AJAX

Masters, chief engineer officers, chief mates, second engineer officers and any person with immediate responsibilty for loading, discharging, care in transit, handling of cargo, tank cleaning, or other cargo related operations on chemical tankers shall hold a certificate in advanced chemical tanker operations [STCW]. The company should ensure that each ship is manned with qualified and certificated seafarers IAW national and international requirements [ISM 6.2]. Vessel is classed as chemical tanker and holds valid Certificate of Fitness. PSCOs discovered that master on board did not hold Certificate of Proficiency in advanced training for chemical tanker cargo operations. STCW V/1-1.5 and 74 SOLAS(14)IX/3.1 REF ISM 6.2

A chemical tanker shall comply with the requirements of the International Bulk Chemical Code... The conditions of the ship and its equipment shall 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 or without presenting an unreasonable threat of harm to the marine environment. The tank access hatches on the 2S and 5P tanks show visible leaking of liquids. The liquid produced a sheen on deck and has the distinctive spell of gasoline. The vessel has gasoline in each cargo tank and this is a flammable cargo. Other gaskets observed in other tank access hatches also showed signs of not fully sealing. These gaskets were either showing signs of dry rot, or there was signs of oil-like liquid dripping from the seal and damaging the paint, but no gasoline odors existed here. The vessel is classed and certificated as a chemical tanker. 74 SOLAS(14) VII/10.1 REF IBC 1.5.3.1

Parties responsible for fire extinguishing shall be organized and have the capability to complete their duties at all times while the ship is in service. Crew members shall be trained to be familiar with the arrangements of the ship as well as the location and operation of any fire-fighting systems and appliances that they may be called upon to use. PSCOs requested to witness fire drill with scenario of oil fire at starboard manifold (vessel is oil/chemical tanker). PSCOs observed fire-fighting team approach the starboard manifold and begin fighting the fire with fire hose connected to normal fire line (vice foam line). Additionally, PSCOs observed that one fire-fighter did not have his flashlight and another fire-fighter's belt was extremely loose. 74 SOLAS(14)II-2/15.2 10c PSCOs observed 2nd fire drill (scenario: electrical fire in e-gen space) that was satisfactory.

0750 - Fire Prevention - Storage, settling or service tank having a capacity of >500L shall be fitted with a valve directly on the tank capable of being closed from a safe position outside the space. PSCO observed a blocking device in the quick closing valves on the LSMGO service tank. Ship's crew stated the devices were installed during testing on August 23 and never removed. -SOLAS 74am II-2/4

0610 - Lifeboats - A fireprotected lifeboat, when waterborne, shall be capable of protecting the number of persons it is permitted to accomodate when subjected to a continuous fire. When examining the lifeboat PSCO observed that two nozzles for the water spray system were damaged and not functioning as required - 74SOLAS(09am) II-1/31.1.7; LSA 4.9.1

Approved procedures and arrangement manual contains out-dated list of noxious liquid substances allowed to be carried. Ship must provide classification society statement attesting that approved P & A manual, including list of cargoes, complies with revised Annex II of MARPOL 73/78 & its approved COF (12Jun07), prior to 27Aug07.