Abstract:
The Sea Water Cooling System is a vital system in maintaining the operational
temperature stability of ship machinery, particularly the Auxiliary Engine. The reliability
of this system is influenced by the condition of the Sea Chest Filter, which functions as
the initial filter before seawater is delivered to the Sea Water Pump. This study aims to
analyze the effect of sea chest filter blockage on the decrease in cooling sea water pump
pressure and its impact on the cooling system onboard MT. Gunung Kemala. The
research method used is descriptive qualitative with a case study approach through
observation and interviews conducted during sea practice. The results show that blockage
of the sea chest filter caused by mud and marine organisms obstructs seawater flow,
resulting in a decrease in pump pressure from the normal range of 2.0–3.0 bar to
approximately 1.8 bar. This pressure drop leads to ineffective heat transfer in the heat
exchanger, causing the lubricating oil temperature of the auxiliary engine to exceed
normal limits. Corrective actions were carried out through filter cleaning and preventive
maintenance, which successfully restored pressure and temperature to stable conditions.
Therefore, the condition of the sea chest filter has a direct effect on sea water pump
performance and the effectiveness of the cooling system, making routine maintenance
essential to ensure reliable ship operations.
