Australia targets planned maintenance

AMSA states that recent incidents have demonstrated the potentially serious consequences of a lack of effective maintenance of main engines and power generation systems. Therefore, there will be an increase in the focus on planned maintenance during routine PSC inspections of propulsion and auxiliary equipment, including associated systems.

Deficiencies relating to the ISM Code were the most common reason for detentions in 2021 (24% of detainable deficiencies) and 2020 (28.1% of detainable deficiencies) in Australia.

Maintenance of the ship and equipment is a requirement of the ISM Code, including that:

• maintenance inspections are held at appropriate intervals
• any non-conformity is reported, with its possible cause, if known
• appropriate corrective action is taken, and
• records of these activities are maintained.

The ISM Code specifies that the vessel’s Safety Management System (SMS) should identify equipment that would cause hazardous situations if it were to suddenly fail, and provide for specific measures (i.e. regular testing of all equipment including stand-by equipment or systems that are not in continuous use).

AMSA recognises that COVID-19 pandemic restrictions have presented challenges. However, with travel restrictions and quarantine requirements now largely removed in Australia, AMSA expects operators to resume supply of necessary spares and support.

AMSA expects that operators will anticipate supply chain problems and make advance provision in planning maintenance. In exceptional circumstances where spare parts cannot be provided, AMSA expects that the vessel operators will have consulted with the equipment manufacturers, classification society and flag state in preparing appropriate measures to ensure the continued safe operation of equipment and vessel. This could include the reduction in maximum continuous rating of an engine, or the provision of towage services in coastal waters.

During Port State Control inspections, AMSA will place a greater focus on planned maintenance of propulsion and auxiliary equipment and associated systems and will take necessary compliance actions to address any identified areas of concern. This may include the physical attendance of classification society surveyors to verify the condition of critical equipment and its suitability to continue to function under all voyage conditions to maintain safe operations.

This is not a Focused Inspection Campaign (FIC) or Concentrated Inspection Campaign (CIC). Rather, it is a sustained focus on an identified area of concern.

Lloyd’s Register advises ship operators to ensure that planned maintenance of propulsion and auxiliary machinery and associated systems is up to date on arrival at Australian ports. In cases where deficiencies are apparent (e.g. due to a delay in the delivery of spare parts), this should be communicated to the PSC authority prior to arrival in order to prevent problems arising at PSC interventions.