Dated: November 18, 2003
 

Sub: Inadvertent release of CO2 into the Engine room of a ship

 1. Course of Events

While checking the contents of the Nitrogen pilot cylinder of the CO2 system by the Chief Engineer on board an Indian flag vessel, the entire bank of CO2 bottles were inadvertently discharged into the engine room.

2. Extend of Damage

It was reported that there was no casualty or injury due to accidental release of CO2 into the engine room.

3. Porbable cause

In order to check the contents of Nitrogen in the pilot cylinder, the Chief Engineer has opened the pilot cylinder valve. Although it was ensured by the Chief Engineer that the stop valves for activating CO2 battery were in shut position, however during the inspection by the surveyor of this department it was observed that both the stop valve in the system were leaking in closed position which resulted in the actuation of the total flooding system.

4. Lessons to be learnt

1. An instruction to check the contents of pilot cylinder by isolating and weighting them individually and externally if required without opening any valves.

2. Understanding of the system fully by operating person, even for malfunction

3. Clear instructions for inspection and operations to be displayed in the CO2 room.

Sd/-
(D. Mehrotra)
Engineer & Ship Surveyor
 

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