1 The Maritime Safety Committee, at its sixty-third
session, in order to reduce the risk of fire in machinery spaces,
approved MSC/Circ.647 containing recommendations
for the design, construction, testing, installation, maintenance and
inspection of systems containing flammable oils.
2 Since dissemination of MSC/Circ.647 there has been a continuing incidence of machinery space fires
due to the leakage of oil fuel. Investigation of fire casualties,
analysis of casualty statistics and technical research has revealed
that leakages from the fuel system are due to the failure of worn,
incorrectly fitted, slack, over-tightened or unsuitable components.
Major contributing factors to failures of fuel system components have
been found to be:
- the frequent partial dismantling and reassembly of the system
for maintenance purposes;
- the effects of high frequency, short duration pressure pulses
which are generated by the action of the fuel injection pumps and
which are transmitted back into the fuel supply and spill rails; and
- vibration.
3 As the result of further research, the Committee,
at its sixty-ninth session (11 to 20 May 1998), approved the Guidelines
on engine-room oil fuel systems, as set out in the annex, to supplement
the Guidance contained in MSC/Circ.647 by focussing on the importance
of an accurate description of the interface between the various parties
concerned and of adequate maintenance in reducing fuel system failures.
4 Member Governments are invited to bring the
annexed Guidelines to the attention of shipowners, ship designers,
shipbuilders, ship repairers, installers and all other parties concerned
for appropriate action.