ETO ENGINEER

Preventing #Blackouts: The Importance of Knowing Shipboard Power Restoration Procedures In December 2024, the U.S. Coast Guard issued Marine Safety Alert 10-24, emphasizing the critical need for crew members to be well-trained in emergency power restoration procedures. The alert was prompted by an incident in Delaware Bay, where a #vessel lost its main power supply while navigating a restricted waterway. As a result, the ship had to rely solely on its emergency generator for over an hour, causing significant operational challenges due to the crew’s lack of familiarity with power #restoration procedures. Key Issues Identified Investigations revealed that delays in restoring power were primarily caused by the crew’s insufficient understanding of the generator control system. Specifically: • A non-audible alarm on the generator control panel required manual acknowledgment before the main #generators could be restarted. • This #alarm was not integrated into the ship’s main monitoring system, making it easy to overlook. • The crew’s unfamiliarity with the control panel prevented them from quickly identifying and acknowledging the alarm, further delaying power restoration. U.S. Coast Guard Recommendations To prevent similar incidents, vessel owners, operators, and crew members are advised to: 1. Develop and implement Safety Management System (#SMS) procedures to enhance crew awareness of electrical systems and emergency power restoration protocols. 2. Conduct regular crew training on power restoration to minimize response times during blackouts. 3. Organize #blackout and reset drills under controlled conditions to ensure #emergency procedures are properly executed. This incident highlights the importance of understanding shipboard electrical systems and responding swiftly to power failures. Effective power restoration is crucial for maintaining vessel safety and operational stability. #news #USCG #safety

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#Electrical #noise in MAN ME electronic main engines refers to unwanted electrical signals that can interfere with the operation of the engine’s control system. In electronic engine control systems like those in #MAN #ME engines, electrical noise can originate from various sources and adversely affect the accuracy of control, diagnostics, and protection systems. Sources of Electrical Noise: 1. Electromagnetic Interference (#EMI): • Generators and high-voltage components. • #Sparking in relay or switch contacts. • Current surges in inductive loads, such as motors or solenoids. 2. #Grounding Issues: • Poor grounding or potential differences in different parts of the system. • Ground loops through the structure or wiring. 3. High-Frequency Components: • Variable Frequency Drives (#VFDs) or other voltage regulation devices. 4. #Cable Interference: • Improper routing of signal and power cables in close proximity. • Damaged or missing cable shielding. Impact on Engine Operation: • Incorrect readings from sensors (e.g., piston position or temperature sensors). • Malfunctions in the Engine Control System (#ECS). • Diagnostic errors or false alarms. • Communication loss between various control system modules. Methods to Minimize Electrical Noise: 1. #Shielding: • Use shielded cables for data and signal transmission. • Protect sensitive components from external electromagnetic fields. 2. Grounding: • Ensure reliable and uniform grounding of all system components. • Avoid ground loops. 3. Cable Separation: • Route signal cables separately from power cables. • Use cable trays to reduce inductive interference. 4. #Filtering: • Install filters on power inputs and signal lines. • Use #capacitors to smooth out high-frequency interference. 5. Component Maintenance: • Regularly inspect wiring insulation and connections. • Replace worn or damaged cables. Effective mitigation of electrical noise is essential for the reliable operation of MAN ME electronic control systems, especially in maritime environments where electromagnetic conditions can be complex.

Cathodic Protection of a Ship. What is MGPS, ICCP, Shaft Earthing Device? Cathodic protection of a ship is a method of preventing corrosion of the metal surfaces of a ship, especially the underwater part of the hull and submerged metal structures such as propellers and rudders. ✅ Article ➡️ https://www.eto-engineer.com/2025/03/cathodic-protection-of-ship.html #anodes #cathodes #Cathodic #CathodicProtection #CONHIRA #corrosion #electrolysis #hull #ICCP #MGPS #protection #rudder #seawater #shaft #ShaftEarthingDevice

#PreferentialTrip protection is sometimes called “Meyer protection” because its principle was first implemented and actively used on #ships built by German shipyards, in particular #Meyer Werft. Who is Meyer? • Meyer #Werft is one of the oldest shipyards in Germany, founded in 1795. • The company specializes in the construction of cruise liners, passenger ships and other seagoing vessels. • Ships built by Meyer Werft widely used a system of automatic disconnection of non-essential #consumers in case of generator overload, which led to the fact that it began to be called “Meyer #protection”. This name is rather informal and is found in professional circles, especially among #engineers and electricians working on European-built ships.

#PreferentialTrip Protection on a Ship: Load Shedding Due to Generator Overload What is Preferential Trip? A preferential trip is a protection system on a ship that automatically disconnects non-essential consumers when a #generator is overloaded. This prevents the generator from shutting down due to overcurrent protection, which could lead to a complete #blackout. How Does Preferential Trip Work? 1. Load Monitoring: • The ship’s #PMS continuously monitor the generator’s load. • If the load exceeds a preset threshold (e.g., 110% of the rated power), the system initiates a load-shedding process. 2. Disconnection of Non-Essential #Consumers: • The system disconnects non-critical loads, such as: • Air conditioning units • #Auxiliary #pumps • #Galley equipment • #Lighting in non-essential areas • This helps reduce the load and ensures the generator continues to operate normally. 3. #Load Shedding Stages: • Load shedding typically occurs in multiple stages: • Stage 1 (e.g., 105%) – Disconnects the least critical consumers. • Stage 2 (e.g., 110%) – Disconnects additional non-essential consumers. • Stage 3 (if overload persists) – Further load shedding until only essential consumers remain. 4. Load #Recovery: • Once the generator load returns to a safe level, the disconnected consumers can be reconnected manually or automatically based on priority. Integration with Automatic Start of #Standby Generator • If preferential trip does not sufficiently reduce the load, the system may automatically start a standby generator. • Once the additional generator is online, the load is redistributed, and previously disconnected consumers may be restored. Interaction with Generator Protection System • If the preferential trip does not act quickly enough and the #overload persists, the generator’s overload protection will eventually #trip to prevent damage. • This results in the generator shutting down, potentially causing a blackout if no #backup power is available. Common Issues and Troubleshooting 1. Preferential trip does not disconnect loads during overload → Check the protection settings and contactor status. 2. Generator trips on overload before preferential trip activates → Delay settings might be incorrect, or the system is not responding fast enough. 3. Aggressive load shedding → Verify the priority list and adjust the load-shedding stages accordingly. 4. Standby generator does not start automatically → Check the interface between the preferential trip system and the Automatic Mains Failure (AMF) system.

Phase fail. The turning gear and the LO autofilter of the main engine do not start ✅ Article ➡️ https://www.eto-engineer.com/2024/05/phase-fail-turning-gear-and-LO-autofilter-of-main-engine-do-not-start.html #autofilter #circuit #electricalcircuit #electricaldiagrams #LOautofilter #mainengine #phasefail #ReadingElectricalDiagrams #troubleshooting #turninggear

Installing a timer in the electrical circuit of the main engine turning gear ✅ Article ➡️ https://www.eto-engineer.com/2024/04/installing-timer-in-electrical-circuit.html #circuit #electricalcircuit #mainengine #ReadingElectricalDiagrams #relay #timerelay #timer #turninggear

How to read electrical diagrams on a ship? Main engine turning gear operation diagram A simple explanation of how to read electrical diagrams on a ship using the example of the main engine turning gear. ✅ Article ➡️ https://www.eto-engineer.com/2025/03/how-to-read-electrical-diagrams-on-ship.html #circuit #circuitbreaker #current #electricalcircuit #electricaldiagrams #mainengine #overload #ReadingElectricalDiagrams #shortcircuit #transformer #turninggear

Boiler does not switch to the second stage. Troubleshooting Greetings! Here is another article about boiler malfunctions and this time we will analyze an interesting case when the Miura boiler does not switch to the second stage in automatic mode, while there are no visible problems or alarms. ✅ Article ➡️ https://www.eto-engineer.com/2025/03/boiler-does-not-switch-to-second-stage-troubleshooting.html #Aalborg #bearings #boiler #circuit #Combustion #damper #electricalcircuit #Miura #motor #troubleshooting

Boiler safety devices. A quick check for the surveyor Greetings! In this article I recommend that you familiarize yourself with the main safety devices of auxiliary boiler on a ship that inspectors like to check. It does not matter which inspector came to the ship (PSC, flag, annual surveyor, etc.), usually the checks are not much different. ✅ Article ➡️ https://www.eto-engineer.com/2025/03/boiler-safety-devices-quick-check-for-surveyor.html #Aalborg #AlfaLaval #AMS #boiler #Kangrim #Miura #pressureswitch #PSC #Safety #safetydevices #safetyengineering #safetysystem #survey #switch #Terasaki #thermostat #Volcano

The Bermuda Triangle. The telephone exchange is going crazy, random calls on the ship In this short story, I want to tell a story that happened with the telephone exchange on the ship. One fine day, random calls began to come to the cabins of the crew members at night, when people were sleeping. ✅ Article ➡️ https://www.eto-engineer.com/2025/03/telephone-exchange-is-going-crazy-random-calls-on-the-ship.html #BermudaTriangle #blog #communication #malfunctions #NIPPONHAKUYO #phone #publicaddresssystem #telephone #troubles #troubleshooting

How Computer Power Supply Voltages Are Generated A computer power supply unit (PSU) converts AC mains voltage (typically 220V or 110V) into several DC voltages required for different components of a computer. ✅ Article ➡️ https://www.eto-engineer.com/2025/03/how-computer-power-supply-voltages-are-generated.html #ac #ATX #computers #CPU #dc #diode #MOSFET #PC #PSU #SMPS #USB #voltage #voltagecontrol

List of Popular Payment Systems for Seafarers Seafarers often use specialized #payment systems and financial services for receiving salaries, sending #money home, and covering expenses while on duty. Here is a list of popular payment systems and cards designed for seafarers: 1. Bank Cards and Accounts for Seafarers: • OceanPay – A prepaid card for seafarers, used by many shipping companies. • ShipMoney – A payment system and #MasterCard for seafarers, offering international transfers. • MarTrust – A specialized payment system for seafarers and shipping companies, providing convenient salary management, international transfers, and currency exchange. • Maritime Payment Solutions (MPS) – A company offering payroll cards and financial services for seafarers. • Payoneer – A popular system for international transfers and receiving payments in #USD, #EUR, and other currencies. • Visa Seafarer Card – A special card for seafarers provided by certain banks and shipping companies. 2. Electronic Payment Systems and Transfers: • Wise (formerly #TransferWise) – A convenient system for transfers with minimal fees. • Revolut – A multi-currency account and card, useful for travel and international transfers. • Western Union – A classic method for sending money to any country. • MoneyGram – Another popular system for fast international transfers. • Ria Money Transfer – A competitor of #WesternUnion and #MoneyGram, often used by seafarers. 3. Cryptocurrency Solutions (for Advanced Users): • Binance Pay – Allows sending and receiving payments in cryptocurrency. • Crypto.com – A card and service for international transactions in cryptocurrency. • Trustee Plus – A platform for sending and receiving crypto payments. • Tether (#USDT) and other stablecoins – Often used to bypass banking restrictions. Some #shipowners provide their own payroll #cards, operating through partner banks or payment systems. #salary #banks #PaymentSystems #seafarers

Need service! Autoprime Autronica Fire Alarm System. Troubleshooting It so happened that the ship's Autoprime Autronica fire alarm completely failed. Troubleshooting of the Autoprime Autronica fire alarm system. ✅ Article ➡️ https://www.eto-engineer.com/2025/03/need-service-autoprime-autronica-fire-alarm-system-troubleshooting.html #Autoprime #AutoprimeAutronica #Autronica #blog #firealarmsystem #firesensors #NIPPONHAKUYO #SalwicoConsilium #service #troubleshooting #TycoMinerva #WAS

Mikrotik and Starlink on a ship. Problems and solutions Greetings! I continue the topic of using Starlink in ship conditions in conjunction with Mikrotik. And in this article I will describe the problems that arise during the operation of Mikrotik on a ship, as well as solutions to these problems. ✅ Article ➡️ https://www.eto-engineer.com/2025/03/mikrotik-and-starlink-on-ship-problems.html #extender #Firewall #internet #Mikrotik #RadiusServer #REV4 #router #satelliteinternet #server #shipinternet #Starlink #torrents #WiFi

Starlink REV4 + Mikrotik. Internet traffic control on a ship using Mikrotik Greetings! In this article I suggest you read a short instruction on setting up a Mikrotik router in conjunction with Starlink REV4 to use the Internet on a ship. ✅ Article ➡️ https://www.eto-engineer.com/2025/03/starlink-rev4-mikrotik-internet-traffic.html #extender #Firewall #internet #Mikrotik #RadiusServer #REV4 #router #satelliteinternet #server #shipinternet #Starlink #torrents #WiFi

This is my #motivation!

Synchronous Motor Startup Methods A synchronous motor is an AC electric machine where the rotor rotates at the same speed as the stator’s magnetic field. ✅ Article ➡️ https://www.eto-engineer.com/2025/03/synchronous-motor-startup-methods.html #asynchronousmotor #motor #synchronousmotor #VFD

A #Blackout Test of an emergency generator on a vessel is conducted to ensure that the emergency power system, including the emergency #generator, functions properly during a total power failure or blackout scenario. This test is critical for verifying compliance with #SOLAS (Safety of Life at Sea) requirements and ensuring the safety and operational readiness of the #vessel. Here’s an overview of the test procedure: Objective • Confirm that the emergency generator automatically starts and supplies power to essential systems when the main power supply fails. • Verify the proper operation of #emergency switchboards and essential equipment powered by the emergency generator. Preparation 1. Risk Assessment: • Conduct a risk assessment to minimize hazards during the test. • Inform the crew about the test schedule. 2. Verify System Status: • Ensure the main power supply is stable before initiating the test. • Check the fuel, lubrication, and cooling systems of the emergency generator. 3. Isolate Non-Essential Loads: • Disconnect or isolate non-essential loads to prevent system overload. 4. #Backup Preparation: • Keep essential personnel and tools ready to address any issues during the test. Test Procedure 1. Simulate Blackout: • Shut down the main generator or open the main breaker to simulate a blackout. 2. Emergency Generator Activation: • Observe if the emergency generator starts automatically within 45 seconds (as required by SOLAS). • Check that the emergency switchboard is energized. 3. Load Transfer: • Verify the automatic transfer of essential loads (navigational equipment, lighting, steering, etc.) to the emergency switchboard. • Confirm the uninterrupted operation of critical systems. 4. Performance #Testing: • Monitor the generator’s performance under load for a specified duration. • Check parameters like #voltage, #frequency, and #load-sharing (if applicable). 5. Reconnection to Main Power: • Restore the main power supply and verify the smooth transition of loads back to the main system. • Ensure the emergency generator stops automatically and returns to standby mode. Post-Test Activities 1. Record Data: • Document the test results, including the time taken for the generator to start, load transition times, and any anomalies observed. 2. Inspect Systems: • Inspect the emergency generator and switchboard for any signs of stress or damage after the test. 3. Debrief: • Discuss the results with the crew and address any issues or deficiencies. 4. Report: • Prepare a detailed test report for regulatory compliance and maintenance records. Key Considerations • Ensure compliance with SOLAS regulations, #IMO guidelines, and the vessel’s safety management system (#SMS). • Perform regular #maintenance of the emergency generator to ensure reliability. • Conduct the test at intervals specified in the vessel’s maintenance plan or as required by flag state authorities.