The Republic of the Marshall Islands (RMI) Maritime Administrator announced that it is well aware of the practice of blocking quick closing valves during maneuvering. This practice is not in accordance with International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea (SOLAS) requirements and defeats the purpose of the Quick Closing Valves.
Port State Control in the United States (US) and other areas are finding these valves blocked open, preventing automatic closure in emergency situations. They are currently detaining vessels immediately when this condition is found.
RMI would like to remind concerned parties to ensure that these valves are not blocked preventing the automatic operations and reducing the safety of the vessel. It is critical that vessel crew ensure that these valves are not blocked open.
Source: RMI
