Unit 2

Main and emergency sources of electrical power

2.1. Main source of electrical power
Number and rating of generating sets
Under seagoing conditions, the number and rating of generating sets and converting
sets, when any one generating set or converting set is out of action, are:
a) to be sufficient to ensure the operation of electrical services for essential
equipment, habitable conditions and cargo refrigeration machinery for ships
having an RMC class notation;
b) to have sufficient reserve capacity to permit the starting of the largest motor
without causing any motor to stall or any device to fail due to excessive voltage
drop on the system;
c) to be capable of providing the electrical services necessary to start the main
propulsion machinery from a dead ship condition. The emergency source of
electrical power may be used to assist if it can provide power at the same time to
the other services required.
The arrangement of the ships main source of power is to be such that the operation of
electrical services for essential equipment, habitable conditions and cargo refrigeration
machinery can be maintained regardless of the speed and direction of the propulsion
machinery shafting.
Special requirements for UMS notation
Where the electrical power requirement to maintain the ship in a normal operational
and habitable condition is usually supplied by one generating set, arrangements are to be
provided to prevent overloading of the running generator. On loss of power there is to be
provision for automatic starting and connecting to the main switchboard of the standby
set and automatic sequential restarting of essential services, in as short a time as is
practicable.
Number and rating of transformers
Where the operation of electrical services for essential equipment, habitable
conditions and cargo refrigeration machinery are supplied via transformers, the number
and rating of transformers are to be sufficient to ensure the operation of these electrical
services even when one transformer is out of service.
2.2. Emergency sources of electrical power
The requirements apply to passenger and cargo ships to be classed for unrestricted
service. They do not apply to cargo ships less than 500 tons gross tonnage.
2.2.1. Emergency sources of electrical power in passenger ships
A self-contained emergency source of electrical power is to be provided. The emergency
source of electrical power, associated transforming equipment, if any, transitional source
of emergency power, emergency switchboard and emergency lighting switchboard are to

be located above the uppermost continuous deck and be readily accessible from the open
deck. They are not to be located forward of the collision bulkhead.
The location of the emergency source of electrical power and associated
transforming equipment, if any, transitional source of emergency power, the emergency
switchboard and emergency lighting switchboard in relation to the main source of
electrical power, associated transforming equipment, if any, and the main switchboard is
to be such as to ensure that a fire or other casualty in spaces containing the main source
of electrical power, associated transforming equipment, if any, and the main switchboard
or in any machinery space of Category A will not interfere with the supply, control and
distribution of emergency electrical power. The space containing the emergency source
of electrical power, associated transforming equipment, if any, the transitional source of
emergency electrical power and the emergency switchboard is not to be contiguous to the
boundaries of machinery spaces of Category A and those spaces containing the main
source of electrical power, associated transforming equipment, if any, or the main
switchboard.
Provided that suitable measures are taken for safeguarding independent
emergency operation under all circumstances, the emergency generator may be used
exceptionally, and for short periods, to supply non-emergency circuits.
The electrical power available is to be sufficient to supply all those services that
are essential for safety in an emergency, due regard being paid to such services as may
have to be operated simultaneously. The emergency source of electrical power is to be
capable, having regard to starting currents and the transitory nature of certain loads, of
supplying simultaneously at least the following services for the periods specified
hereinafter, if they depend upon an electrical source for their operation:
a) For a period of 36 hours, emergency lighting:
(i)
at every lifeboat preparation station, muster and embarkation station and
oversides;
(ii)
in alleyways, stairways and exits, giving access to the muster and embarkation
stations;
(iii) in all service and accommodation alleyways, stairways and exits, personnel
lift cars;
(iv)
in the machinery spaces and main generating stations including their control
positions;
(v)
in all control stations, machinery control rooms, and at each main and
emergency switchboard;
(vi)
at all stowage positions for firemens outfits;
(vii) at the steering gear; and
(viii) at the fire pump, the sprinkler pump and the emergency bilge pump and at the
starting position of their motors.
b) For a period of 36 hours, the navigation lights and other lights required by the
International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea in force.
c) For a period of 36 hours:
(i)
all internal communication equipment required in an emergency;
(ii)
the navigational aids as required by Amendments to SOLAS 1974 Regulation
V/12;

(iii)

the fire detection, fire alarm and sample extraction smoke detection systems,
and the fire door holding and release system; and
(iv)
for intermittent operation of the daylight signaling lamp, the ships whistle,
the manually operated call points and all internal signals that are required in
an emergency unless such services have an independent supply for the
period of 36 hours from the accumulator battery suitably located for use in
emergency.
d) For a period of 36 hours:
(i)
emergency fire pump;
(ii)
the automatic sprinkler pump, if any; and
(iii) the emergency bilge and all the equipment essential for the operation of
electrically powered remote controlled bilge valves.
e) The steering gear for the period of time required.
f) For a period of half an hour:
(i)
any watertight doors if electrically operated together with their control,
indication and alarm circuits;
(ii)
the emergency arrangements to bring the lift cars to deck level for the escape
of persons. The passenger lift cars may be brought to deck level sequentially
in an emergency.
The emergency source of electrical power may be either a generator or an
accumulator battery, which are to comply with the following:
a) Where the emergency source of electrical power is a generator it is to be:
(i)
driven by a suitable prime mover with an independent supply of fuel having a
flashpoint of not less than 43C;
(ii)
started automatically upon failure of the electrical supply from the main
source of electrical power and is to be automatically connected to the
emergency switchboard; the services mentioned above are then to be
transferred automatically to the emergency generating set. The automatic
starting system and the characteristics of the prime mover are to be such as to
permit the emergency generator to carry its full rated load as quickly as is safe
and practicable, subject to a maximum of 45 seconds.
b) Where the emergency source of electrical power is an accumulator battery, it is to
be capable of:
(i)
carrying the emergency electrical load without recharging while maintaining
the voltage of the battery throughout the discharge period within 12 percent
above or below its normal voltage;
(ii)
automatically connecting to the emergency switchboard in the event of failure
of the main source of electrical power.
The transitional source of emergency electrical power is to consist of an
accumulator battery suitably located for use in an emergency which is to operate
without recharging while maintaining the voltage of the battery throughout the
discharge period within 12 per cent above or below its nominal voltage and be of
sufficient capacity and so arranged as to supply automatically in the event of failure

of either the main or emergency source of electrical power at least the following
services, if they depend upon an electrical source for their operation:
a) For half an hour:
(i)
the required lighting;
(ii)
all the services required, unless such services have an independent supply for
the period specified from an accumulator battery suitably located for use in an
emergency.
b) Power to operate the watertight doors at least three times, i.e. closed-open-closed
against an adverse list of 15, but not necessarily all of them simultaneously,
together with their control, indication and alarm circuits.
The emergency switchboard is to be installed as near as is practicable to the
emergency source of electrical power. Where the emergency source of electrical
power is a generator, the emergency switchboard is to be located in the same space
unless the operation of the emergency switchboard would thereby be impaired.
No accumulator battery except for engine starting is to be installed in the same
space as the emergency switchboard. An indicator is to be mounted in a suitable place
on the main switchboard or in the machinery control room to indicate when the
batteries constituting either the emergency source of electrical power or the
transitional source of emergency electrical power are being discharged.
The emergency switchboard is to be supplied during normal operation from the
main switchboard by an interconnector feeder which is to be adequately protected at
the main switchboard against overload and short circuit and which is to be
disconnected automatically at the emergency switchboard upon failure of the main
source of electrical power. Where the system is arranged for feedback operation, the
interconnector feeder is also to be protected at the emergency switchboard at least
against short circuit.
In order to ensure ready availability of the emergency source of electrical power,
arrangements are to be made where necessary to disconnect automatically nonemergency circuits from the emergency switchboard to ensure that power will be
available to the emergency circuits.
Provision is to be made for the periodic testing of the complete emergency system
and is to include the testing of automatic starting arrangements.
In addition to the emergency lighting passenger ships with roll on-roll off cargo
spaces or special category spaces are to be provided with the following:
a) in all passenger public spaces and alleyways supplementary electric lighting that
can operate for at least three hours when all other sources of electric power have
failed and under any condition of heel. The illumination provided is to be such
that the approach to the means of escape can be readily seen. The source of power
for the supplementary lighting is to consist of accumulator batteries within the
lighting units that are continuously changed where practicable, from the
emergency switchboard. Consideration may be given to other means of lighting
which is at least effective. The supplementary lighting is to be such that any
failure of the lamp will be immediately apparent. Any accumulator battery

provided is to be replaced at intervals having regard to the specified service life in

the ambient conditions that they are subject to in service.
b) A portable rechargeable battery operated lamp is to be provided in every crew
space alleyway, recreational space and every working space which is normally
occupied unless supplementary emergency lighting is provided.
2.2.2. Radio installation
The radio installation is to be provided with reliable, permanently arranged
electrical lighting, independent of the main and emergency sources of electrical power,
for the adequate illumination of the radio controls for operating the radio installation.
A reserve source or sources of energy is to be provided on every ship, to supply
radio installations, for the purpose of conducting distress and safety radiocommunications, in the event of failure of the ships main and emergency sources of
electrical power. The reserve source or sources of energy is to be capable of
simultaneously operating the VHF radio installation and, as appropriate for the sea or sea
area for which the ship is equipped, either the MF radio installation, the MF/HF radio
installation, or the INMARSAT ship earth station and any of the additional loads for a
period of at least:
a) one hour on ships provided with an emergency source of electrical power, if such
source of power complies fully with all the relevant requirements mentioned above,
including the supply of such power to the radio installations; and
b) six hours on ships not provided with an emergency source of electrical power
complying fully with all relevant requirements mentioned above, including the supply of
such power to the radio installations.
The reserve source or sources of energy need not supply independent HF and MF radio
installation at the same time.
The reserve source of energy and its switchboard are to be as high as practicable
in the ship and readily accessible to the radio officer. The switchboard is to, wherever
possible, be situated in a radio room: if it is not, it is to be capable of being illuminated.
The reserve source or sources of energy is to be independent of the propelling
power of the ships electrical system.
2.3. External source of electrical power
Where arrangements are made for the supply of electricity from a source on shore
or elsewhere, a connection box is to be installed in a position suitable for the convenient
reception of the flexible cables from the external source and containing a circuit-breaker
or isolating switch and fuses and terminals including one earthed, of ample size and
suitable shape to facilitate a satisfactory connection of the three-phase external supplies
with earthed neutrals.
Suitable cables, permanently fixed, are to be provided, connecting the terminals in
the connection box to a linked switch and/or a circuit-breaker at the main switchboard.
An indicator is to be provided at the main switchboard in order to show when the cables
are energized.
Means are to be provided for checking the phase sequence of the incoming
supply.

At the connection box a notice is to be provided giving full information on the

system of supply, the normal voltage and frequency of the installations system and the
procedure of carrying out the connection.
TASK 1 Describe in written form or orally the emergency source of electrical power
necessary for cargo ships, taking the passenger ships as a model. Except for the periods
of time that should be modified, what else should be changed, in your opinion?
2.4. Vocabulary
accumulator battery ~ baterie de acumulatoare
alleyway ~ coridor
automatic sequential restarting ~ repornire automat secvenial/ n trepte
impair ~ a defecta, a slbi
call point ~ punct de adunare
cargo refrigeration machinery ~ mecanism de congelare a mrfii
circuit-breaker ~ ntreruptor, ruptor
connection box ~ cutie de jonciune
contiguous ~ adiacent
converting set ~ convertizor
daylight signaling lamp ~ semnalizare de zi
dead ship condition ~ nav oprit
discharge ~ descrcare
earthed neutral ~ nul
emergency bilge pump ~ pomp santin de avarie
emergency lighting switchboard ~ panou de iluminat de avarie
feedback operation ~ reacie
fire door holding and release system ~ sistem de reinere i declanare a uilor de
incendiu
flashpoint ~ punct de imflamabilitate
fuse ~ siguran
generating set ~ set electrogenerator
heel ~ a se banda
hereinafter ~ dup cum urmeaz
interconnector feeder ~ alimentare linie de interconexiune
isolating switch ~ secionor
lift cars ~ cabin de ascensor
mounted ~ montat
overloading ~ suprancrcare
prime mover ~ motor ptimar
propulsion machinery shafting ~ axul mecanismului de propulsie
rating ~ caracteristic
remote controlled bilge valve ~ supap a santinei controlat de la distan
self-contained emergency source ~ surs independent de avarie
ships whistle ~ sirena navei
sprinkler pump ~ pomp aspersor
stairways ~ scri

stall ~ a se opri motorul

supply ~ alimentare
switchboard ~ tablou de distribuie
three-phase external supply ~ alimentare extern trifazat
transformer ~ transformator
voltage drop ~ cdere de tensiune

2.5. Suffixes
a. Adjective suffixes
Noun/verb + suffix
- ous: dangerous; famous (fame); outrageous; furious (fury)
- al: political; industrial (industry); economical; brutal; legal
- y: dirty; oily; foggy
- ive: creative (to create); productive (to produce); active (act)
-able/ible is used to form many adjectives from nouns and verbs: enjoyable; comfortable;
knowledgeable; suitable etc. It can have the meaning can be done: washable; drinkable;
comprehensible; reliable; countable; recognizable etc.
Words ending in able express the opposite meaning by adding the prefix un-: undrinkable;
unreliable; unbreakable; while words ending in ible form the opposite by adding the prefix in: inflexible; inedible etc.
-ful often means full of: careful; helpful; useful; thoughtful; forgetful
-less means without: careless; useless; thoughtless; harmless etc.
Not all the words that combine with -ful can combine with less too, to form opposites. For
example homeless does not have the opposite homeful.

b. Verb suffixes
Adjective + suffixes
- ise: modernise; commercialise; industrialise; cristallise; vaporise (vapour)
- ify: beautify; purify; terrify; solidify; liquefy (liquid)
- en: shorten; widen; sharpen; weaken; lighten; lengthen (noun); harden; soften; roughen
etc

TASK 2. Word formation exercises

Exercise 1. Add the correct suffix: -able or ible.
1. The food was ined .
2. The coffee was undrink .
3. My bed is very comfort .
4. Her shoes were very unsuit .
5. The film was very enjoy .
6. My working hours are very flex .
7

7. The buses are usually reli .

8. The doctors writing was incomprehens .
9. These cups are unbreak .
Exercise 2. Complete the following dialogues with adjectives ending in less.
1. A: Did you find the book useful?
B: No, it was completely
2. A: Did the injection hurt?
B: No, fortunately it was ..
3. A: Has he got somewhere to live?
B: No, the poor man is ..
4. A: That was a very silly mistake, wasnt it?
B: Yes, it was.of me I wasnt concentrating.
5. A: Dorothy never thinks about other people; she didnt even phone to say she
wasnt coming tonight.
B: Yes, I agree shes really quite
Exercise 3. Circle the correct word.
1. He can play ten musical/ music instruments.
2. It is an economic/ economical car to run: it can do 20 kilometers on a litre of
petrol.
3. Im not sure if this sweater is washing/ washable or not.
4. My sister is very knowledgeable/ knowledge about gardening, but Im afraid I
dont know the first thing about it.
5. Hes the member of one of the extreme politic/ political parties, but I cant
remember which.
6. People say that you have to be very created/ creative to be successful in
advertising.
7. I didnt think it was a very attracted/ attractive place.
Exercise 4 Which four nouns below form adjectives with the suffix ful?
pain help home thought
fame care

Exercise 5 The words listed in the table below are nouns. What are the verb forms of
these nouns?
1. danger to indanger
2. decision ..
3. declaration ..
4. pollution ..............
5. reduction .
6. improvement
7. management
8. information .

13. maintenance ...

14. compression ...
15. leakage ...
16. condensation ..
17. insulation ...
18. development ...
19. inspection ...
20. displacement ..

9. acceleration .
10. oil
11. adjustment ...
12. connection ...

21. injection .........

22. drainage .
23. ignition ...
24. erosion ...

Exercise 6 Choose ten verbs from exercise 5 and write a sentence below for each one.
Write the correct form of each verb in the column on the right and leave gaps for the
verbs in the sentences. Cover up the right-hand column and give the sentences to
another student as a test.
Example: The accident in the engine room indangered the whole ship.
Answer key
TASK 1. Emergency sources of electrical power in cargo ships
A self-contained emergency source of electrical power is to be provided. The emergency
source of electrical power, associated transforming equipment, if any, transitional source
of emergency power, emergency switchboard and emergency lighting switchboard are to
be located above the uppermost continuous deck and be readily accessible from the open
deck. They are not to be located forward of the collision bulkhead.
The location of the emergency source of electrical power and associated
transforming equipment, if any, the transitional source of emergency power, the
emergency switchboard and emergency lighting switchboard in relation to the main
source of electrical power, associated transforming equipment, if any, and the main
switchboard are to be such as to ensure that a fire or other casualty in the spaces
containing the main source of electrical power, associated transforming equipment, if
any, and the main switchboard or in any machinery space of Category A will not interfere
with the supply, control and distribution of emergency electrical power. The space
containing the emergency source of electrical power, associated transforming equipment,
if any, the transitional source of emergency electrical power and the emergency
switchboard is not to be contiguous to the boundaries of machinery spaces of Category A
and those spaces containing the main source of electrical power, associated transforming
equipment, if any, or the main switchboard.
Provided that suitable measures are taken for safeguarding independent
emergency operation under all circumstances, the emergency generator may be used
exceptionally, and for short periods, to supply non-emergency circuits.
The electrical power available is to be sufficient to supply all those services that
are essential for safety in an emergency, due regard being paid to such services as may
have to be operated simultaneously. The emergency source of electrical power is to be
capable, having regard to starting currents and the transitory nature of certain loads, of
supplying simultaneously at least the following services for the periods specified
hereinafter, if they depend upon an electrical source for their operation:
a)
For a period of 3 hours, emergency lighting at every lifeboat preparation station,
muster and embarkation station and over the sides;
b)
For a period of 18 hours, emergency lighting:

(i)

c)
d)

e)
f)

in all service and accommodation alleyways, stairways and exits, personnel

lift cars and personnel lift trunks;
(ii)
in the machinery spaces and main generating stations including their control
positions;
(iii) in all control stations, machinery control rooms, and at each main and
emergency switchboard;
(iv)
at all stowage positions for firemens outfits;
(v)
at the steering gear; and
(vi)
at the emergency fire pump, the sprinkler pump, if any, and the emergency
bilge pump, if any, and at the starting position of their motors.
For a period of 18 hours, the navigation lights and other lights required by the
International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea in force.
For a period of 18 hours:
(i)
all internal communication equipment required in an emergency;
(ii)
the navigational aids as required by Amendments to SOLAS 1974 Regulation
V/12;
(iii) the fire detection and fire alarm system; and
(iv)
for intermittent operation of the daylight signaling lamp, the ships whistle,
the manually operated call points and all internal signals that are required in
an emergency unless such services have an independent supply for the
period of 18 hours from the accumulator battery suitably located for use in
emergency.
For a period of 18 hours the emergency fire-pump if dependent upon the
emergency generator for its source of power.
The steering gear for the period of time required.

The emergency source of electrical power may be either a generator or an

accumulator battery, which are to comply with the following:
a)
Where the emergency source of electrical power is a generator it is to be:
(i)
driven by a suitable prime mover with an independent supply of fuel having a
flashpoint of not less than 43C;
(ii)
started automatically upon failure of the electrical supply from the main
source of electrical power supply unless a transitional source of emergency
electrical power is provided; where the emergency generator is automatically
started, it is to be automatically connected to the emergency switchboard;
(iii) provided with a transitional source of emergency electrical power unless an
emergency generator is provided capable both of supplying the services
mentioned in the above paragraph and of being automatically started and
supplying the required load as quickly as is safe and practicable, subject to a
maximum of 45 seconds.
b)
Where the emergency source of electrical power is an accumulator battery, it is to
be capable of:
(i)
carrying the emergency electrical load without recharging while maintaining
the voltage of the battery throughout the discharge period within 12 percent
above or below its normal voltage;

10

(ii)

automatically connecting to the emergency switchboard in the event of failure

of the main source of electrical power.

The transitional source of emergency electrical power is to consist of an

accumulator battery suitably located for use in an emergency which is to operate
without recharging while maintaining the voltage of the battery throughout the
discharge period within 12 per cent above or below its nominal voltage and be of
sufficient capacity and so arranged as to supply automatically in the event of failure
of either the main or emergency source of electrical power at least the following
services, if they depend upon an electrical source for their operation:
a) the required lighting. For this transitional phase, the required emergency electric
lighting, in respect of the machinery space and accommodation and service spaces
may be provided by permanently fixed, individual, automatically charged, relay
operated accumulator lamps, and
b) all the services required, unless such services have an independent supply for the
period specified from an accumulator battery suitably located for use in an
emergency.
The emergency switchboard is to be installed as near as is practicable to the
emergency source of electrical power. Where the emergency source of electrical
power is a generator, the emergency switchboard is to be located in the same space
unless the operation of the emergency switchboard would thereby be impaired.
No accumulator battery except for engine starting is to be installed in the same
space as the emergency switchboard. An indicator is to be mounted in a suitable place
on the main switchboard or in the machinery control room to indicate when the
batteries constituting either the emergency source of electrical power or the
transitional source of emergency electrical power are being discharged.
The emergency switchboard is to be supplied during normal operation from the
main switchboard by an interconnector feeder which is to be adequately protected at
the main switchboard against overload and short circuit and which is to be
disconnected automatically at the emergency switchboard upon failure of the main
source of electrical power. Where the system is arranged for feedback operation, the
interconnector feeder is also to be protected at the emergency switchboard at least
against short circuit.
In order to ensure ready availability of the emergency source of electrical power,
arrangements are to be made where necessary to disconnect automatically nonemergency circuits from the emergency switchboard to ensure that power will be
available to the emergency circuits.
Provision is to be made for the periodic testing of the complete emergency system
and is to include the testing of automatic starting arrangements.
TASK 2. Word formation exercises
Exercise 1.
1. inedible; 2. undrinkable; 3.comfortable; 4. unsuitable; 5. enjoyable; 6. flexible; 7.
reliable; 8. incomprehensible; 9. unbreakable.

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Exercise 2.
1. useless; 2. hurtles; 3. homeless; 4. careless; 5. thoughtless.
Exercise 3.
1. musical; 2. economic; 3. washable; 4. knowledgeable; 5. political; 6. creative; 7.
attractive.
Exercise 4
1. pain ful; 2. help ful; 3. thought ful; 4. care ful;
Exercise 5
1. to indanger; 2. decide; 3. declare ; 4. pollute ; 5. reduce ; 6. improve ; 7. manage;
8. inform ; 9. accelerate; 10. oil; 11. adjust; 12. connect; 13. maintain; 14. compress; 15.
leak ; 16. condense; 17. insulate; 18. develop; 19. inspect ; 20. displace; 21. inject; 22.
drain; 23. ignite; 24. erode.

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