In recent years, based on the inspection practice and after multiple rounds of discussions, the co-proposers jointly drafted the Guidelines for PSCOs on enhanced machinery and maintenance inspections.
This guidance elaborates on the procedures for inspecting a ship's mechanical and electrical equipment, the objective evidence that requires detailed inspection, the main contents of detailed inspection, and suggested actions by PSCO for lack of maintenance, and reporting requirements of identified defects.
Machinery, the collective term for a ship's main power and auxiliary equipment, supplies propulsion power for safe navigation and ensures the crew's well-being. The propulsion equipment including the main engine, shafting, and propeller is the most important part of the ship's power plant. The ship's power plant also consists of boilers, generator sets, auxiliary machines serving the main engine, boiler, steering gear and other ship equipment, as well as electrical systems, piping systems (including the valves connecting them).
Machinery maintenance is a critical operational requirement to ensure the reliability of the ship's ability to safely operate and to optimize equipment service life, through a programme of routine maintenance, periodical maintenance and special maintenance.
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