USCG warns on ship detentions due to water mist systems

Over 40 foreign flagged vessels detained due to inoperative water mist systems

Fresh Water Supply Valves in “Open” Position

The Republic of the Marshall Islands issued Marine Safety Advisory to inform about the increase in number of vessels detained due to inoperative water mist systems.

This increase in detentions underscores the importance of having all water mist systems fully checked and verified in satisfactory working order prior to entering US waters, particularly in the ports of the US Gulf of Mexico and the US Atlantic Coast.

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Masters, Officers, and crew members should take note that there have been over forty (40) foreign flagged vessels detained due to inoperative water mist systems or found in “manual” mode instead of “automatic” mode.

In several cases, the water supply valve was found in the closed position during the PSC examination, essentially rendering the water mist system “not readily available for immediate use”. As a result, each case resulted in an IMO detention. In many of these cases, the Chief Engineer did not know that the water supply valve was in the closed position and was left in the closed position during maintenance.
In other cases, the water mist system was discovered in “manual” mode and not “automatic” mode, leading to immediate IMO detentions.
It is highly advisable to make frequent rounds and inspections of the water mist system, paying close attention to valve alignment as well as to ensure that there is adequate labeling so that existing and new crew members will know that critical fixed firefighting equipment must be made available for immediate use. The water mist control panels must be kept in “automatic” mode (and power supply turned “on”). Special attention should be given to verify these settings prior to entering a U.S. port.

Masters, Chief Engineers, DPAs, and Ship Superintendents are advised to ensure adequate measures are in place to ensure the water mist system is in the fully operational and in automatic mode (and power supply turned “on”). These measures should be included as part of the vessel’s Safety Management System.

Source & Image Credit: RMI Marine Safety Advisory