Blackout on a Ship in a High Traffic Area like Singapore

In a high-traffic area like Singapore, a blackout on a ship is a critical situation that demands immediate and precise actions to ensure safety. Here are the detailed steps to take:

1. 1. Raise Alarm and Notify Authorities:
      • Immediately sound the general alarm to alert all crew members.
      • Inform the Vessel Traffic Services (VTS) in Singapore and other nearby vessels about the blackout situation. This can be done using VHF radio on the distress and safety frequency (Channel 16).
   2. Assess the Situation:
      • Quickly evaluate the extent of the blackout. Determine whether it affects the entire ship or specific systems.
      • Check for any immediate hazards or dangers to the ship, crew, and nearby vessels.
   3. Activate Emergency Procedures:
      • Implement the ship’s emergency blackout procedures as outlined in the Safety Management System (SMS).
      • Switch to emergency power if available. Most ships have emergency generators designed to provide power to critical systems during a blackout.
   4. Maintain Navigational Safety:
      • Ensure the ship’s emergency lighting, navigation lights, and sound signals are operational.
      • Use manual steering if the automated systems are down and the rudder can be controlled manually.
   5. Reduce Speed or Stop the Ship:
      • If possible, reduce the ship’s speed to minimize the risk of collision. If the engines are not operational, drop the anchor to prevent drifting.
   6. Display Appropriate Signals:
      • Exhibit the Not Under Command (NUC) shapes (two black balls in a vertical line during the day) or lights (two all-round red lights in a vertical line at night).
   7. Communicate with Nearby Vessels:
      • Continuously update nearby vessels about your status and intentions using VHF radio.
      • Request assistance from nearby vessels if necessary, especially for towing or escorting through the high-traffic area.
   8. Restore Power:
      • Engineers and technical crew should work to identify and rectify the cause of the blackout. This could involve:
        • Checking the main switchboard for faults.
        • Inspecting and restarting the main and auxiliary engines.
        • Examining fuel systems for blockages or issues.
   9. Keep Bridge Staff Informed:
      • Maintain a clear line of communication between the bridge and the engine room.
      • Ensure the bridge team is updated on efforts to restore power and any changes in the ship’s status.
   10. Prepare for External Assistance:
       • Be ready to accept external assistance, such as tugboats, if offered or required.
       • Prepare mooring lines and other equipment necessary for being towed or assisted.
   11. Review and Learn:
       • After the situation is under control, conduct a thorough review to understand the cause of the blackout.
       • Implement corrective actions to prevent future occurrences.

Handling a blackout in a high-traffic area requires coordination, clear communication, and swift action to ensure the safety of the ship, its crew, and other vessels in the vicinity