Australia Revokes MV Jawan’s Livestock Carriage Certificate

A still image from video shows the MV Jawan listing after leaving its berth.

The Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA) has revoked the Australian Certificate for the Carriage of Livestock (ACCL) for the Panamanian-flagged livestock carrier, MV Jawan, because the vessel’s approved stability data could not be verified.

The Jawan was scheduled to depart from the port of Portland on a journey from Australia to Pakistan today after the vessel’s classification society, on behalf of the flag state, provided their assessment of the ship’s stability.

The revocation comes following an investigation into an incident last month during which the vessel began rolling heavily when it departed from its berth with more than 4,300 cattle. The master of the vessel requested the vessel be returned to the berth and an attending AMSA Marine Surveyor boarded the vessel as soon as it was secured.

“All vessels that visit Australia are required to have approved stability information and must calculate the vessel’s stability for every voyage in accordance with the Safety of Life at Sea Convention (SOLAS), given effect in Australian law through the Navigation Act 2012,” AMSA said in a statement.

“Where a master fails to properly determine a vessel’s stability, or the approved information the master uses is unreliable, there is a significant risk. It is a fundamental requirement for vessel owners and masters to have stability information to rely on.”

AMSA’s Chief Executive Officer, Mick Kinley, said that revoking the ACCL was considered the only option given the circumstances.

“It is extremely concerning that the operators are unable determine the vessel’s stability in a loaded condition since its recent dry-docking and the operator and classification society seem unable to provide a plausible explanation for this situation. It’s a very basic requirement,” Mr Kinley said.

AMSA expects the vessel will be subject to a detailed examination by the operator and classification society. This may include an ‘inclining experiment’ to fully determine the vessel’s condition and why the current data cannot be relied upon.

AMSA will also be working with the vessel’s operator, flag state and classification society to determine how the problems with the vessel’s stability data have originated.

“Masters, operators and exporters are reminded of their obligations under Australian regulations and international conventions and loading of livestock will be prohibited if these requirements are not met,” the AMSA said.

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