Describe The Investigation And Remedial Action Required If The Engine Fails To Turn On Air

If an engine fails to start or turn over on air (using compressed air for starting), it can indicate various mechanical, electrical, or operational issues that require investigation and remedial action. Here's a general outline of the steps involved in investigating and addressing such a situation:

1. Initial Assessment: The ship's engineering team should immediately assess the situation to determine the extent of the problem and its potential causes. They should gather information on when the issue occurred, any associated symptoms or abnormalities, and the current operational status of the engine and starting system.

2. Safety Precautions: Before conducting any troubleshooting or maintenance activities, the engineering team should ensure that appropriate safety precautions are in place to protect personnel and equipment. This may include securing the engine room, isolating electrical and mechanical hazards, and following established safety procedures.

3. System Check: The team should verify that the air supply system, including the air compressors, air receivers, air lines, and control valves, is operating correctly and delivering sufficient pressure and volume of air to the engine starting system. Any leaks, blockages, or malfunctions in the air supply system should be identified and addressed.

4. Starting System Inspection: The team should visually inspect the components of the engine starting system, such as the air starting motor, air distributor, starting air valve, and associated piping and connections. They should look for signs of damage, wear, or malfunction that could affect the starting process.

5. Air Supply Verification: Using pressure gauges and instruments, the team should verify the air pressure and flow rate at various points in the starting system to ensure that it meets the manufacturer's specifications and requirements for engine starting.

6. Electrical Checks: If the engine starting system is electrically controlled, the team should check the electrical connections, relays, switches, control panels, and other components for proper operation. They should verify that signals are being sent correctly to initiate the starting sequence.

7. Fuel System Inspection: The team should inspect the fuel system, including fuel filters, pumps, lines, and injectors, to ensure that fuel is reaching the engine cylinders in the correct quantity and at the appropriate pressure for starting.

8. Battery Voltage: If the engine starting system includes batteries for starting assistance, the team should check the battery voltage, connections, and condition to ensure that they are capable of providing sufficient power to crank the engine.

9. Diagnostic Tools and Testing: Using diagnostic tools, such as pressure gauges, multimeters, or engine diagnostic software, the team should perform tests and measurements to identify any faults or abnormalities in the starting system and engine components.

10. Remedial Actions: Based on the findings of the investigation, the team should implement appropriate remedial actions to address the root cause of the starting failure. This may involve repairing or replacing faulty components, adjusting settings or parameters, cleaning or lubricating mechanisms, or performing maintenance tasks to restore proper operation.

11. Verification and Testing: After implementing remedial actions, the team should verify the effectiveness of the repairs or adjustments by attempting to start the engine using air again. They should ensure that the engine cranks and starts smoothly and that all systems are functioning correctly.

12. Documentation and Reporting: Throughout the investigation and remediation process, the engineering team should maintain detailed records of their findings, actions taken, and outcomes. They should report their findings to appropriate stakeholders, such as the ship's master, technical management, and classification society, as required.

By following these steps, the engineering team can systematically investigate, diagnose, and address issues related to the failure of an engine to turn over on air, ensuring the safe and reliable operation of the ship's propulsion system.