Section 6 Lubricating/hydraulic oil systems

6.1.1 The arrangements for the storage, distribution and utilisation of oil used in pressure lubrication systems in machinery spaces and, whenever practicable, in auxiliary machinery spaces are to comply with the provisions of Pt 15, Ch 3, 3.2 Fuel oil storage arrangements (except 3.2.2), Pt 15, Ch 3, 3.4 Unattended machinery, Pt 15, Ch 3, 4.9 Valves on deep tanks and their control arrangements, Pt 15, Ch 3, 4.11 Precautions against fire 4.11.1, Pt 15, Ch 3, 4.11 Precautions against fire 4.11.2 and Pt 15, Ch 3, 4.11 Precautions against fire 4.11.3.

6.1.2 Tanks containing lubricating oil located within major fire hazard areas are to be of steel or other equivalent material.

6.1.3 For craft not required to comply with the HSC Code, the requirements for remote operation on valves on deep tank suction pipes may be waived where the valves are closed during normal operation.

6.1.4 Remotely operated valves on lubricating oil deep tank suctions should not be of the quick-closing type where inadvertent use would endanger the safe operation of the main propulsion and essential auxiliary machinery.

6.1.5 Where the lubricating oil for main propelling engines is circulated under pressure, provision is to be made for the efficient filtration of the oil. The filters are to be capable of being cleaned without stopping the engine or reducing supply of filtered oil to the engine. Proposals for an automatic by-pass for emergency purposes in high speed engines are to be submitted for consideration.

6.1.6 In addition, yachts and service craft of 24 m or greater in length are to comply with the requirements of Pt 15, Ch 3, 4.5 Control of pumps .

6.2.1 The requirements of this Section are applicable to flammable oils employed under pressure in power transmission, control, actuating and heating systems, and hydraulic media in systems which are providing essential services.

6.2.2 The arrangements for storage, distribution and utilisation of hydraulic and flammable oils employed in the systems defined in this sub-Section are to comply with the provisions of Pt 15, Ch 3, 6.1 Lubricating oil arrangements.

6.3.1 Where lubricating oil for the main engine(s) is circulated under pressure, a standby lubricating oil pump is to be provided where the following conditions apply:

1. The lubricating oil pump is independently driven and the total output of the main engine(s) exceeds 500 kW.

2. One main engine with its own lubricating oil pump is fitted and the output of the engine exceeds 500 kW.

3. More than one engine each with its own lubricating oil pump is fitted and the output of each engine exceeds 500 kW.

6.3.2 The standby pump is to be of sufficient capacity to maintain the supply of oil for normal conditions with any one pump out of action. The pump is to be fitted and connected ready for immediate use. Where the conditions referred to in Pt 15, Ch 3, 6.3 Lubricating/hydraulic oil standby arrangements 6.3.1.(c) apply and the craft cannot navigate safely with one of the main engines out of action, the main engines are to be provided with a standby pump. In all cases, satisfactory lubrication of the engines is to be ensured while starting and manoeuvring.

6.3.3 Where the conditions referred to in Pt 15, Ch 3, 6.3 Lubricating/hydraulic oil standby arrangements 6.3.1.(c) apply and the craft can navigate safely with one of the main engines out of action, standby pumps are not required.

6.3.4 Similar provisions to those of Pt 15, Ch 3, 6.3 Lubricating/hydraulic oil standby arrangements 6.3.1 to Pt 15, Ch 3, 6.3 Lubricating/hydraulic oil standby arrangements 6.3.3 are to be made where separate lubricating/hydraulic oil systems are employed for piston cooling, reduction gears, oil operated couplings, controllable pitch propellers and steering systems etc, unless approved alternative arrangements are provided.

6.3.5 Independently driven pumps of rotary type are to be fitted with a non-return valve on the discharge side of the pump.

6.4.1 The materials used in the storage and distribution of lubricating oil are to be selected such that they do not introduce or modify the properties of the oil. The use of cadmium or zinc in lubricating oil systems where they may come into contact with the oil is not permitted.

6.4.2 Arrangements are to be made for each forced lubrication system, renovation system, ready to use tank(s) and their associated rundown lines to drain tanks to be flushed after system installation and prior to running of machinery. The flushing arrangements are to be in accordance with the equipment manufacturer's procedures and recommendations.

6.4.3 The design and construction of engine and gear box piping arrangements are to prevent as far as practicable, contamination of engine lubricating oil systems by leakage of cooling water or from bilge water where engines or gearboxes are partly installed below the lower platform.

6.4.4 Where a lubricating oil filling pipe and cap are provided for engines and other machinery, provision is to be made for the topping up oil to pass through a gauze strainer. The caps are to be capable of being secured in the closed position.

6.4.5 Sampling points are to be provided that enable samples of lubricating oil to be taken in a safe manner. The sampling arrangements are to have the capability to provide samples when machinery is running and are to be provided with valves and cocks of the self-closing type and located in positions as far removed as possible from any heated surface or electrical equipment.