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Home › SOLAS Operations › Emergency Generator Test
Operational guide · Safety & equipment

Emergency Generator Test

The periodic emergency generator test and the black-out test: the difference between a successful start in a routine test and one that is truly reliable in an emergency.

SOLAS Chapter II-1emergency generatorblack-out test

Operational Explanation

The emergency generator must be able to supply electrical power to essential safety services (emergency lighting, communication equipment, fire pumps, steering gear) in the event of total loss of the main power supply. Its reliability depends on realistic periodic tests, not just a no-load start with no real load connected.

The most rigorous and informative test is the black-out test: a simulated interruption of the main power supply, verifying that the emergency generator starts automatically within the required time and correctly picks up the essential loads.

Regulatory Reference

SOLAS Chapter II-1, Regulation 43 (Emergency source of electrical power in cargo ships) and Regulation 42 (Emergency source of electrical power in passenger ships); the starting arrangements for emergency generating sets are governed by Regulation 44 (Starting arrangements for emergency generating sets). The emergency generator must start automatically in the event of loss of power from the main sources, and pick up the load within 45 seconds (unless otherwise specified). On the frequency of the test, regulation 43.7 says only this: “Provision shall be made for the periodic testing of the complete emergency system and shall include the testing of automatic starting arrangements”. No numerical interval: neither here nor in regulation 44, which is a design requirement (starting at 0 °C, three consecutive starts from stored energy). The month does not come from SOLAS: it comes from the Company's maintenance plan — the ISM Code, §10.3, requires the “regular testing of stand-by arrangements” without setting a frequency — from class rules, from flag circulars and, for ships under United States regulation, from 46 CFR 109.211, which prescribes a monthly test under load for two hours. The monthly interval remains correct practice: what does not hold is attributing it to the Convention.

Scope of Application

Ships subject to the applicable provisions of SOLAS II-1/42–44. Test frequency and method come from the approved PMS/SMS and any flag, class or national requirements; SOLAS requires periodic testing of the complete system but sets no universal monthly interval.

Procedure / How to Complete It

  1. Test the complete system, including automatic starting and load acceptance, at the frequency and by the method required by PMS/SMS, flag, class and applicable law.
  2. Use 'monthly' only where the applicable regime prescribes it.
  3. Verify endurance, timing and supplied services without jeopardising essential services.
  4. Conduct a real full blackout only under a safe authorised procedure; where appropriate use controlled simulation of power loss.
  5. Record results and defects in the ship's prescribed system.

Practical Example

Example: emergency system tested under the PMS/SMS; loss of supply simulated in a controlled manner, automatic starting and essential-load acceptance verified, with no defects.

What Typically Goes Wrong

In several PSC inspections, an emergency generator initially found "working" in a no-load test has shown, during a more rigorous black-out test requested by the inspector, a load pick-up time exceeding the limit or an inability to sustain all essential loads simultaneously — highlighting that the start test alone is not sufficient to guarantee real reliability in an emergency.

Common Mistakes Mistake Library

MistakeConsequenceHow to avoid it
Test limited to the start alone, without verifying the actual load pick-upHidden faults only emerge during a real emergency or a thorough inspectionPeriodically include a full black-out test, not just the no-load start
Fuel autonomy dedicated to the emergency generator not verifiedFuel shortage in a prolonged emergencyRegularly check the level and quality of fuel in the dedicated tank
Emergency lighting not verified on all decks during the testAreas of the ship remain dark in a real emergency despite the generator workingExtend the test verification to all emergency circuits, not just the generator itself

What the PSCO Checks

Port State Control Officers (PSCOs) frequently require a practical demonstration of the emergency generator's start-up, sometimes simulating the interruption of the main power supply; abnormal start-up times or loads not correctly picked up are high-priority deficiencies.

Operational Tips

Preparation checklist

FAQ

Does SOLAS require a monthly test?
No. SOLAS II-1/43.7 requires periodic testing of the complete system; the interval comes from PMS/SMS, flag, class or applicable law.
Is a real full blackout always required?
No. It is conducted only under a safe authorised procedure; controlled simulation is used where appropriate.

Related Topics

Fire Drill and Fire SafetyGMDSS

Last substantive revision of this page: 16 August 2026 · page fingerprint e56ebb3e0b56