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Fire in the engine room – DP undesired event

Comments

Investigation found that the turbo charger on engine No 5 was damaged. DP position was maintained throughout.

Considerations from the above event:

Sharing information on events such as this can make a big impact on safety and the submission of this report is very much appreciated.

  • A fire on any vessel is serious and in the engine room of a DP vessel engaged in operations it should be considered very serious.
  • The first signs of a fire in the engine room should warrant a DP yellow alert.
  • Full details of the vessel power distribution are not known but consideration should be given to electrically isolate the affected engine room.
  • The above two points should be covered by the vessel activity specific operating guidelines (ASOG) or well specific operating guidelines (WSOG) so that the crew is in no doubt what action to take.
  • Vessel emergency drills should consist of scenarios such as this so that all crew know what to do and what will happen in similar circumstances.
  • It is essential the crew know what conditions would cause an automatic activation of the fire deluge system.

The following case studies and observations have been compiled from information received by IMCA. All vessel, client, and operational data has been removed from the narrative to ensure anonymity.

Case studies are not intended as guidance on the safe conduct of operations, but rather to assist vessel managers, DP operators and DP technical crew in appropriately determining how to safely conduct their own operations. Any queries should be directed to IMCA at [email protected]. Members and non-members alike are welcome to contact IMCA if they have experienced DP events which can be shared anonymously with the DP industry.

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IMCA makes every effort to ensure the accuracy and reliability of the data contained in the documents it publishes, but IMCA shall not be liable for any guidance and/or recommendation and/or statement herein contained. The information contained in this document does not fulfil or replace any individual’s or Member's legal, regulatory or other duties or obligations in respect of their operations. Individuals and Members remain solely responsible for the safe, lawful and proper conduct of their operations.