The Republic of the Marshall Islands Maritime Administrator has issued a Marine Safety Advisory to urge operators to exercise extreme caution when calling China as it continues to receive reports of ships unable to maneuver in high-density traffic or narrow waters in the country.
The incidents occur for various reasons as highlighted below.
1. Loss of propulsion
Incidents have occurred immediately after a ship leaves the shipyard following repairs. Frequently, the berth-trial or sea-trial have not been carried out for a sufficient period. While underway to the next port, issues arise that lead to a loss of propulsion. When this occurs in China’s narrow waters, it often leads to emergency anchoring, and subsequent investigation by the China Maritime Safety Administration (MSA), including an expanded port State control inspection that results in a detention.
Reasons for the loss of propulsion have been problems with the main engine, including:
- exhaust valves not operating properly;
- fuel system or air/vapor locks leakages;
- remote control failures; and
- governor failures.
2. Fuel-oil changeover
Incidents have occurred where there has been insufficient or incorrect fuel preparation before the changeover. This has caused the diesel generator engines to trip, consequently causing the vessel to lose electric power.
These incidents show the importance of good maintenance for all main and auxiliary machinery with robust testing prior to entering any area of high-density traffic or narrow waters in China. It is in this light that the Administrator reminds shipowners, operators, and Masters that:
- Proper main engine and steering gear testing is required when repairs have been completed. This should be done prior to entering any area of high-density traffic or narrow waters.
- Crew should be familiar with the fuel oil changeover procedures when entering or exiting Sulphur Emission Control Areas, and in dealing with any emergency situations.
- When equipment or machinery is found faulty, in addition to reporting to Class or the Administrator (as required by the International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea, 1974), the coastal State and local MSA should be promptly notified.
- Shanghai MSA has made an Announcement on strengthening the safety management of ships with machinery failure. It is available on their website in Chinese only.
- Any inability to maneuver or loss of propulsion incident in China must be reported by the Master directly to the local authorities and to the Administrator
