On 21^st, Mar., Guangdong Maritime Safety Administration detained a bulk carrier with two detention defects. A friend sent a message saying that one of the defects related to VDR was unclear and asked the editor to try explaining it.

This ship has five defects, including two detention defects.

1.10114 Float-free capsule not connected to VDR, "float-free not recording" and "float-free cannot find" alarm activated during PSC inspection.

Detention basis : MSC.333(90) resolution

The meaning of this defect is that PSC inspection found that the self floating data storage unit protection cabin was not connected to VDR, resulting in data storage unit and alarm function failures (possibly due to loose transmission lines).

The defect is based on SOLAS Chapter V and MSC. 333 (90) resolution, which requires VDRs installed on or after July 1, 2014 to be equipped with a self floating recording medium installed in a self floating protective container. This is also the reason for the defect in this case.

Resolution belongs to the professional category, and the crew naturally rarely read it, so their understanding of checkpoints is naturally insufficient. However, for this case, it belongs to the type that PSC can easily discover with just a glance at the screen. It is best for the crew to prepare in advance.

The solutions that crew members can come up with for this type of malfunction generally include: restarting the equipment, tightening the wiring column, and replacing the control panel. If none of these three methods can solve the problem, they can only ask the service provider to come over. Therefore, once this kind of alarm is detected and restarting cannot solve the fault, they should write a fault repair application form as soon as possible and prepare a reply email from the company. They should show it to them before PSC inspection, and it is likely to pass by chance.

For VDR, the mandatory installation deadline is July 1, 2002, and all ships should be equipped with it by now. Of course, some ships only need to be equipped with S-VDR due to their tonnage and construction age. The specific requirements can be found in Chapter V of the SOLAS Convention, and you can refer to this timeline.

For VDR and S-VDR standards, IMO has developed four: A.861 (20), MSC. 163 (78), MSC. 214 (81), and MSC. 333 (90). Please refer to the timeline in the following figure.

Resolution MSC. 214 (81) is a revision of the previous VDR performance standards A.861 (20) and S-VDR performance standards MSC. 163 (78), which added requirements for data download and playback devices, including data output interfaces, download software, data cables, etc. The other performance requirements have not changed.

For PSC inspection of VDR, it generally includes:

1. Certificate inspection, PSC will first check what kind of VDR the ship is equipped with, and whether the VDR installed on the ship matches the tonnage and construction year. This is determined by checking the SE certificate FORM-E, and then checking the annual performance test report of the VDR, which is required by SOLAS Chapter V, Article 18.8. Not having an annual inspection report is a serious defect;

2. VDR Function Test

VDR includes a main unit, a recording and storage unit, and an operation panel. The PSC inspection involves checking if there are any alarms on the lower panel, whether the battery has expired, then having the crew switch between the main power supply and the backup power supply, and perform data download and playback.

If the PSC wants to go deeper, they should find the VDR operation manual, locate the corresponding codes, check if the display is correct, and verify whether signals from GPS, radar, ECDIS, AIS, roll, GPS, and AIS sounders are connected and if the wiring is correct.

2.07113 The main isolation valve of fire main line for deck area can not be closed.

Grounds for Detention: SOLAS Convention, Chapter II-2, Regulation 10.2.1.4.

This is a fairly common detention method among PSC authorities in China and even the Asia-Pacific region. The editor has mentioned this multiple times, and you may refer to the following: the deeper the inspection goes, the less lenient PSCOs will be on isolation valve issues. Such non-compliance will definitely result in detention!

Use the fire pump to test for deck leaks via the isolation valve. Use the emergency fire pump to test for engine room leaks via the isolation valve. Poor isolation valves—after repeated operations, there will eventually be a day when they leak.

Three Deficiencies Requiring Rectification Before Sailing (Class 17):

3.14402 The sewage treatment plant sterilization compartment no chlorine tablets

Meaning: No chemicals have been added to the sewage treatment plant. Untreated domestic sewage fails to meet discharge standards, and non-compliant discharge will lead to detention and fines.

The PSCO classified this as a Class 17 deficiency. The editor speculates that the vessel is equipped with a domestic sewage treatment tank and does not discharge directly into the sea, hence detention was not imposed.

4.13103 The boost air gauge of NO.1 E/G malfunction

Meaning: The boost air pressure gauge of Generator No.1 is faulty.

5.04114 One light for E/G switch panel unlit

Meaning: One indicator light on the generator switch panel is not working.

Deficiencies 4 and 5 are relatively minor. Generally, if there are many serious deficiencies, PSCOs will not bother recording such minor issues as faulty gauges, valves, or indicator lights—it would make them appear unprofessional.

Reprinted from PSCReady