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.
Operational Explanation
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.
Regulatory Reference
SOLAS II-1/42, 43 and 44: emergency source, transitional arrangements and testing by passenger/cargo configuration.
Starting the emergency generator does not establish restoration of main generation, propulsion or all auxiliaries. Verify which services are actually supplied under the approved arrangement; diagnose the blackout cause before repeatedly attempting restarts. AMSA: blackout case study.
The response procedure must coordinate bridge and engine room: communicate loss of propulsion/steering, verify essential-service supply and restore loads in the prescribed sequence. Record alarms, causes, actions and remaining limitations; restoring voltage alone does not close failure management. IMO: ISM safety management.
Where the emergency source is a generator, SOLAS II-1/42.3.1.2 for passenger ships requires automatic starting and connection and the ability to carry full rated load within a maximum of 45 seconds. For cargo ships, II-1/43.3.1.3 permits omission of the transitional source if the generator can automatically start and supply the specified services and required load within that limit. These two branches do not establish a universal test interval. For ships constructed on or after 1 July 1998, where electrical power is needed to restore propulsion, II-1/42.3.4 and 43.3.4 require sufficient capacity, together with other appropriate machinery, to restore propulsion from dead ship within 30 minutes after blackout. UK government reference MSN 1907, sections 44.3 and 45.3, pp. 73–74 and 77–78.
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
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
Related Topics
Last substantive revision of this page: 16 September 2026 · page fingerprint 160f760ccf29