We at Constellation Marine Services
were appointed by the Hull and Machinery underwriters
to investigate and factually report upon cause, extent,
and mature of engine damage reported on small craft
(Pilot boat).
The below narrative leads us to the damage of port side
main propulsion engine of pilot boat underwritten by
our client, the insurer.
Fact of Incident
While proceeding with the pilot the pilot boat skipper
heard unusual noise coming from the engine room. It
was further noticed that port engine temperature had
reached 90 degrees on the panel. He requested the motorman
to have a look in the engine room. The motorman had
observed that cooling water was coming out from the
exhaust manifold.
The skipper of the pilot boat stopped the port engine
immediately and proceeded to the jetty with one engine
that is the starboard engine.
The boat was insured. The Superintendent of the boat,
owning the company got in touch with the underwriters
to the boat. The underwriters got in touch with Constellation
Marine Services LLC to investigate the cause, nature
and extent of damage.
Independent Surveyor’s Appointment:
As soon as we received information from the underwriters,
we proceeded to the repair workshop where the engine
was dismantled. It was observed that the engine was
completely dismantled. We observed extensive damage
to the engine. It was noted that the engine was of 6
cylinders and 4-stroke type.
Details of the extensive damages observed
were as follows:
1. Cylinder liners: All 6-cylinder liners were with
scoring marks and internal crack with water leaking.
2. Cylinder heads: No.2,3,4,5 and 6 noted with cracks
between the narrow area between the valves
3. Exhaust manifold :Water jacket area with internal
crack and water leak
4. Pistons: All 6 pistons with scoring marks and rings
in no.6 piston stuck and burnt.
Based on the scrutiny of the above we requested the
boat company to make available the following documents
for review,
1. Statement of the master and crew of the vessel.
2 .Maintenance records for one year prior to the incident.
3. Manufacturer’s recommended periodical chart
4 .Last two lub oil analysis report.
5 .Engine running hours
6. Estimate and detailed damage report from the repairers.
7 .Latest survey report from class.
Based on the above, we revert our findings as follows,
The water from the water chamber due to the crack in
the exhaust manifold casing entered the gas chamber
of the exhaust manifold casing from where it percolated
to various units .From the units the water went downwards
into the oil sump ,causing the water to mix with lube
oil affecting its lubricity and causing the sump level
to rise.
The lack of lubricity of the lube oil affected the lubrication
of moving parts causing damage to piston, piston rings,
cylinder liner and the bearings.
We at Constellation have the experience in doing
engine damage surveys. The company has done numerous
engine damage surveys. We have a total of approximately
25000 nominations (all put together since inception).
Our professionalism has resulted in a satisfactory clientele
by our independent honest & unbiased factual findings
without opinions unless technically inclined & explicitly
asked for our clients. We respond quickly to the needs
of our clients. Most of our offices at Dubai, Fujairah,
Abu Dhabi, London, and Singapore are with closed proximity
to the port including our liaison offices at Germany,
The Netherlands, China, Philippines, West and South
Africa.
Call us on +97144518060/+97144232884 or e-mail
us on contact@theyachtsurveyors.com to get a quick assessment
or phone consultancy.
