Member authorities from notable bodies, the Black Sea Memorandum on Port State Control and the Acuerdo Vina Del Mar 1992 are collaborating to launch a Concerted Inspection Campaign (CIC). The campaign’s primary motive is to ramp up the comprehension of fire safety among shipowners and their teams. It further intends to ensure strict adherence to fire safety standards as stipulated by relevant International Maritime Organization (IMO) conventions and codes.
Fire Safety Compliance: A Priority
To ensure compliance, Port State Control officers will employ a predetermined questionnaire. This list is intended to verify if the fire-fighting systems and gear meet the necessary regulatory expectations. Further, the questionnaire will probe the familiarity of the captain and crew members with procedures that relate to fire safety. The assessment will also extend to whether the equipment is appropriately maintained and functional.
One Inspection, Multiple Checks
A ship will be subjected to a singular inspection under the CIC during the campaign period. This procedure comes as a supplementary measure to the standard Port State Control inspections. In case flaws are detected, swift rectification will be required. Either on the spot or within a pre-decided timeframe. Non-compliance could result in the detainment of the ship.
Lloyd’s Register’s Role in Safe Operations
In light of these measures, Lloyd’s Register underscores the criticality of maintaining ships to ensure seamless operations and readiness for such inspections. As an aid to masters and officers, the PSC Pocket Checklists App has been developed. This joint initiative by Lloyd’s Register and the UK P&I Club serves as free assistance, ensuring comprehensive readiness. The app is readily available for both iPhone and Android operating systems, providing a gamut of checklists to better prepare the sailors.
Enforcing fire safety rules can accelerate the safety of the sea, benefiting crew members and, consequently, the whole maritime industry. The synchronized efforts of influential maritime bodies indeed illuminate the path towards safer seas.
