AFRA MARE

SOLAS 20 II-1/45.11 n tankers, electrical equipment, cables and wiring shall not be installed in hazardous locations unless it conforms with standards not inferior to those acceptable to the Organization.*....PSCO observed the electrical fittings for the vibration sensors, temperature sensors, and mechanical seal sensors, on Cargo Pumps #1, #2, #3, were not certified safe for a hazardous location (pump room).

SOLAS 20 II-1/45.11 In tankers, electrical equipment, cables and wiring shall not be installed in hazardous locations unless it conforms with standards not inferior to those acceptable to the Organization.*....PSCO observed float light attached to the life buoy on the starboard side cargo deck, was not certified safe for a hazardous area.

The company and the ship shall comply with the requirements of the International Safety Management Code. For the purpose of this regulation, the requirements of the Code shall be treated as mandatory. The company should establish procedures to ensure that the ship is maintained in conformity with the provisions of the relevant rules and regulations and with any additional requirements, which may be established by the company. In meeting these requirements, the company ensure that: the inspections are held at appropriate intervals; ant non-conformity is reported, with it’s possible cause, if known; appropriate corrective action is taken…Due to the objective evidence in the below deficiencies, the vessel is not in substantial compliance with relevant conventions, calling into question the adequacy and implementation of the vessel’s SMS under the ISM Code. PSCO’s collected objective evidence that the vessel was not identifying non-conformities and following the inspection and reporting requirements of its SMS. An external audit conducted by Flag is required within 30 days to determine whether the ship is operating in accordance with the ISM Code. Provide a copy of the completed audit report USCG prior to departure from port. SOLAS 20 IX/3, ISM Code Section 10.1, 10.2

The company and the ship shall comply with the requirements of the International Safety Management Code. For the purpose of this regulation, the requirements of the Code shall be treated as mandatory. The Company should establish procedures, plans and instructions, including checklists as appropriate, for key shipboard operations. The Company should ensure that inspections are held at appropriate intervals. The Company should establish procedures to ensure that any non-conformity is reported, with its possible cause, if known, and appropriate corrective action; PSCO observed cargo pumps #2 and #3 showing visual signs of cargo leakage, including cargo leaking from the pump seals and evidence of spray along the adjacent bulkhead and deck; crew cleaned the area prior to operating the pumps for approximately two minutes to test ESD alarms, and upon re-entry by the PSCO and Marine Chemist, obvious spray was again present on the deck and bulkhead, indicating the transfer system was not maintained leak-free and corrective actions beyond cleaning were not implemented. SOLAS 20 IX/3, ISM Code Part A/7, 10.2-10.3

The company and the ship shall comply with the requirements of the International Safety Management Code. For the purpose of this regulation, the requirements of the Code shall be treated as mandatory. The Company should establish and maintain procedures for identifying any training which may be required in support of the safety management system and ensure that such training is provided for all personnel concerned. The Company should establish procedures, plans and instructions, including checklists as appropriate, for key shipboard operations concerning the safety of the personnel, ship and protection of the environment. The various tasks should be defined and assigned to qualified personnel. In meeting these requirements the Company should ensure that: 1. inspections are held at appropriate intervals; 2. any non-conformity is reported with its possible cause, if known; 3. appropriate corrective action is taken; and 4. records of these activities are maintained. Together, with U.S. requirements in 46 CFR 39.2007 for installed overfill/high-level alarm systems and procedures to verify their correct operation prior to cargo transfer, require that crew be trained, familiar, and able to test cargo tank high-level/overfill alarms; PSCO observed that cargo operations personnel could not describe or demonstrate the procedure to test cargo tank high-level alarms and several stated they were unaware that high-level alarms are fitted on the vessel, with no evidence of recent alarm testing or documented shipboard procedures, indicating failure to meet required familiarization, procedural control, and operational readiness of critical alarm/overflow systems. SOLAS 20 IX/3, ISM Code Part A Sections 6.5, 7, 10.2, 46 CFR 39.2007

In cargo pump-rooms, a fixed fire-extinguishing system shall be provided and means shall be available to stop the cargo pumps and cargo pump-room ventilation from a position outside the pump-room. Maintenance, testing and inspections shall be carried out based on guidelines developed by the Organization and in accordance with the ship’s maintenance plan. The maintenance plan shall include at least the following fire protection systems and fire-fighting systems and appliances … The company and the ship shall comply with the requirements of the International Safety Management Code. For the purpose of this regulation, the requirements of the Code shall be treated as mandatory. The Company should ensure that inspections are held at appropriate intervals. The Company should ensure that any non-conformity is reported, with its possible cause, if known, and appropriate corrective action is taken. The Company should establish procedures for the implementation of corrective action. Each vessel engaged in the transfer of oil must have an emergency means to immediately stop the transfer, and the person in charge must have immediate access to the emergency shutdown. PSCO observed while testing the cargo transfer emergency shutdowns that the shutdown controls at the port, starboard, and outside the cargo pump-room did not stop the cargo pumps; the crew attempted the shutdown four separate times, then manually stopped the pumps and began troubleshooting, later identifying improper setup as the cause of the ESDs not functioning correctly; PSCO also observed cargo pump #2 actively discharging cargo upon arrival for inspection, noting the ESD would not have functioned as designed if needed during transfer operations. ESD system was never found to be in full compliance due to leaks on #2 and #3 cargo pumps, and no rpm sensor on #1 cargo pump. SOLAS 20 II-2/10.8, SOLAS 20 II-2/14.2.1, SOLAS 20 II-2/14.2.2, SOLAS 20 IX/3, ISM Part A/10.2–10.4, 33 CFR 155.780

In machinery spaces of category A, at least two emergency escape breathing devices (EEBDs) shall be provided. Fire protection systems and appliances shall be kept in good working order and readily available for immediate use; PSCO observed EEBDs located outside of the Engine Control Room (ECR) and the incinerator space without charge and not ready for immediate use, and spare EEBDs were also found without charge, indicating the equipment was not maintained in an operational condition as required. SOLAS 20 II-2/13.3.4, SOLAS 20 II-2/14.2

A satellite emergency position-indicating radio beacon (EPIRB) operating on the 406 MHz band shall be provided; the EPIRB shall be registered with the national authority. The company and the ship shall comply with the requirements of the International Safety Management Code. For the purpose of this regulation, the requirements of the Code shall be treated as mandatory. The Company should establish procedures to ensure that new personnel and personnel transferred to new assignments related to safety and protection of the environment are given proper familiarization with their duties. Instructions which are essential to be provided prior to sailing should be identified, documented and given. The Company should establish procedures, plans and instructions, including checklists as appropriate, for key shipboard operations concerning the safety of the ship and the prevention of pollution. The various tasks involved should be defined and assigned to qualified personnel; PSCO observed the vessel’s EPIRB was not registered under the vessel’s current name following a name change, with no updated registration documentation available, indicating inadequate crew familiarization and failure to implement shipboard procedures to maintain and verify required EPIRB registration with the national authority. SOLAS 20 IV/7.1.6, SOLAS 20 IX/3, ISM Code Part A/6.3, 7

The company and the ship shall comply with the requirements of the International Safety Management Code. For the purpose of this regulation, the requirements of the Code shall be treated as mandatory. The Company should establish procedures, plans and instructions, including checklists as appropriate, for key shipboard operations concerning the safety of the ship and the prevention of pollution. The various tasks involved should be defined and assigned to qualified personnel. The Company should ensure that inspections are held at appropriate intervals. The Company should ensure that any non-conformity is reported, with its possible cause, if known, and appropriate corrective action is taken; PSCO observed water leaking from water seal vacuum pump #3 in the cargo pump room, and the Marine Chemist observed crew cleaning the deck as he entered to gas free the pump room for Coast Guard personnel entry, with water evident again thereafter, indicating failure to maintain equipment to prevent leaks and to implement corrective action beyond cleaning. System is used to achieve prime on #1 cargo pump and is required for proper system operation. SOLAS 20 IX/3, ISM Code Part A/7, 10.2-10.3

All surfaces with temperatures above 220°C which may be impinged as a result of a fuel system failure shall be properly insulated or otherwise protected; PSCO observed missing lagging on the incinerator exhaust piping, leaving hot surfaces exposed in proximity to potential oil spray and indicating noncompliance with the requirement to insulate or otherwise protect such surfaces. SOLAS 20 II-2/4.2.2.6.1

Maintenance, testing and inspections shall be carried out based on guidelines developed by the Organization and in accordance with the ship’s maintenance plan. The maintenance plan shall include at least the following fire protection systems and fire-fighting systems and appliances … The company and the ship shall comply with the requirements of the International Safety Management Code. For the purpose of this regulation, the requirements of the Code shall be treated as mandatory. The Company should establish procedures, plans and instructions, including checklists as appropriate, for key shipboard operations concerning the safety of the ship and the prevention of pollution. The various tasks involved should be defined and assigned to qualified personnel. The Company should ensure that inspections are held at appropriate intervals. The Company should ensure that any non-conformity is reported, with its possible cause, if known, and appropriate corrective action is taken. Verify portable fire extinguishers are in place, properly arranged and are in proper condition, including checks that seals/tamper indicators are intact, pressure gauges or indicators (where fitted) are within the operating range, and there is no visible damage, corrosion, leakage, or obstruction of nozzles/horns. PSCO observed monthly inspections were not being conducted on portable fire extinguishers located by the starboard side lifeboat, in the Engine Control Room (ECR), and on the port side main deck adjacent to the oxygen/acetylene storeroom, with no evidence of current monthly inspection records, indicating failure to comply with the required inspection regime and associated ISM procedures. SOLAS 20 II-2/14.2.1, SOLAS 20 II-2/14.2.2, SOLAS 20 IX/3, ISM Part A/7, ISM Part A/10.2–10.3, MSC.1/Circ.1432

Maintenance, testing and inspections shall be carried out based on guidelines developed by the Organization and in accordance with the ship’s maintenance plan. The maintenance plan shall include at least the following fire protection systems and fire-fighting systems and appliances … The company and the ship shall comply with the requirements of the International Safety Management Code. For the purpose of this regulation, the requirements of the Code shall be treated as mandatory. The Company should establish procedures, plans and instructions, including checklists as appropriate, for key shipboard operations concerning the safety of the ship and the prevention of pollution. The various tasks involved should be defined and assigned to qualified personnel. The Company should ensure that inspections are held at appropriate intervals. The Company should ensure that any non-conformity is reported, with its possible cause, if known, and appropriate corrective action is taken. Verify fire stations, including fire hoses and nozzles, are in place, properly arranged and in serviceable condition. PSCO observed monthly inspections were not being conducted on fire hose stations located by the starboard side lifeboat, at the Engine Control Room (ECR) entrance, and on the port side main deck adjacent to the oxygen/acetylene storeroom, with no evidence of current monthly inspection records/tags, indicating failure to comply with the required inspection regime and associated ISM procedures. SOLAS 20 II-2/14.2.1, SOLAS 20 II-2/14.2.2, SOLAS 20 IX/3 ISM Part A/7, ISM Part A/10.2–10.3, MSC.1/Circ.1432

Ships shall comply with the requirements of the International Safety Management (ISM) Code, as adopted by the Organization. For the purpose of this regulation, the requirements of the Code shall be treated as mandatory. The Company should establish procedures, plans and instructions, including checklists as appropriate, for key shipboard operations concerning the safety of the ship and the prevention of pollution. The various tasks involved should be defined and assigned to qualified personnel. The Company should establish procedures to ensure that the ship is maintained in conformity with the provisions of the relevant rules and regulations and with any additional requirements which may be established by the company. In complying with paragraph 10.1, the Company should ensure that: inspections are held at appropriate intervals; any non-conformity is reported, with its possible cause, if known; appropriate corrective action is taken; and records of these activities are maintained. The Company should identify equipment and technical systems the sudden operational failure of which may result in hazardous situations and should provide for specific measures which aim to promote the reliability of such equipment or systems. The Company should establish procedures for the implementation of corrective action. PSCO observed the cargo pump RPM sensor wiring found disconnected from the sensor with electrical tape wrapped around the end of the wire, indicating the cargo machinery was not operating as designed and that deficiencies were not corrected or maintained in accordance with the company’s procedures and IMO requirements. SOLAS 20 IX/3, ISM Part A/7, ISM Part A/10.1, ISM Part A/10.2 ISM Part A/10.3, ISM Part A/10.4

Bulwarks or guard rails shall be fitted on all exposed decks to which the crew have access; for tankers a permanent fore-and-aft gangway shall be fitted to provide safe passage between the accommodation and the foredeck, with guard rails or handrails on both sides. PSCO observed two broken vertical stanchions on the port quarter of the cargo deck area, resulting in discontinuous or unsupported guard rails and inadequate protection for safe passage to the foredeck, indicating noncompliance with the required crew protection arrangements.

An alarm system shall be provided indicating any fault requiring attention and shall be capable of sounding an audible and visual alarm in the main machinery control room or at the propulsion machinery control position, and indicate visually each separate alarm function at a suitable position. Vessel's Alarm Monitoring System (AMS) is only partially operable as alarms for the bilge, oily water separator, etc. fail to trigger the alarm system. Vessel possesses a Panama flag dispensation letter that allows them to temporarily sail with the system malfunctioning. 74 SOLAS (04) II-1/51.1.1

No electrical equipment shall be installed in any space where flammable mixtures are liable to collect including those on board tankers unless the Administration is satisfied that the equipment is appropriately certified for safe usage in the dusts, vapours or gases likely to be encountered. The casing of 01 explosion-proof light in the port midship store was observed to be cracked. 74 SOLAS (04) II-1/45.10.4

The condition of the ship and its equipment shall be maintained to conform with the provisions of the present regulations to ensure that the ship in all respects will remain fit to proceed to sea without danger to the ship or persons on board. The frequency gauge for the emergency generator was found to be inoperable. 74 SOLAS (04) I/11(a)

Each vessel vapor connection flange face must have a permanent stud projecting outward that has a 12.7 millimeter (0.5 inch) diameter and is at least 25.4 millimeters (1 inch) long. It must be located at the top of the flange face, midway between boltholes, and in line with the bolthole pattern. One vapor connection on each Port and Starboard manifolds were found with broken studs. 46 CFR 39.2001(j)

Where cables which are installed in hazardous areas introduce the risk of fire or explosion in the event of an electrical fault in such areas, special precautions against such risks shall be taken to the satisfaction of the Administration. Port Cable Junction Box serving deck electrical components has wastage/holes on the bottom. 74 SOLAS (04) II-1/45.5.4