Monthly PSC Report For February 2013

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	488	393	485	1421	2591
With Deficiencies	377	204	299	1064	1725
Without Deficiencies	111	189	186	357	866
Detentions	14	31	24	65	117

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

PSC MoUs	Black Sea	Mediterranean	Indian	Paris	Tokyo
Bulk Carrier	109	102	252	240	870
General Cargo Ship	235	163	51	493	677
Chemical Tanker	36	7	38	112	182
Oil Tanker	42	10	19	85	151
Container Ship	19	37	42	159	376

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

PSC MoUs	Black Sea	Mediterranean	Indian	Paris	Tokyo
Bulk Carrier	72	35	157	169	516
General Cargo Ship	213	115	40	424	567
Chemical Tanker	22	2	17	80	25
Oil Tanker	19	3	8	45	78
Container Ship	13	16	25	102	248

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, Mediterranean MoU, Indian Ocean MoU, Paris MoU and Tokyo MoU.

Black Sea MoU	No. of Vessels	Deficiencies/Vessel	Average Age of Vessels
Bulk Carrier	4	24.25	25
General Cargo Ship	9	13.22	26.5
Chemical Tanker	–	–	–
Oil Tanker	–	–	–
Container Ship	–	–	–

Mediterranean MoU	No. of Vessels	Deficiencies/Vessel	Average Age of Vessels
Bulk Carrier	1	7	30
General Cargo Ship	21	14.4	31
Chemical Tanker	–	–	–
Oil Tanker	1	7	13
Container Ship	2	2.5	14

Indian Ocean MoU	No. of Vessels	Deficiencies/Vessel	Average Age of Vessels
Bulk Carrier	12	8.75	13.75
General Cargo Ship	3	9.33	21.66
Chemical Tanker	1	6	32
Oil Tanker	–	–	–
Container Ship	1	13	11

Paris MoU	No. of Vessels	Deficiencies/Vessel	Average Age of Vessels
Bulk Carrier	12	12.41	16
General Cargo Ship	36	16.11	23.5
Chemical Tanker	1	1	8
Oil Tanker	–	–	–
Container Ship	4	6.5	20

Tokyo MoU	No. of Vessels	Deficiencies/Vessel	Average Age of Vessels
Bulk Carrier	39	9.12	16
General Cargo Ship	48	14.33	20
Chemical Tanker	5	15.2	17
Oil Tanker	3	9.66	9
Container Ship	11	14.2	13

OOW - PSC Monthly Report USCG

USCG Vessels’ Detention Information

VESSEL #1

Vessel Type: Chemical Tanker
Flag: Liberia
Classification Society: GL

Summary of deficiencies:

The condition of the ship and its equipment shall be maintained to conform with the provisions of the present Convention to ensure that the ship in all respects will remain fit to proceed to sea without presenting an unreasonable threat of harm to the marine environment. The PSCO retrieved/reviewed the 15ppm bilge alarm [Oil Content Meter (OCM) – 107(49) approved] recorded data history in comparison with the ORB entries. The PSCO noted four OWS operations recorded and signed by the officer in charge of the operation and the Master in ORB on the following dates 03 FEB 2013, 28 JAN 2013, 27 JAN 2013, and 26 JAN 2013 were not recorded/displayed on the bilge alarm’s recording device indicating an operation/overboard discharge occurred. The accumulative amount of discharge of the aforementioned dates was 147m3. The PSCO observe a satisfactory test of both the OWS operation and the bilge alarm recording device. The protocols for the aforementioned dates were not available for official inspection indicative of a system failure pertaining to the 15 ppm bilge alarm and its capabilities for recording/storing the operating status of the 15 ppm bilge separator as designed/approved.

VESSEL #2

Vessel Type: Bulk Carrier
Flag: Belize
Classification Society: RMRS

Summary of deficiencies:

PSCO observed the quick closing fuel shutoff valve on the Diesel Oil Service tank for the ship’s service generators wired in the open position. The valve is not capable of being remotely closed from a safe position outside the space in the event of a fire occurring in the space which the tank is situated.

VESSEL #3

Vessel Type: Research Ship
Flag: Panama
Classification Society: National Shipping Adjusters Inc

Summary of deficiencies:

The vessel’s SOLAS Cargo Ship Safety Construction Certificate stated that the last two inspections for the outside of the ship’s bottom took place on July 18, 2007 and July 23, 2009. During the date of the examination the PSCO discovered the vessel is overdue for drydock by 7 months exceeding the twice in five with no more than 36 months between inspections.
Fire protection systems shall be kept in good order so as to ensure their required performance if a fire occurs. The PSCO discovered numerous fire detectors throughout the vessel were inoperable.
The means for securing and maintaining weather tightness shall be to the satisfaction of the Administration. USCG inspectors observed numerous hatch covers, doors, and openings on the exposed weather deck missing closure devices resulting in the inability to maintain effective weather tightness.
The PSCO discovered approximately 2 feet of oily/water mixture in the #4 port and starboard ballast tanks. These tanks are not approved for retention onboard of oily bilge water and are capable of being discharge directly overboard without being processed through the 15ppm oil filtering equipment.
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: non-functioning smoke/heat detectors; non-compliance with environmental policy – oily water mixtures in ballast tanks; installation of fuel tanks on the main deck; missing port side anchor; fixed CO2 fire extinguishing system for paint locker missing seal and no hydro service date; master is not documenting and submitting non-conformities. An external audit is recommended.

VESSEL #4

Vessel Type: Passenger Ship
Flag: Bahamas
Classification Society: GL

Summary of deficiencies:

While ships are operating within an emission control area (ECA), the sulfur content used on board ships shall not exceed 1% m/m. The PSCO reviewed the IAPP Certificate and verified the vessel utilizes a separate fuel oil (low sulfur 1% m/m) to comply with an established ECA. The PSCO discovered that the vessel has been operating in the North American ECA from 26 Feb – 28 Feb, 2013 utilizing fuel oil that does not comply with the MARPOL Annex VI ECA sulfur limits. Compliant fuel oil was available onboard for use; however the Master failed to recognize the North American established ECA and require the fuel oil change over to occur prior to entering the ECA.

VESSEL #5

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

Summary of deficiencies:

While ships are operating within an emission control area (ECA), the sulfur content used on board ships shall not exceed 1% m/m. The PSCO reviewed the IAPP Certificate and verified the vessel utilizes a separate fuel oil (low sulfur 1% m/m) to comply with an established ECA. The PSCO discovered that the vessel has been operating in the North American ECA from 26JAN – 31JAN 2013 utilizing fuel oil that does not comply with the MARPOL Annex VI ECA sulfur limits. Compliant fuel oil was available onboard for use; however the Master failed to recognize the North American established ECA and require the fuel oil change over to occur prior to entering the ECA.
The master and crew are not familiar with essential shipboard procedure regarding the operation of air pollution prevention equipment. PSCO interviewed the Captain and Chief Engineer and found that both were unaware of the current North American Emission Control Area regulations.

VESSEL #6

Vessel Type: Containership
Flag: Saint Vincent and the Grenadines
Classification Society: N/A

Summary of deficiencies:

The Master and Mate did not produce an appropriate Flag State certificate (license), a valid dispensation, or provide documentary proof that an application for an endorsement has been submitted to the Administration. In addition, the vessel was missing one engine rating and the Master did not provide a letter of dispensation from flag State.
Ship’s crew is not familiar with essential shipboard equipment procedures relating to the preventing of pollution of oil; crew was not capable of properly testing/operating the oily water separator for the attending PSCO.
The PSCO observed fuel oil/oil leaks from various machinery including fuel oil leak on the main engine fuel oil supply line. Fuel oil/oil has been allowed to accumulate in the bilge and poses a significant fire hazard to the vessel due to overall lack of maintenance and cleanliness.
An International Load Line Certificate (1966) shall be issued to every ship which has been surveyed and marked in accordance with the present conventions. Hull markings do not march the certificate. Additionally, the certificate does not reflect correct ship information (name, IMO number, etc.)
Firefighting systems shall be kept in good working order and ready for immediate use. During operational test, the PSCO observed the fire main piping holed/wasted and severely leaking in way of aft cargo hold port side. The fire main system was unable to maintain effective water pressure, limiting the crews firefighting capabilities.
The means for securing and maintaining weather tightness shall be to the satisfaction of the Administration. The arrangements shall ensure that the tightness can be maintained in all sea conditions. The vessel’s cargo hatches and cargo hatch seals/gaskets are wasted/deteriorated and do not create a weather tight space. Additionally, the wasted hatch covers also prevent the securing device from being properly used for securing the hatches.

VESSEL #7

Vessel Type: Bulk Carrier
Flag: Liberia
Classification Society: ABS

Summary of deficiencies:

PSCO observed the water supply line valve for the fixed fire-fighting (hyper mist) system was in the closed position rendering the system inoperable in the event of a fire. Chief Engineer was unaware of this situation and maintenance records indicate the system was last checked on February 23, 2013. The fixed fire-fighting (hyper mist) system in this observed condition is not readily available for immediate operation as designed and approved in the event of a fire.

OOW - PSC Monthly Report AMSA

AMSA Vessels’ Detention Information

VESSEL #1

Vessel Type: Livestock
Flag: Marshal Islands
Classification Society: BV

Summary of deficiencies:

Port and stbd Engine room fire dampers defective.

VESSEL #2

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

Summary of deficiencies:

Sewage treatment plant inoperative.

VESSEL #3

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

Summary of deficiencies:

Emergency fire pump unable to pressurise fire main.

VESSEL #4

Vessel Type: Passenger Ship
Flag: Marshal Islands
Classification Society: BV

Summary of deficiencies:

Engine room fire dampers inoperative.

VESSEL #5

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

Summary of deficiencies:

The Safety Management System as implemented on board fails to ensure effective maintenance of the ship and equipment.
Cargo Hatch Cover 4 and 5 securing arrangements defective.

VESSEL #6

Vessel Type: Bulk Carrier
Flag: Marshal Islands
Classification Society: NKK

Summary of deficiencies:

The Safety Management System as implemented fails to ensure that the vessel is prepared for an emergency.
Emergency Fire pump – not operational.
Fixed fire extinguishing system for Engine room – not operational.

VESSEL #7

Vessel Type: Vehicle Carrier
Flag: Panama
Classification Society: KRS

Summary of deficiencies:

Emergency fire pump unable to pressurise fire main.

VESSEL #8

Vessel Type: General Cargo Ship
Flag: Liberia
Classification Society: GL

Summary of deficiencies:

Numerous ballast and fuel oil tank air vent closing devices defective.

VESSEL #9

Vessel Type: Containership
Flag: Malta
Classification Society: GL

Summary of deficiencies:

Fire main isolation valve cannot be closed.

VESSEL #10

Vessel Type: Bulk Carrier
Flag: Liberia
Classification Society: NKK

Summary of deficiencies:

Emergency fire pump defective.

VESSEL #11

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

Summary of deficiencies:

Operation of MF/HF radio and satellite c unable to be demonstrated on DC power.

VESSEL #12

Vessel Type: Bulk Carrier
Flag: Japan
Classification Society: NKK

Summary of deficiencies:

Port lifeboat release arrangements defective.

VESSEL #13

Vessel Type: Bulk Carrier
Flag: Philippines
Classification Society: ABS

Summary of deficiencies:

Safety Management System as implemented fails to ensure effective compliance with the requirements of elements 6 and 7 of the ISM Code in regards to hours of work/rest and passage planning.

VESSEL #14

Vessel Type: Bulk Carrier
Flag: Hong Kong
Classification Society: CCS

Summary of deficiencies:

Engine room fire dampers number 1 (port side) and 3 (stbd side) not operational. Flaps seized in open position.

VESSEL #15

Vessel Type: Livestock Carrier
Flag: Tonga
Classification Society: DNV

Summary of deficiencies:

Detainable deficiencies are objective evidence that the company Safety Management System as implemented is not effective in the maintenance of ship and its equipment.
Jacketed high pressure fuel injection lines from main engine fuel injection pump blocks defective.
Watertight door between engine room and propulsion shaft tunnel space defective.
Watertight doors on bulkheads separating cargo spaces and forward and aft fodder tanks defective.

VESSEL #16

Vessel Type: Bulk Carrier
Flag: Greece
Classification Society: LR

Summary of deficiencies:

Safety Management System fails to implement safe navigation practices.

OOW - PSC Monthly Report MCA

MCA Vessels’ Detention Information

VESSEL #1

Vessel Type: General Cargo Ship
Flag: Russia
Classification Society: GL

Summary of deficiencies:

Twenty deficiencies including four with grounds for detention. The vessel was detained in Montrose and then moved to Sunderland. Thirteen 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.
The rescue boat could not be launched due to motor being inoperable
The fire main was leaking through flange joint on the main deck
The funnel was corroded there was no remote means of closing off ventilation
Other deficiencies identified included crew not being able to connect/disconnect loops on main panel of the fire detection system
Bridge extinguisher indicated low pressure.
Insulation around the auxiliary engine pipes flange was corroded and two air pipes were corroded
Numerous floor plates were loose or detached from frames and there was a detached rail and stanchion leading to the main deck
Several lights inoperable in various compartments
Visibility on the navigation bridge was obscured due to staining of the glass and the magnetic compass was not readable
Several records and plans were not found as they should be including garbage record book, placards, cargo securing manual, passage plans and nautical publications
Food segregation was inadequate as food was found in a non food store. There was also a security related defect

VESSEL #2

Vessel Type: Gas Carrier
Flag: Malta
Classification Society: RINA

Summary of deficiencies:

The vessel was detained in Liverpool as ten 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
The fire detection and alarm system was inoperative as the fire detector head was defective, there was a fault with the emergency fire pump and the detection system had no approved means of testing manual call point
The free fall life boat had not been manoeuvred in the water every three months as required and several emergency lights on deck were not working
There were several fire deficiencies identified included there being defective cabling on the vent fan for the high pressure Co2 room
The spray curtain for accommodation, lagging on engine exhaust and insulation to the thermal heater was defective
Other deficiencies identified included there being various types of on board training and instructions which were not as required
There was a lack of familiarity for the davit raft aft and there was no securing point at the bowsing line
The vessel had several defective light shades and the legal documentation for hours of work and rest were not as required

VESSEL #3

Vessel Type: Tug
Flag: Tanzania
Classification Society: N/A

Summary of deficiencies:

The vessel was detained in Newlyn as lifejackets had lights missing and the HRU had expired; there were insufficient immersion suits.
The fire fighting equipment and appliances had expired; there was insufficient pressure in the fire pumps and pipes and the bunker tanks air pipes had no gauzes
The engine room and engine room bilges had excessive oil
The Minimum safe manning document and certificates for the master and officers were not as required along with nautical publications
Many lights on board were inoperative and the charts on board were not as expected

VESSEL #4

Vessel Type: Tug
Flag: Tanzania
Classification Society: N/A

Summary of deficiencies:

The vessel was detained in Newlyn as the lifebuoys certificate had expired
Lifejackets had lights missing and the HRU had expired
The certificates for Endorsement by flagstate was missing and Minimum safe manning document were not as required
Gauzes on the fuel tanks air pipes were badly corroded and large boats and machinery were not secured on deck
The navigation charts and lights were not as required. Some hydrants did not have water available for fire fighting
Immersion suits were not on board
The safe manning document had expired
The fore peak ballast tanks were full and no means of pumping out to empty
The stability book and nautical publications were not as required
There was insufficient provisions on board and the store room was unhygienic

VESSEL #5

Vessel Type: Multi Purpose Ship
Flag: Belize
Classification Society: INSB

Summary of deficiencies:

The vessel was detained in Berwick as the fire fighting equipment was inoperative as the fire main was corroded through and eight 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.
No safe means of access; securing devices were either missing or seized
The galley fridge was not working
The arrival and departures charts, the oil record book, the international anti-fouling system certificate and the ship sanitation certificate were not as required

VESSEL #6

Vessel Type: Cargo Ship
Flag: Malta
Classification Society: DNV

Summary of deficiencies:

The vessel was detained in Liverpool as nine 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.
Several fire related deficiencies were identified including lack of communication during the fire drill
The oxygen acethylene bottles were not permanently secured
The engine trunking and tank top needed cleaning; various cargo hold fire detectors and cover over detectors were faulty
Various fire dampers were found defective.
Crew lack of familiarity with starting freefall lifeboat and rescue boat designation, moor ropes were secured on drum ends
The guard rail stanchion was defective, the gangway stanchion was fractured and the saltwater pump in the engine room was leaking
The radar and the grinder in the engine room were not as expected
Several emergency lights were found to be defective
Several certificates and records were not recorded as expected including the ECDIS, records of freefall lifeboat, compass correction log, records of rest and muster list.

VESSEL #7

Vessel Type: General Cargo Ship
Flag: Cook Islands
Classification Society: BRS

Summary of deficiencies:

The vessel was detained in Portland as fourteen 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.
Safe Manning Document as the bridge control of main engine does not work and only one engineer on board
Explosive hazards were being stored in focsl store; the main switchboard and two 440v panels left open with potential electrocution hazard
The rescue boats were found to not comply with LSA code as not correct colour and also one lifeboat missing
The stowage of rescue boat was inappropriate leading to unnecessary load and stress on boat likely to cause damage
One fire hose was found to be perforated over the whole length and another fire hose was being used to load portable fresh water
The pilot ladder was not constructed to the recognised standard and the access way to side deck/watch cover was unsafe
The vessel was unable to recover starboard anchor as cable was defective and does not fit gypsy
The provisions room and refrigerators were dirty with the presence of mouldy food; there was oil in the machinery space bilges
Several charts and records were found not as expected including voyage or passage plan, fitness for duty records, nautical publications and the light/smoke float on the port bridge had expired.

VESSEL #8

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

Summary of deficiencies:

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
The main engine was defective; also 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

VESSEL #9

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

Summary of deficiencies:

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

VESSEL #10

Vessel Type: General Cargo Ship
Flag: Unregistered
Classification Society: Unclassed

Summary of deficiencies:

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
Insufficient provisions for the intended voyage and medicines were out of date
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.

VESSEL #11

Vessel Type: Tug
Flag: Panama
Classification Society: BV

Summary of deficiencies:

The vessel was detained in Sunderland as the radio communications were inoperative as there was no transmission and the digital readout display can not be seen.
Lack of familiarity at the fire drill
The fire control plan does not show emergency exit from steering gear alleyway
There was a hole in the engine room access door due to missing handle
Access routes to rescue boats were blocked by 45 gallon oil drums and the muster list was not correct
The rescue boat buoyancy chambers had no air inside and the light on the lifebuoy does not work
The bulwark stanchion was corroded; the magnetic compass contained a large bubble and the starboard upper lens was cracked
The accommodation light was missing a cover and the forecastle emergency light was not working
The tide tables were missing and passage plans along with arrival/departure charts were incomplete
The vessel only has a holding tank and there was no record of discharge and the oil record was not kept up to date
Records of hours and rest were not complete.

OOW - PSC Monthly Report Transport Canada

Transport Canada Vessels’ Detention Information

VESSEL #1

Vessel Type: Bulk Carrier
Flag: Malta
Classification Society: NKK

Summary of deficiencies:

lifeboats

VESSEL #2

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

Summary of deficiencies:

suspected of discharge violation
oil filtering equipment

VESSEL #3

Vessel Type: Bulk Carrier
Flag: Hong Kong
Classification Society: LR

Summary of deficiencies:

lifeboats

VESSEL #4

Vessel Type: Chemical Tanker
Flag: Panama
Classification Society: NKK

Summary of deficiencies:

Emergency Fire Pump and its pipes

The above information has 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.