QUESTION 10.2.4

Seawater pipelines, sea chests and pumps

Oil, Chemical, LPG, LNGEngine Room

What is being checked

The inspector is checking whether seawater systems remain structurally sound and properly maintained, without temporary repairs or deterioration capable of flooding the machinery space or disabling essential cooling.

Ready onboard

0/6 complete

PIPE CONDITIONAccessible piping, bends, flanges, expansion pieces and supports show no active leakage, heavy wastage or unapproved patches.SEA CHESTSValves, strainers, vents and changeover arrangements are operational and inspection history is available.PUMPSDuty and standby seawater pumps are available with sound seals, foundations, guards and remote or local controls.THICKNESSSurvey and thickness data identify vulnerable low points, dissimilar-metal areas and ageing sections.ISOLATIONValves can isolate a failed section and their position and reachability are known.REPAIR CONTROLAny permanent repair has class or company acceptance, pressure testing and updated records.

Practice questions

Answer aloud, then open the preparation point.

1Where is the highest flooding risk in this system?

Identify sea-connected low points, ageing bends, strainers, flexible pieces and sections that cannot be isolated readily.

2How would you isolate a ruptured seawater line?

State the nearest operable sea and branch valves, remote closure if fitted, pump stop and flooding-response actions.

3What evidence supports the pipe's condition?

Combine close visual inspection with thickness, renewal, pressure-test and class records.

4Is a soft patch acceptable?

Not as an uncontrolled permanent solution. Apply emergency repair procedure, class and shore notification, limitations and a defined permanent repair.

5How is standby cooling proven?

Demonstrate safe changeover or review a recent operational test showing suction, discharge and system response.

Where an observation may arise

TEMPORARY REPAIR

A clamp, cement box, tape or soft patch remains without formal control.

ACTIVE LEAK

Sea-connected pipework or pump seals leak or spray.

WASTAGE

Corrosion or erosion is advanced without measurement or renewal plan.

VALVE FAILURE

A sea valve or isolation valve is seized, inaccessible or not tested.

STANDBY UNAVAILABLE

The alternate sea chest or pump cannot be brought into service.

Master's practical note

Trace the system from sea valve to the most vulnerable low-level branch. Fresh paint should not be accepted as condition evidence where clamps, weeping flanges or unmeasured wastage remain.

Equipment boundary and references

Equipment boundary: Do not operate a suspect sea valve or disturb a deteriorated pipe solely for inspection. Testing must consider flooding risk, vessel condition and class-approved arrangements.

References

OCIMF SIRE 2.0 Question Library Part 2, Version 1.0, Question 10.2.4
SOLAS Chapter II-1
IACS classification requirements for machinery piping
ISM Code section 10

Last reviewed: 2026-09-10