Monthly PSC Report For May 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	546	410	540	1664	3627
With Deficiencies	422	244	343	1163	2430
Without Deficiencies	124	166	197	501	1197
Detentions	21	22	36	54	135

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

PSC MoUs	Black Sea	Mediterranean	Indian	Paris	Tokyo
Bulk Carrier	105	86	292	259	1213
General Cargo Ship	268	170	67	492	958
Chemical Tanker	31	5	30	135	234
Oil Tanker	66	5	28	112	225
Container Ship	20	49	53	186	561

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

PSC MoUs	Black Sea	Mediterranean	Indian	Paris	Tokyo
Bulk Carrier	69	38	192	178	745
General Cargo Ship	230	134	46	412	808
Chemical Tanker	21	4	16	86	143
Oil Tanker	35	1	14	53	113
Container Ship	20	18	38	119	362

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	20.25	21
General Cargo Ship	12	14.17	31
Chemical Tanker	–	–	–
Oil Tanker	–	–	–
Container Ship	3	19.33	22

Mediterranean MoU	No. of Vessels	Deficiencies/Vessel	Average Age of Vessels
Bulk Carrier	1	7	3
General Cargo Ship	15	12.46	28
Chemical Tanker	–	–	–
Oil Tanker	–	–	–
Container Ship	–	–	–

Indian Ocean MoU	No. of Vessels	Deficiencies/Vessel	Average Age of Vessels
Bulk Carrier	15	11.53	11
General Cargo Ship	9	8.55	19
Chemical Tanker	1	3	9
Oil Tanker	1	11	32
Container Ship	5	16	13

Paris MoU	No. of Vessels	Deficiencies/Vessel	Average Age of Vessels
Bulk Carrier	8	14.12	12
General Cargo Ship	29	13.44	25
Chemical Tanker	4	11.25	15
Oil Tanker	1	36	45
Container Ship	4	20	20

Tokyo MoU	No. of Vessels	Deficiencies/Vessel	Average Age of Vessels
Bulk Carrier	42	8.97	13
General Cargo Ship	50	13.7	18
Chemical Tanker	7	10	15
Oil Tanker	3	7.66	17
Container Ship	17	12.58	14

USCG Vessels’ Detention Information

Detentions on various Port under the authority of USCG.

VESSEL #1

• Vessel Type: Containership
• Flag: Singapore
• Classification Society: Lloyd’s Register of Shipping
• GRT: 63900
• Port: San Francisco, California

Summary of deficiencies:

1. 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 major non-conformities as follows: Systematic failure and lack of preventive maintenance of the critical equipment; failure to report non-conformities per vessels SMS, leaks and operational restrictions with steering gear. An external audit is recommended.

VESSEL #2

• Vessel Type: Containership
• Flag: Antigua and Barbuda
• Classification Society: Germanischer Lloyd
• GRT: 9627
• Port: Duluth, Minnesota

Summary of deficiencies:

1. Vessel has no transitional source of emergency electrical power provided as the emergency generator is designed to automatically start and supply the required load within 45 seconds. During an operational test of the emergency generator the generator did start automatically during loss of power simulation but failed to supply the required load as designed.

VESSEL #3

• Vessel Type: Bulk Carrier
• Flag: Panama
• Classification Society: Nippon Kaiji Kyokai
• GRT: 30738
• Port: New Orleans, Louisiana

Summary of deficiencies:

1. The PSCO observed that the water pump suction valve on the fresh water supply line to the hyper-mist fire fighting system was closed rendering it unavailable for immediate use. Upon further examination of the system and the system’s operating manual, the PSCO noted that the system was in remote operation mode, however, it will not automatically discharge if the water pump suction valve is closed. Shipboard procedures also require a monthly check that there is an available water supply for the fire fighting system, however the crew was not aware of the requirement and had not been conducting this check.

VESSEL #4

• Vessel Type: Bulk Carrier
• Flag: Taiwan
• Classification Society: Croatian Register of Shipping
• GRT: 37745
• Port: New Orleans, Louisiana

Summary of deficiencies:

1. During the fire drill only one of the two required breathing apparatuses was observed by the PSCO as operational. During an expanded exam the crew produced an additional three breathing apparatuses all of which were non-operational. Vessel did not have the required number of operational breathing apparatuses in order for the crew to properly respond to and combat a fire in the event of an emergency.
2. Crew is not familiar with essential shipboard procedures relating to the safety of the ship and was unable to demonstrate proficiency in performing a satisfactory fire drill. The crew failed two consecutive fire drills because the Chief Officer was unaware of the respective duties of the crew as person in charge and in accordance with ship’s muster list. During the drills, crewmembers were also allowed to enter the space and simulate fire fighting without operational equipment.

VESSEL #5

• Vessel Type: Bulk Carrier
• Flag: Singapore
• Classification Society: Nippon Kaiji Kyokai
• GRT: 31756
• Port: New Orleans, Louisiana

Summary of deficiencies:

1. PSCO observed the fixed water mist fire fighting system onboard was in the manual mode vice the remote mode, contrary to posted instructions and the system’s operations manual. Further review of the operations manual stated the crew was to conduct daily checks of the system to verify it was in remote control. The crew had not performed this check in the previous four months. This manual mode arrangement would not allow the fixed water mist system to automatically operate as designed and approved in the event of a fire.

VESSEL #6

• Vessel Type: Containership
• Flag: Panama
• Classification Society: Govt of Listed Flag
• GRT: 2777
• Port: Miami, Florida

Summary of deficiencies:

1. The PSCO observed the quick closing fuel shutoff valve to the emergency generator diesel oil tank failed to operate as designed during an operational test.
2. Vessel has no transitional source of emergency electrical power provided as the emergency generator is designed to automatically start and supply the required load within 45 seconds. During an operational test of the emergency generator the generator did start automatically and was capable of taking the load, however the emergency generator quickly experienced an overheating problem and was not able continually operate as designed. In addition, the emergency fire pump relies solely on the emergency generator for source of power and was not operational and ready for immediate use due to the e-gen overheating.
3. The boundary separating accommodations spaces from machinery shall be constructed as “A” class divisions & these bulkheads & decks shall have an insulation value to the satisfaction of the administration. The overhead insulation in the auxiliary machinery spaces is deteriorated & wasted through to the deck above which protects the adjacent space (ships store) in the event of a fire in this space.
4. Motor lifeboat was not ready for immediate use. During an operational test of the motor lifeboat, the crew was unable to start the engine.
5. During an operational test (launching) of the motor lifeboat the brake control was not in working order; the brake failed to fully engage and stop the descent of the lifeboat.

AMSA Vessels’ Detention Information

Detentions on various Port under the authority of AMSA.

VESSEL #1

• Ship type: container ship
• Flag: Netherlands
• Classification Society: Germanischer Lloyd (GL)
• GRT: 9940
• Port: Brisbane, QLD, Australia

Summary of deficiencies:

1. The SMS does not ensure effective implementation of procedures and instructions for key shipboard operations concerning the safety of personnel , the ship and the enviroment .
2. Dual ECDIS System, Back Up ECDIS Defective, No Paper charts on board.

VESSEL #2

• Ship type: bulk carrier
• Flag: Marshall Islands
• Classification Society: American Bureau of Shipping (ABS)
• GRT: 33277
• Port: Kwinana, WA, Australia

Summary of deficiencies:

1. The safety management system does not ensure that hours of rest are effectively monitored for watchkeeping personnel.

VESSEL #3

• Ship type: bulk carrier
• Flag: Marshall Islands
• Classification Society: Nippon Kaiji Kyokai (NKK)
• GRT: 38888
• Port: Geelong, VIC, Australia

Summary of deficiencies:

1. Key personnel unable to demonstrate correct operation of OWS. Oil content meter not being operated in accordance with MARPOL requirements.

VESSEL #4

• Ship type: vehicle carrier
• Flag: Marshall Islands
• Classification Society: Germanischer Lloyd (GL)
• GRT: 47090
• Port: Brisbane, QLD, Australia

Summary of deficiencies:

1. Unable to start the emergency generator for 45 minutes.

VESSEL #5

• Ship type: bulk carrier
• Flag: Hong Kong
• Classification Society: Lloyd’s Register (LR)
• GRT: 40524
• Port: Hay Point, QLD, Australia

Summary of deficiencies:

1. Port lifeboat on-load release defective

VESSEL #6

• Ship type: bulk carrier
• Flag: Italy
• Classification Society: Registro Italiano Navale (RINA)
• GRT: 39385
• Port: Port Kembla, NSW, Australia

Summary of deficiencies:

1. Sewage treatment plant not operating and sewage being transferred to bilge holding tank not in compliance with ISPP certificate.
2. Engine room fire dampers A, B and D not operating.

VESSEL #7

• Ship type: bulk carrier
• Flag: Italy
• Classification Society: Registro Italiano Navale (RINA)
• GRT: 51255
• Port: Newcastle, NSW, Australia

Summary of deficiencies:

1. The safety management system does not ensure that procedures for critical shipboard operations are complied.
2. Sewage treatment plant defective.
3. The ship not safely manned with certificated officers in compliance with minimum safe manning document.

VESSEL #8

• Ship type: ro-ro cargo ship
• Flag: Papua New Guinea
• Classification Society: Lloyd’s Register (LR)
• GRT: 1627
• Port: Brisbane, QLD, Australia

Summary of deficiencies:

1. Fire alarm system has faults showing which cannot be cleared.
2. Unable to demonstrate operations of MF/HF radio system on emergency power.
3. Unable to close port engine room fire flap remotely.

VESSEL #9

• Ship type: container ship
• Flag: Panama
• Classification Society: Germanischer Lloyd (GL)
• GRT: 37323
• Port: Melbourne, VIC, Australia

Summary of deficiencies:

1. MF/HF Defective.
2. Port and Stbd lifeboat on load release arrangements defective.
3. Emergency generator defective.

VESSEL #10

• Ship type: container ship
• Flag: Panama
• Classification Society: Germanischer Lloyd (GL)
• GRT: 37398
• Port: Melbourne, VIC, Australia

Summary of deficiencies:

1. SMS does not ensure that critical shipboard operations are carried out effectively.
2. The vessel is prepared for an emergency .
3. The vessel is maintained to the required standard.
4. E/R fire damper closing arrangements defective.

VESSEL #11

• Ship type: container ship
• Flag: Panama
• Classification Society: Germanischer Lloyd (GL)
• GRT: 50963
• Port: Melbourne, VIC, Australia

Summary of deficiencies:

1. SMS does not ensure that critical shipboard operations are performed effectively.
2. SMS also does not ensure that the vessel is prepared for an emergency.
3. Sewage treatment plant defective.

VESSEL #12

• Ship type: livestock carrier
• Flag: Panama
• Classification Society: Bureau Veritas (BV)
• GRT: 46940
• Port: Portland, VIC, Australia

Summary of deficiencies:

1. Port and stb’d side free-fall lifeboat rudder arrangement does not allow rudder to move equally to port & stb’d.
2. ISM system does not ensure ship and equipment is maintained in accordance with ISM/S10 regulations.

VESSEL #13

• Ship type: bulk carrier
• Flag: Marshall Islands
• Classification Society: China Classification Society (CCS)
• GRT: 30303
• Port: Weipa, QLD, Australia

Summary of deficiencies:

1. Starboard lifeboat on load release arrangements defective.

VESSEL #14

• Ship type: general cargo/multi-purpose ship
• Flag: Viet Nam
• Classification Society: Viet Nam Register (VR)
• GRT: 4095
• Port: Christmas Island, Australia

Summary of deficiencies:

1. Stbd lifeboat on load release gear defective.

VESSEL #15

• Ship type: general cargo/multi-purpose ship
• Flag: Papua New Guinea
• Classification Society: Germanischer Lloyd (GL)
• GRT: 4004
• Port: Townsville, QLD, Australia

Summary of deficiencies:

1. Bulkhead between no 1 cargo hold and emergency fire pump compartment corroded and holed.
2. Emergency fire pump unable to pressurise fire main.

VESSEL #16

• Ship type: bulk carrier
• Flag: Cyprus
• Classification Society: Nippon Kaiji Kyokai (NKK)
• GRT: 21185
• Port: Port Adelaide, SA, Australia

Summary of deficiencies:

1. Emergency fire pump not able to pressurise fire main.

VESSEL #17

• Ship type: container ship
• Flag: Germany
• Classification Society: Germanischer Lloyd (GL)
• GRT: 45803
• Port: Fremantle, WA, Australia

Summary of deficiencies:

1. Emergency Fire Pump defective.

VESSEL #18

• Ship type: general cargo/multi-purpose ship
• Flag: ANTIGUA AND BARBUDA
• Classification Society: Germanischer Lloyd (GL)
• GRT: 12936
• Port: Darwin, NT, AUSTRALIA

Summary of deficiencies:

1. MF/HF DSC radio installation defective.

VESSEL #19

• Ship type: chemical tanker
• Flag: Panama
• Classification Society: Nippon Kaiji Kyokai (NKK)
• GRT: 6944
• Port: Townsville, QLD, Australia

Summary of deficiencies:

1. Port lifeboat – On load release system defective.

VESSEL #20

• Ship type: bulk carrier
• Flag: Taiwan
• Classification Society: American Bureau of Shipping (ABS)
• GRT: 49565
• Port: Gladstone, QLD, Australia

Summary of deficiencies:

1. Safety Management System as implemented fails to ensure adequate analysis of previous deficiencies.
2. Port and Stbd lifeboat on load release defective/

VESSEL #21

• Ship type: bulk carrier
• Flag: Liberia
• Classification Society: American Bureau of Shipping (ABS)
• GRT: 51253
• Port: Newcastle, NSW, Australia

Summary of deficiencies:

1. Satellite EPIRB defective.
2. Launching arrangement for rescue boat defective.

VESSEL #22

• Ship type: bulk carrier
• Flag: Hong Kong
• Classification Society: Nippon Kaiji Kyokai (NKK)
• GRT: 89523
• Port: Dampier, WA, Australia

Summary of deficiencies:

1. Emergency fire pump , not operational , unable to pressurise fire mains.

MCA Vessels’ Detention Information

Detentions on various Port under the authority of MCA.

VESSEL #1

• Vessel Type: Oil Tanker
• Flag: Sierra Leone
• Classification Society: International Register of Shipping ( IRS)
• GRT: 344
• Port: Tilbury Essex

Summary of deficiencies:

1. Ventilators, air pipes and casing was not properly maintained and corroded as plugs were not fitting focsle vents and three breather pipes found holed.
2. The international shore connection was not as required as jointing and bolts missing.
3. No safety net between shore and ship.
4. There was no hatch cover securing pins for forward store.
5. There was a lack of knowledge on board for both the fire drills and abandon ship drills there was also no record of drills.
6. There was a lack of training on board and additional training was essential;
7. The embarkation ladder was too short to the survival craft and the inflatable liferafts were not properly marked.
8. Several emergency lights and lights on board were not working with the emergency lights to be checked in steering flat along with communication to steering flat to be repaired; the NUC lights needed repair and the signalling light was missing; jubilee clips were on deck fire hose.
9. Extension leads were improperly used throughout the vessel and combustible materials were stowed behind the main switchboard.
10. The IMO signs for LSA, muster station and isolating valve were missing.
11. The master’s toilet flushing device was not working and the control of discharge was not as required as plugs were missing from savealls.
12. The galley cooker only had one hot plate working and the emergency radios needed to be marked.
13. The following items were found not as expected: declaration of AFS compliance, certificates of master and officers, oil and garbage records books, radio log, Masters COC, visitors log, nautical publications and charts.

Summary of deficiencies:

VESSEL #2

• Vessel Type: Bulk Carrier
• Flag: Liberia
• Classification Society: Det Norske Veritas (DNV)
• GRT: 24870
• Port: Portbury

Summary of deficiencies:

1. The emergency generator was not starting or running correctly.
2. During enclosed space entry, no SCBA at entry as required by procedure – additional training to be made; three fire mans outfits (suits) had been were worn out.
3. Insufficient cutting boards (coloured) in the galley.

VESSEL #3

Vessel Type: General Cargo Ship

• Vessel Type: General Cargo Ship
• Flag: Antigua & Barbuda
• Classification Society: LR
• GRT: 3660
• Port: Liverpool

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.
3. The engine room was very oily in some areas.
4. The five year service on the immersion suit in the engine room had expired.
5. 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.
6. The deck officer was not familiar with launching the starboard life raft by davit.

VESSEL #4

• Vessel Type: General Cargo Ship
• Flag: Panama
• Classification Society: RMRS
• GRT: 1972
• Port: Birkenhead

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.
3. The crew accommodation was no longer provided with steam heating.
4. The galley needed cleaning.
5. There was insufficient fruit and vegetables on board.
6. The crew showers and toilets were dirty and the shower curtains missing and the laundry washing facilities were inadequate.
7. The lifejacket lights were out of date; the aft deck was slippery underneath the deck generator and several fire doors were tied open.

VESSEL #5

• Vessel Type: General Cargo Ship
• Flag: Unregistered
• Classification Society: N/A
• GRT: 106
• Port: Lowestof

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.
2. There were insufficient liferafts.
3. The sanitary water system was inoperative and there was no fresh running water to the galley, pantry and shower room.
4. There were no nautical publications and charts were incomplete for the operational area.
5. Insufficient provisions for the intended voyage and medicines were out of date.
6. 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

Detentions on various Port under the authority of Canada PSC.

VESSEL #1

• Vessel Type: Oil Tanker
• Flag: Liberia
• Classification Society: DNV
• GRT: 27539
• Port: Québec City

Summary of deficiencies:

• Radio life-saving appliances
• ISM Related Deficiency
• Lifeboats

VESSEL #2

• Vessel Type: Bulk Carrier
• Flag: Panama
• Classification Society: KRS
• GRT: 20767
• Port: Vancouver

Summary of deficiencies:

• Inflatable liferafts (Related to Recognized Organization)

The above 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