The American Club has released a new Good Catch safety series, emphasizing the importance of maintaining a clean and well-organized engine room to prevent fire hazards and ensure vessel safety. The case details a recent Port State Control (PSC) detention of a general cargo vessel following multiple engine room deficiencies related to fire prevention.
A general cargo vessel was detained after a Port State Control (PSC) inspection identified multiple engine room deficiencies related to fire prevention.
According to the PSC report, the inspector’s initial impression upon entering the engine room was unfavorable, prompting a more detailed inspection of the vessel’s systems and safety arrangements.
The inspection revealed several deficiencies, including:
- Excessive oil leaks in the engine room.
- Missing or oil-soaked insulation on machinery.
- An electrical control panel showing signs of overheating.
- Saltwater pipe leaks dripping onto electrical components.
- Extension cords running through an open fire door, potentially hindering its operation during emergencies.
- Improperly stored oily rags in plastic containers throughout the engine room.
- Flammable liquids not stored in approved cabinets.
Given the number and severity of the deficiencies, the PSC inspector determined there were non-compliance issues and required all items to be corrected. The vessel’s classification society was notified, and an external Safety Management System (SMS) audit was ordered before the vessel could depart.
Although cargo operations were not interrupted, the vessel remained detained for seven days while the crew, assisted by vendors, rectified the issues and completed the audit.
Financial Impact
During the detention, the vessel was placed off-hire and had to be shifted to a lay berth, incurring berthing, pilotage, and tug costs. Additional expenses were recorded for the SMS audit and travel costs for the auditor’s representative.
The total financial impact exceeded USD 23,000.
Potential Consequences
Had a fire occurred as a result of these deficiencies, the potential damage and related claims would have been significantly higher than the cost of the detention.
Preventive Measures
The case highlights the importance of routine engine room housekeeping and maintenance as essential elements of fire safety and operational compliance. Preventive actions include:
- Treating engine room cleaning as a scheduled maintenance task to eliminate fire hazards.
- Replacing faulty lighting and cleaning fixtures regularly for better visibility.
- Building a safety culture that ensures prompt repairs and discourages temporary fixes.
- Ensuring flammable liquids are stored in approved cabinets or paint lockers.
- Using approved steel containers with lids for storing oily rags.
- Avoiding long-term reliance on extension cords or catch basins as temporary solutions.
Maintaining a clean, well-managed engine room not only minimizes fire risks but also demonstrates strong adherence to international safety standards and PSC compliance.
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Source: The American Club
