5.25 Are the ballast pumping systems, including their associated instruments, controls, valves, pipework, and the control panel (including pressure gauges, draft gauges, and the remote control system), in good working order and is there recorded evidence of regular inspection?
The maintenance and testing of the ballast valves should be incorporated into the PMS.
Valve Remote Control System: This refers to devices that utilize hydraulic oil pressure, pneumatic pressure, and/or electricity as power sources. These devices enable remote centralized control and position display of valves within the ship’s piping systems, all from the control console. The controls and indicators of the Ballast System should be accurate and fully operational, including, where fitted:
・Monitoring of draft, trim, and list
・Control and monitoring of ballast pumps and associated plant
・Control of ballast system valves and indication of their status
・Information mimics/displays of the ballast system
All pressure, temperature, and level sensors of the ballast system should be periodically verified for accuracy.
Incorrect Valve Position Indication: The primary function of the hydraulically controlled valve is to enable remote operation. Ballast control panels for such valves are equipped with position indicators that display the current position of the valve (Open or Shut). An incorrect position displayed by the indicator can lead to confusion. This may cause the officer in charge of cargo operation to proceed with ballast operation without knowing the actual position of the valve.
Common Causes for Incorrect Valve Position Indication: The following are the most common causes for incorrect position indication:
・Defective flow meter
・Defective pressure switch
・Problems with the indicator panel
・Slow valve movement
Once the signal is given to operate a hydraulic valve from the ballast control panel, the valve should fully open or shut within a given time. A delay in the operating timing of the valve can be caused by:
・Defective control valve operation
・Clogged flow reducer
・Clogged filters
・Low oil pressure
・Low oil temperature
・Damaged valve actuator
Valve Opening/Closing Time: This refers to the duration the actuator of the Valve Remote Control System takes to drive the valves into an open or closed position.
It is recommended that all shipside valves and main valves be opened out and overhauled, repaired and surveyed at dry dock to ensure their correct operation and tightness. Operating time of the power operated ballast valves should be checked regularly, and the manufacturers guidance should be followed for optimum opening and closing times of the ballast valves.
まず、大前提ですが、Ballast Control Systemに何か不具合があればFindingになるので、検船までに必ず直しておくようにしましょう。
また、その他で問題となるのが”Valve Opening/Closing Time”についての記載です。
”Operating time of the power operated ballast valves should be checked regularly, and the manufacturers guidance should be followed for optimum opening and closing times of the ballast valves. ”と記載されており、定期的な開閉時間の確認が必要です。
開閉時間については以下の例のように仕様書に記載がありますので、確認してください。
また、ブランクフォームについては以下のようなものが考えられます。
定期的に実施とされているので、RIGHTSHIPは何か月ごとに実施すべきかは明確に決めていません。もしメーカー推奨のテスト間隔があればそれに従えばいいですが、ない場合は無理のない範囲で２～３か月毎くらいで行えばよいと思います。