As the COVID-19 pandemic led to a number of restrictions, the issue of reactivation of vessels arose, with the Shipowners Club commenting that reactivation following a period of lay up requires very careful management in fully assessing the risks involved.
Thus, the Club issued guidance to boost existent measures that ensure a safe and successful reactivation of their vessel.
#1 Managing vessel reactivation
The extent of reactivation work required is defined by the duration of the lay up and the preservation and maintenance carried out during the lay up.
The vessel reactivation specifications should be defined based upon the following elements:
- lay up Preservation Plan framework in place and lay up logbook records. lay up plan to be preferably approved by class.
- Last classification society survey report, docking report or any other survey report as applicable.
- Classification Society recommendations, condition of Class and any other requirements (including due surveys at the time of reactivation).
- Flag Authority requirement (including due surveys at the time of reactivation).
- Maker’s/manufacturer’s recommendations.
- Internal technical/engineering recommendations.
- Planned maintenance system (PMS) and historical equipment maintenance.
- PMS and current maintenance plan status.
- Previous sea trail records.
#2 Reactivation specification for each equipment/system should include:
- Scope of work for next vessel contract.
- A condition assessment (inspection, function testing, non destructive testing, analysis, etc).
- Overhaul/renewal/replacement requirements.
- Test protocol.
- Sea trial protocol (if necessary).
#3 During the reactivation period, it should be ensured that:
- Reactivation check list is followed.
- Reactivation specification is achieved.
- Reactivation specification job reports are duly recorded in vessel PMS.
- Class status is changed to active status with no due surveys or recommendations.
- PMS is updated.
- Vessel is fit for operation.
- Completion of reactivation period
- In advance of the vessel carrying out any operations following reactivation, operators should ensure the following actions and considerations have been made.
#4 Records: Internal company records should be updated as necessary.
#5 Insurance: Notice should been given to the P&I Club that the vessel is to be reactivated, not less than seven days before the vessel departs the place of lay up so that they can advise of any survey requirements. The H&M provider should also be informed in line with their requirements.
#6 Contract deployment: If the vessel is reactivated for a charter, it’s highly recommended that a contract deployment kick off meeting is organised in order to ensure all systems and contractual equipment is operational and certified. Potential gaps should be identified and reported to management with an accompanying action plan.
#7 Manning levels and crew mobilisation: Manning levels should be clearly defined in terms of both quantity and competency of crew (as per minimum safe manning document/contract deployment inputs/scope of work). Arrangements should be made for the officers and ratings to join the vessel at the appropriate time.
#8 Logistics: All ships stores and/or equipment which may be stored ashore in warehousing should be released and delivered.
#9 Sourcing: The processing of incoming purchase orders for the vessel should be restarted. It is recommended to define the level of priority on purchase orders as some may be important for the reactivation process and the upcoming charter.
#10 Vessel autonomy: Start all systems in order to confirm good working order and regain autonomy once disconnected from any shore power facilities. A lay up preservation checklist1 can be used during reactivation in order to ensure listed items are not overlooked.
#11 Pending recommendations or non conformities: Check the status of all audit recommendations and define an action plan for closure of critical findings before class and flag attendance.
#12 Flag State: Inform the flag State that the vessel is being/has been reactivated and is in/will be in an operational condition. This should be done in good time to allow for their attendance if required.
For vessels laid-up for a period of less than 3 months:
Class surveyor must attend if:
- Any overdue/due surveys and certificates expired (for delegated vessels)
- Conditions of Class which must be closed by a surveyor and limit date is due
For vessels laid-up for a period of 3 months or more:
- In addition to conditions above, the Class surveyor must attend to change the class status of the vessel from laid-up to in operation
#13 Communications: Communication systems should be reactivated, including the IT server and any cyber security measures as applicable.
#14 Food and other provisions: A complete inventory of food and other provisions, such as personal protective equipment (PPE), safety equipment spares, deck and engine room equipment and consumables, should be undertaken and where necessary replenishment order should be placed.
#15 Fresh water: Fresh water tanks confirmed as clean and fresh water order placed.
#16 Fuel: Bunker requirements should be calculated and an order placed.
The Club further advises to:
Organise the annual DP trial if due or if equipment has been shut down for a long enough period to be considered possibly unreliable and DP is to be used during the charter.
Check that equipment is in good working order, whether annual/5 year surveys are due and any recommendations are closed.
Organise inspection of all lifting equipment by a competent person and ensure all certification is valid and available on board.
It should be ensured that all relevant charts (paper and electronic) and publications for the intended operating area are available on board and are up to date with the most recent notice to mariners.
All navigation aids should be checked to ensure they are all in good working order and that valid radio station license is available on board.
Where fitted, a Ship Security Alert System (SSAS) test should be performed. This can be conducted with coast station involvement if due/overdue.
Should there be a requirement to perform an internal audit following an extended period of lay up, this should be arranged.
For a vessel laid up for more than three months, an assessment of marine growth of the hull shall be undertaken. It is highly recommended to perform a flash docking. Special attention should be paid to:
- Condition of the hull.
- Anodes of any similar protection.
- Sea water valves.
- Propellers and thrusters condition including seal check.
