1.14 Storage tanks

To familiarize locations of tank

All Engine room ratings should know the following structural and non structural tanks on board.

Structural tanks called all tanks which is the part of ship structure or hull.

The following tanks are structural tank

• All ballast tank, DB, Fore peak, Aft peak, Wing tanks

• DB (Double Bottom) fuel oil storage tank

• Lubrication oil sump tank

• Bilge holding tanks

• Sewage tank (if fitted)

• Water tanks (Drinking and service fresh water)

• Dirty oil tanks (Drain tanks , sludge tanks etc)

• F.O overflow tanks

Nonstructural tanks called all tanks which do not form the part of the structure.

The following tanks are non structural tank

• Lubrication oil storage and settling tank

• F.O Service and settling tank

• M/E cylinder oil daily service tank

• M/E cam shaft oil tank

• M/E air cooler washing chemical tanks

• Separator’s system water tank

• HT (High Temperature) and LT (Low Temperature) expansion tank

• Hot well / observations tanks 

• Scavenge drain tank etc

• The common out fitting of the structural tanks are 

• Access manholes (usually two)

• Suction pipe, Filling pipe with respective valves 

• Sounding pipe, air vent pipe

• Level indicator (remote or local)

• Temperature indicator(remote or local)

• Heating coil (F.O and L.O tanks)

• The common out fitting of the non structural tanks are

• Assess and inspection manholes (usually one side and on top)

• Level indicator (glass tube)

• Temperature indicator(remote or local)

• Suction pipe,  delivery pipe, drain pipe with respective valves

• Alarm sensors

• Sounding pipe, Air vent pipe

• Heating coil (FO and LO tanks)

The flash point of the fuel is the temperature of the fuel at which sufficient vapour is given to ignite if a naked flame is introduced.

All Engine room ratings should read the temperature correctly and they should know which temperature they might expect to read

Quick closing Valve

The entire fuel oil tank within machinery spaces must be provided with quick closing valve operational from remote position.

Quick closing valves are fitted to oil tanks so that in the event of a fire they can be safely closed from a remote location to stop the supply of fuel to the fire. These valves may be operated remotely by pull wires, hydraulics, compressed air, etc.

Quick closing valves are to be regularly maintained and tested. The inspection, maintenance and testing of quick closing valves is to be incorporated in the ship’s planned maintenance system.

Quick closing valves should not be intentionally blocked or “gagged” in the open position to prevent operation.