HOUSTON STAR

In tankers, a system for continuous monitoring of the concentration of hydrocarbon gases shall be fitted. Sampling points of detector head shall be located in suitable positions in order that potentially dangerous leaks are readily detected. Vessel was unable to produce any alarms for the fixed gas detection when examined by PSCO after several hours of troubleshooting. Crew was able to produce one alarm but was unable to replicate any further. 74 SOLAS 04 II-2 / 4.5.10.1.3

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 armed at promoting the reliability of such equipment or systems. Upon entry to the Cargo Pump Room (CPR), PSCO requested to follow proper procedures for entry to include testing of gas detection with the portal gas detection unit was not in the CPR and upon questioning, Chief Mate stated testing was conducted in CPR. Upon examination of Fixed Gas Detection in CPR, 3 out of 4 sampling points for CPR were manually turned off. Sampling was only taken from the top of CPR. When asked to conduct testing of Fixed Gas Detection, crew was unsuccessful of producing alarms due to a leak in the line at the suction pump motor in the fixed gas detection cabinet. Crew performed maintenance of the suction pump without verifying the funcionality of the system. Per form "CCL4, REV 01MAR18, Cargo Check List Prearrival Loading/Discharging Port", system was tested prior to cargo operations on 06DEC2020 and found working, satisfactory condition. Crew was unable to produce alarms of fixed gas detection. An internal audit regarding the operation and maintenance of fixed gas detection is required. 74 SOLAS 14 IX / 3.1 ISM CODE PART A / 10.3

The company and the ship shall comply with the requirements of the Internation Safety Management Code. The company should ensure that records of these activities are maintained (10.2.4). In accordance with the vessel's safety management system and maintenance procedures to include form " Emergency Diesel Geenerator Test Record Log", testing is to be carried out weekly and verified. Records were nto verified from September 2020. An internal audit focusing on records and inspection procedures is required prior to clearing deficiency. 74 SOLAS (14) IX/3.1 ISM CODE PART A/10.2

The tank overfill alarm required by paragraph (a) of this section must activate a visible and audible alarm so that it can be seen and heard on the vessel where cargo transfer is controlled and in the cargo deck area. Overfill visual alarm did not work when tested. Crew replace light bulb, defiency cleared. 46 CFR 39.2007(d)(3)