PERAN SISTEM VENTILASI OTOMATIS BERBASIS SENSOR SUHU DAN GAS UNTUK PENCEGAHAN SELF-HEATING MUATAN BATUBARA DI MV. NOAH GRACIA

Abstract

Coal cargo transported by bulk carrier vessels is susceptible to self-heating due to the oxidation process. This condition can lead to rising temperatures, the formation of hazardous gases, and even fires inside cargo holds if not detected at an early stage. During sea practice aboard MV. Noah Gracia, the monitoring of cargo temperature and air conditions inside the holds was still carried out manually through direct inspections by the crew. This method has several limitations, including delays in identifying changes in cargo conditions and an increased risk of crew exposure to hazardous gases. This study employed a qualitative descriptive method, with data collected through observation, interviews, documentation, and literature review. The research focused on analyzing the weaknesses of the manual ventilation system and examining the importance of implementing an automatic ventilation system supported by temperature and gas sensors. The findings indicate that the manual system is unable to provide continuous and real-time monitoring of cargo hold conditions, thereby increasing the risk of self-heating. Furthermore, direct inspections inside the cargo hold may endanger crew members due to potential exposure to toxic gases. Therefore, the implementation of an automatic ventilation system based on temperature and gas sensors can serve as a more effective solution by continuously monitoring hold conditions, providing early warnings when abnormal temperature increases or hazardous gas concentrations are detected, reducing human error, and enhancing both cargo safety and crew safety during

voyages. Consequently, the application of this technology can help prevent self- heating incidents in coal cargo carried aboard MV. Noah Gracia.