In recent days the inspectors of Port State Control of the Venice Coast Guard, during an inspection, identified one ship severely below expected international standards. As a consequence, the seventh detention was carried out since the beginning of the year.
The situation on board is particularly serious: 26 irregularities were found, a symptom, according to the Coast Guard, of poor management.
It’s about a bulk carrier, again under the Liberian flag, with a tonnage of over 32 thousand tons, with a notable number of certificates issued by the flag state no longer valid. These deficiencies concerned both the hull and the structure and navigability as well as the radio equipment. Further problems were identified with regard to the rules for the prevention of marine and air pollution.
Furthermore, irregularities were noted regarding the periodic control operations to be carried out in the shipyard as well as with respect to the correct functioning of the black box (Voyage Data Recorder). The devices necessary to detect the position of any shipwrecked people were also ineffective, essential for the protection of human life at seaas well as those used for firefighting.
The ship was therefore blocked in port and will not be able to return to sea without having adopted everything necessary to amend the critical issues that are sources of serious safety hazard of people on board, navigation and protection of the marine environment.
The Coast Guard continues its supervisory activity on maritime traffic that takes place in ports and in the territorial sea, promoting the culture of safety (so-called Safety Culture).
