Besides the focused Concentrated Inspection Campaign on Emergency Systems, in general, the Port State Control Authorities are focusing on the procedures and equipment related to emergency systems during PSC inspections.
In particular, in all PSC regimes, an inspector checks the following issues which are considered to be important for the safety of the ship:
- Emergency Generator
- Emergency Fire pump
- Emergency Lighting
- Emergency steering gear
Additionally, one or more drills are checked in order verify the readiness in crew’s response, as indicated below
- Fire drill
- Abandon Ship Drill
- Enclosed space entry drill
- SOPEP drill
All above items are characterized as emergency systems with generic 5-dig. PSC code 04XXX. Related deficiencies with regards to Emergency Systems are considered as detainable items from Port State Control Officers. What is more, it is very common for a ship to be detained if the emergency fire pump or emergency generator does not function as required.
PSC Analysis: 2016-2020
Taking into consideration PSC results of the last five years (2016-2020), the Deficiency Category under ‘Emergency Systems’ title is amongst the top 10 (Table 1) and accordingly, the share of Emergency Systems in detainable deficiency codes is significant (Table 2)
According to data, the most common deficiency in the category Emergency Systems globally, during the last 5 years under review, is the 04103 – Emergency Lighting, batteries, and switches. This is also the most common deficiency code in almost all PSC regimes (Expect Vina del mar and AMSA). In essence, this is considered as a common item to be checked by a PSCO; emergency lighting installations and batteries are checked in depth during PSC inspections.
Given that many of the emergency installations are on open deck, these are subject to maintenance failures and malfunctions. Additionally, emergency lighting in accordance to SOLAS should be tested during every drill. Thus, when a PSCO requires the execution of a drill, the related emergency lighting conditions should be check simultaneously.
The most common findings for Emergency Lighting during inspections are:
- Inadequate condition
- Inadequate insulation
- Foundation of emergency light at lifeboat boarding position broken
- Batteries do not provide adequate power to emergency systems
- Insufficient lighting coverage
- Dirty lighting equipment
On the other hand the most common detainable deficiency Emergency Systems’ deficiency code globally is 04114 – Emergency generator. The same stands for almost all PSC regimes (expect for Paris, Black Sea and Indian Ocean MoU). Emergency source of power is considered as an important issue for enhanced safety on board. In fact, SOLAS has a dedicated section in Chapter II, regarding emergency source of power. Therefore, it is important for ship operators to take into consideration that during inspections, PSCOs may ask the crew to activate emergency generator, emergency fire pump and emergency steering gear installation.
The most common remarks for Emergency Generators are:
- Inadequate condition
- Crew not familiar with equipment
- Crew could not start the generator with primary / secondary method
- Emergency switchboard did not display actual status of electrical installation
- Lamp test failure on emergency switchboard
- E/G fuel tank level not as required
- After blackout simulation E/G not started
- Maintenance records missing
- Emergency generator room was not readily accessible (found locked with padlock during emergency)
Another equipment- related important item and a common detainable deficiency is code 04102 – Emergency fire pump and its pipes. In this context, PSCOs often require one fire hose to be placed into forecastle and one into bridge wings and require the crew to activate emergency fire pump and provide sufficient water in the two hoses.
Most common remarks regarding Emergency Fire Pump on board are:
- Inadequate condition
- Excessive water leakage
- Not sufficient pressure to support hoses
- Crew could not operate the emergency pump
- Maintenance records missing
Apart from the emergency equipment procedural, related items are checked during PSC inspections. As shown on Table 2, in Paris MoU the most common detainable deficiency code for Emergency systems is 04019 – Fire drills. The other PSC related codes for drills are:
- 04110 Abandon ship drills
- 04118 Enclosed space entry and rescue drills
- 04119 IGF Code drills and Emergency Exercises
Common findings during PSC inspections
During PSC inspections, drills are also being conducted in order PSCOs to check crew performance during emergencies and their familiarity with procedures and related equipment.
Most common deficiencies remarks during inspections related to drills are:
- Not conducted as required (intervals)
- Crew not familiar with procedure
- Inadequate record keeping
- Inadequate participation (specific crew not participated repeatedly to drill)
- The crew failed to properly demonstrate their ability to fight a shipboard fire during drill
- Crew members used EEBD’s in place of SCBAs to take action against the fire.
- Emergency-lighting not tested during abandon ship drill.
- Enclosed spaces not labeled
- Air measurement instruments not calibrated
- No risk assessment conducted prior entering enclosed space
- Records for multiple drills had identical photos showing the lifeboat and rescue boat lowered to the sea level
The above are the most common Emergency Systems related findings during PSC inspections. However the rest of the codes are also important for ships safety.
04101 – Public Address System
04104 – Low level lighting in corridors
04106 – Emergency steering position com./ compass reading
04108 – Muster list
04111 – Damage control plan
04112 – Shipboard Marine Pollution emergency operations
04113 – Water level indicator
04115 – Safe areas
04116 – Means of communication between safety center and other control stations
04117 – Functionality of Safety Systems
04121 – Crew familiarization with Emergency Systems
Key considerations
Most of the aforementioned findings have to do with familiarity of the crew and functionality of systems. In that regard, a good preparation before PSC inspections is required for all crew members and the Managing Company plays a key role towards. It is advisable a detailed checklist with all items to be prepared and additionally, internal training during on board drills (prior a PSC inspection or a real emergency) to be conducted as it is vital for ships and personnel safety.
