Often vessels report manoeuvring troubles such as engine reversing and starting air failures. These troubles are usually caused by sticking pneumatic valves, due to internal corrosion or dirt particles in the control air system.

Our recommendation for service and overhaul of the pneumatic manoeuvring systems based on our operation experience in our office in Benelux is to perform a complete overhaul of the system every 4 years for all major components. However we recommend to inspect and clean or replace the filters on a yearly basis.

Recommendations of our specialists:

Daily:

• Every day all control air bottles, control and safety air, should be drained.

Monthly:

• We advice to operate the engine from all control positions every month: Emergency room, Control room and Bridge control. This procedure will prove the correct operation and will exhaust moisture that has been built up in the system.

Yearly:

• Every year the following pneumatic valves positions should be overhauled: 115, 33, 37, 38, 10, 11, 14 & 15. When excess dirt or corrosion is found at these locations, we suggest to inspect additional valves.

• Two fuel pump reversing cylinders should be inspected at random. After the inspection the cylinders have to be greases or overhauled in accordance with the requirements. If parts are found loose or worn, we recommend to overhaul all reversing cylinders.