EPIC ST. GEORGE

Ships carrying flammable or toxic products or both, a water spray system for cooling, fire prevention and crew protection should be installed to cover: exposed cargo tank domes, cargo liquid and vapor discharge and loading manifolds and the boundaries of superstructures and deck houses normally manned, cargo compressor rooms, cargo pump rooms, store room containing high fire risk items and cargo control rooms, all facing the cargo area. PSCOs observed inadequate coverage due to at least 10 clogged deck water spray nozzles between the port and starboard sides of the vessel over cargo tanks #1 and #2 as well as the cargo compressor room. Over the cargo manifolds on either side of the vessel, coverage was observed to be 0% due to clogged nozzles. 74SOLAS(14) VII/13.1; IGC 1993 11.3.1

The condition of the ship and its equipment should be maintained to conform with the provisions of the code to ensure that the ship will remain fit to proceed to sea without danger to the ship or persons on board. PSCOs identified two cargo gas leaks; one located on the field test valve for the #1 cargo tank forward safety relief valve (611330A), and one located on the field test valve for the #2 cargo tank forward safety relief valve (611330C). 74SOLAS(14) VII/13.1; 1993 IGC 1.5.3.1

All gasketed pipe joints and hose connections should be electrically bonded. Bonding straps throughout the cargo deck were found broken, wasted, and generally not connected to kee the piping electrically continuous. 74SOLAS(14) VII/13.1; IGC 1993 5.2.1.4

The company should establish procedures to ensure that the ship is maintained in accordance with the provisions of the relevant rules and regulations established by the company. Due to the objective evidence in listed 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. Further, as per the vessel's SMS Gas Carrier Manual Chp 4.8; Danger of ignition by static electricity is reduced is the system is correctly bonded. SMS work order ID 835-0; Check that all cargo pipelines are electrically continuous, in good order. Work order stated routine inspection was completed and the order was closed on 23JAN21. As per the vessel's SMS Gas Carrier Manual Chp 4.9; firefighting appliance shall be kept in good order and tested regularly and be available for immediate use at all times the water spray should be set to protect the manifold and should be tested. SMS deck spray system and tank cooling spray monthly test record has a log entry dated 30JAN21; tested all nozzles checked, no sign of clog, in good order. This is directly contradicted by the condition of the systems observed by the attending PSCOs. An external audit conducted by the Flag or RO 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 to USCG prior to departure from port. 74SOLAS(14) IX/3.1; ISM CODE 10.1