The number of UMS ships has increased rapidly over the past few years. Control systems are much more reliable now than they were when first applied to ships. Educating the crew to understand control functions is now undertaken by most shipowners. More ships will, in future, be fitted with remote-control systems as a means of reducing crews.
Nowadays, however, far more UMS ships are in operation. Crews have grown familiar with the systems and training is more prolific. In the immediate future more owners will adopt UMS, not only as a means of cutting crew to a minimum and thus cut operational costs, but also for reasons of safety.
Remote control systems. As a number of remote control stations may be installed, operation must only be possible for one station at a time. There should be no misunderstanding as to which station has control at any time one time, thus there should be continuous indication at all the main control stations showing which one has control. When control is transferred from one station to another, a warning must be given. Only one station which has taken control must acknowledge the fact.
There must be means by which the propulsion machinery can be stopped from the bridge, regardless of whether another station is being operated. Any orders activated from the bridge are to be indicated in the control rooms.
Indicators of the speed and direction or rotation of reversible engines, or the propeller pitch and speed of rotation must be fitted on the bridge. Additionally, an independently-operated stand-by control should be provided in the engine room. It must be able to override the remote control system.
For diesel plant with fixed-pitch propellers the fuel supply and direction of engine rotation should be effected by a single control lever. The controls must operate the machinery in a time sequence acceptable for the engines, and able to shut-off the fuel supply if the desired and actual direction of rotation of the engine and the cam-shaft position does not match.
In addition to alarm indication for the lubricating oil system, the system must be able to shut down the engine if lubricating (lube) oil is lost. The circuit and sensors for this function must be additional to the alarm circuit required.
On the bridge, both audible and visual alarms are to operate and indication given when the speed of the main engines is to be reduced due to the following fault condition: high scavenge air temperature, oil mist detected in crankcase, low piston coolant outlet flow, low piston coolant pressure, also for low cylinder coolant pressure if on a separate circuit.
Where the lube oil cooling water and oil fuel booster pumps are not driven by the main engine, the standby pump is to start automatically if the discharge pressure from the working pump falls below a predetermined value.
Unmanned Machinery Spaces (UMS) ships have specific control and alarm requirements to ensure safe operation without continuous human presence. Here are the key aspects typically involved:
Control Requirements:
Remote Control Systems:
- UMS ships use advanced remote control systems that allow operators to monitor and control machinery from a central location.
- These systems must be capable of controlling essential machinery such as engines, generators, pumps, and other critical equipment.
Redundancy and Reliability:
- UMS ships require redundant control systems to ensure continued operation in case of a failure in one system.
- Reliability standards are high to prevent downtime and ensure the safety of the vessel.
Automation and Integration:
- Automation is crucial for UMS ships to perform routine operations without direct human intervention.
- Integration with other ship systems (like navigation and communication) ensures seamless operation and response to varying conditions.
Alarm Requirements:
Critical Alarm Systems:
- UMS ships are equipped with sophisticated alarm systems that monitor machinery parameters and ship conditions.
- Alarms are set for critical parameters such as temperature, pressure, fluid levels, and operational statuses.
Remote Monitoring:
- Alarms are transmitted to remote monitoring stations where operators can immediately respond to any issues.
- Alerts can be configured for different severity levels, ensuring prompt attention to urgent situations.
Emergency Alarm Response:
- Specific emergency alarms are integrated into the system for fire detection, leakage, or other critical emergencies.
- These alarms may trigger automatic responses or require manual intervention depending on the severity and type of emergency.
Compliance and Standards:
Classification Society Requirements:
- UMS ships must comply with regulations and standards set by classification societies (e.g., DNV, Lloyd's Register, ABS).
- These standards ensure that UMS systems meet safety, reliability, and operational efficiency criteria.
International Maritime Organization (IMO):
- IMO guidelines and regulations also govern UMS ships, ensuring that they meet international safety and operational standards.
Operational Considerations:
Training and Procedures:
- Crew members are trained in operating and responding to alarms and emergencies in an unmanned environment.
- Emergency response procedures are well-defined and regularly practiced.
Continuous Monitoring:
- Continuous monitoring of UMS systems is essential to detect any anomalies or potential failures promptly.
- Regular maintenance and inspections are scheduled to maintain system integrity.
UMS ships leverage advanced remote control and alarm systems to ensure safe and efficient operation without continuous human presence. These systems are designed to meet stringent safety, reliability, and regulatory standards to protect both the vessel and the environment.
