Exam Question

### (a) Requirements of Emergency Source of Electrical Power (SOLAS Ch II-1, Reg 43)
As per the SOLAS Convention, the emergency source of electrical power on a cargo ship must be a self-contained unit, located above the uppermost continuous deck and outside machinery casings, ensuring its operation in case of fire or flooding in the main machinery spaces. Its primary requirements are:
1. **Sufficiency and Simultaneity**: The electrical power available must be sufficient to supply all services essential for safety in an emergency. Crucially, it must be capable of supplying these services *simultaneously*, taking into account the high starting currents of motors (e.g., fire pump) and the transient nature of other loads.
2. **Operational Duration**: The emergency source must be capable of operating for a specified minimum period, which for cargo ships is **18 hours**. Passenger ships have a 36-hour requirement.