CE overriding limitation under EPL and Shapoli.

Answer

Under IMO Guidelines (MEPC.335(76) as amended by MEPC.375(80) & MEPC.390(81)), overridable Engine Power Limitation (EPL) and Shaft Power Limitation (SHaPoLi) are non-permanent power restrictions applied to meet EEXI compliance.

• Master or OICNW: The decision to override the EPL/SHaPoLi system rests explicitly with the Master or Officer in Charge of the Navigational Watch (OICNW) under MARPOL Annex VI, Regulation 3.1.

• Purpose: Overriding is only permitted for securing the safety of the ship or saving life at sea (e.g., collision avoidance, piracy evasion, adverse weather, or severe maneuvering requirements).

• Role of the Chief Engineer (CE): The Chief Engineer executes the override (or supervises the physical/electronic unlimitation) upon the Master’s explicit order, unless an immediate engine-room emergency necessitates executing it to save the ship/machinery.

• Mechanically Controlled EPL:

  • Mechanism: Physical wire seal and mechanical locking screw/stopper on the fuel rack/governor.

  • CE Action: Break the mechanical seal, release the locking screw/blocker to allow full fuel rack travel, and engage un-limited power reserve.

• Electronically Controlled EPL / SHaPoLi:

  • Mechanism: Password-protected fuel index limiter within the Engine Control System (ECS) or an automated torque/power limiter on the shaft.

  • CE Action: Activate the override via the ECS control panel or bridge command panel (which triggers a visual and audible alarm on the bridge and engine control room).

Scenario A: Override Activated AND Power Reserve WAS Used

1. Immediate Action: Overriding permitted; full engine/shaft power utilized.

2. Ensure the engine, shafting and propeller remain within their actual approved mechanical/design limits.
3. Closely monitor:
   • ME load and rpm
   • exhaust temperatures
   • turbocharger parameters
   • scavenge pressure
   • bearing temperatures
   • shaft/propeller condition and vibration.
4. Record the period of override and actual power used.

5. Post-Event Action: As soon as the emergency/risk has passed, reactivate the EPL/SHaPoLi system immediately. For mechanical systems, the CE replaces/re-applies a fresh seal.

6. Mandatory Reporting (Without Delay):

   • Notify the Flag Administration, Recognized Organization (RO / Class), and the Port Authority of destination.

7. Mandatory Logging:

   • Complete the record page in the Onboard Management Manual (OMM) for EPL/SHaPoLi (signed by the Master).

   • Record in the Bridge Logbook and Engine Room Logbook (time, position, reason, duration, peak power used, weather conditions).

8. Class Verification: Submit supporting evidence (engine parameters, logbook extracts, photographic evidence of new seal/system reset) to the RO/Flag for confirmation at the earliest opportunity.

Scenario B: Override Activated BUT Power Reserve WAS NOT Used

(e.g., system un-limited anticipating an emergency maneuver, but the vessel operated within the EEXI limited power power range throughout)

1. Reporting Exemption: No report to Flag, RO, or Port State is required.

2. Mandatory Logging: Record activation, power level maintained, and reactivation in both Bridge Logbook and Engine Room Logbook.

3. System Reset: Reactivate the limit/seal promptly.