Brazil - Port State Control Concentrated Inspection Campaign

Club correspondents Pandibra-McLintock Services Ltda, Santos advise that port state control in Brazil is running a Concentrated Inspection Campaign (CIC) from 1 April 2010 to 30 June 2010.

The CIC is focusing on compliance with SOLAS Chapter II-1; Construction – Structure, Subdivision and Stability, Machinery and Electrical Installations, and SOLAS Chapter V; Safety of Navigation.

A ten point inspection checklist has been drafted in Portuguese and English detailing the regulatory requirements that will be subject to inspection as part of the CIC. The areas that are to be inspected are:

• The correct operation of the emergency steering system.
• The correct operation of the open/closed indicators on the bridge for openings in the hull.
• The provision of an emergency source of sufficient electrical power to all required services.
• The periodic testing of the emergency electrical installation and the recording of test results.
• The provision of an administration approved “Ship Structure Access Manual” for the conduct of inspection and thickness measurement.
• The provision of an administration approved damage control plan.
• The correct operation of audible and visual hydraulic steering system reservoir low level alarms.
• The correct operation of the emergency electrical power source for the main and emergency steering gear.
• The provision of instructions for the changeover from the main to the emergency steering system.
• The familiarity of the ship’s officers with the procedure for changing from the main to the emergency steering system.

Members are advised to ensure that vessels trading to Brazil during the duration of the CIC are aware of the campaign and are suitably prepared.