| GTM-8.21 |
Gas Tanker Manual GTM Maintenance Routines |
Form No.: GTM-8.21
Revision: 01 Date: 15 Oct 2024 Issued by: DPA Approved by: MD |
21. MAINTENANCE ROUTINES
This section deals with the maintenance routines which are required to maintain the cargo equipment onboard in an operational condition. The Master is responsible for ensuring that these are carried out at the specified intervals described with this manual.
Detailed mooring equipment guidelines and procedures required in order to maintain the equipment in a satisfactory operating condition can be found in the Fleet Operations Procedures, in the vessel’s PMS and publications in reference documents.
For those vessels which have a computerised Planned Maintenance System, this work is to be recorded electronically, and printouts should be provided for quick access for any inspector who may require this information.
The following items are to be contained in the maintenance records:
| Item | Frequency |
|---|---|
| Electrical bonding check on transfer hoses | Each operation |
| Electrical bonding check on flexible hoses for ballast tank inerting | 3 months |
| Pressure testing of transfer hoses | 12 months |
| Pressure testing of bunker piping (1 x MAWP) | 12 months |
| Pressure testing of bunker piping (1.5 x MAWP) | 30 months |
| ESD function test | Before each operation |
| Pump trips and emergency shutdowns | Each operation |
| Cargo and ballast pump safety devices | Each voyage |
| Function testing and pressure testing of cargo valves | 6 months |
| Inert gas safety devices checks and operational tests | Each operation |
| Inert gas system inspection and maintenance including scrubber | Manufacturer’s instructions |
| Test of ballast pumproom bilge alarms | Weekly |
| Test of cargo and ballast tank high level alarms and sirens | Each operation |
| Test of cargo tank overfill alarms and sirens | Each operation |
| Test of cargo tanks pressure alarms and safety devices | 1 month |
| Test of void spaces of IBS pressure alarms and safety devices | 1 month |
| Inspection and examination of ballast and void spaces | 12 months |
| Inspection and examination of cargo tanks | 30 months |
| Run of test conditions of loading computer | 3 months |
| Inspection of flame screens within cargo systems | 6 months |
| Inspection of flame screens within ballast / bunker systems | 6 months |
| I.G. Non-return valves | 12 months |
| Calibration and inspection of tank gauging equipment | 30 months |
| Calibration checks on portable gas measuring equipment (Recorded in Safety Set) | 2 months |
| Calibration checks on fixed gas measuring equipment | 1 month |
| Calibration of temperature gauges | 12 months |
| Calibration checks on pressure gauges | 12 months |
This section deals with the maintenance routines which are required to maintain the cargo equipment onboard in an operational condition. The Master is responsible for ensuring that these are carried out at the specified intervals described with this manual.
Detailed mooring equipment guidelines and procedures required in order to maintain the equipment in a satisfactory operating condition can be found in the Fleet Operations Procedures, in the vessel’s PMS and publications in reference documents.
For those vessels which have a computerised Planned Maintenance System, this work is to be recorded electronically, and printouts should be provided for quick access for any inspector who may require this information.
The following items are to be contained in the maintenance records:
Electrical Equipment Maintenance
All electrical equipment and fittings outside the accommodation and machinery spaces must be intrinsically safe. Damaged electrical fittings must be isolated and not used until they are repaired. Particular care must be taken to ensure that portable electrical equipment such as radio telephones, pagers, electrical equipment cameras, etc., are not used in hazardous areas. The batteries for portable equipment must not be changed on the open decks, and strict control is to be put in place to ensure that the following are intrinsically safe:
- Hermetic Ullaging Equipment
- VHF/UHF radios
- Torches
- Gas detection Equipment
- Cameras (when used in any dangerous areas, must not contain batteries or other electrical circuits, unless intrinsically safe)
Damaged portable equipment must not be used until it is repaired. The level of protection provided by explosion-proof or intrinsically safe electrical equipment may be compromised by incorrect maintenance procedures. Even the simplest repair and maintenance operations must be carried out in strict compliance with the manufacturer’s instructions so that such equipment remains in a safe condition.
In particular, regarding lights, incorrect closing after changing a light bulb could compromise the integrity of the light. Lights and cargo compressors’ electric motors located on weather deck areas and in cargo pumprooms must be periodically inspected as per the PMS.
Inspection of Electrical Equipment
During inspections of electrical equipment or installations, particular attention should be paid to the following:
- Cracks in metal, cracked or broken glasses, or failure of cement around cemented glasses in flameproof or explosion-proof enclosures
- Covers of flameproof enclosures to ensure that they are tight, that no bolts are missing, and that no gaskets are present between mating metal surfaces
- Each connection to ensure that it is properly connected
- Possible slackness of joints in conduit runs and fittings
- Clamping of armouring of cable
- Stresses on cables which might cause fracture
- Condition of earth wire
- Insulation test of ventilation motors as per periodic test planning
- Vibration analysis of the electric motors in order to assess the bearing condition and prevent a sudden failure of the motor with associated risk of fire