Deficient fire safety equipment has led US Coast Guard (USCG) inspectors to detain a Greek bulker at the Port of Tacoma until the issues can be resolved.
A team from the agency’s Puget Sound sector found the deficiencies on the 81,700 dwt Rena while conducting a routine inspection on 24 September.
While on board the 2011-built vessel, listed as owned by Piraeus-based Trojan Maritime, the USCG discovered “multiple areas” that did not meet SOLAS regulations. The agency said the most severe deficiency involved improper pressurisation of the crew’s self-contained breathing apparatuses, a problem that would prevent the crew from responding safely to a fire.
“Coast Guard examiners determined that key safety procedures were inadequate and the crew did not have the necessary equipment to safely respond to an onboard emergency,” commented Matt Edwards, Puget Sound sector’s chief of prevention.
USCG spokesman George Degener said on 28 September that the Coast Guard is waiting on confirmation from vessel owners that the crew has taken steps to correct the problems before the agency conducts a follow-up inspection.
Degener told IHS Maritime, “The mariners do a good job when these things occur – they want to be safe and on the move as much as we want to ensure the vessel is in compliance.”
This post was sourced from IHS Maritime 360: View the original article here.