TEMPSC (Lifeboat) Diesel Fuel Quality

Description of Incident

TEMPSC – Totally Enclosed Motor Propelled Survival Craft (Lifeboat)

During a planned replacement, a free fall TEMPSC was launched to sea from its installed location on a fixed offshore installation. When sea borne, marine personnel boarded the TEMPSC and started the engine to manoeuvre it so rigging could be attached (for backload to the installation deck). 10 minutes into the operation, blue/white smoke was reported from the TEMPSC engine exhaust. After 15 minutes operation, the engine high temperature alarm activated.

The TEMPSC was subsequently recovered to the installation deck and a series of checks were carried out at site. The TEMPSC was then shipped onshore for further investigation with the TEMPSC maintenance contractor.

The investigation determined the root cause was the TEMPSC diesel fuel quality. The investigation reviewed the operation / maintenance / monitoring history for the installation diesel fuel system and found no prior faults. Similarly, the maintenance history for the TEMPSC was checked with no reports of fuel issues (during routine testing or filter replacements).

The fuel tank of the recovered TEMPSC was drained, flushed and refilled. A one hour sea trial was then complete at a local harbour, to demonstrate the root cause was understood and suitability of corrective work performed.

The fuel tanks of the remaining TEMPSC installed offshore were drained, flushed and re-filled. The installation performance standard for TEMPSC has been updated to specify a periodic replacement of diesel fuel (including tank flush).

Some things to consider:

• Consider how TEMPSC fuel quality is monitored and assured.

• Consider requirement for monitoring / sampling and replacement of TEMPSC diesel fuel.

• Consider if arrangements for above are adequate based on this high value learning.