Loss of propulsion near the Star Ferry route

Bridge actions

• Take manual control immediately and disengage the autopilot if engaged.
• Warn traffic and call the Vessel Traffic Centre on the designated VHF channel. State the vessel's position, that propulsion is lost, the number of passengers and the intended action.
• Display the not-under-command signals: two red lights vertically at night and two black balls by day. Sound the appropriate warning signals.
• Prepare the anchor, but do not anchor in the ferry route unless the vessel is drifting into immediate danger. A vessel at anchor in a fairway creates a new collision risk.

Engine room actions

• Do not attempt an immediate restart. Check lube oil level and pressure, coolant, fuel and any visible damage. A loud knock followed by a free shaft suggests a broken connecting rod, coupling or gearbox failure.
• Report the symptoms to the bridge and keep the engine room safe. If there is oil or fuel leakage, isolate it.

Reasoning Wind from the east and tide setting west both push the vessel westward, so drift will build. The ferry to starboard and the tug ahead mean the vessel must be seen and heard early. The engine operator must not restart an engine with a serious mechanical knock just because the bridge is anxious.

No, not until the cause is investigated.

A loud knock, immediate stop and a free propeller shaft are classic signs of a mechanical failure in the propulsion train. Restarting can cause further damage and may be dangerous:

• If a connecting rod or bearing has failed, the starter can turn the engine into a jammed or broken assembly, or throw parts through the crankcase.
• If the gearbox or coupling has failed, the engine may start but the shaft will not turn, giving the bridge a false sense that propulsion is available.
• If the cause is fuel or air, there would not normally be a loud knock and a free shaft.

Permitted checks Check oil level and condition, coolant, fuel rack movement and the shaft coupling by sight and, if safe, by hand. Look for broken mounts or a displaced shaft. If no mechanical damage is found and the maker's procedure allows, a controlled test may be made with the master's agreement and the vessel clear of traffic. Otherwise, keep the engine stopped and arrange a tug or other assistance.

The master must be told clearly that propulsion is not available, not given an optimistic guess.

Reporting

• Report the loss of propulsion to the Vessel Traffic Centre immediately so that traffic can be warned and assistance arranged.
• Notify the Marine Department as required for a vessel casualty or accident, and inform the owner and operator.
• If there is any injury, pollution, collision or damage, make the additional reports required for those events. Do not wait until the vessel is berthed to report a serious casualty.

Records Record the time of the engine stop, the engine room readings at the time, the symptoms, the decision not to restart, the time of the VTC call, the assistance requested and the names of the crew on watch. Keep the engine room log and the bridge log consistent.

Local vessel point The master remains responsible for the safety of the passengers and the vessel, including deciding whether to anchor or accept a tow. The engine operator's duty is to give the master accurate technical information and not to certify the engine as fit without evidence. A local vessel certificate does not permit the vessel to be operated with a known serious propulsion defect, and the Marine Department may require an inspection before further passenger service.