Port State Control - Paris and Tokyo MOUs - Concentrated Inspection Campaign on Fire Safety Systems
The 43 maritime authorities of the Paris and Tokyo MOUs on Port State Control (PSC) have announced that they will be running a joint Concentrated Inspection Campaign (CIC) from 1 September 2012 until 30 November 2012 covering compliance with SOLAS Chapter II-2/Construction – fire protection, fire detection and fire extinction.
Port State Control Officers (PSCOs) conducting routine PSC inspections during the currency of the CIC may refer to an additional checklist of 12 items covering the following areas:
- Fire Control Plan
- Fire detection and alarm systems
- Fire fighting appliances
- Fire suppression systems
- Emergency fire pump and fire main isolation valves
- Escape route lighting
- The planned maintenance system in place in respect of these areas
In addition to the physical inspection and testing of the foregoing areas, the crew may be required to demonstrate their familiarity with the fire fighting systems and appliances and may also be called upon to conduct a fire drill for the benefit of the PSCO.
If deficiencies are found, the action taken will depend on the severity of the findings. Serious deficiencies may result in the vessel being detained, particularly if the PSCO answers “No” to one or more of the six questions on the additional checklist marked with an asterisk.
Members are advised to ensure that their vessels are suitably prepared.