For a ship owner/manager, detention is a worst case scenario. Not only the ship is delayed, imposing additional costs but it also disturbs the records of ship owner and all managed fleet.
In order ship owner/manager to avoid detentions, a well running Company, trained crew, good maintained ships and adequate preparation are vital. Also, the preparation is a critical factor in order to avoid PSC detentions.
Key issues to consider
- A research for the detainable deficiency areas and detainable deficiencies can indicate the items that the local PSC inspectors are focusing on. Further analysis (per ship type and age) may reveal additional information on which items can detain a ship in a specific area.
- The PSC culture of a specific area plays key role; for example inspections with many deficiencies without detentions indicate a PSC authority which is focusing mostly on rectifications. On the other hand, detentions marked with only one or two deficiencies indicate a tough PSC authority
- As shown on Table 1, the 15150 – ISM deficiency code is marked in the majority of detentions. Most of the detainable deficiency codes of Table 1 are marked (with a percentage variation) for different ship types as indicated in Table 2.
- The detainable deficiency codes (top 10 detainable codes) for each ship segment are more or less the same. Therefore, if a ship is well prepared to address these items, it could avoid a detention. However this does not mean that PSCOs will not identify other safety areas/ issues and use different codes for detainable items.
Key items of detentions to be aware of
#1 Emergency Generator
Code 04114 Emergency generator is ranked as follows:
- Global All Ships: 2
- Bulk carrier: 6
- General cargo: 3
- Tankers: 2
- Containers: 2
Most common findings used from PSCOs for deficiency code 04114 Emergency generator are:
- Inadequate condition
- Crew not familiar with equipment
- Crew could not start the generator with primary / secondary method
- Emergency switch board 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)
- Not approved electrical modifications found to components in emergency generator switchboard
- Emergency generator took more than 45 seconds to energized emergency switchboard during sequential test.
- Emergency generator control circuit 24V battery defective
- Emergency generator quick closing valve inoperative
- Emergency power not connected to some navigational systems (AIS/GPS etc)
#2 Lifeboats
Code 11101 Lifeboats is highly ranked during PSC inspections:
- Global All Ships: 3
- Bulk carrier: 5
- General cargo: 4
- Tankers: 8
- Containers: 4
Most common findings (wording) used from PSCO for deficiency code 11101 Lifeboats Emergency generator are
- Inadequate Boat condition
- Not marked as required
- Securing equipment not as required
- Launching means not tested
- SWL missing from launching arrangements
- Engine not started with primary or secondary means (batteries)
- Battery charger found disconnected
- Steering means inoperative
- Launching instructions missing
- Navigational lights inoperative
- Wrong navigational lights sectors
- Auto stop limit switches inoperative
- Broken windows
- Coxswain glass damaged (no visibility)
- Fuel tank found with low level of fuel
- Lub oil used not specific for -15o C activation
- Pins of both lifeboats’ skates seized seriously
- Crew seat belts were restricted with tape preventing crew from safe use
- Release device and interlock system was not reset correct position
- Securing painter missing
#3 Fire Dampers
The deficiency code 07115 – Fire Dampers is ranked as below:
- Global All Ships: 7
- Bulk carrier: 4
- General cargo: >10
- Tankers: 3
- Containers: 5
Most common findings (wording) used from PSCO for deficiency code 07115 Fire Dampers are as follows:
- Inadequate dampers condition
- Excessive corrosion and holes on fire dampers
- Means for closing the fire dampers inoperative
- Fire dampers not closing tightly
- Open and close position not marked
- Engine room supply fan damper corroded at edges
- Air conditioning vent unable to be closed due to wasted seal bar
• PREPARE for forthcoming PSC inspections
• ANALYSE PSC performance to identify strengths & weaknesses
• BENCHMARK fleets against competition and the industry