Monthly PSC Report For December 2012

The following tables summarize some findings from the PSC inspections conducted in the main PSC MoU areas (Black Sea MoU, Mediterranean MoU, Indian Ocean MoU, Paris MoU and Tokyo MoU) during last month. Data have been also gathered from various Coast Guard agencies and are presented in each month’s report. Data from other PSC MoUs (Vina del Mar, Abuja MoU, Riyadh MoU) could not be extracted at the time this report has been issued and therefore were not included.

PSC MoUs	Black Sea	Mediterranean	Indian	Paris	Tokyo
Total Inspections	509	456	436	1351	2462
With Deficiencies	376	243	261	937	1608
Without Deficiencies	133	213	175	414	854
Detentions	21	27	16	53	80

 

Total Inspections per Type of Vessel in the Main PSC MoU Areas

PSC MoUs	Black Sea	Mediterranean	Indian	Paris	Tokyo
Bulk Carrier	125	106	221	240	911
General Cargo Ship	259	188	42	429	660
Chemical Tanker	20	5	27	124	157
Oil Tanker	55	17	26	100	142
Container Ship	19	53	43	117	263

Inspections Ended with Deficiencies per Type of Vessel in the Main PSC MoU Areas

PSC MoUs	Black Sea	Mediterranean	Indian	Paris	Tokyo
Bulk Carrier	81	37	133	151	533
General Cargo Ship	217	136	31	356	570
Chemical Tanker	9	3	15	74	95
Oil Tanker	28	2	13	51	71
Container Ship	15	23	31	82	145

Brief Analysis of the Vessels’ Detentions in the Main MoU Areas

Regarding the number of detentions per type of vessel (5 types of vessels have been chosen for the analysis below) the following data have been extracted from the Black Sea MoU, Indian Ocean MoU, Paris MoU and Tokyo MoU.

Black Sea MoU	No. of Vessels	Deficiencies/Vessel	Average Age of Vessels
Bulk Carrier	5	9.4	24
General Cargo Ship	11	15.36	27
Chemical Tanker	–	–	–
Oil Tanker	–	–	–
Container Ship	3	10.66	19

Mediterranean MoU	No. of Vessels	Deficiencies/Vessel	Average Age of Vessels
Bulk Carrier	1	16	31
General Cargo Ship	22	12.45	28
Chemical Tanker	–	–	–
Oil Tanker	–	–	–
Container Ship	2	6	16

Indian Ocean MoU	No. of Vessels	Deficiencies/Vessel	Average Age of Vessels
Bulk Carrier	7	7.57	10
General Cargo Ship	2	11	11.5
Chemical Tanker	2	9.5	10.5
Oil Tanker	2	4.5	11
Container Ship	–	–	–

Paris MoU	No. of Vessels	Deficiencies/Vessel	Average Age of Vessels
Bulk Carrier	13	2.86	N/A
General Cargo Ship	38	4.89	N/A
Chemical Tanker	2	3	N/A
Oil Tanker	2	2	N/A
Container Ship	4	8.5	N/A

Tokyo MoU	No. of Vessels	Deficiencies/Vessel	Average Age of Vessels
Bulk Carrier	23	9.65	15
General Cargo Ship	34	11.41	17
Chemical Tanker	5	11.4	9
Oil Tanker	5	6.2	12
Container Ship	4	5	10.5

USCG Vessels’ Detention Information

VESSEL #1

• Vessel Type: General Dry Cargo Ship
• Flag: Panama
• Classification Society: Qualitas Register of Shipping

Summary of deficiencies:

1. Other (MARPOL Related Operational Def.). A ship is subject to inspection concerning operational requirements under MARPOL Annex I, where there are clear grounds for believing that the master or crew are not familiar with essential shipboard procedures relating to the prevention of pollution by oil. The engineering department was not familiar with the operation and maintenance of the installed/approved Oily Water Seperator/Oil Content Meter (OCM). During the PSC exam, the engineering crew disclosed they had never seen the system operate nor could they perform an operational test of the OWS.
2. Oil record book. Each operation and failure required to be recorded in the Oil Record Book (ORB) shall be completed in accordance with the Convention. During review of the ORB, the PSCO noted there have been no entries logged since October 3, 2012 though crew indicated transfers have occurred since that date. The PSCO questions the authenticity of the ORB as presented and the crew’s compliance with MARPOL Annex I regarding the prevention of pollution by oil.

VESSEL #2

• Vessel Type: Oil Tankship
• Flag: Marshall Islands
• Classification Society: GL

Summary of deficiencies:

1. Cleanliness of engine room. Means shall be provided to control leaks of flammable liquids. The PSCO observed excessive oil leakage on both the starboard and port main engines; excessive fuel oil leaking from the #2 service generator governor control; and excessive oil collected in the engine room bilges creating a significant fire hazard.
2. Oily-water separating equipment. Vessel shall ensure that the oily mixture discharge into the sea after passing through the system has an oil content not exceeding 15 ppm. During an operational test of the OWS, the PSCO observed the three way valve on the oily water separator fail to operate when the OCM exceeded 15ppm.

VESSEL #3

• Vessel Type: Ro-Ro-Cargo Ship
• Flag: Panama
• Classification Society: N/A

Summary of deficiencies:

1. Hull – corrosion. The Administration shall satisfy itself that the general structural strength of the hull is sufficient for the draught corresponding to the freeboard assigned. A 1.5 inch hole was found at the port side, forward peak-ballast tank, at the waterline. The PSCO identified a second 1.5 inch hole at the starboard gear room, along with multiple other doublers patches on the cargo deck. Additional wastage was also observed in the surrounding areas of the 1.5 inch holes mentioned above.

VESSEL #4

• Vessel Type: Mobile Offshore Drilling Unit
• Flag: Liberia
• Classification Society: DNV

Summary of deficiencies:

1. Safety and environmental policy. Objective evidence discovered in an expanded ISM examination revealed that the company/vessel failed to fully implement the requirements of the Safety Management System. The PSCO discovered: Systematic failure or lack of preventive maintenance procedures for the main propulsion system; resulted in at least two loss of propulsion incidents and an explosion in the main engine exhaust system. Senior Officer (Chief Eng) lack of knowledge and unfamiliarity with the ship-specific SMS; documenting, reporting and analysis of non-conformities. Engineering crew members have not been made familiar with safety and protection policies of environment duties. An external audit is recommended.
2. Oily-water separating equipment. During the operational test of the OWS, the PSCO observed the system malfunctioning as follows: the audio and visual alarms failed to operate and during subsequent testing the Oil Content Meter failed to operate. Crewmembers discovered the alarm wiring at the OWS/OCM system was disconnected. Crewmembers reconnected the alarms and additional testing was conducted with negative results.

VESSEL #5

• Vessel Type: Ro-Ro-Cargo Ship
• Flag: Panama
• Classification Society: Panama Maritime Documentation Service

Summary of deficiencies:

1. Certificates of competency. The Chief Engineer could not produce an appropriate Flag State certificate (license), a valid dispensation, or provide a national license for which an application for an endorsement has been submitted to the Administration.

AMSA Vessels’ Detention Information

VESSEL #1

• Vessel Type: NLS Tanker
• Flag: Marshal Islands
• Classification Society: BV

Summary of deficiencies:

1. No.1 engine room fan fire damper not operational. Temporary repairs affected and tested satisfactorily. Permanent repairs to remote actuator for damper closure to be rectified to the satisfaction of Class at next port.

VESSEL #2

• Vessel Type: Oil Tanker
• Flag: China
• Classification Society: CCS

Summary of deficiencies:

1. Stbd lifeboat on-load release arrangement defective. Temporary repair carried out by makers agent. Permanent repair at next port of call (Seria Brunei) in accordance with condition of Class.

VESSEL #3

• Vessel Type: Oil Tanker
• Flag: Vietnam
• Classification Society: LR

Summary of deficiencies:

1. Stbd lifeboat on-load release arrangement defective.

VESSEL #4

• Vessel Type: Bulk Carrier
• Flag: Taiwan
• Classification Society: CCRS

Summary of deficiencies:

1. Records of rest do not reflect actual hours worked.
2. Appropriate large scale charts for Australian coast not on board for voyage from Taiwan to Australia.
3. International Safety Management System is not effectively implemented on board as evidenced by deficiencies above.

VESSEL #5

• Vessel Type: Other types of ship
• Flag: Luxembourg
• Classification Society:

Summary of deficiencies:

1. Port side engine room fire dampers No 1 and 2 not working. Stbd side engine room fire damper No 2 hard to operate.

VESSEL #6

• Vessel Type: Bulk Carrier
• Flag: Panama
• Classification Society: NKK

Summary of deficiencies:

1. Sewage plant defective. 3-way valve in overboard position and air lift valve shut.

VESSEL #7

• Vessel Type: Chemical Tanker
• Flag: Hong Kong
• Classification Society: CCS

Summary of deficiencies:

1. Crane for launching rescue boat and liferaft not operational.
2. Rescue boat engine unable to be started.
3. A number of emergency lights not operational.
4. SOLAS training manual not ship specific.
5. The Safety Management System as implemented on board does not ensure vessel can effectively respond to emergency situations as evidenced by the above deficiencies.

VESSEL #8

• Vessel Type: Bulk Carrier
• Flag: Panama
• Classification Society: NKK

Summary of deficiencies:

1. Records of rest for Master and Chief Engineer not maintained. First Engineer records of rest do not reflect actual hours worked.
2. Photocopied navigation charts for Australian coast in use for previous voyage and planned for use for next voyage.
3. Above deficiencies are objective evidence that the companies Safety Management System as implemented on board, fails to satisfy element 7 (procedures for critical operation) of the ISM code.

MCA Vessels’ Detention Information

VESSEL #1

• Vessel Type: general Cargo Ship
• Flag: Cook Islands
• Classification Society: GL

Summary of deficiencies:

1. The vessel was detained as there was a number fire safety issues as the emergency fire pump was not operational as the fittings were incompatible with hose; the silver coating was delaminating on the fire fighting suits; there are two fighting torches missing; one of the breathing apparatus was unable to hold pressure. Due to ten deficiencies being marked as ISM, there was objective evidence of a serious failure, or lack of effectiveness of the implementation of the ISM Code.
2. Other deficiencies identified included

• the certificate of receipt of application for the Chief Engineer and Chief Mate had expired
• the Oily Water Separator (OWS) calibration certificate Oily Water Separator (OWS) was not as required
• there were fire doors being held open and self closing mechanism was not operational
• the fire hose nozzle was damaged and the oxy/acetetylene bottle hose fittings were in poor condition
• the service for the emergency escape breathing device had expired
• a number of self closing sounding cocks were not closing correctly in the engine room and there was oil in the engine room bilges
• the MF DSC test call was not being carried out weekly; the compass correction log was not as required and bubbles were found in the compass
• the records of rest were not kept up to date and official log book not completed since 30 November 2012 and no record of drills carried out
• there was also a security related defect.

VESSEL #2

• Vessel Type: Dredger
• Flag: Cook Islands
• Classification Society: INSB

Summary of deficiencies:

1. The Stability information booklet has not been approved by flag state and does not represent the vessel in current condition; there are no records of stability calculations being carried out in the past and none for the forthcoming voyage.
2. The fire drill conducted was not to a satisfactory standard and the emergency fire pump suction hose was loose and leaking; along with temporary repairs on the fire main pipework and leaking fire hydrants.
3. The main engine had sea water leaking from pipes and the stern tube sealing water pipe had failed; there was oily mixture in the engine room bilges (aft).
4. There was a lack of SART testing in the GMDSS log book; the originals of ISSC and SMC were not on board; there was no CEC for Chief mate; the crane lacked being marked ‘do not use’as no load test carried out.
5. Several hand rails were damaged as they were either missing, bent and buckled or the chain attached to the vessel with welding rod and string; the main deck had loose plating covering the overspill areas; the emergency light lamp and diffuser was missing in the starboard (aft) void space.
6. The vent closure to pump room will not seal as it is corroded and the door is bent.
7. The Hopper/aft pump room bulkhead was damaged in several places and must be repaired to satisfaction of classification society.
8. The port discharge bucket was able to go beyond its operating limit and cause damage.
9. The transfer winch emergency stop sparked when touched, the cover was missing and had heavily corroded wires.
10. The lifeboats seasickness tablets had expired, the vessel medical equipment was out of date and there was a security related defect.

VESSEL #3

• Vessel Type: General Cargo Ship
• Flag: Antigua & Barbuda
• Classification Society: BV

Summary of deficiencies:

1. The vessel was detained in Groveport as the main propulsion engine was inoperative; the main sea water inlet pipework was cracked before an isolation valve; the failure to report the engine and pipework failures to the relevant authorities. Due to deficiencies being marked as ISM, there was objective evidence of a serious failure, or lack of effectiveness of the implementation of the ISM Code.
2. The main engine room lighting to be renewed and proven to be operational.
3. The light base was to be repaired and the main mast radar platform was stiffening and needed repair.
4. The GMDSS battery box needed to be replaced and there was a large bubble inside the magnetic compass.
5. The cladding on the generator exhaust in the funnel was heavily corroded and the provisions store flooring to be repaired with an impervious material.

VESSEL #4

• Vessel Type: Bulk Carrier
• Flag: Panama
• Classification Society: NKK

Summary of deficiencies:

1. The vessel was detained in Tyne as twelve deficiencies were marked as ISM, which demonstrate there was objective evidence of a serious failure, or lack of effectiveness of the implementation of the ISM Code.
2. There were several fire related deficiencies identified including there being a lack of control at the fire drill; The oil mist detector was inoperable; two breathing apparatus sets were inoperable and several breathing apparatus bottles empty; the vessel was not complying with hot work permit as there was no extinguisher available; a fire main on board had a leak from a joint.
3. There was a lack of control at the abandon ship drill and 1 life jacket was condemned with class to confirm if lifejackets conform to SOLAS requirements.
4. Several pipes were corroded through and also had rubber patch repair on them and the cylinder lube-oil storage tank air pipe was corroded through.
5. In the engine room – lube-oil gauge glass valve held open, the EEBD in the workshop shows low pressure and not all lights were working on escape.
6. The aft mast navigation light was inoperative; several mooring ropes had broken strands; the number one hold tank top was holed during cargo loading.
7. The hours of rest for the Master and Chief engineer were not as required and there was a security related defect.

VESSEL #5

• Vessel Type: General Cargo Ship
• Flag: Netherlands
• Classification Society: NKK

Summary of deficiencies:

1. The vessel was detained in Teignmouth as manning not in accordance with Minimum Manning Safety Document, as the master was in custody ashore. There was no look out during the hours of darkness and there was an ISM deficiency as deficiencies marked as ISM, there was objective evidence of a serious failure, or lack of effectiveness of the implementation of the ISM Code.
2. The hull was damaged and impairing seaworthiness
3. The ship sanitation certificate was not as required and fire detection zones had not been identified.

VESSEL #6

• Vessel Type: Other Cargo/Standby Supply
• Flag: Togo
• Classification Society: CAR

Summary of deficiencies:

1. The vessel was detained in Grangemouth as there were no immersion suits on board; the Continuous Synopsis Record was not on board; stability information for forthcoming voyage was incomplete; the emergency fire pump is not working and several vents, air pipes and emergency exits were not water tight.
2. The wrong information supplied on the fire control plan as fire pumps marked incorrectly and engine room fire hydrant was seized and several fire extinguishers were not secured.
3. The QC valve was not closing.
4. The aft end engine room bulkhead was penetrated by cable ducts and screw holes which were not filled.
5. Several emergency lighting covers were missing along with unsecured/loose floor plates; there was damaged railing on the main deck.
6. The West Africa pilot book was not on board.

VESSEL #7

• Vessel Type: N/A
• Flag: Antigua & Barbuda
• Classification Society: LR

Summary of deficiencies:

1. The vessel was detained in Liverpool because there were 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.
2. The main engine was defective; also the engine room was very oily in some areas
3. The five year service on the immersion suit in the engine room had expired.
4. 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.
5. The deck officer was not familiar with launching the starboard life raft by davit.

VESSEL #8

• Vessel Type: General Cargo Ship
• Flag: Panama
• Classification Society: RMRS

Summary of deficiencies:

1. 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.
2. The crew/officers records of rest were not signed; the crew accommodation was no longer provided with steam heating.
3. The galley needed cleaning; there was insufficient fruit and vegetables on board.
4. The crew showers and toilets were dirty and the shower curtains missing and the laundry washing facilities were inadequate.
5. In addition the lifejacket lights were out of date; the aft deck was slippery underneath the deck generator and several fire doors were tied open.

VESSEL #9

• Vessel Type: General Cargo Ship
• Flag: Unregistered
• Classification Society: N/A

Summary of deficiencies:

1. 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 and 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.
2. Insufficient provisions for the intended voyage and medicines were out of date.
3. In addition 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.

 Transport Canada Vessels’ Detention Information

VESSEL #1

• Vessel Type: Oil Tanker
• Flag: Cyprus
• Classification Society: DNV

Summary of deficiencies:

1. Emergency Fire Pump and its pipes (Related to Recognized Organization).

VESSEL #2

• Vessel Type: Bulk Carrier
• Flag: Marshal Islands
• Classification Society: DNV

Summary of deficiencies:

1. manuals, instructions, etc.
2. other (ISM)
3. other (SOLAS Oper.)
4. hull damage impairing seaworthiness

VESSEL #3

• Vessel Type: Bulk Carrier
• Flag: Bahamas
• Classification Society: BV

Summary of deficiencies:

1. Voyage data recorder (VDR)
2. fixed fire extinguishing installation

VESSEL #4

• Vessel Type: Bulk Carrier
• Flag: Liberia
• Classification Society: LR

Summary of deficiencies:

1. certification, verification and control
2. cargo ship safety equipment

The following information have been gathered mainly from PSC MoUs websites as well as from various Coast Guard Authorities and may serve only as reference for the inspections being carried out each month onboard merchant vessels. The consistency of the information may differ between MoU since there are slight differences on the way each organization presents the inspection info as well as due to the fact that some countries are member in more than one PSC MoU. For more information on the inspections carried out please refer to each organization’s website.

Sources used for the development of this report:

• Caribbean MoU
• Black Sea MoU
• Mediterranean MoU
• Vina del Mar
• Abuja MoU
• Indian Ocean MoU
• Paris MoU
• Tokyo MoU
• Riyadh MoU
• USCG
• AMSA
• Transport Canada
• MCA