Operational guide · Safety & equipment

Blackout and Failure Management

The emergency-source maximum time is a performance criterion of the applicable SOLAS arrangement, not a universal monthly stopwatch test; method, simulation and records follow the approved arrangement, maker, class and PMS/SMS.

blackoutfailureengine room emergencyrestoration

Operational Explanation

Regulatory Reference

SOLAS II-1/42, 43 and 44: emergency source, transitional arrangements and testing by passenger/cargo configuration.

Scope of Application

Actual statutory configuration; retain 36 h passenger/18 h cargo durations and exceptions only where applicable.

Procedure / How to Complete It

Identify the approved emergency-power arrangement and required services.
Test at authorised interval and method.
Do not simulate blackout outside maker/PMS/SMS/class controls.
Where prescribed, verify connection time against the applicable limit.
Record results and defects under procedure.

Practical Example

A periodic test may time connection where prescribed; the value alone does not create a monthly test for every ship.

What Typically Goes Wrong

Defining 45 seconds as a universal monthly measurement/record or ignoring passenger/cargo/configuration differences.

Common Mistakes Mistake Library

Mistake	Consequence	How to Avoid It
Defining 45 seconds as a universal monthly measurement/record or ignoring passenger/cargo/configuration differences.	Non-compliant decision or treatment	Follow the approved arrangement and applicable sources

What the PSCO Checks

Evidence of the approved arrangement, procedures, records, competence, defect management and consistency with statutory/class/maker requirements.

Operational Tips

Separate current requirement, class/maker, SMS and voluntary guidance.
Do not improvise tests, thresholds or intervals.
Record deviations and corrective action.

Preparation checklist

Approved arrangement known
Method/interval authorised
Essential services checked
Records and defects managed

FAQ

Do 45 seconds mandate a monthly test?

No. It is a criterion of the applicable arrangement; testing follows ship-specific sources.

Does every ship use the same branch?

No. Check the actual configuration and statutory requirements.

Blackout and Failure Management

Operational Explanation

Regulatory Reference

Scope of Application

Procedure / How to Complete It

Practical Example

What Typically Goes Wrong

Common Mistakes Mistake Library

What the PSCO Checks

Operational Tips

Preparation checklist

FAQ

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