AROSA

Fire-fighting systems and appliances shall be kept in good working order and readily available for immediate use. PSCO witnessed fresh water supply to the water-mist system secured due to troubleshooting of leaking spray nozzle most likely due to faulty solenoid activation valve for boiler front area. SOLAS 74(a), II-2/14.2.1.2, Prior to Movement, Code 17

Whenever there is a hazardous condition either onboard a vessel or caused by a vessel or its operation, the owner, agent, master, operator, or person in charge must immediately notify the nearest Coast Guard Sector office or group office. Vessel failed to report inoperable emergency fire pump prior to arrival.

The company should ensure that all personnel involved in company's SMS have an adequate understanding of relevant rules, regulations, codes, and guidelines. The ships senior officers failed to notify class when making modifications to vsl systems, were not using checklists as outlined in SMS, and failed to follow manufacturers instructions for testing shipboard equipment as evidences by deficiencies below.

After any survey of the ship under Reg. 10 has been completed, no change shall be made to equipment without sanction of the administration. Ship's crew has modified cylinder oil piping for main engine and attached a 55 gallon drum to be utilized as an additional cylinder oil tank for different weight oil while in ECA using LSFO.

After any survey of the ship under Reg. 10 has been completed, no change shall be made to equipment without sanction of administration. Ship's crew has modified ship's grey water piping and diverted directly to the sewage tank through an opening in the tank top. The sewage tank is currently diverted t the aft peak tank and is set up for automatic operation. Aft peak tank is not designated as a storage tank for sewage. Sewage tank vapors are open to the engine room causing a hazardous condition.

Oil fuel tanks shall be part of the ship's structure. In general, the use of free-standing fuel tanks shall be avoided. Ships crew has modifies a 55 gallon drum containing kerosene with a spigot valve and has fabricated a semi permanent installation for its utilization as a cleaning agent.

Arrangements for storage, distribution, and utilization of oil used in pressure lubricated systems shall be such as to ensure safety of the ship and persons onboard. There are eleven 55 gallon drum of cylinder oil stowed in the engine room (a category A machinery space). Chief engineer states these are needed when switching to low sulfur fuel oil when transiting an ECA per MARPOL. Ship is not outfitted with adequately permanent tank for this service.

After any survey of the ship under Reg. 10 has been completed no change shall be made to equipment without the sanction of the administration. The piping for the oily water separator between the bilge pump discharge strainer and the separator has a leak. Additionally, there are two flexible hose soft patches on drain lines under the OWS.

All engines in rescue boats shall be run weekly for a total period of not less than three minutes. During operational testing PSCO noted that rescue boat outboard engine was operated without cooling water. Chief officer stated that is how engine is tested for short periods and that cooling water is only used when engine is run for long periods of time. The Tohatsu outboard M18LD2 owner's manual states "Do not operate the engine without cooling water" in part 5- Engine operation - Starting.

The company and ship shall comply with the requirements of the ISM code. During expanded SMS audit due to questions about class notifications and life saving maintenance procedures it was discovered that the listed arrangement for lifeboats (davit launched) do not match the current outfit (free-fall lifeboat). Recommend internal audit and corrective action to SMS manual. (See SMS AA-V-P-09.01.04 2009-12-01 Lifeboat Launching and Recovery). As incorrect arrangement is described, free-fall lifeboat and rescue boat outfit are not addressed.

Fire drills should be planned in such a way that due consideration is given to regular practice in various emergencies. Every company should develop, implement, and maintain a SMS which includes procedures to respond to emergency situations. During execution of the fire drill the fire team dressed out at the location of the announced fire, only one fire fighter arrived on scene to fight the fire which is contradictory to SMS AA-V-P-11.07.00, Paragraph 4.3. Additionally, the ships crew was not aware of the "Fire Control Checklist 1/2" which are required per paragraph 4.1.4.

Before the ship leaves port and at all times during the voyage all lifesaving appliances shall be in working order and ready for immediate use. Ring lifebuoy at the rescue boat and in the vicinity of the starboard side accommodation ladder on aft bulkhead of house were both un-servicable.