Impressed Current Cathodic Protection (ICCP)

OPERATIONAL & MAINTENANCE RECORD INSTRUCTIONS

The ICCP system where fitted is an essential part of the ships equipment, designed to prevent corrosion of the Hull and Hull Fittings. These systems should be maintained fully operational at all times, and should only be switched off where there are specific recommendations to do so. Readings of system operational parameters should be recorded on the manufacturers log sheet (Or in a similar format as per the instructions in the makers manual) and returned to the Ship Management Office monthly. These records are be filed on-board and ashore as per the VMS Filing System. The records should also include the daily reading from the shaft earth millivolt meter where fitted. It is also recommended that where practical, the log sheets are reviewed monthly by the manufacturer, whose comments should be filed along with the records. Maintenance schedule of the ICCP and associated earthing devices should be included in the vessel PMS. This should be based on manufacturers guidelines.

OPERATIONAL & MAINTENANCE GUIDANCE

System Status
System shut down should only occur under specific circumstances such as during Dry Dock, after significant underwater hull coating application, while alongside a jetty which has its own ICCP, during STS or after specific system maintenance work such as renewal of the Di-electric Shields. In all cases consult makers guidelines and relevant safe operation guides such as ISGOTT.

Operational Parameter Review

Regular review and trend analysis of readings should take place, especially when the vessel experiences a change in operational status (e.g. berth/ unberth). If a review indicates any dramatic changes in output readings then manufacturers should be contacted for advice.

Inspections
Prior Dry-Docking, the attendance of an accredited Technician is recommended to measure Hull Potential and assess the efficiency of System Operation. When the vessel is in the Dry-Dock the attending Technician will inspect and assess components, including Anode Di Electric Shields and the Hull Condition to allow any necessary adjustments that will improve system efficiency .

Overview of System Fittings

Hull
Visual inspection of the hull should be conducted whenever a suitable opportunity to view exposed underwater areas of the hull arises, such as completion of cargo on a jetty, during a launch service, propeller or hull cleaning. Any abnormalities in Hull Condition such as excessive or non-symmetrical corrosion should be reported to the Ship Management Office Shaft Earthing

Hull fittings such as Main Propeller and Rudder Shafts are electrically insulated from the Hull, due to lubricating oil film and the use of non-metallic bearings. Insulation problems are overcome through the use of an earth strap on the Rudder Shaft and a Slip Ring/Carbon Brush arrangement for the Propeller Shaft when running. These are simple mechanical systems, which nonetheless, require regular monitoring to ensure their effectiveness Sacrificial Anode Systems

While the ICCP System offers protection to the Hull, complimentary Sacrificial Anode Systems are required to be fitted to protect components in vulnerable underwater hull areas, such as Stern Frames and Thruster Tunnels. These Sacrificial Anode Systems, should be maintained in accordance with Manufacturers Instructions.