For safety and efficiency in the operation, servicing and maintenance of shipboard equipment and machinery, it is essential that the instructions and specifications given in the makers’ manuals are strictly followed. As it may be impractical for the PMS (PLANNED MAINTENANCE SCHEDULE) to reproduce the information from these manuals in their entirety, mariners must familiarize themselves with these manuals when joining ship and consult them again before planning any work. Photocopies of relevant extracts from the manuals are very useful at the job site.

When moving from one river berth to another one up-river, with a pilot on board, the high differential pressure alarm across the main propeller shaft clutch control oil filter was activated.

Immediately, the chief engineer ordered the engineer on duty to bypass the filter. The engineer did not acknowledge the order and, approaching the duplex lubricating oil filter, wrongly operated the three-way valve, completely stopping the lubricating oil flow. As a result, the main engine shut down automatically on a critical alarm condition.

Having lost control, and despite letting go one anchor, the vessel grounded on a river bank. Propulsion was restored soon afterwards and the vessel refloated under her own power with tug assistance and proceeded to moor to lay-by buoys. Fortunately, subsequent survey of underwater hull by a diver and internal inspection of bottom and peak tanks did not show any damage.