PSC deficiency code 13101: Propulsion main engine
Area 13 Propulsion and auxiliary machinery
This code covers the main propulsion engine: whether it runs reliably, can be controlled from where it should be, and has working safety devices. A defect here goes straight to whether the ship can sail safely.
What the inspector looks at
The inspector may ask for the engine to be turned on air or started, depending on the port and the ship's readiness.
- Starting and control from the bridge and the engine control room, and transfer between stations
- Emergency stop and the main engine safety shutdowns and slowdowns
- Alarms such as low lube oil pressure, high cooling water temperature and the oil mist detector
- Leaks of fuel, lube oil and exhaust gas, and the condition of jacketed high pressure fuel pipes
- Overhauls and running hours against the maker's schedule in the planned maintenance system
- Records of recent breakdowns, and whether class was told
Common findings
- Main engine cannot be started from bridge
- Main engine emergency stop not operational
- Oil mist detector defective
- Fuel oil leakage from fuel injection pump
- Exhaust gas leakage from main engine
- Main engine overhaul overdue as per maker's instructions
- Main engine operated with reduced power, no class notification
The rule behind it
SOLAS chapter II-1, Part C covers machinery installations, including means of going astern and machinery controls. Fuel leak and hot surface protection come from SOLAS chapter II-2. SOLAS chapter I asks for accidents and defects affecting the ship's safety to be reported to the flag or the RO, and class rules set the detail for the engine and its controls. Maintenance falls under element 10 of the ISM Code.
Action codes you are likely to see
Minor leaks and alarm faults repaired in port are typically 17. Overdue overhauls that can be planned may get 16 or 15. An engine that can't be started or controlled reliably, a defective emergency stop, or damage the class wasn't told about, may be treated as a ground for detention (30). Inspectors may also check whether the RO's last survey should have found the defect, which affects RO responsibility. See action taken codes.
How to close it
Repair the defect and test the engine in front of the inspector or class. For damage affecting propulsion, inform class, have a surveyor attend and keep the survey report and any condition of class or its deletion. Where the maker or a service engineer worked on it, keep the service report. Update the planned maintenance system. Keep all reports and test records with the Form B. If detained, see after a PSC detention.