MONARCA I

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 should include the regular testing of stand-by arrangements and equipment of technical systems that are not in continuous use. The vessel provided completed weekly checklist for the emergency fire pump, but they do not document any actual testing of the pump. The emergency fire pump was inoperable. Recommend an external audit.

Fire-fighting systems and appliances shall be kept in good working order and readily available for immediate use. The emergency fire pump was inoperable.

Stairways and lift trunks which penetrate more than a single deck shall be surrounded by at least "A-0" class divisions and be protected by self-closing doors at all levels. The deck level stairway door was missing completely and 02 additional stairway doors were held open using hold back deices in the main stairway.

Emergency escape breathing devices shall comply with the Fire Safety Systems Code. PSCO found 02 EEBDs in the engine room that were depleted.

Tankers shall be equipped with at least one portable instrument for measuring oxygen and one for measuring flammable vapour concentrations, together with a sufficient set of spares. PSCO observed only one portable instrument onboard and only one calibration gas bottle.

Each cargo tank of a tankship must be equipped with an intrinsically safe high level alarm and a tank overfill alarm. PSCO observed tank overfill alarms for #1 and #2 slop tanks, #1 stbd, #3 port, and #5 port cargo tanks were inoperable.

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 issueing 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. PSCO observed escape hatch in steering room overhead unable to be closed.

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. PSCO observed crew cabin porthole on stbd side of the ship missing external and internal cover.

All items of lifeboat equipment, shall be secure within the lifeboat by lashings, storage in lockers or compartments, storage brackets or similar mountings arrangements or other suitable means. PSCO observed the lifeboat equipment was not secured by any arrangement.

Fire Extinguishers shall be situated ready for use at easily visible places, which can be reached quickly and easily at any time in the event of a fire, and in such a way that their serviceability is not impaired by the weather, vibration, or external factors. PSCO observed the fire extinguishers in the battery room, lifeboat, rescue boat, and cargo pump room were not secured or mounted in brackets.

Cylinders used for containing hazardous ships' stores that are compressed gases must be Filled, marked, and inspected in accordance with 49 CFR 173.301 through 173.308. Cylinders must always be secured and, when not in use, they must be stowed in a rack in an upright position, with the valve protection cap in place. Lockers or housings must be vented to the open air near the top and bottom for positive circulation of vapors. Cylinders must be protected from all sources of heat which may cause the cylinders to be heated to a temperature higher than 130 °F. PSCO found two cylinders of compressed gas unsecured, missing the valves protection caps, and no markings for identification.

Fire-fighting systems and appliances shall be kept in good working order and readily available for immediate use. PSCO observed the main fire pump was initially inoperable, but after 30 minutes was satisfactorily tested with sufficient pressure.

Stairways and lift trunks which penetrate more than a single deck shall be surrounded by at least "A-0" class divisions and be protected by self-closing doors at all levels. The deck level stairway door was missing completely and 02 additional stairway doors were held open using hold back devices in the main stairway.