The editor-in-chief’s remarks are not groundless. In just a few days, there have been at least 3 detention cases due to ballast water treatment systems failing to meet convention requirements, which means PSCs have started cracking down on ballast water issues...

01 The First Vessel Detained for Ballast Water Equipment Issues

On September 10, Rizhao MSA detained the Panamanian-flagged cargo vessel ATMA ANA D (IMO No. 1070363). A small general cargo ship with a deadweight of 2,660 tons, she was keel-laid on October 19, 2023, making her a newbuild.

During the PSC boarding inspection, inspectors found that the vessel’s International Ballast Water Management Certificate clearly indicated a D1 ballast water treatment method. Given the current regulatory requirements, it was incredibly reckless of the vessel to operate without a ballast water treatment system installed.

In light of this, the PSCO detained the vessel without hesitation, and Rizhao MSA featured this case as a typical example on its official WeChat account.

In fact, the vessel was issued 11 deficiencies, including 5 detention deficiencies:

1.D-2 standard ballast water treatment plant not installed onboard;

2.Fire control plans are generally not classified as detention deficiencies, but this vessel’s fire control plan resulted in a detention deficiency, indicating serious discrepancies between the vessel’s actual fire-fighting arrangements and the fire control plan;

3.SEA not on board. During the CIC period, this is another vessel detained over employment agreements. For other detention cases, please refer to: CIC Inspection in Full Swing for 12 Days: 4 Vessels Detained by PSC Over Crew Wages – Check It Out Now!

4.Domestic sewage treatment plant malfunctioning or not in use;

5.SC Certificate expired or original not on board.

02 The Second Vessel Detained for Ballast Water Equipment Issues

On September 9, Zhanjiang PSC detained the Panamanian-flagged bulk carrier LUNA II (IMO No. 9217917). Built on December 30, 2000, the vessel was issued 25 deficiencies by PSC, including 7 detention deficiencies.

1.（01136   CERTIFICATE AND DOCUMENTATION - SHIP CERTIFICATES (International Ballast Water Management Certificate)）；

2.Air pipes severely rusted and perforated.

3.Rescue boat malfunctioning, unable to start.

4.Cargo hold hatch cover chocks damaged or hatch cover securing devices faulty.

5.Rescue boat release gear unable to activate via accumulator unit.

6.Oily water separator malfunctioning, potential causes include: three-way valve failure, pump failure or internal recirculation function fault.

7.The aforementioned multiple deficiencies indicate ineffective implementation of the vessel’s SMS documents. Flag State is required to conduct an external audit on the vessel before release.

03 The Third Vessel Detained for Ballast Water Equipment Issues

On September 6, Dalian PSCO detained the Maltese-flagged bulk carrier AGIOS MAKARIOS (IMO No. 9474709). Built in 2014, this vessel was issued 10 deficiencies by PSC, including 4 detention deficiencies.

1.（14811  POLLUTION PREVENTION - BALLAST WATER (Ballast Water Management System);

2.（01136   CERTIFICATE AND DOCUMENTATION - SHIP CERTIFICATES (International Ballast Water Management Certificate);

3.Certain certificate or document required to be carried on board expired.

4.Watertight door closing device malfunctioned.

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