200414 Lub Oil Contaminated

14 Jan 2004 MARS

Lub Oil Contaminated
MARS Report 200414

While manoeuvring from an anchorage to the loading berth, one of our vessels reported contamination of the main engine sump lubricating oil.

Investigations revealed that the L.O purifier feed pump had lost suction. In order to prime the pump, the Third Engineer instructed the Engine Cadet to open the lubricating oil storage tank valve. The Cadet opened the storage tank valve as instructed without knowing that it contained "gas oil". Since this tank was connected to the purifier priming line and also the Main Engine sump, the sump oil got contaminated with gas oil. To safeguard the engine, the vessel's speed was reduced and the pilot and coastguard were informed. After corrective measures were completed, the Class surveyor had to be called to certify the vessel for safe passage to next port.

  • Chief Engineers are advised to ensure that, if the content of a tank is different from what it is supposed to contain, the tank name must be changed and all valves labelled and or blanked off so that all E/R personnel are aware of it and such serious incidents are avoided.
  • It is against the regulations to store fuel oil in any tank other than those dedicated for it.

 

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