Engine Room Personnel Research Articles

Discussion on the Frequent Burning and Erosion of Marine Medium-Speed Diesel Engine Valves: A Case Study of MAR 8N330 Diesel Engine

In the practice of ship management, valve burning and erosion is a common and adversely affecting incident, which can lead to a series of serious consequences. This article analyzes the frequent burning and erosion of medium-speed diesel engine valves from seven aspects: the harsh working conditions of the valves, the impact of environmental temperature, the impact of cylinder sealing status, the corrosion of valves by low-quality fuel oil, the influence of the intake and exhaust system, the impact of high or too low load operation, and the influence of valve clearance and sealing surfaces. Corresponding prevention and control measures are proposed. This provides beneficial ideas and reference for decision-making for engine room personnel to smoothly handle valve burning and erosion faults and ensure the safe navigation of ships.

Analisis Kompetensi Awak Kapal Penyeberangan di Kawasan Timur Indonesia


 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 Shipping safety has always been an interesting topic and a focus for all stack holders in the Indonesian sea, river, lake and crossing transportation community. One of the factors that play an important role in supporting shipping safety is the competence of the crew. The purpose of this study is to provide an overview of the level of competence of crossing crews in Eastern Indonesia in terms of the fulfillment of CMT and CMHBT Certificates as required by STCW Chapter V Regulation V / 2. This research is a type of Normative Research carried out for approximately 8 months on ships operating on the Sheet-Padangbai, Gilimanuk-Ketapang and Bajoe-Kolaka trajectories with a Judgement Sampling system. The data used is in the form of qualitative data based on the results of a survey of the completeness of CMT and CMHBT certificates from the Crossing Ship Crew. The results of this study found that the competence of Crossing Crew in Eastern Indonesia in terms of compliance with CMT and CMHBT Certificates used as research variables was above 80% of the number of crew surveyed. However, the study also found that there was a misperception regarding the obligation to fulfill the CMT certificate required for all crossing crew and the CMHBT certificate which should only be required for the Skipper, Head of the Engine Room, Mualim I, Driver II and other personnel who fit the Muster List on board passenger ships and Roro-passengers are responsible for passenger safety in emergency situations, which in this case is the officer of the ship. In fact, in the field, CMHBT certificates have also been fulfilled by crew members who are not officers. This does not meet the efficiency aspect in the application or shipping safety.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

Physical influences on seafarers are different during their voyage episodes of port stay, river passage and sea passage: A maritime field study.

IntroductionDuring a sea voyage, crew members of vessels are permanently exposed to physical stress caused by noise, vibration and heat. This study aims to describe the extent of the physical influences on board container ships and the resulting stress.MethodsUp to four scientific investigators accompanied six sea voyages on container ships under German management. Workplace and person-related measurements for noise, vibration and climatic parameters were carried out on the vessels during the three different voyage episodes (port stay, river passage and sea passage).ResultsThe interviewed seafarers reported, in decreasing order, the level of psychological stress due to vibration (80.6%), noise (71.8%) and, much less, heat (45.7%) in the workplace.In terms of workplace-related physical measurements, the highest noise levels were found in the engine room (104 dB (A)), in the workshop (81 dB (A)) and on deck (77 dB (A)), irrespective of the voyage episode. Some noise measurements in the recreational area revealed levels above the threshold. All measured 180 vibration values were below the relevant threshold limits—with the highest values in the engine room (62 mm/s2), followed by the workshop (37 mm/s2) and the engine control room (34 mm/s2). In terms of thermal comfort, none of the measured climatic parameters differed significantly between the voyage episodes. According to the person-related physical measurements, the noise exposure was particularly pronounced among the engine room personnel with an average noise level of 96 dB (A) (often during cleaning, painting and repair work). In contrast, the deck crew and nautical officers were respectively exposed to an average level of 83 dB (A) and 77 dB (A) at work.DiscussionA relevant stress level due to physical loads was detectable in the present study. As ship crews are exposed to the physical influences on board for 7 days a week over several months, further research is recommended to assess the long-term health effects for seafarers.

ELECTRIC PROPULSION SHIP’S TRAINING SIMULATOR BASED ON INTELLIGENT SYSTEM

The article is devoted to the development of a software and hardware complex for simulating the operation of ship's electric propulsion systems and for high-quality education, training and scientific research. A distinctive feature of the proposed simulator is the possibility of using data base from control and monitoring systems of real ships, followed by intelligent processing of the obtained data to simulate both nominal and emergency situations. The training complex reproduces most ship’s operating situations, provides training on monitoring, control and management of low voltage and high-voltage power plants. The need to apply the training complex allows the formation of the required competence of the engine room personnel, develop methods and criteria for assessing competence, evaluate and demonstrate the practical skills obtained, and also provides an opportunity to conduct scientific research work. The proposed solutions can be used in the training complex for the high-quality training of engine department personnel in accordance with the requirements and standards of the Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping Convention.

Recreational possibilities for seafarers during shipboard leisure time.

This study is aiming to document the leisure time opportunities and their actual utilization on board merchant ships. A scientist examined the whole crew on board 22 container ships (323 seafarers; participation rate 88.5%). Data about energy consumption and heart rate were continuously collected during the seafarers' leisure and sleeping time through a SenseWear® wrist monitor and a Polar watch RS 800 worn for at least 2.5days. The seafarers spent an average of 28.2% of the day for leisure time activities and 32.6% for sleeping. A significantly higher energy consumption was found among deck ratings compared to engine room personnel and nautical officers. Across all occupational groups, the variability of the heart rate was lower during sleeping hours than during leisure time. Suggestions for substantial improvement of the leisure time opportunities on board included more frequent and free opportunities for telecommunication (59.1%), shorter work assignments, and a stronger cohesion of the crew. The following coping strategies were paramount: "calming down/settling down" (41.9%), getting in touch with the family (32.0%) and relaxing/sleeping (30.4%). The limited heart rate variability during sleeping hours suggests a reduced quality of sleep that might be due to the permanent heaving motions of the vessel, noise, and vibration. The (deck) ratings had more physical activities that corresponded with their higher energy consumption during leisure time. Altogether, there is a need to optimize opportunities for relaxation and recreation on board, taking into consideration characteristics of the different occupational and ethnic groups.

Stress and Strain among Seafarers Related to the Occupational Groups.

The present study analyses whether the stress and strain experienced by seafarers differ between the various occupational groups on board container ships. In a maritime field study, 323 sailors on 22 container ships were asked to complete a questionnaire and were biometrically surveyed. In addition, a survey of energy expenditure and heart rate (variability) was carried out with the SenseWear® armband monitor and the Polar RS800 watch, respectively. The activity data objectively collected by the armband monitor showed an average sleep duration of 5.0 h per day, with particularly short sleep episodes amongst nautical officers. This occupational group also significantly more frequently reported sleep deficits (67%). The highest work-related energy expenditure per day was among the deck ratings (801 kcal), followed by the engine room personnel (777 kcal), and finally the nautical officers (568 kcal). The last-mentioned group, who were also the most likely to experience mental stress in the workplace, had the lowest heart rate variability compared to the other occupational groups. The average working time was the only stress parameter that correlated significantly negatively with the heart rate variability (r = −0.387; p = 0.002). Overall, job-related stressors of seafarers on board should be objectified in further studies and occupational group-specific health promotion programmes should be developed.

The Influence of Liquid Viscosity on Atomized Fuel Mean Droplet Size Determined by the Laser Diffraction Method

Abstract The article presents the impact of viscosity of fuel on its atomization, which constitutes an important element of controlling the quality of the fuel-air mixture in compression ignition and direct injection engines. An experiment has been made using a three-hole atomizer of an engine with nominal power of 110 kW and revolutions n = 2800 min−1. Fuel was delivered by a PRW-2M injection pump intended for testing injectors. Fuel was sprayed in the atmospheric air. Three petroleum product liquids used for the experiment had a viscosity of, respectively, 3.93, 16.73 and 36.41 mm2/s. The fuel droplet size in a spray was determined by the laser diffraction method by means of a Spraytec STP 5929 analyzer. The quantity adopted for comparative purposes was the Sauter Mean Diameter D32. The results confirmed that a change of fuel viscosity within the range recommended by ship engine manufacturers has a strong impact on the size of sprayed fuel droplets. Shipowners have a limited choice of low sulphur fuel grade (up to 0.1% S), which forces the engine room personnel to use currently available fuels. Depending on the supplier, marine fuels may vary in viscosity and, according to the recommendations of engine manufacturers, they do not require heating. The increase in the size of the droplets injected into the fuel combustion chamber may affect the quality of the fuel-air mixture, increase of fuel consumption and a greater content of harmful exhaust constituents.

Surveillance of hospital contacts among Danish seafarers and fishermen with focus on skin and infectious diseases-a population-based cohort study.

Objectives: A systematic overview of time trends in hospital contacts among Danish seafarers and fishermen by job title and analyses on skin and infectious diseases. Methods: Occupational cohorts with hospital contacts 1994–1998 and 1999–2003. Standardized hospital contact ratios (SHCR) were estimated using national rates and ranked by SHCR size. Results: For non-officers in 1994–1998, infectious diseases had the highest SHCR, followed by neoplastic and endocrinal diseases; in 1999–2003 skin diseases were followed by endocrinal and gastrointestinal diseases. For fishermen in 1994–1998, nervous system, gastrointestinal, and skin diseases had the highest SHCRs; in 1999–2003 it was nervous system, skin, and lymphohematopoietic diseases. As for skin diseases, male fishermen and non-officer seamen generally had increased SHCRs, but engine room personnel specifically had a low SHCR for eczema (eight cases). Fishermen had high SHCRs for tuberculosis in both time periods (six and nine cases, respectively). Non-officer seamen on cargo ships had increased SHCRs for HIV in both time periods and for hepatitis in 1994–1999. Extending the follow-up until 2000 or 2005 showed similar results. Conclusions: Surveillance of seamen’s health gives useful information. The elevated SHCR for HIV infection among non-officers has not declined despite preventive information campaigns. Tuberculosis among fishermen may be due to infection on shore. Skin diseases had very high SHCRs, not due to cutaneous oil exposure.

Extrinsic skin ageing symptoms in seafarers subject to high work-related exposure to UV radiation

As outdoor workers, seafarers have high levels of work-related exposure to UV radiation. Considering the various ethnic shipboard crews, this study aimed to assess the prevalence of UV induced skin ageing symptoms among seafarers and their attitude towards sunlight exposure. One dermatologist examined 514 seafarers and documented the presence of 11 extrinsic skin ageing symptoms. Based on a questionnaire, the seafarers' attitudes and sun protection were evaluated. On average, 4 extrinsic skin ageing symptoms were found among the seafarers without significant differences between ethnic groups. Teleangiectasis (n = 381), coarse wrinkles (n = 315) and lentigines solares (n = 228) were the most frequently observed extrinsic symptoms. In the multivariate analysis, the parameters current smoking (OR 1.52 (1.01-2.27)), shipboard rank (deck personnel, galley staff vs. engine room personnel; (OR 1.40 (1.01-1.94)), and age (OR 1.07 (1.05-1.10)) were significantly associated with developing skin ageing symptoms. Only half of the seafarers examined were aware of their elevated risk of photodamage due to their high UV exposure at sea. More non-Caucasian than Caucasian seafarers perceived tanned skin as rather positive (78.0% vs. 52.4%; p = 0.002); however, more Caucasian than non-Caucasian seafarers enjoyed intensive sunbathing (17.0% vs. 14.0%). Furthermore, 55.7% of the seafarers (significantly more often Caucasians) used sunscreens during sunlight exposure at sea. The various ethnic groups examined differed in their attitude and behaviour towards shipboard sun exposure. Education of shipboard crews is required about possible severe health effects due to sun exposure at sea.

Hospital contacts for noise-related hearing loss among Danish seafarers and fishermen: A population-based cohort study

Noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL) is a leading occupational disease and some seafarers and fishermen may be at high risk. We present here standardized hospital contact ratios (SHCRs) for hearing loss among Danish seafarers and fishermen. Cohorts of all Danish seafarers registered by the Danish Maritime Authority (DMA) and fishermen retrieved from a 1989-1998 pension registry were linked to the nationwide Occupational Hospitalisation Registry (OHR) with follow-up for NIHL from 1994 to 2003, using rates specific for age and calendar time for the entire Danish workforce as a reference. We found high SHCRs for NIHL: 165 [95% confidence interval (CI) 131-206] among officers, 113 (79-157) for nonofficers and 119 (85-162) for fishermen. The increased SHCR for hearing impairment among seafarers was solely found in engine room personnel (SHCR = 222; 95% CI 178-277). Compared to other seafarers, the engine room personnel had a relative risk ratio of 2.39 (95% CI: 1.74-3.26). Short-term employment is common in many trades. No duration response pattern was observed which may suggest a secondary healthy worker effect. These findings indicate that hearing problems are frequent among men who work in the engine rooms on ships. Long-term cumulative effects of employment were not shown.

Increased urinary excretion of 8-hydroxydeoxyguanosine in engine room personnel exposed to polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons

Background: Previous investigations indicate that engine room personnel on ships are exposed to polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH) from oil and oil products, with dermal uptake as the major route of...

Assessment of exposure to polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in engine rooms by measurement of urinary 1-hydroxypyrene.

Machinists have an increased risk of lung cancer and bladder cancer, and this may be caused by exposure to carcinogenic compounds such as asbestos and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in the engine room. The aim of this study was to investigate the exposure of engine room personnel to PAHs, with 1-hydroxypyrene in urine as a biomarker. Urine samples from engine room personnel (n = 51) on 10 ships arriving in different harbours were collected, as well as urine samples from a similar number of unexposed controls (n = 47) on the same ships. Urinary 1-hydroxypyrene was quantitatively measured by high performance liquid chromatography. The exposure to PAHs was estimated by a questionnaire answered by the engine room personnel. On two ships, air monitoring of PAHs in the engine room was performed at sea. Both personal monitoring and area monitoring were performed. The compounds were analysed by gas chromatography of two types (with a flame ionisation detector and with a mass spectrometer). Significantly more 1-hydroxypyrene was found in urine of personnel who had been working in the engine room for the past 24 hours, than in that of the unexposed seamen. The highest concentrations of 1-hydroxypyrene were found among engine room personnel who had experienced oil contamination of the skin during their work in the engine room. Stepwise logistic regression analysis showed a significant relation between the concentrations of 1-hydroxypyrene, smoking, and estimated exposure to PAHs. No PAHs were detected in the air samples. Engine room personnel who experience skin exposure to oil and oil products are exposed to PAHs during their work. This indicates that dermal uptake of PAHs is the major route of exposure.

NOISE INDUCED HEARING LOSS AMONGST ENGINEROOM PERSONNEL ON BOARD NORWEGIAN MERCHANT SHIPS.

The aim of the investigation was to elucidate to what extent noise induced hearing loss in Norwegian merchant ship's engine personnel is caused by exposure to noise from diesel engines. The majorit...