USCG issues guidance to assist PSC Officers
The report of investigation for the cruise ship CARNIVAL SPLENDOR fire which occurred in November 2010 was released by the USCG on July 15, 2013.
Based on recommendations of the report and two previously issued USCG Marine Safety Alerts addressing critical concerns pertaining to fixed CO2 systems; the Coast Guard Office of Commercial Vessel Compliance determined that amplifying guidance addressing these concerns was needed. Guidance is intended to assist Port State Control Officers (PSCOs) during examination of fixed CO2 firefighting systems and for conducting fire drills during scheduled passenger vessel examinations.
These guidelines are intended to assist Port State Control Officers (PSCOs) when examining fixed CO2 firefighting systems and conducting fire drills during scheduled passenger vessel examinations. Although this guidance focuses on Cruise Ships, the methodology may be applied to all ships, and is intended to assist in determining that the CO2 system is kept in good working order crew members are trained and familiar with ship arrangements and that the crew competencies comply with the intent of SOLAS III, Regulation 19.3.1 and 19.3.4.
These Guidelines are intended to supplement existing guidanceand should not be considered all inclusive, nor is it expected that the PSCO verify/complete every item herein in order to determine vessel compliance.
Since the CARNIVAL SPLENDOR engine room fire, two more major fires have occurred on cruise ships operating out of U.S. Ports: CARNIVAL TRIUMPH and GRANDEUR OF THE SEAS. These casualties highlight the importance of shipboard firefighting equipment maintenance and proper crew training to ensure their readiness to combat a shipboard fire.
Learn more information in the following link
Guidance for Port State Control Officers regarding CO2 system examinations on cruise ships
