Points You Should Be Aware About “Pipeline Tracing” :
Tracing Pipelines Means That You Would Physically See The Pipeline From Point To Point And Recognize Various Fittings (valves, Pumps, Interconnections, Etc.) In A Particular System. This May Involve Going Up And Down Various Levels In The Engine Room, Going Under And Behind Equipment and Machinery, And Going Under The Floor Plate. Tracing A Pipeline Can Be Very Revealing And Satisfying. It Will Build Your Confidence And Minimise Chances Of Mistakes. Irrespective Of An Access To Pipeline Diagrams Or Mimic Diagrams, You Should Trace Pipelines Of All The Essential Systems In The Engine Room.
Your Task Of Tracing Pipelines Will Be Very Easy If Pipelines Of Each System Have Been Marked Or Painted According To A Colour Code.
An Example Of A Colour Code Is Given Here, It Might Be Different On Some Ships
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Tracing Pipelines
With Proper Planning You Will Be Able To Trace Pipelines Accurately And With Less Effort. You Will Need A Torch And A Notebook To Make A Rough Diagram As You Proceed From Place To Place.Following Approach Is Recommended.
1. Make A List Of Pipelines You Need To Trace.
2. Prioritise Your Approach To Learning (call It A, B, C, D, Etc.)
3. Take Permission From Your Superior / Watch Keeping In-charge Before Starting To Trace A Pipeline.
4. Tracing Of Pipelines Will Be Done Under 'manned Engine Room' Situation.
Precautions:
1. Inform Watch Keeping Officer About Your Intentions And Where Abouts.
2. Be Careful While Looking Up And Moving At The Same Time.
3. Keep Safe Distance From Moving Machinery.
4. Do Not Open Or Close Any Valve Or Tamper With Any Setting On The Equipment.
5. If You Remove Any Floor Plate Look Underneath, Place A Warning Signs To Draw Attention Of Others Who May Walk There.
6. Replace Floor Plates And Any Cover Plates For Valves.
7. If You Are Using A Hand Lamp, Check Its Wires And Ensure That Safety Cage Is Well Secured And The Glass Is Intact.