Case 1: EPIRB battery expired

Deficiency Description：The battery of EPIRB expired during the PSC inspection, and the mentioned battery found overdue since Mar 2022 without any action for renewing. Moreover, it was not considered by RO during the time of extension survey on 21 May 2022 as well (EPIRB）

EPIRB is a routine item in PSC inspections, with two key points of focus:

1.Proper installation location. Some officers-on-watch place it inside the wheelhouse, which hinders its free-floating capability – this is not permitted.

EPIRBs should generally be mounted vertically on either side or the top of the wheelhouse, with the drain hole facing downward.

2. The hydrostatic release unit (HRU) or the battery of the EPIRB is expired.

PSC inspectors usually check whether the label of the hydrostatic release unit is punched or blacked out; the date of punching or blacking-out is the expiry date of the unit.

3. The EPIRB certificate is expired.

Case 2: MF/HF radio is inoperable.

Deficiency Description：MF/HF can not be carried out the SSB test when AC power switch off.

MF/HF radio is a routine test item in PSC inspections. Attention should be paid to the requirements for MF/HF standby power supply specified in SOLAS Chapter IV Regulation 13: For the emergency power supply carried on board, if it fully complies with all relevant provisions of Regulation II-1/42 or 43 (including power supply to radio installations), the standby power supply shall last for at least 1 hour.

Experienced PSC inspectors usually adopt this practice when checking this item: they first ask the Third Officer to switch the MF/HF power supply to standby mode, then move on to inspect other items, and return half an hour later to check if the power is still on. If not, this will be classified as a detention-worthy deficiency.

Of course, this trick is not shared with junior PSCOs – this is insider knowledge we rarely disclose.

Case 3 : VDR malfunction

Deficiency Description：The alarm of VDR constantly activated by FPDC (protected data capsule) ERROR, which was reported to the company by the master on 13rd-Dec, but the further reporting to the flag State/RO or Port State is unable to be presented at the time of inspection）.

A VDR memory alarm indicates that the VDR is unable to store recorded data, which constitutes a functional fault and clearly warrants detention.

Upon detecting such an issue, the vessel must immediately report it to the company, flag state and port state, and arrange repairs without delay.

Other common deficiencies related to VDR also include:

1.Equipment and data such as AIS, ECDIS, two radars, configuration data (if applicable) and electronic nautical logbook (if applicable) are not connected to the VDR.

2.Officers-on-watch are unfamiliar with the routine operation and testing of the VDR.

Case 4 : Compass repeater malfunction

Deficiency Description：Transmitting for magnetic compass error and the reading of the magnetic compass is illegible on the steering position.

There is generally one compass repeater in the steering gear room, but such a requirement does not apply to ships of all ages. PSCOs must take note when issuing deficiencies!

The specific time-based requirements are as follows:

Ships constructed on or after 1 July 2002 shall be fitted with a fixed compass repeater.

Ships constructed between 1 February 1992 and 1 July 2002 shall comply with the fitting requirement, and a portable one is acceptable.

No requirement for ships constructed before 1 February 1992.

Case 5 : Voyage planning is a chronic headache.

Deficiency Description：The voyage plan from Busan to Shanghai made on 9th Sep was not cover the whole route from berth to berth.

Case 6 :  Log

Deficiency Description：Ship speed log defective, it displayed at 20 knots when the ship was alongside, and the above failure found by the master on Sep-25,but no proper measures were taken including report to the company or the flag state.

Log malfunction is generally caused by a dirty transducer or marine growth on it and requires cleaning. This issue is best addressed during dry docking.

For logs with replaceable transducers, extra caution must be exercised during replacement. As this equipment is usually maintained by the deck department, deck crew may lack the expertise to disassemble and clean the filter. It is advisable to ask the engine department for assistance. The sea valve must be closed in advance to prevent seawater from entering the vessel.

Case 7 : Nautical charts not updated

Deficiency Description：ENCs with No.C1414110 and C1414170 used for Primary ECDIS and back- up ECDIS not updated for the next intended voyage (Shanghai to Laem Chabang).

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