MIKE THOMAS

In addition to the requirements contained elsewhere in the present regulations, ships shall be designed, constructed, and maintained in compliance with the structural, mechanical, and electrical requirements of a classification society which is recognized by the Administration in accordance with the provisions of regulation XI-1/1, or with applicable national standards of the Administration which provide an equivalent level of safety. PSCO was notified by the vessel's agent that the vessel struck bottom while in port. The structural condition of the hull and watertight integrity could not be verified by the Administration.

Whenever an accident occurs to a ship or a defect is discovered, either of which affects the safety of the ship or the efficiency or completeness of its life-saving appliances or other equipment, the master or owner of the ship shall report at the earliest opportunity to the Administration, the nominated surveyor or recognized organization responsible for issuing the relevant certificate, who shall cause investigations to be initiated to determine whether a survey, as required by regulations 7, 8, 9 or 10, is necessary. If the ship is in a port of another Contracting Government, the master or owner shall also report immediately to the appropriate authorities of the port State and the nominated surveyor or recognized organization shall ascertain that such a report has been made. PSCO was notified by the vessel's agent that the vessel reportedly struck bottom while berthed in port. While on-board for the PSC-B exam, the PSC team was not notified of the grounding. There has not been a comprehensive damage assessment to verify the structural integrity of the vessel.