What to Do in Case of a Blackout?
In case of Blackout following precautions and actions should be taken:-
1. Never panic in such situation, be calm and composed. Emergency generator
will restore the power in no time.
2. Inform Officer on bridge briefly about the condition.
3. Call for man power and inform the chief engineer.
4. If the main propulsion plant is running, bring the fuel lever to zero position.
5. Close the feed of the running purifier to avoid overflow and wastage of fuel.
6. If auxiliary boiler was running, shut the main steam stop valve to maintain the
steam pressure.
7. Find out the problem and reason for blackout and rectify the same.
8. Before starting the generator set, start the pre- lubrication priming pump if the
supply for the same is given from the emergency generator; if not, then use
manual priming handle (provided in some generator).
9. Start the generator and take it on load. Then immediately start the main engine
lube oil pump and main engine jacket water pump.
10. Reset breakers and start all the other required machinery and system. Reset
breakers that are included in preferential tripping sequence. (Non-essential
machinery).
It requires both skill and patience to tackle a situation like blackout specially when
the vessel is sailing or maneuvering. However, the best way to tackle such
situations is to be calm and composed; and to know your engine room and
machinery very well in advance.