The Bahamas Maritime Authority (BMA) has issued a Technical Alert to inform about a Concentrated Inspection Campaign (CIC) on Bulk Carriers registered in The Bahamas that will take place from 01 August 2024 to 31 December 2024.
The BMA notes with concern the significant increase in Port State Control (PSC) detentions of Bahamas flag bulk carriers over the last couple of years.
Masters of Bahamian ships are requested to review the CIC checklist (FORM069) with relevant crew members and be prepared to answer the questions therein at the next flag state inspection. If no inspection is due in the period of the CIC, the Master may use the checklist as part of their preparation for PSC inspections.
…the BMA stated.
The CIC checklist FORM069 should be completed by the attending inspector at the inspection and the results reported via the BORIS reporting system. Masters, if they wish, may complete the checklist at any time.
BMA provided further instructions to the Flag Approved Nautical Inspectors (ANI):
”The ANI should complete the checklist FORM069 at every flag inspection during the CIC, where practicable. The completed checklist shall be reported to the BMA via the usual BORIS inspection reporting system. A special instruction will be added to the BORIS system as a reminder. Any deficiencies identified are to be reported with other findings of the inspection through BORIS”
This campaign will be conducted at all flag inspections conducted between 01 August and 31 December 2024.
15 Focused Questions on the CIC checklist FORM069
- Has the vessel been fitted with a class approved loading program and has the same been tested for accuracy at regular intervals?
- Does the loading/discharging plan consider the stresses at regular stages of the cargo and ballast operation? and expected draft calculated from loadicator at every sequence, is compared with the visual draft? Has the plan been agreed upon and signed by both the vessel and the terminal?
- Does the vessel have any limitations or restrictions specified in the Loading Manual or Trim and Stability Booklet? (Ref. SOLAS Chapter XII Regulation 6)
- Are the hatch covers maintained and generally in a good condition? Are the bearing pads for the hatch covers free from wear or damage. Are the tolerance limits for a permanent set in the rubber packings of the hatch covers specified by the manufacturers?
- Are the cargo hold booby hatches and other hatchways and opening on main deck in good condition? Have the rubber packings for the same been inspected and maintained regularly?
- Is the vessel in possession of the Shipper’s declaration, have the characteristics of the cargo intended to be loaded been provided to the vessel? Vessel is approved to carry the cargo i.e. Cargo as per Shipper’s declaration is listed in the Cert of compliance with IMSBC Certificate of vessel.
- Are quick-acting cleats and crutches all in place and in good condition? OR Are the auto cleats maintained and in good condition, are the hangar pieces free to move by hand and are the gaps between the hangar and wedges adjusted as per manufacturer’s recommendations?
- Are full ESP files properly kept onboard (survey report, condition evaluation report, thickness measurement report)?
- Are the compression bars and the coaming top / water channels and coaming corner drains clean, free of corrosion and maintained in good condition? (Hatch Covers)
- Are officers familiar with emergency hatch cover operation arrangements and is there evidence of effective training of personnel available on board?
- Are the air pipe vent heads for ballast tanks / fuel tanks and cofferdam spaces in good condition and have been regularly maintained? Is Water Level Detection and Alarm System in Cargo Hold, Forward Dry Spaces and Ballast Tanks in proper working condition.
- If the vessel has a dedicated ballast hold, are the vents / closing devices on this hold in good condition?
- Is there a life line fitted along the main deck for the safety of crew in bad weather? Is the line, stanchions and stanchion holders in good condition and well maintained?
- If the vessel is loading grain, is the vessel in possession of an approved Document Of Authorization to carry grain and a grain loading manual?
- If coal is being carried, was the ship equipped with adequate instruments for monitoring the temperature of the cargo, the atmosphere in the cargo hold, and the pH value of the cargo bilge sample?
