Tokyo MOU identifies lifeboats as most frequent detainable deficiency for 2009

Yesterday, the Tokyo MOU released its Annual Report on Port State Control in the Asia-Pacific Region for 2009, summarizing the results of inspections carried out by member Authorities. For this years report , the Tokyo MOU carried out a concentrated inspection campaign (CIC) focusing on whether lifeboats and associated launching arrangements are well maintained and whether the crew are aware of the maintenance requirements and of possible dangers in launching and recovering lifeboats.

Of the a total 23,116 PSC inspections conducted in 2009, involving 13,298 individual ships registered under 102 flags, it was found that lifeboats (lifesaving appliances) was the most frequent detainable deficiency for the year with 174 total detentions.

The report overview summarized the CIC findings:

During the 3-month (September – November) campaign period, the Tokyo MOU member Authorities carried out 4,834 CIC inspections. Based on the preliminary analysis, 18.2% of inspections revealed CIC-related deficiencies. A total of 1,764 CIC-related deficiencies were recorded. The campaign revealed almost 12% of the drills, when conducted, were not performed satisfactorily, which often proved a result of inadequate training. Furthermore, the procedures or instructions and identification of hazards associated with launching and recovery of lifeboats were found unsatisfactory on 14.8% of vessels inspected. These are related to the safety management system on board the ship. Of a total number of 332 ships detained during the CIC period, 123 or 37% were due to serious deficiencies on the lifeboat launching appliances and arrangements. This represents a detention rate for the CIC of 2.54%, while the overall detention rate during the same period is 5.35%.

In addition to faulty lifeboats, maintenance of the ship and equipment, fire-dampers, emergency fire pump and oil filtering equipment deficiencies also topped the detention list.

For a full copy of the 2009 annual report, CLICK HERE or visit http://www.tokyo-mou.org/