Main Engine Emergency Maneuvering

All the important machineries on ship are provided with redundancy i.e. backup or standby system. Two similar machines are provided such that one fails other can be used. In case of main engine of ship two main engine are not economical so engine protection system are provided. In case the remote control i.e. Bridge, ECR controls fail or governor of main engine goes faulty. The system can be changed over to the local/emergency maneuvering. Local maneuvering is done at the local station provided on the engine.

In this system all the safeties are bypassed and governor is cut off and the load is adjusted manual from the local station. Only the qualified personal should operate during operation. A headphone is provided at the station connected to the telephone so that instructions from the bridge can be directly available to operate without any delay. If the instructions misunderstood may lead to collision and grounding.

Change over procedure

• It can be done with engine in stopped as well as running conditions.
• First change from wheelhouse to ECR and ensure both the telegraph and fuel lever are in stop position.
• Operate the switch from "ECR to Local".
• At the local control stand changeover fuel pump control shaft from local to manual.
• Disconnect the governor and the fuel rack is operate manually with help of a cone clutch arrangement or a mechanical lever arrangement provided depending upon the engine type.
• A locking pin or clip may be provided as a additional safety.

Operating procedure

• After the  fuel rack is attached to the manual hand wheel control, wait for the wheelhouse order.
• Use headphone so that any order from the wheelhouse is crystal clear.
• Respond to the telegraph and give fuel and air to the engine via local control levers.
• In case start failure, give extra amount of fuel and air, as now it is controlled manually and the linkage requires more push for the fuel supply.
• Once the engine starts follow the telegraph and maintain the speed from local fuel lever and always watch the rpm of engine and careful while following order. 

Checks and maintenance

• The remote control failure alarm is to be checked regularly.
• Local telephone and communication system are to be checked and maintained on the regular basis.
• Local telegraph bell and indication lights are to be checked and maintained.
• All the gauges should be in working condition must be checked on regular rounds.
• All the linkages to be oiled and greased at regular intervals of time.
• The safety clip or pins in the cone clutch or any other type of arrangement is to be checked.
• Emergency maneuvering drills should be conducted every month.