Confirms the SMS states live electrical work is prohibited as a default, permitted only under a specific, senior-authorized exception (e.g., diagnostic testing that cannot be done de-energized)
Establishes a dedicated live-work permit exists, separate from the routine isolation permit, specifying justification, PPE, and standby-person requirements
Checks the risk assessment for the specific live task addresses shock and arc-flash exposure per IEC 60092 safety principles
Verifies authorization sits with the Master/Chief Engineer, not delegated to the individual technician performing the work
MasterChief Engineer2nd Engineer
What the Inspector Expects
Establishes crew working on or near switchboards understand arc-flash risk, an established shipboard electrical hazard even without a formal shore-style arc-flash labeling regime
Confirms task-specific PPE (face shield/visor, flame-resistant coveralls, insulated gloves) is available and matched to the voltage/fault level of the vessel's electrical system
Checks training records or toolbox talks specifically address arc-flash, not just generic electrical safety
Verifies crew can explain in their own words why they stand to the side, not directly in front, when operating switchboard breakers
Chief Engineer2nd EngineerETO
What the Inspector Expects
Confirms dedicated insulated tools (screwdrivers, testers) and rubber matting are provided at switchboard locations per IEC 60092 shipboard electrical safety practice
Checks matting is free of cuts, punctures, or contamination that would compromise its insulating value
Establishes a periodic visual/test check regime exists for insulating equipment, not a one-time installation
Verifies matting and tools are not being used for unrelated purposes (e.g., matting used as a general floor covering elsewhere)
Chief Engineer2nd EngineerETO
What the Inspector Expects
Establishes a routine megger testing programme exists for generators, motors, and main feeders consistent with manufacturer and class PMS intervals
Confirms readings are recorded numerically (not just pass/fail) so a declining trend can be identified before failure
Checks corrective action is taken when a reading approaches the minimum acceptable value, rather than waiting for outright failure
Verifies test voltage and method used match the equipment rating (e.g., appropriate megger voltage for LV vs equipment insulation class)
Chief Engineer2nd EngineerETO
What the Inspector Expects
Establishes the main switchboard is free of visible deterioration — discoloration, overheating marks, loose busbar connections, corrosion — consistent with SOLAS II-1 Part D electrical installation standards
Confirms ACBs are withdrawn, cleaned, and serviced (contact inspection, mechanism lubrication, closing/tripping function check) at PMS-defined intervals
Checks racking-in/out mechanisms operate smoothly and interlocks function correctly to prevent unsafe operation
Verifies servicing records identify the specific breaker by generator/feeder, not a generic "switchboard serviced" entry
Chief Engineer2nd EngineerETO
What the Inspector Expects
Confirms non-essential loads shed in the correct preferential sequence when the switchboard approaches overload, protecting essential services
Establishes protection relay settings (overcurrent, short-circuit, undervoltage) match the vessel's approved electrical load study/single-line diagram, not arbitrary values
Checks preferential trip testing is carried out at a defined interval and the results are recorded
Verifies any change to a protection setting is documented and cross-checked against the approved design, since an unauthorized change can defeat protection coordination
Chief Engineer2nd EngineerETO
What the Inspector Expects
Establishes earth fault (insulation monitoring) indicators on the main and emergency switchboards are checked and logged daily, consistent with good electrical safety practice under SOLAS II-1 Part D
Confirms a defined process exists for tracing a detected earth fault systematically (isolating circuits in sequence) rather than ignoring intermittent alarms
Checks that a persistent earth fault is escalated, investigated promptly, and cleared rather than left as a standing condition
Verifies the earth fault log shows resolution, not just repeated entries of the same unresolved fault
Chief Engineer2nd Engineer3rd Engineer
What the Inspector Expects
Confirms the Automatic Voltage Regulator on each generator maintains stable voltage across load changes, tested periodically rather than assumed functional
Establishes reverse-power (or preferential) trip protection is tested to confirm a generator motoring on the bus is detected and tripped before damage occurs
Checks load-sharing between paralleled generators is verified as balanced (kW and kVAr) under test, not just observed to "look okay" on the panel meters
Verifies test results and any corrective adjustment are recorded, cross-referenced to the PMS
Chief Engineer2nd EngineerETO
What the Inspector Expects
Establishes the standby generator is tested to auto-start and close onto the bus within the required time following blackout, not just manually started for routine running hours
Confirms the test simulates an actual loss-of-power event (e.g., tripping the running generator) rather than only a "start and stop" exercise
Checks the time from blackout to restored power is recorded and consistent with the vessel's approved arrangement
Verifies failure-to-start scenarios (batteries, air start pressure) are also periodically checked as part of readiness
Chief Engineer2nd EngineerETO
What the Inspector Expects
Confirms the emergency source of electrical power (emergency generator or accumulator battery) automatically supplies the emergency switchboard within the time required under SOLAS II-1 Part D emergency power provisions following loss of the main source
Establishes emergency lighting throughout escape routes, muster stations, and machinery spaces is tested and functional, not just spot-checked at a few fixtures
Checks the transitional/emergency battery source bridges the gap before the emergency generator picks up, and that batteries hold charge for their rated duration
Verifies navigation lights, radio installations, and other services required to run from the emergency source are confirmed to actually transfer during the test, not just assumed from a single-line diagram
Chief Engineer2nd Engineer3rd Engineer
What the Inspector Expects
Confirms a complete register exists listing every item of Ex-certified equipment in hazardous zones with its protection type (Ex d flameproof, Ex e increased safety, Ex i intrinsic safety) per IEC 60079 series principles
Establishes the inspection/maintenance programme follows IEC 60079-17 principles — checking enclosure integrity, gasket condition, flamepath surfaces, and gland tightness — without which certification is invalidated
Checks that no unauthorized modification, substitution of components, or non-certified replacement parts has occurred, since any such change voids the equipment's certification
Verifies cable glands on Ex enclosures are the correct certified type, fully tightened, and free of missing seals or unused entries left open
Chief Engineer2nd EngineerETO
What the Inspector Expects
Establishes only intrinsically safe (Ex i) certified torches, UHF/portable radios, and similar devices are authorized for use in cargo hazardous areas, consistent with IEC 60079-11 principles and ISGOTT ignition-source control guidance
Confirms a physical control point (e.g., issue from a controlled locker, sign-out log) prevents non-IS equipment from being carried into the zone
Checks IS equipment is inspected for damaged casings or batteries that could compromise its intrinsic safety rating before each use
Verifies personal mobile phones and cameras are subject to a clear onboard policy restricting their presence on deck during cargo operations, not left to individual discretion
Chief OfficerBosunPumpman
What the Inspector Expects
Confirms battery room ventilation is adequate and continuous (natural or mechanical, per the installation's design) to prevent hydrogen gas accumulation from lead-acid or nickel-cadmium batteries
Establishes no ignition sources — unprotected light fittings, switches, or unauthorized electrical equipment — are present inside the battery room, consistent with SOLAS II-1 Part D electrical safety principles
Checks battery terminals are covered/insulated to prevent accidental short-circuiting, and that non-conductive tools are used for battery servicing
Verifies acid-resistant flooring/spill trays and neutralizing materials are provided and battery topping-up practice avoids spillage
Chief Engineer2nd Engineer3rd Engineer
What the Inspector Expects
Establishes a routine visual inspection regime covers cable runs for chafing, damaged sheathing, or inadequate support/cleating consistent with IEC 60092 installation standards
Confirms the vessel has a firm, enforced prohibition on temporary or improvised ('gypsy') wiring bypassing proper cable installation practice
Checks cable penetrations through watertight/fire-rated decks and bulkheads remain properly sealed with the correct transit/gland arrangement, preserving structural fire and watertight integrity
Verifies any temporary cable run found in use (e.g., for portable equipment) is itself properly supported, protected, and removed promptly after the job
Chief Engineer2nd EngineerETO
What the Inspector Expects
Confirms insulation resistance testing is included as part of routine motor maintenance, not only tested when a fault is suspected
Establishes bearing condition is monitored (vibration, temperature, lubrication) at PMS-defined intervals appropriate to the motor's duty
Checks motor ventilation ducts/screens are kept clear of dust, lint, or debris that would cause overheating, particularly on totally enclosed fan-cooled motors
Verifies any motor found running hot or noisy has a corresponding work order and follow-up, rather than being left running under observation indefinitely
Chief Engineer2nd Engineer3rd Engineer
What the Inspector Expects
Establishes an SMS policy exists governing personal electrical appliances (kettles, heaters, chargers) permitted in cabins, including any visual/electrical safety check before use
Confirms galley equipment and laundry machines are on a maintenance routine addressing overheating, worn flex/plugs, and correct fusing
Checks unauthorized high-current personal appliances (e.g., improvised immersion heaters) are actively identified and removed, not just prohibited on paper
Verifies laundry equipment ventilation/lint management is addressed given its fire-risk profile in accommodation spaces
Chief OfficerMasterall crew
What the Inspector Expects
Establishes a documented procedure exists for connecting to shore power, including verification that shore supply voltage, frequency, and phase rotation match the vessel's requirements before closing onto the ship's system
Confirms the ship's main switchboard is isolated/interlocked appropriately so shore power and the ship's generators cannot be paralleled unintentionally
Checks earthing continuity between ship and shore is verified as part of the connection procedure, consistent with IEC 60092 principles on electrical safety
Verifies the shore connection cable and connector are inspected for damage before each use and that connection/disconnection is only performed with the circuit de-energized
Chief Engineer2nd EngineerETO
What the Inspector Expects
Confirms the impressed current cathodic protection (ICCP) system's output current/voltage is logged periodically, or sacrificial anode condition is assessed at drydock, as part of hull corrosion protection
Establishes the navigation light panel's failure-alarm function is tested to confirm the bridge is actually alerted if a required navigation light fails
Checks spare navigation light lamps/fittings are held onboard and readily accessible for prompt replacement
Verifies ICCP anode/reference cell readings are within the system's designed operating range, with any anomaly investigated
Chief Officer2nd OfficerChief Engineer
What the Inspector Expects
Establishes the ETO/electrical officer holds valid STCW certification appropriate to the role (where the flag/company requires a dedicated ETO certificate) per STCW Code Table A-III/6
Confirms a vessel-specific familiarization was completed covering the actual switchboard type, protection relays, generator control system, and Ex equipment fitted, not a generic company induction
Checks the ETO can demonstrate practical knowledge in interview — e.g., explaining the preferential trip sequence or where the Ex equipment register is kept — rather than reciting from a manual
Verifies handover records exist between outgoing and incoming ETO/electrical officers covering open electrical defects and ongoing work