Following release of its PSC annual report in June, ClassNK underlined that deficiencies related to defects with quick closing valves for fuel oil tanks were frequently reported by PSC officers.
In the majority of cases, quick closing valves were inoperative due to seizing of the quick closing valves, air leakage and other circumstances caused by a failure in proper onboard maintenance.
Further, it has been reported that the closure of quick closing valves has been prevented intentionally by lashing or disconnection of air lines or supports to keep valves in open positions.
Whenever a defective condition of quick closing valves is detected, it should be pointed out as a deficiency. Further, there is a possibility that the deficiency might be judged as a lack of proper SMS implementation.
Given the above situation, it is recommended that visual inspection and proper maintenance of all quick closing valves, including air lines and operation test of quick closing valves, be carried out at appropriate intervals for all ships in your fleet.
