Thirteen Detained Ships by UK PSC in October 2012

The Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA) announced last week that thirteen foreign flagged ships were under detention in UK ports during October 2012 after failing Port State Control (PSC) inspection. Latest monthly figures show that there were six new detentions of foreign flagged vessels in UK ports during October 2012 and seven vessels remained under detention from previous months. Only four vessels remained under detention at the end of October. The overall rate of detentions compared with inspections carried out over the last twelve months was 3.4% this is slightly up from Septembers twelve month rate.

By taking a quick look in the deficiency items listed below one may see that for most of the cases the PSCO, among others, identified as deficiencies, inconsistencies related to the hours of work/rest records of the vessel, a finding that should be noted taking into consideration that the new MLC will come into force in less than a year (August 2013).

Furthermore another type of deficieny that has been identified, in most of the cases, had to do with the fire safety of the vessel since the Paris MoU is carrying a Concentrated Inspection Campaign (CIC) on fire safety systems for the period between 1 September 2012 to 30 November 2012.

Out of the detained vessels:

ten were registered with a flag state listed on the Paris MOU white list
one was registered with a flag state on the grey list
one was registered with a flag state on the black list
one was unregistered
none were registered with a flag state that was not included on the Paris MOU white, grey or black lists

SHIPS DETAINED IN OCTOBER 2012

1. Date and Place of detention: – 10 October 2012 Kyle of Lochalsh (The vessel was released on the 13 October 2012)

GT: – 265
Flag: – Ireland
Classification Society: – None
Recognised Organisation: – None
Recognised Organisation for ISM: – Not Required
Summary: – Thirteen deficiencies including two grounds for detention

The vessel was detained due to identification of the following deficiencies:

the loadline marks on both sides submerged even when loading only partly completed
the Captains certificate was not appropriate for the vessel
the Mate did not hold any certification
the deck log book entries were inadequate
there was no evidence of electronic charts being updated and the deviation table was overdue
the records of rest were not as required and there was no table of working hours posted
the original medical certificate of fitness for one crew member was not on board and the Watch Rating Certificate for another member had expired
the engineers flag state endorsement was missing along with the Nautical publications missing and the garbage record book was not maintained

2. Date and Place of detention: – 11 October 2012 Chatham (The vessel was released on the 15 October 2012)

GT: – 2,446
Flag: – Antigua & Barbuda
Classification Society: – Germanischer Lloyd (GL)
Recognised Organisation: – Germanischer Lloyd (GL)
Recognised Organisation for ISM: – Germanischer Lloyd (GL)
Summary: – Eighteen deficiencies including three grounds for detention

The vessel was detained in Chatham where among others the following deficiencies were identified:

the Captain being arrested for being drunk
the ship was not manned in accordance with the Minimum Safe Manning Document
charts for operational area were missing
the Gyro compass repeaters missing on the port bridge wing and steering gear room whilst the main mast light was being held on with string
some charts for the voyage or passage planning were missing or expired
the rating of the main engine was not in agreement with the Safe Manning Document
the CO2 distribution pipework on main deck needed securing
there were a number of fire detection related deficiencies including detectors not working; fire doors held open with rope; alarm instructions not in working language and inoperative in the engine room
some emergency lighting and several lights were not working
the embarkation arrangement for survival craft was not maintained as the rope was rotten and there was no winnets on the port side
the Aft lifebuoy with light the holder was damaged
the hours of rest records for crew were not as required for 14 September
there was objective evidence of serious failure or lack of effectiveness of the implementation of the ISM code

3. Date and Place of detention: – 16 October 2012 Tyne (The vessel was released on the 27 October 2012.)

GT: – 3,052
Flag: – Luxembourg
Classification Society: – Bureau Veritas (BV)
Recognised Organisation: – Bureau Veritas (BV)
Recognised Organisation for ISM: – Det Norske Veritas (DNV)
Summary: – Thirteen deficiencies including two grounds for detention

The vessel was detained in the Tyne because apart from the objective evidence of a serious failure or lack of effectiveness of the implementation of the ISM code the following were identified:

there was hull damage impairing seaworthiness due to the shell plating deformed and breach in way of ballast tank number 10
security related defects
the fire control plan did not show Fire Fighting Appliances as fitted
numerous self-closing fire doors did not close or have been left on the latch and the galley range fire extinguisher would not have worked due to the pin being left in place
the emergency lights were not working in the firemans locker deck and also the aft mast indicator light did not work on the navigation light panel
one window had been replaced with clear plastic and the deadlight was missing
there was an open pipe penetration from the engine room to the main deck
no endorsement for the in-water survey completed on 31/05/12 had been entered on certificate
the railings on the port side were less than one metre in height
battery indicators in lifeboats show low voltage
the hours of rest records for crew were not as required for 21 to 22 September

4. Date and Place of detention: – 19 October 2012 Avonmouth (The vessel was still detained at 31 October 2012.)

GT: – 15,888
Flag: – Bahamas
Classification Society: – Bureau Veritas (BV)
Recognised Organisation: – Bureau Veritas (BV)
Recognised Organisation for ISM: – Bureau Veritas (BV)
Summary: – Twenty-six deficiencies including one ground for detention

The vessel was detained in Avonmouth due to there being objective evidence of a serious failure or lack of effectiveness of the implementation of the ISM code.

A number of fire protection related deficiencies were found on board including the following:

the air quality certificate for SCBA air compressor not being on board,
there was no means to test the fire detection system,
the heat detector system or manual alarm points
fire extinguishers were unfit for use as they were found to have perished and rotten hoses
the fire main isolation valves were not free to operate as required
the Master and Chief engineer were not familiar with the operation of the fixed CO2 fire fighting system
the crew also showed an inability to use fire fighting equipment correctly during fire drill along with not being familiar with the location of the Emergency Escape Breathing Apparatus sets in the engine room and accommodation
not reporting non functioning of radar as required by short term SEC
the ships crew unable to demonstrate operation of emergency steering arrangement or operate oxygen meter to verify that the atmosphere is safe for enclosed entry procedure to ballast tank
the sounding pipe cap could not be properly sealed
the main engine control was only possible from emergency control position
the ships generator was unable to take electrical load and the external engine control for one of the lifeboats not functional
the GMDSS battery charger unit was broken
an emergency supply fan had a damaged electric switch box
the Simplified voyage data recorder battery had expired and the annual test had not been carried out
floor tiles in the provision room handling area were cracked or missing and the area was in an unhygienic condition
in the galley and the mess rooms the oven controls did not work and the dishwasher did not work
water faucets in the galley and mess rooms do not function and the hot water supply was discoloured at sample points
the vessels magnetic compass had excessive deviation and deviation card incorrect and the quality of fuel oil on board was not suitable.

5. Date and Place of detention: – 22 October 2012 Tees (The vessel was released on the 25 October 2012)

GT: – 4,227
Flag: – Singapore
Classification Society: – Nippon Kaiji Kyokai (NKK)
Recognised Organisation: – Nippon Kaiji Kyokai (NKK)
Recognised Organisation for ISM: – Nippon Kaiji Kyokai (NKK)
Summary: – Eight deficiencies including three grounds for detention

The vessel was detained in Tees due to the following identified deficiencies:

the GMDSS radio installation does not run on reserve power/battery
the emergency fire pump was unable to supply any water pressure
the rescue boat would launch but the engine was unable to give sufficient speed
the emergency generator auto start testing key switch was inoperative and the breaker was not staying in;
there were fire extinguisher holding brackets broken and test procedures of manual call points were not functioning
the gas detection alarm was inoperative on starboard poop deck by entrance to accommodation

6. Date and Place of detention: – 25 October 2012 Lowestoft (The vessel was released on the 31 October 2012)

GT: – 382
Flag: – Sierra Leone
Classification Society: – International Register of Shipping (IS)
Recognised Organisation: – International Register of Shipping (IS)
Recognised Organisation for ISM: – N/A
Summary: – Twenty-six deficiencies including twelve grounds for detention

The vessel was detained in Lowestoft due to the following deficiencies:

the fire fighting equipment and appliances were not as required or ready and available due to the fire hose coupling did not fit hydrant,
firemans axe was not available with firemans outfit and fire hose nozzle is missing from the fire box.
the forward engine room watertight doors emergency escape was not watertight and the ventilator had wire leading through to prevent correct closing
the vessel had fuel oil tank vent flame gauzes split on two tanks
two fire dampers on the main deck not operating as required
the deadlight in the galley and laundry were not operational
holes drilled in external bulkheads
the manhole to chain locker not fitted when vessel proceeds to sea
the entrance to dangerous spaces safety procedures were not in use and safety equipment was not made available at entrance along with no risk assessment being in place for any activity
amendments for the vessels name and usage had not been made in the stability book
the master had not reported any incident regarding navigation to the company as required and
the magnetic compass deviation card over two years old with no records of error maintained
the muster list did not show person responsible to maintain fire fighting and life saving equipment nor substitute for key personnel
the anti fouling declaration was no longer applicable and there were obstructions of winch wire leading over walkways
the fenders not towed as required in the safety manual resulting in a hazardous situation and the steering compartment were not sealed
the engine room plating was insufficiently supported; was missing inspection covers and along with the shaft bilges containing oil, the steering gear compartment had oil soaked rags in the way of steering gear
electrical devices were found not as required including light diffusers missing, redundant wiring hanging loose in connections and junction boxes were missing covers
the vessel had a lifebuoy missing, one not of an approved type and two lifebuoys had non operational lights
the hours of rest records were not in approved format and not signed by crew
the Master and chief engineer were working excessive hours
the oil record book in use had been superseded

DETENTIONS CARRIED OVER FROM PREVIOUS MONTHS

1. Date and Place of detention: – 24 September 2012 Hartlepool (The vessel was released on the 03 October 2012)

GT: – 512
Flag: – Denmark
Classification Society: – Bureau Veritas (BV)
Recognised Organisation: – Bureau Veritas (BV)
Recognised Organisation for ISM: – Bureau Veritas (BV)
Summary: – Seventeen deficiencies including two grounds for detention

The vessel was detained in Hartlepool because:

the fire detection and alarm system were inoperable
not all crew members were having sufficient rest hours,
the starboard Man Over Board light was inoperative and the echo sounder was inoperative
records in the magnetic compass error log and the sewage discharge book were not complete
when the vessel was revisited to be released, there was no safe means of access rigged from shore to ship and no security in place to meet the PSCO
there was a lack of training evident during the fire and abandon ship drill

2. Date and Place of detention: – 25 September 2012 Cardiff (The vessel was released on the 02 October 2012)

GT: – 14852
Flag: – Turkey
Classification Society: – Bureau VERITAS (BV)
Recognised Organisation: – Bureau VERITAS (BV) and Lloyds Register (LR)
Recognised Organisation for ISM: – Bureau VERITAS (BV)
Summary: – Twenty-one deficiencies including four grounds for detention

The vessel was detained in Cardiff as a result of the following deficiencies:

the starting of the main engine was unsatisfactory
crew were not familiar with the safe procedure for the launch and recovery of the lifeboat
oily bilge water was found at the after end on the tank top
the main engine bridge control was not operational
steering gear alarm not working
the gangway ladder was rigged in dangerous manner and there was an unsatisfactory repair to handle rail
the oil record book was incomplete
a mooring line was found with one section spliced with different diameter rope
some fire doors were not shutting properly
a fire hose had to be replaced and the main fire line relief valve was leaking
temporary fresh water supply fitted to galley and there was no hot water supply either
the accommodation and food store was found to have an infestation of cockroaches and the meatroom temperature was too high
there was a lack of personal protection of crew as only one set of Self Contained Breathing Apparatus for dangerous goods but two were listed in the documentation.

3. Date and Place of detention: – 27 September 2012 Silvertown, River Thames (The vessel was released on the 01 October 2012)

GT: – 17928
Flag: – Malta
Classification Society: – Bureau Veritas (BV)
Recognised Organisation: – Bureau Veritas (BV)
Recognised Organisation for ISM: – Bureau Veritas (BV)
Summary: – Eleven deficiencies including four grounds for detention

The vessel was detained at Silvertown on the River Thames due to the following deficiencies:

lack of control and communication during the fire drills as the wrong location of the fire was reported and no BA drill carried out
there were sounding caps missing on deck to double bottom tanks and bilges
the Chief Officer did not comply with the risk assessment/work permit resulting in the Chief Officer (C/O) falling into the river
the oxygen meter did not show 20.9% of oxygen as required
some of the sight glasses were gagged,
the light was not working at the pilot boarding point
some charts and nautical publications had expired
the air trunking was holed in the fire control locker

4. Date and Place of detention: – 28 September 2012 Southampton

GT: – 794
Flag: – Belize
Classification Society: – International Naval Surveys Bureau (INBS)
Recognised Organisation: – International Naval Surveys Bureau (INBS)
Recognised Organisation for ISM: – International Naval Surveys Bureau (INBS)
Summary: – Eleven deficiencies including three grounds for detention

The vessel was detained in Southampton. During the PSC inspection the following items have been identified:

no evidence of an internal audit within three months as required for Safety Management Certificate interim certification.
the emergency fire pump was unable to produce sufficient pressure
the muster list was not as required for abandon ship procedure
there was a lack of training to operate MF radio Installation
the crew were not sufficiently familiar with operation of CO2 system
the system directional valve was very stiff
there was no authorisation for the carriage of grain held by vessel, even though records show grain carried in last month
There was no evidence of use of NAVTEX since 02 September 2012
passage planning was not being completed
the hours of rest records for crew were not as required for September 2012

5. Date and Place of detention: – 9 September 2011 Liverpool (The vessel was still detained at 31 October 2012)

GT: – 3,660
Flag: – Antigua & Barbuda
Classification Society: – Lloyds Register of Shipping (LR)
Recognised Organisation: – Germanischer Lloyd (GL)
Summary: – seventeen deficiencies including one ground for detention

The vessel was detained in Liverpool because the following deficiencies have been identified:

a large number of Safety of Life at Sea (SOLAS) related deficiencies which were objective evidence of a serious failure or lack of effectiveness of implementation of the ISM code on board the vessel
the main engine was defective
the engine room was very oily in some areas
the five year service on the immersion suit in the engine room had expired
there was no evidence that the freefall lifeboat had been manoeuvred in the water within the last 3 months also there was no evidence that the freefall lifeboat had been freefall launched within the last 6 months
the deck officer was not familiar with launching the starboard life raft by davit

6. Date and Place of detention: – 8 November 2010 Birkenhead (The vessel was still detained at 31 October 2012)

GT: – 1,972
Flag: – Panama
Classification Society: – Russian Maritime Register of Shipping (RMRS)
Summary: – twelve deficiencies including four grounds for detention

The vessel was detained in Birkenhead because:

the engine room was very dirty
there were fuel oil leaks and a major non conformity was identified with respect to the lack of maintenance of the ship and equipment
the crew/officers records of rest were not signed
the crew accommodation was no longer provided with steam heating
the galley needed cleaning
there was insufficient fruit and vegetables on board
the crew showers and toilets were dirty and the shower curtains missing and the laundry washing facilities were inadequate
the lifejacket lights were out of date
the aft deck was slippery underneath the deck generator and several fire doors were tied open

7. Date and Place of detention: 4 March 2010 – Lowestoft (The vessel was still detained at 31 October 2012)

GT: – 106
Flag: – Unregistered
Classification Society: – Unclassed
Recognised Organisation: – Not applicable
Recognised Organisation for ISM: – Not applicable
Summary: – thirty deficiencies including seven grounds for detention

The vessel was detained in Lowestoft because

the main fire pump was inoperative and there was no alternative fire pump outside the machinery space
there were insufficient liferafts
the sanitary water system was inoperative
there was no fresh running water to the galley, pantry and shower room
there were no nautical publications and charts were incomplete for the operational area
there were insufficient provisions for the intended voyage and medicines were out of date
the following items were found to be missing: distress flares; line throwing appliances; lifebuoys; life jackets with lights; immersion suits; satellite (Emergency Positioning Indicating Radio Beacon) (EPIRB); fire extinguishers and the fire hose nozzle

Source: MCA