The Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA) said it has revoked MV Al Messilah’s Australian Certificate for the Carriage of Livestock (ACCL) after finding a number of deficiencies during a pre-load and port state control inspection. AMSA conducted both a port state control and livestock pre-loading inspection on the live export vessel Al Messilah at the port of Fremantle on 20 October 2017. AMSA then withdrew the vessel’s Australian Certificate for the Carriage of Livestock after three days, pending the completion of repairs.
AMSA explained that for live export ships additional standards under Marine Order 43 (Cargo and cargo handling – livestock) 2006 (MO43) are being checked during inspections. In particular, in addition to PSC inspections, livestock ships must undergo an initial inspection to ensure compliance with MO43 where they will be issued with an ACCL; and pre-loading inspections before every voyage to ensure they continue to comply with the standards.
”If there are deficiencies found during a pre-loading inspection there are a number of actions that AMSA can take which includes revocation of the vessel’s ACCL until the vessel can demonstrate compliance with MO43.” AMSA stated.
Namely, the following deficiencies found during the inspection, AMSA spokesperson told SAFETY4SEA :
- Holes corroded in the decks and bulkheads throughout the ship as well as wastage of the supporting structure;
- Multiple issues with the electrical cabling including wasted conduits, improperly mounted cables, exposed wires and unsealed electrical junction boxes;
- Unserviceable generator;
- Damaged bulkhead structure;
- Poor quality repairs throughout the livestock decks.
After finding the above multiple defects, the Authority withdrew vessel’s certificates. The vessel has not been refused access to Australian ports, nor has it been detained, AMSA clarified.
”AMSA is awaiting confirmation from the vessel operator about how they intend to rectify the deficiencies. AMSA does not allow ships that are non-complaint with MO43 to carry livestock from Australia” the spokesperson added.
The regulations for the carriage of livestock are made under the Navigation Act 2012 and are contained in Marine Order 43 (Cargo and cargo handling – livestock) 2006 (MO43). The order provides comprehensive design and construction and material requirements for the carriage of livestock. Livestock carriers that comply with MO43 are issued with an Australian Certificate for the Carriage of Livestock (ACCL). The ACCL can only be maintained where the vessel continues to comply with MO43.
Last year, the carrier was involved in an incident in which hundreds of the sheep it was carrying died from heat exhaustion, while underway from Fremantle to the Persian Gulf.
The 1980-built ship was preparing to carry 75,000 sheep to the Persian Gulf, when AMSA officials withdrew her certification on October 23, until repairs are done.
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The above article has been corrected following communication with AMSA which clarified that AMSA has not issued a direction which would prohibit the ship from entering an Australian port or operating.
