OICEW Task 4.3.P

Start fresh water distiller

MMA Method

In order to satisfy NVIC 17-14 Task 4.3.P , MMA students must:

NVIC Method

See NVIC method.

STCW Competence Knowledge, Understanding, and Proficiency

Operate main and auxiliary machinery and associated control systems

OICEW-A4.3 Preparation, operation, fault detection and necessary measures to prevent damage for the following machinery items and control systems

Auxiliary prime movers and associated systems
Condition Behavior Standard

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

the candidate plans for and starts up the freshwater distiller, describing actions as they are being performed.


Note 2 A candidate who does not perform this task will receive an endorsement that is limited to motor and/or gas-turbine propelled vessels without distilling plants.

The candidate:

  1. Opens the brine pump overboard discharge valve;

  2. Verifies that the brine pump overboard skin valve is open;

  3. Verifies that the sea suction valve to the distiller saltwater feed pump is open;

  4. Opens the saltwater feed pump suction and discharge valves;

  5. Starts the saltwater feed pump to freshwater distilling unit;

  6. Starts the brine overboard pump;

  7. Adjusts the brine overboard discharge valve to maintain brine level to just cover the slosh plates in bottom of the flash chambers;

  8. Opens the steam root valve to the distiller unit steam air ejectors;

  9. Opens the steam supply valve to the saltwater feed heater (not if the saltwater feed water heater shell vacuum is less than 75% of normal operational vacuum);

  10. Lines up and opens the L.P. bleed steam to saltwater feed water heater (or applies and regulates de-superheater condensate flow if live steam supply provided to salt water heater);

  11. Lines up and regulates saltwater feed heater L.P. drain to maintain half of a gauge glass in saltwater feed heater hot well;

  12. Adjusts the saltwater flow from the saltwater feed heater to maintain proper temperature of feed water to first stage;

  13. Observes spray pattern of the feed water and level of water at bottom of the flash chamber;

  14. Energizes the salinity indicating panel and verifies the three- way dump valve is tripped and will discharge to the bilge;

  15. Monitors each salinity in the distillate path for indications of abnormal conditions;

  16. Starts the distillate pump when the static suction line gauge glass is at least half-full;

  17. Adjusts as necessary the saltwater feed temperature, brine overboard flow rate, and monitors the distillate pump output salinity level;

  18. Verifies the tank to be replenished is lined up;

  19. Engages the three-way dump valve when the distillate salinity level is indicated to be at or below alarm level;

  20. Verifies the salinity meter reading by chemical test comparison of the distillate sample;

  21. Records the water meter reading once discharge to the tanks has been established; and

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