The Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA) has imposed a 180-day ban on an Indian-flagged bulk carrier due to repeated safety risks, following the operator’s failure to report serious defects in the vessel’s main engine and machinery while visiting Australian ports.
Inspections conducted by AMSA at the Port of Melbourne revealed multiple maintenance issues onboard, including defective main engine control systems, faulty alarm monitoring systems, and inadequate generator starting arrangements. The ship exhibited 19 deficiencies, indicating a failure to maintain it after survey, along with shortcomings in the safety management system.
AMSA’s Executive Director of Operations, Michael Drake, emphasized the significant risks posed by these defects to both the Australian marine environment and the safety of the crew. He condemned the operator for disregarding safety concerns despite prior notifications. Drake also highlighted the potential consequences of such negligence, including loss of power during critical navigation, which could result in grounding or collision.
As informed, AMSA’s stringent response reflects its commitment to ensuring maritime safety and its zero-tolerance stance towards unsafe vessels. The organization has observed a rise in main engine defects and has been proactive in addressing substandard vessels, as evidenced by the issuance of Marine Notice 10/2022 in November 2022.
Drake emphasized that compliance with reporting obligations could have averted the vessel’s detention under port State control procedures, underscoring the importance of cooperation between operators and regulators to uphold safety standards in Australian waters.
