MSC ALMA VII

MAIN AND AUXILIARY MACHINERY ESSENTIAL FOR THE PROPULSION AND SAFETY OF THE SHIP SHALL BE PROVIDED WITH EFFECTIVE MEANS FOR ITS OPERATION AND CONTROL. PSCO RECEIVED REPORT FROMT HE LOCAL PILOTS ASSOCIATION THAT THE SHIP EXPERIENCED A LOSS OF PROPULSION DURING ARRIVAL TO PORT. 74SOLAS(14)II-1/31.1 - 17AC

After any survey, no changes shall be made in structure, equipment system without sanction of the Administration. PSCO observed that the crew modified the pipe system of the M/E air drain to oil bilge tank. This was done by weld a fitting onto the M/E air drain and connecting a hose to it, then the hose went into the top of the oily bilge tank. This change to the piping does not show up on any approve piping diagram. MARPOL ANNEX 1/64.2, ACTION TAKEN (40AC)

Before the ship leaves port and at all times during the voyage, all life-saving appliances shall be in working order and ready for immediate use. The vessel's master informed the office that the cable release-gear for the port lifeboat was inoperable.

Any required fixed fire detection and fire alarm system with manually operated call points shall be capable of immediate operation at all times. PSCO observed 02 manual call points with missing glass and secured with electrical tape. Crew last inspected in July and September. Both manual call points replaced while PSCO on board. 74SOLAS(01)11-2/13.1.1 Action Taken: 10c

Fire extinguishers shall be periodically examined and subjected to such test as administration may require. PSCO observed fire extinguishers all throughout machinery spaces that were last serviced in July. 74SOLAS(01)11-2/6.5 ACTION TAKEN 10c

The company should identify equipment and technical systems the sudden operational failure of which may result in hazardous situations. The safety management system should provide for specific measures aimed at promoting the reliability of such equipment or systems. The company should ensure that inspections are held at proper intervals and appropriate corrective action is taken. Vessel experienced a loss of propulsion while transiting the navigable waters of the United States which adversely impaired its fitness and capability to safely maneuver in the Houston Ship Channel. The #1 compressor for main air had a tag out placard. The tag out log did not have record of #1 air compressor being out of order. Tag out procedures requires time and date to be recorded. Vessel experienced low air alarms during transit. On the critical operation checklist SAF16 the main air compressors are marked as checked and auto mode switched on. The low air caused the loss of propulsion. PSCO also observed servicing record of fire extinguishers in machinery spaces from July, when other spaces are marked as September. In relation to deficiency 01, the manual call points in the Suez crew room and the bottom deck of the engine room, starboard side, forward of the main engine were in need of replacement. Manual call points last inspected in July and September. Call points had temporary repairs with electrical tape but had not been replaced until PSCO asked for them to be replaced. Submit evidence of internal audit with focus on tag out log procedures, maintenance on fire fighting equipment and alarm systems and critical operations checklist to Houston [email withheld]. To be completed prior to next U.S. port after sailing foreign. 74SOLAS(14)IX/3.1 ISM A/10.2.1 ISM A/10.2.3 ISM A/10.3 ACTION TAKEN 40c