PSC inspections focus on emergency systems

The CIC will run from 1 September to 30 November 2019. Currently participating are the Tokyo, Paris, Black Sea, Indian Ocean, Mediterranean, Riyadh and Viña del Mar MOUs.

This year’s CIC aims to ensure compliance with the requirements for emergency equipment and the crew’s ability to respond to emergency situations. Like previous years, the CIC will be included as an additional part of routine port state control inspections.

Potential focus areas and recommendations

Previous inspections have raised concerns with emergency lighting, batteries and switches and emergency generators. These are likely to be the focus of the coming inspections. Ship operators and their crews are encouraged to familiarise themselves with regulatory requirements; review any previous deficiencies related to emergency systems; ensure all emergency equipment and systems are installed and operating properly; evaluate the effectiveness of maintenance of emergency equipment and systems and ensure crew familiarity with emergency systems and procedures and that drills are conducted and properly documented.

Under SOLAS Regulation III/19, every crew member is required to participate in at least one abandon ship drill and one fire drill every month and crew members with enclosed space entry or rescue responsibilities shall participate in an enclosed space entry and rescue drill once every two months.