OICEW Task 4.1.B

Light off boiler

MMA Method

In order to satisfy NVIC 17-14 Task 4.1.B , MMA students must:

NVIC Method

See NVIC method.

STCW Competence Knowledge, Understanding, and Proficiency

Operate main and auxiliary machinery and associated control systems

OICEW-A4.1 Basic construction and operation principles of machinery systems,
Condition Behavior Standard

On a steam vessel of at least 1,000 HP, on a simulator, or in a laboratory,

the candidate prepares and lights off a main propulsion boiler (assuming other boiler is in operation.).


Note 1 A candidate who does not perform this task will receive an endorsement that is not valid for steam vessels.

The candidate:

  1. Visually inspects the boiler to ensure that boiler firesides and watersides are properly closed up and that all manholes, hand holes, and access plates are properly secured;

  2. Wipes up any oil accumulations in the furnace or air casing;

  3. Checks closed bottom and surface blow valves; waterwall and economizer header drain valves; chemical feed and main and auxiliary feed stop check valves; main and auxiliary and soot blower steam stop valves, and the gauge glass drain valve;

  4. Checks open the steam drum vent valve; superheater drain and vent valves; gauge glass cutoff valves; instrument and gauge root valves; and the feedwater stop valves;

  5. Vents the economizer; close valve when water evident at vent;

  6. Brings the boiler water level to 1 inch from the bottom of the gauge glass, filling or draining the boiler as necessary and makes sure to verify the ability to feed the boiler;

  7. Blows down the boiler water level gauge glass to insure accuracy, leaving several inches of water in the glass;

  8. Visually inspects the boiler and checks for water leaks;

  9. Eases off on all steam stop valves and re-closes them hand tight;

  10. Inspects and cleans all fuel oil strainers and ensures atomizers are made up with clean tips;

  11. Ensures the air register doors operate freely;

  12. Inserts a burner with small size tip into burner tube;

  13. Starts forced draft fan, adjust damper, open register(s), and purges the furnace;

  14. Ensures burner fuel oil root valves are closed; opens recirculating valve;

  15. When fuel oil reaches proper temperature, reduces purging air volume and uses a torch or electric igniter to light burner;

  16. Watches rise in steam drum water level and feeds as necessary;

  17. When drum pressure reaches the recommended pressure, closes superheater drain and drum vent;

  18. Continues slow fire and feeding until drum pressure is nearly line pressure;

  19. Opens auxiliary steam stop to “float” the boiler online;

  20. Closes superheater vent; puts feedwater and firing on “auto;”

  21. Ensures that all operations are in accordance with manufacturer’s recommended procedures; and

  22. Takes proper action to prevent safety and pollution violations.