Vessel visit: testing
Updated 12 March 2020
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The documentary audit may result in a visit to a vessel(s). A qualified engineer appointed by Marine Scotland (MS) will inspect the engine installation to verify details within the audited documents. A marine enforcement officer (MEO) nominated by the Marine Management Organisation (MMO) will also be in attendance.
At the time of the visit, the master must advise the MS engineer and the MEO of any safety issues.
The MS engineer will record details of the vessel’s engine(s) and gearbox(s). This includes taking photographs during the inspection. No decisions as to whether an engine test is required will be made at this time. The MS engineer will consider the information gathered during the vessel visit against documents held by the MMO and will determine if a physical engine test is required. Owners/masters at this visit should provide any information which they feel may assist in verifying the installed engine power.
If there is any reason to suspect that the engine installation does not reflect the information recorded on the Certificate of Registry and Fishing Vessel licence, then an engine power test is likely to be arranged. You will be informed in writing if a physical engine power test is required and arrangements made for this to take place which is mutually convenient to yourself and the MMO.
On the day of the engine power test the vessel should be manned to operate safely and crewed so its usual gear type can be safely used and retrieved during the test procedure, as agreed with the local MEO when arranging the test date.
For the test, the MS engineer fits a strain gauge to the propeller shaft and the vessel will be required to go to sea for a short period so measurements of the shaft torque can be taken whilst the engine is under load. The measurements are converted to power and, after applying a figure for gear box losses, the engine power is calculated.
The total time for the test will vary, but the time out of port will not affect a vessel’s effort figures. Electronic logbooks should be completed but the time should be entered as ‘cruising’. This will make sure the vessel has a complete vessel monitoring system and electronic logbook record. Within 7 working days of the test, MMO will send the owner/master a written notice of the test result.