The Dead Ship Start Procedure is a critical sequence for the restoration of power and propulsion capability in the event of a total blackout onboard a vessel. It ensures that the ship can recover from a completely de-energized state without external assistance. This procedure must be clearly defined and documented in the ship’s technical manuals or emergency response plans, and must comply with international maritime regulations, particularly the SOLAS Convention and applicable Classification Society Rules.
1. Sequential Startup of Equipment
The process of starting up a ship from a dead ship condition follows a defined sequence, generally including the following steps:
- Emergency Generator (E/Gen) Start-up
- The emergency generator, which is independent of the main power supply, is started either manually or automatically to provide initial electrical power.
- It should be capable of starting under blackout conditions, usually via a dedicated battery bank or hand-start system.
- Emergency Switchboard Energization
- Power from the emergency generator is routed to the Emergency Switchboard, supplying power to essential consumers, such as emergency lighting, control circuits, and crucial machinery.
- Emergency Air Compressor Start-up
- The emergency air compressor is powered via the emergency switchboard to begin building up starting air pressure for the generator engine (G/E).
- Start Air Reservoir for Generator Engine (G/E)
- Once the required pressure (typically 20–30 bar) is reached, starting air is directed to the G/E start air receiver.
- Start of One Generator Engine (G/E)
- With sufficient starting air and essential services online, one of the main generator engines is started using compressed air.
- Main Switchboard Energization
- Once the main generator is operational, the Main Switchboard is energized, enabling broader electrical distribution across the ship.
- Starting of Critical Machinery
- Systems including main air compressors, fuel/lube/sea water pumps, and steering gear are brought online.
- Main Engine (M/E) Start-up
- After restoring all essential auxiliaries and ensuring operational pressure/temperature levels, the Main Engine is started via compressed air.
2. Time Calculation and SOLAS Requirements
According to SOLAS Chapter II-1, Regulation 26, the ship shall be capable of restoring propulsion and steering capability within 30 minutes after a dead ship condition. This includes:
- Initial startup of the emergency generator (typically <1–2 minutes)
- Air compressor run-time to build up required pressure (approx. 5–10 minutes)
- Generator engine start-up and load take-over (5 minutes)
- Sequential startup of critical auxiliaries (5–8 minutes)
- Main engine start-up and readiness (total must remain within 30 minutes)
Total time: ~25–30 minutes, subject to equipment efficiency and crew readiness.
SOLAS II-1/Reg. 26.3: "Where the emergency source of electrical power is a generator, it shall be automatically started in the event of failure of the main source of electrical power... The ship shall be capable of re-establishing propulsion and steering within 30 minutes of a blackout."
3. Recommendation for Ships Without a Formal Dead Ship Plan
In case the ship’s technical documentation does not include a formal Dead Ship Start Procedure, it is strongly advised that the Chief Engineer develops a simplified diagram and time-based procedure based on actual ship equipment specifications. This may include:
- Rated power and start-up time of the E/Gen
- Capacity and build-up time of the emergency air compressor
- Estimated time for the auxiliary systems to reach operational readiness
- Verification through drills or simulation during drydock or maintenance periods
This documentation should be part of the Planned Maintenance System (PMS) and made available for audits, vetting inspections, or flag state reviews.
Conclusion
The Dead Ship Start Procedure is not merely a theoretical checklist but a regulatory obligation and a practical necessity. Its effective implementation can mean the difference between recovery and drift in the event of a total blackout. Engineers must be thoroughly familiar with this procedure, and ships must ensure it is practiced, tested, and compliant with both SOLAS and Classification Society requirements (e.g., IACS UR M51, DNV-RU-SHIP Pt.4 Ch.3).
BBC – SMR Marine
Training Department
C/E NGUYEN XUAN HUNG (+84 904 554 152)
