Section 3 Machinery room arrangements

3.1.1 Accessibility for attendance and maintenance purposes is to be provided for machinery plants.

3.2.1 Bedplates, thrust seatings and other fastenings are to be of robust construction, and the machinery is to be securely fixed to the unit’s structure to the satisfaction of the Surveyor.

3.3.1 The dynamic angles of inclination in Table 1.2.1 Inclination of ship units and other surface type units, Table 1.2.2 Inclination of column-stabilised units or Table 1.2.3 Inclination of self-elevating units may be exceeded in certain circumstances dependent upon unit type and operation. The Builder is, therefore, to ensure that the vibration levels of flexible pipe connections, shaft couplings and mounts remain within the limits specified by the component manufacturer for the conditions of maximum dynamic inclinations to be expected during service, start-stop operation and the natural frequencies of the system. Due account is to be taken of any creep that may be inherent in the mount.

3.3.2 Anti-collision chocks are to be fitted together with positive means to ensure that manufacturers’ limits are not exceeded. Suitable means are to be provided to accommodate the propeller thrust.

3.3.3 A plan showing the arrangement of the machinery together with documentary evidence of the foregoing is to be submitted.

3.4.1 All spaces including engine and cargo pump spaces, where flammable or toxic gases or vapours may accumulate, are to be provided with adequate ventilation under all conditions. See also Pt 7, Ch 2 Hazardous Areas and Ventilation.

3.4.2 Machinery spaces shall be sufficiently ventilated so as to ensure that when machinery or boilers therein are operating at full power in all weather conditions, including heavy weather, a sufficient supply of air is maintained to the spaces for the operation of the machinery.

3.5.1 All surfaces of machinery where the surface temperature may exceed 220°C and where impingement of flammable liquids may occur are to be effectively shielded to prevent ignition. Where insulation covering these surfaces is oil-absorbing or may permit penetration of oil, the insulation is to be encased in steel or equivalent.

3.6.1 For means of escape from machinery spaces, see Pt 7, Ch 3 Fire Safety.

3.7.1 Two independent means of communication are to be provided between the bridge and engine room control station from which the engines are normally controlled, see also Pt 6, Ch 1, 2 Essential features for control, alarm and safety systems.

3.7.2 One of these means is to indicate visually the order and response, both at the engine room control station and on the bridge.

3.7.3 At least one means of communication is to be provided between the bridge and any other control position(s) from which the propulsion machinery may be controlled.

3.8.1 ‘Machinery spaces of Category A’ are those spaces and trunks to such spaces which contain:

1. internal combustion machinery used for main propulsion; or
2. internal combustion machinery used for purposes other than main propulsion where such machinery has in the aggregate a total power output of not less than 375 kW; or
3. any oil-fired boiler or fuel oil unit.