A major classification society has released a batch of detention deficiencies from Q1. We've compiled them for sharing, hope you find them useful.

1. Self-closing valves for Main Engine Lubricating Oil System and Marine Gas Oil System are blocked permanently in open position. Steam line insulation not maintained

Judging from the picture, this is not the quick-closing valve in our traditional sense, but the self-closing valve installed beneath the level gauges of the lubricating oil tank and the daily service distillate oil tank.

Indeed, this valve is required to be self-closing.

The regulatory basis is found in SOLAS Regulation II-2/4.2.2.3.5.2：Other oil-level gauges may be used in place of sounding pipes subject to the following conditions:

2. in cargo ships, the failure of such gauges or overfilling of the tank shall not permit release of fuel into the space. The use of cylindrical gauge glasses is prohibited. The Administration may permit the use of oil-level gauges with flat glasses and self-closing valves between the gauges and fuel tanks.

2. Emergency Generator Room telephone connection to hand set damaged

Judging from the picture, the wire is broken.

3. Emergency exit from crane found wasted and damaged

Cranes, windlasses and cargo holds are rarely inspected by domestic PSCOs, while such areas draw much attention from Australian and European ones.

4. Faulty closing mechanism and dogs of bobby hatch cover restrict the wheel to positively close

5. Lifeboat drain valve unable to close automatically due to stuck float balls with garbage

This drain valve generally consists of a float and a cock. When the lifeboat leaves the water, the float drops to drain the water inside the boat. When the lifeboat enters the water, the float rises to seal the opening and prevent water from getting in. A typical design is shown in the figure below.

I often come across such issues during PSC inspections: the float is missing, crushed, or simply not installed.

6. Accommodation door deformed

The deformation is not serious judging from the picture. I usually don't note such deficiencies, and this case must have encountered a rather strict PSCO.

7. Twist lock foundation at container housing cracked

 I've also come across this many times on container ships – if you check carefully enough, you can find at least two on nearly every single one.

8. Fuel Oil Settling tank manhole cover leaking

9. Excessive oil soaked around main engine service piping

10. Steam heating valve for fuel oil tank, insulation deteriorated and not maintained

11. Main engine fuel pipe metallic sheathing damaged with missing part and not maintained

12. Cable penetration at Boatswain store with corrosion and damage

13．Fixed gas detection system failed to test hydrocarbon gas

14.Broken guard rail

It seems like a minor deficiency, but it deserves full attention. I often come across cases where main deck railings are crushed by cargo — either the height falls short of 1 meter, the middle rail is broken or deformed, or the gap exceeds 230 mm. Trivial as it may seem, it is a detainable deficiency.

Convention requirements stipulate that railings on superstructures and freeboard decks shall have at least three rails. The opening clearance below the lowest rail must not exceed 230 mm, the clearance between other rails must not exceed 380 mm, and the total height shall be at least 1 meter.

Here are a few detention examples.

The clearance below the lowest protective railing at the stern of this vessel measured 400 mm, exceeding the 230 mm limit, and the vessel was detained by Dalian FSCO.

The lowest rail clearance of this vessel was 270 mm and it was detained by Jiangsu PSCO.

This vessel was detained by Tianjin Dagu Kou Maritime Safety Administration for the following deficiencies: the opening clearance below the lowest rail of the main deck railing measured 340 mm and that of the lifeboat deck railing measured 490 mm.

This picture shows a barge whose railings were cut off for easier loading operations, and it was detained by Weifang Maritime Safety Administration for several days.

These are common deficiencies for your reference.

---------------------------------- Reprinted from PSCReady