Launch of Port State Control CIC on Emergency Systems and Procedures

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(www.MaritimeCyprus.com) The Maritime Authorities of the Tokyo and the Paris Memoranda of Understanding (MoU) on Port State Control will launch a joint Concentrated Inspection Campaign (CIC) on Emergency Systems and Procedures.

The main objectives of this CIC are to ensure that:

  • ships are capable of responding appropriately and promptly to emergency situations in order to preserve human lives, protect the marine environment and minimize damages to ships;
  • necessary measures are taken by responsible stakeholders, such as shipping companies and ship managers having a direct influence on the safety of ships and by raising their awareness of the importance of ship emergency systems;
  • emergency systems installed on board can be properly operated and effectively managed in any emergency situations; and
  • master and crew of the ship understand their assigned roles and duties in case of emergency and enhance their familiarity with the situations so that they can act immediately when circumstances arise.

This inspection campaign will be held for three months, commencing from 1 September 2019 and ending 30 November 2019. The campaign will target compliance on all vessels, regardless of type, and will examine specific areas related
to the campaign in conjunction with the regular Port State Control inspection.

The figure above, presents all deficiencies related to the category ’Emergency Systems’ as recorded by the Paris MOU member states during 2017-2018. In addition to the mentioned emergency systems, the results clearly show that onboard emergency drills are not always carried out, or recorded, to the satisfaction of PSCOs.

A ship will be subject to only one inspection under this CIC during the period of the campaign. Port State Control Officers (PSCOs) will use a list of 11 questions to assess that equipment provided onboard complies with the relevant convention, the master and officers are qualified and familiar with operations relating to shipboard emergency systems and that equipment is properly maintained and functioning.

Ships often operate in isolation and are engaged in long sea voyages where shore assistance for on-board emergencies may not be available. Therefore, the preparedness of emergency equipment, such as emergency power sources and fire
pumps of ships, and the ability of the crew in responding to emergency situations, are critical factors in saving human lives, protecting the marine environment and minimizing damage to ships.

Both Secretary Hideo Kubota and Secretary-General Luc Smulders stated that “For many years, the number of deficiencies of the Emergency Systems has remained in the top five categories. The joint CIC on Emergency Systems and Procedures will not only raise safety awareness among the crew on safety related issues but will also enhance crew familiarisation with the emergency safety systems and procedures, contributing to the prevention of marine accidents in the oceans.”

If deficiencies are found, actions by the port State may vary from recording a deficiency and instructing the master to rectify it within a certain period of time to detaining the ship until the serious deficiencies have been rectified. In the case of
detention, publication in the monthly detention lists of the Tokyo and Paris MoU websites will take place.

It is expected that the Tokyo and Paris MoUs will carry out approximately 10,000 inspections during the CIC. The results of the campaign will be analysed and findings will be presented to the governing bodies of the both MoUs for submission to the IMO.

In preparation for the upcoming CIC, ship operators/managers and their crews are encouraged to:

  • familiarise themselves with the relevant regulatory requirements;
  • review any previous PSC deficiencies related to emergency systems;
  • ensure all emergency equipment and systems are installed and operating properly;
  • evaluate the effectiveness of maintenance of emergency equipment and systems, such as emergency generators and fire pumps; and
  • ensure crew familiarity with emergency systems and procedures and that drills are conducted and properly documented.

For more details click on below image to download relevant PSC checklist:

Source: Paris MoU

 

 

 

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