Andrew Watkis

It usually starts several days before with the Marine Engineering Department carrying out 'SAFeRs' (Sequential Action Flow Routine ). These are a series of cards that bring all machinery from an unknown state to 24hrs notice for sea (yellow/buff); 3/

From 24 hrs to 4 hrs notice (blues) and 4hrs to immediate (pinks). They test valve line ups, pressures, voltages, positions, indications etc so that each system is in a defined, known condition. 4/

Pinks are carried out on the morning of the Basin Trial, and normally 0800 or 0900, we are good to go: an OOW on the bridge, riggers on the jetty, shore services disconnected and a full watch closed up in the SCC. When the WO ME is ready the order is given to 'Start Serial 1' 5/

The Basin Trial itself varies from class to class in its details, but every engine will be started and connected (electrically or mechanically) and the shafts turned, ahead and astern. This will be done at minimum speed, so you don't drive up the jetty! 6/

The steering gear will be started and swept from port to starboard and back. Timings, readings and measurements will be taken to check everything is operating correctly, but they key thing is the ship has demonstrated that it can be controlled and manoeuvred safely 7/

At the same time this is going on, safety critical secondary systems are also being proved, such as sea boats, davits and anchor capstans 8/

Lastly, if an Integrated Electric Propulsion ship, is demonstrating Black Out Recovery. This what happens if all power generation fails onboard (a Total Electric Failure; TLF), and is how the ship goes from being in the dark to lights back on an shafts turning 9/

In @HMSQNLZ this is a very robust system, controlled by EPCAMS (Electrical Propulsion Control and Management System). It's not magic, but it is very satisfying when the last breaker closes and you are 'Ready to Obey Telegraphs'. 10/