine Engineer should know : 10 points of engine room machinery. This was a great article to help those who are just starting out in the marine engineering world and to familiarize the readers with the basics. If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to reach out to us at https://www.marinediesel.co.in/. Thank you for reading, we would love to hear from you!
