Overview

EnginePulse is a browser-based engine and electrical test suite for marine vessels. It covers commissioning, diesel generator load tests, emergency generator, main switchboard, sea trial, long trial, and predictive analysis — all in one app.

All data is stored in your browser’s local storage — no server, no login required. The app works fully offline once loaded. Use the Data Backup feature on the Dashboard to export your data before clearing your browser or switching devices.

EnginePulse is optimised for desktop browsers (Chrome / Edge). On tablets, use landscape orientation for the best experience.

Getting Started

Step 1 — Project Setup

Open the Dashboard and fill in the Project Setup form: vessel name, IMO, flag, class society, engine details, D.G. particulars, and surveyor information. Click Save Project. These details appear on every page header and are embedded in all PDF reports.

Step 2 — Work Through Modules

Click any test module card on the Dashboard. Each module is independent — start with Commissioning and work through in order, or jump directly to the test you need.

Step 3 — Mark Complete

Each module has a Mark Complete button. Click it after finishing the test. The Dashboard progress tiles update in real time. The status dot on each card changes from Pending to In Progress to Complete to Signed.

Step 4 — Sign Off & Export

Once all required tests are done, go to Sign-off, select the tests being certified, draw your signature, and generate either a signed PDF certificate or a full combined trial report.

Dashboard

The Dashboard is the home page of EnginePulse. It provides:

  • Project Setup — vessel, engine, D.G., and surveyor details shared across all modules
  • Test Modules — clickable cards showing each module and its completion status
  • Progress Overview — tiles showing totals for Completed, Signed Off, and In Progress modules
  • Data Backup & Restore — export all data as JSON or import a previous backup

Changes to Project Setup are saved automatically on every input. The vessel strip (name, IMO, class, engine) appears at the top of every other page once saved.

Commissioning Test

Records the full commissioning sequence: pre-start inspection, safety device trips, alarm tests, cold turning, first fire, no-load parameters, fuel changeover, and overall result.

A. Pre-Start Checks

24-item checklist covering lube oil, cooling water, fuel system, starting air, turbocharger, alignment, instrumentation, and fire detection. Mark each item OK / Fail / N/A.

B. Safety Device Trip Tests

Table of 10 safety devices (overspeed mechanical/electronic, low LO pressure, high jacket water temp, high exhaust temp, crankcase pressure, alarms, emergency stops). Enter the set point, recorded trip value, and unit for each.

C. Alarm & Shutdown Tests

15-item checklist covering individual alarm and shutdown functions including auto-start on blackout and preferential trip for generators.

D. Cold Turning / Slow Turning Record

Turning gear type, indicator cock status, duration, and observations. Confirms no water in cylinders and no unusual resistance before initial start.

E. First Fire / Initial Start Record

Date, time, start method, air pressure, initial LO pressure, initial RPM, idle run duration, and exhaust colour at start.

F. No-Load Running Parameters

RPM, LO pressure, LO temperature, coolant temp, fuel pressure, charge air pressure, exhaust temperature average, and vibration under no-load.

G. Fuel Changeover Test (HFO ↔ MDO)

Tests smooth changeover between HFO (residual) and MDO (distillate) fuels under load. Record:

  • Test date/time, engine load (%), and changeover direction
  • Changeover duration (minutes)
  • HFO and MDO temperatures and viscosity (cSt) at the moment of changeover
  • Engine RPM before and after — sudden RPM dip or hunting is a warning sign
  • Exhaust temperature before and after
  • Fuel pressure during changeover
  • Any alarms activated (Low fuel pressure, High exhaust temp, etc.)
  • Overall result: PASS / MINOR ISSUE / FAIL

A smooth changeover with no RPM deviation and no alarms is a PASS. Remarks should describe any RPM drop, hunting, exhaust colour change, or alarm activations.

Changeover is typically performed at 50–75% MCR. Operate fuel changeover valves slowly and match fuel viscosity as closely as possible before switching.

H. Overall Commissioning Result

Final overall verdict (Satisfactory / Unsatisfactory) and completion date/time. Add punch list items or deficiencies in the final remarks box.

Export

Click Export Excel to download a 4-sheet workbook: Pre-Start Checks, Safety Device Trips, Alarm Tests, and Fuel Changeover.

D.G. Load Test

Records step load tests, voltage/frequency regulation, parallel operations, governor test, and insulation resistance for each individual diesel generator set.

Per-DG Unit Tabs

At the top of the page are tabs: DG No.1 / DG No.2 / DG No.3. Each tab stores data independently in separate local storage keys. Switch between tabs to enter test data for each generator. The current unit label appears in each section title.

Switching tabs automatically saves the current unit’s data and loads the selected unit’s previously saved data.

A. Generator Particulars

Maker, model, serial number, kVA rating, kW, rated voltage, Hz, power factor, and insulation class for the current DG unit.

B. Step Load Test (0% to 110%)

Records performance at each load step: 0%, 25%, 50%, 75%, 100%, 110% (overload). For each step enter kW load, voltage, frequency, voltage regulation (%), and frequency regulation (%). Typical class limits are VR ≤ ±5% and FR ≤ ±5%. The VR and FR columns show PASS or FAIL automatically.

C. Parallel Operation

Records synchronisation checks, load sharing, and parallel running observations for multi-generator vessels.

D. Governor / Load Acceptance Test

Tests governor response by applying and removing load suddenly:

  • Throw-off test: Remove full load suddenly — measure frequency overshoot and recovery time to rated speed
  • Throw-on test: Apply full load suddenly — measure frequency undershoot and recovery time
  • Recovery time limit: ≤ 5 seconds — badge shows PASS or FAIL automatically

E. Insulation Resistance (Megger Test)

Records megger readings for four points: Phase U, Phase V, Phase W, and Neutral to Earth. Minimum acceptable value is 1 MΩ. Each row shows PASS or FAIL automatically.

Always isolate the generator from the bus and discharge capacitors before taking megger readings. Never megger energised equipment.

F. Overall Result

Overall verdict for the current DG unit. Add outstanding items in remarks.

Emergency Generator Test

Tests the emergency diesel generator per SOLAS II-1/42. The emergency generator must start automatically on blackout and supply power to essential services within 45 seconds.

A. Generator Particulars

Maker, model, serial number, kVA, kW, rated voltage, and Hz.

B. Pre-Start Checklist

12-item checklist: fuel level, battery charge, starter, cooling water, lube oil, exhaust clear, governor oil, battery charger, hand crank availability, and transfer switch.

C. Auto-Start Blackout Test (SOLAS)

Simulate a main board blackout and measure time from blackout to power supply on the emergency switchboard.

  • Enter auto-start time (seconds)
  • SOLAS limit: ≤ 45 sec — badge shows PASS/FAIL automatically
  • Record number of start attempts, voltage, and Hz after start
SOLAS requires the emergency generator to start without any manual intervention. The clock starts from the moment the main bus goes dead.

D. Step Load Test (0% to 110%)

Same format as the main D.G. step load test with voltage, frequency, and RPM at each load step.

E. Governor / Load Acceptance Test

Throw-off and throw-on tests. Recovery ≤ 5 sec = PASS.

F. Safety Device Trips

9 safety devices: overspeed, low LO pressure shutdown, high jacket water temp, high exhaust temp, crankcase pressure, low LO alarm, high LO temp alarm, local emergency stop, and remote emergency stop.

G. Insulation Resistance (Megger)

Four megger points (U/V/W/Neutral to Earth) with 1 MΩ minimum. Auto pass/fail badges.

H. Auxiliary Tests

8-item checklist: fuel tank auto-fill, battery charger, transfer switch (both directions), shore connection interlock, emergency lighting, bilge pump supply, navigation light supply, and fire pump supply.

I. Overall Result

Overall verdict plus completion date and outstanding items.

Export

3-sheet Excel workbook: Pre-Start, Blackout Test, Load Test.

Main Switchboard Test

Records all switchboard acceptance tests: bus-tie, dead bus energisation, preferential trip, shore connection, and protection relay tests.

A. Switchboard Particulars

Maker, model, rated voltage, rated current, short circuit rating (kA), generator panels, bus-tie breaker type, and shore connection details.

B. Bus-Tie / Sectionalising Test

Confirms bus-tie breaker closes with correct phase sequence (R-Y-B), acceptable phase angle difference (≤10°), and no trips on close.

C. Dead Bus Energisation Test

Records which generator energises the dead bus, time to energise, voltage, and Hz achieved. Confirms the board can be brought alive from zero.

D. Preferential Trip / Load Shedding Test

Verifies automatic shedding of non-essential loads to prevent total blackout on generator overload. 6 pre-populated load groups with priority levels and set points (110–120% load). Mark Pass/Fail/N/A for each group.

Preferential trip protects against total blackout by shedding non-essential consumers (HVAC, galley, cargo equipment) before generators trip on overload.

E. Shore Connection / Power Changeover Test

Shore supply voltage, Hz, cable rating, changeover times in both directions, and interlock verification (prevents simultaneous shore and generator breakers).

F. Protection Relay & MCCB Tests

9 devices: generator overcurrent (IDMT), generator earth fault, reverse power relay, under voltage, over voltage, under frequency, bus-tie interlocking, main bus bar MCCB, and feeder MCCBs. Enter set point and recorded trip value for each.

G. General Switchboard Checklist

11-item checklist: panel doors, busbar condition, instrument calibration, synchroscope test, auto-synchroniser, running hours meters, power factor meter, labelling, busbar IR, emergency stops, and UPS for navigation/comms.

H. Overall Result

Overall verdict: PASS / CONDITIONAL PASS / FAIL. Record any outstanding items.

Export

2-sheet Excel workbook: Protection Relays and Preferential Trip results.

Sea Trial

Records the full sea trial programme: speed trial, crash stop, maneuvering, fuel consumption, individual cylinder exhaust temperatures, steering gear test, vibration measurement, and overall result.

A. Trial Conditions

Date, displacement, sea state (Beaufort), wind force, water depth, current, and initial bunker figures.

B. Speed Trial

Speed runs at various RPM settings, typically in two directions to eliminate current and wind effects. Enter RPM, shaft power (kW), speed (knots), and slip (%) for each run.

C. Crash Stop Test

Full-ahead to full-astern emergency stop: initial speed, time from order to full astern, crash stop distance (m), and final speed.

D. Maneuvering Test

Engine response to all telegraph orders from Full Ahead through to Full Astern. Enter time and RPM for each step.

E. Individual Cylinder Exhaust Temperatures

Select the number of cylinders (4–12) from the dropdown. The table builds dynamically with columns for 25%, 50%, 75%, and 100% MCR load steps.

The app calculates the mean temperature and maximum deviation at each load. A maker’s limit input (default 30°C) controls the balance result badge: BALANCED or UNBALANCED.

A cylinder running significantly hot or cold indicates injector issues, valve timing problems, or liner wear. Investigate any cylinder deviating beyond the maker’s limit.

F. Steering Gear Test

Tests per SOLAS V/26:

  • Hard-over time: rudder from 35° one side to 30° other side at maximum speed. SOLAS limit: ≤ 28 sec — badge shows PASS/FAIL automatically
  • Emergency steering changeover and operation from the steering gear room
  • Pump unit 1 solo operation and pump unit 2 solo operation

G. Vibration Measurement (ISO 6954)

Records vibration at 6 locations. Enter Vertical, Transverse, and Longitudinal readings (mm/s) at 100% MCR for each location. The app compares the maximum reading against the ISO 6954 limit for the area type:

  • Crew accommodation spaces: ≤ 4 mm/s → PASS / FAIL
  • Working areas (engine room, cargo): ≤ 6 mm/s → PASS / FAIL

H. Maneuvering Records

Systematic records of all telegraph movements and engine responses during the full trial programme.

I. Fuel Consumption / SFOC

Initial ROB, consumption, final ROB, and calculated SFOC (g/kWh). The maker’s specified SFOC column is highlighted in amber for comparison.

J. Overall Result

Overall verdict, completion date, and remarks including any outstanding items.

Long Trial / Endurance

Records engine performance during sustained operation at rated or near-rated power. Typical durations are 4, 8, or 12 hours per class or contract requirements.

Periodic Readings

Enter readings at each time interval (typically every 30 or 60 minutes): RPM, power (kW), LO pressure, LO temperature, jacket water temperature, exhaust temperatures, charge air pressure, and fuel consumption rate.

Trend Chart

A live chart plots key parameters over time as you enter readings. Trends in temperature rise or pressure drop can indicate developing problems during the trial.

Overall Result

Enter overall verdict after completing the required endurance period.

Predictive Analysis

Tracks running hours, maintenance due dates, and performance trends to estimate remaining useful life and flag upcoming service intervals.

Running Hours & Maintenance Schedule

Enter current running hours and last service hours for each major component (top overhaul, full overhaul, injectors, turbocharger, fuel pump, bearings). Hours remaining to next service is calculated for each item.

Performance Trends

Compares current parameters against baseline (commissioning) values. Deviations beyond set limits flag the parameter as a warning.

RUL Estimator

Estimates remaining useful life before major overhaul based on running hours and trend data. Use as a guide only — always follow maker’s recommendations and class survey requirements.

Surveyor Sign-off

Produces the final signed certificate or combined full trial report for submission to class and owner.

A. Tests Being Signed Off

Check the box next to each test module being certified. All 7 modules are listed: Commissioning, D.G. Load Test, Emergency Generator, Main Switchboard, Sea Trial, Long Trial, and Predictive Analysis. Current module status appears next to each.

B. Surveyor Details

Name, class society, certificate/badge number, survey date, and survey location.

C. Witness / Owner’s Representative

Name, designation, and company of the witness (typically the Chief Engineer or owner’s superintendent).

D. Surveyor’s Digital Signature

Draw your signature directly on the canvas using mouse or stylus. Click Save Signature to persist it — it will be embedded in all generated PDFs. Click Clear Signature to start again.

E. Witness Signature

Witness draws their signature on the second canvas.

F. Sign-off Summary Preview

Live preview of the certificate updating as you type, showing vessel details, certified tests, remarks, and signature blocks.

Generate Signed PDF

Single-page PDF certificate with vessel details, list of certified tests, remarks, and embedded surveyor signature. Saved as SignedCertificate_VesselName_Date.pdf.

Combined Full Trial Report PDF

Comprehensive multi-page report covering all modules:

  • Title page with vessel and surveyor details
  • Module status summary table showing which tests are certified
  • Key data extracted from each completed module: Commissioning (fuel changeover, overall), D.G. Test (per-unit load and regulation), Emergency Gen (auto-start SOLAS result), Switchboard (overall), Sea Trial (crash stop, steering SOLAS result), and Long Trial
  • Surveyor remarks and signature blocks with embedded signature image

Saved as FullTrialReport_VesselName_Date.pdf. Submit this document to the class society for survey acceptance.

Finalise & Lock

Marks all selected modules as “Signed” (shown in teal on Dashboard) and locks the sign-off page. An unlock button appears if you need to make changes.

Data Backup & Restore

All EnginePulse data lives in your browser’s local storage. It persists across sessions in the same browser but can be lost if you clear browser data, switch browsers, or change devices.

Exporting a Backup

On the Dashboard, click Export All Data (JSON). A file named EnginePulse_VesselName_YYYY-MM-DD.json is downloaded containing all your test data.

Restoring from Backup

On the Dashboard, click Import Backup (JSON). Select the previously exported file. EnginePulse restores all data and reloads the page.

Importing overwrites all existing data in your browser. Always export a current backup before importing an old one.

Transferring to Another Device

Export JSON on device A → copy file to device B → open EnginePulse on device B → import the JSON. All test data transfers instantly.

Sharing with Another Inspector

Export JSON → send by email or USB → recipient imports on their browser. Both parties have the same project data.

Tips & Offline Use

Offline Operation

EnginePulse loads scripts from CDN on first open. Once loaded, it works fully offline in the same browser tab. For guaranteed offline use, open EnginePulse while connected, then keep the tab open.

Auto-Save

All form inputs auto-save to local storage on every change. You never need to click Save manually (though Save buttons exist for peace of mind). Data is preserved if you accidentally close the tab.

Dark / Light Mode

Click the sun/moon icon in the top-right navigation bar to toggle between dark and light mode. Your preference is saved across all pages.

Printing

Every page has a Print button. Button rows and navigation are hidden in print view. For a professional record, use Generate PDF instead.

Multiple Vessels

EnginePulse is single-project. For a second vessel, export your current data as JSON, then clear the project and start fresh. Import the JSON to restore the first vessel later.

Class Society Limits

Hard-coded limits in EnginePulse (VR ≤ ±5%, FR ≤ ±5%, governor recovery ≤ 5 sec, SOLAS auto-start ≤ 45 sec, steering ≤ 28 sec, ISO 6954 vibration) are based on typical class requirements. Always verify against your specific class society’s rules and the maker’s instruction manual. Final acceptance authority rests with the attending surveyor.