Bahamas-Flagged Bulk Carrier Detained in Tacoma Over Safety Issues

This undated photo shows the MV Rena, a 751-foot, Bahamian-flagged cargo vessel, detained in the Port of Tacoma by the Coast Guard due to safety deficiencies Sept. 24, 2015. U.S. Coast Guard Photo

A Bahamas-flagged bulk carrier remains in the Port of Tacoma after U.S. Coast Guard Port State Control inspectors found multiple safety deficiencies.

A Port State Control exam team from Coast Guard Sector Puget Sound boarded the 751-foot MV Rena last Thursday and discovered multiple areas that did not meet regulations set forth in the International Maritime Organization’s Safety of Life at Sea Convention (SOLAS). The most severe deficiency involved the improper pressurization of the crew’s self-contained breathing apparatuses (SCBAs), which would prevent the crew from safely responding to a fire aboard the vessel.

“Coast Guard examiners determined that key safety procedures were inadequate and the crew did not have the necessary equipment to safely respond to an onboard emergency.” said Cmdr. Matt Edwards, Chief of Prevention at Sector Puget Sound. “We will continue to work with the vessel’s crew and the appropriate authorities to ensure that the issues found are corrected before the vessel resumes operations.”

During a Port State Control exam, the Coast Guard conducts an extensive inspection of systems, including fire protection, life saving, machinery, navigation, and pollution control systems as well as assess the crew’s ability to respond to onboard emergencies.

AIS data on Tuesday showed the ship still at anchor at the Port of Tacoma. The ship is to remain in detention until all detainable deficiencies are rectified.

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