Techniques to Prevent Misunderstandings in Ship Machinery Maintenance -A Questionnaire Survey about the Bolt Tightening Management

Abstract

 Main engine inspection and maintenance are important tasks carried out by the engine crew. Nevertheless, a case example where carelessness such as the failure to properly lubricate the connecting rod bolt led to insufficient bolt clamping which eventually resulted in engine damage has been reported. Since it is important that uniform standard procedures for bolt tightening be equally adopted in all ships, the authors sent out questionnaires regarding bolt tightening practices and procedures to marine engineers who work for Japanese shipping lines. The results obtained from the responses of 85 engineers showed that there are multiple views regarding bolt tightening managements, such as the type of lubricant used, the method of lubricant application, and the method of tightening for bolts in the same engine part.