Air Vent Heads
2019-10-29
Inspection
- Are the body, top & side covers in good condition?
- Is the closing device [i.e. slider (float disk), ball float] in good condition?
- Is the wire mesh flame or insect screen free of rust?
- Is the screen's frame free of rust?
- Is the rubber packing in good condition?
- Is the space which it serves clearly marked?
Maintenance
- Replace the closing device if it is damaged.
- De-rust the flame screen if necessary. Use of metal bride would be suggested.
- Replace the rubber if it is wasted.
- De-rusting as required.
- Refresh the name plate if not legible.
Common Poor Practices
- The vent heads were not marked indicating the space they serve.
- Numerous vent heads were found wasted and holed.
- Numerous vent heads were found with wasted screens and frames.
- Numerous vent heads were found with damaged closing device
Common Practice
- Flame screens shall be fitted on vent heads which serve spaces containing flammable liquids.
- Insect screens should be fitted on fresh water tank vent heads.
- Flame screens are not required for ballast tank vent heads, however; they may be fitted to those ones which serve tanks adjacent to cargo oil or bunker tanks.
Best Practice
- For vessels equipped with Ballast Water Treatment Ozone Generator, a caution circle might be marked around the water ballast vent heads in order the personnel being kept clear during ballasting operation or in ballast condition where ozone may be present.
Best practice where O3 is present
References
IACS, Air Pipe Closing Device P3
IMO, International Convention on Load Lines
OCIMF, SIRE 2.0
Rightship, Inspection Ship Questionnaire