What is the role of a shaft seal in a ship's system?

A shaft seal plays a crucial role in preventing water from entering the ship's hull through the opening where the propeller shaft passes. It effectively seals the interface between the shaft and the hull, ensuring that the internal compartments of the ship remain watertight. This is vital for maintaining buoyancy and stability during operations.

The significance of the shaft seal becomes clear when considering the potential consequences of not having a proper seal; water ingress could lead to flooding in critical areas, affecting the safety and performance of the vessel.

While accumulating and storing air pressure, removing moisture from compressed air, or supporting the shaft are important functions in their respective systems, they do not align with the primary function of the shaft seal, which is specifically about creating a barrier to prevent water leakage.