On Structural Safety and the International Convention on Load Lines
The Hong Kong Marine Department (HKMD) has issued a circular letter, which concerns theConcentrated Inspection Campaign (CIC) on Structural Safety and the International Convention on Load Lines (1st September to 30th November 2011).
This circular letter reminds, among others, the main information displayed in the Paris and Tokyo MoUs Press release.
This guideline details each one of the 17 below listed areas, on which the campaign will focus with respect to Structural Safety and Load Lines and which are considered critical that any non-compliance detected by a PSCO may result in ship detention.
Q1
- Is there a valid Load Line Certificate (incl. exemption) on board ?
Q2
- Is there a relevant valid Ship Safety Certificate (incl. exemption) on board ?
Q3 Is the specific documentation regarding structural requirements for various vessel types in accordance with the relevant conventions ?
- Q3a For bulk carriers and Tankers – Enhanced Survey Program (ESP) data and Condition Evaluation Report
- Q3b For Oil Tankers (Category 2 and 3 of 15 years of age and over) – CAS Statement of Compliance
- Q3c For ships built on or after 1st January 2007 a set of as-built construction drawings and plans showing any subsequent structural alterations
- Q3d Other relevant documentation or access to systems
Q4
- Have stability and strength data been found on board ?
Q5
- Q5a Is there a loading instrument on board ?
- Q5b Do it appear to be in working order ?
Q6
- Does the protection of hatch openings and of other openings appear to be satisfactory ?
Q7
- Do the sea valves and overboard discharges, including their attachment to shell, appear to be satisfactory ?
Q8
- Do the vessel’s hull, bulkheads and deck, appear to be satisfactory ?
Q9
- Do the means of protection for crew and means of access appear to be satisfactory ?
Q10
- Do the freeing ports appear to be satisfactory ?
Q11
- Do the freeboard marks or other marks appear to be in accordance with the Certificates ?
Q12
- Has it been verified as far as possible that the vessel is not submerged or loaded beyond the limits allowed by the Certificates ?
Q13
- Do other items related with freeboard or the structural integrity of the ship appear to be satisfactory ?
HKMD advises also, in this circular letter, to take the following actions before the campaign :
- Management companies should distribute this circular letter and guidelines to their Hong Kong registered ships and make sure that all shipboard staff are fully aware of the Campaign;
- Management companies and/or shipboard staff should carry out similar inspection to verify the compliance with the applicable requirements at all times, in particular prior to the commencement of the Campaign;
- Management companies should ensure that masters and senior officers onboard ship could communicate effectively with PSCOs. Since poor communications with PSCOs during inspection may lead to the detention of your ships.
Source:VeriSTAR Info