200962 Main engine turning gear damaged

Main engine turning gear damaged
MARS Report 200962

One of our vessels sustained damage to its main engine turning and flywheel gears. The engineer on duty turned the main engine on air without being aware that the safety cut-out and remote indicator arrangements of the turning gear were not functional at that time and that the turning gear was in fact engaged to the flywheel.

Corrective/preventative actions

The fleet was instructed to make warning placards with the words 'Turning gear engaged' and to hang these at all manoeuvring stations and engine controls whenever the turning gear is engaged, irrespective of whether the safety devices are functional. These placards should be removed only after disengaging the turning gear.