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1. Marshall Islands Administration (RMI) has issued Marine Safety Advisory (MSA No. 05-24) providing information on recent cases, as listed below, where ships were reported unable to maneuver in high-density traffic or narrow waters in China.

i. Loss of propulsion:

Incidents have occurred immediately after a ship left the shipyard following repairs. Reasons for the loss of propulsion were noted to be problems with the main engines, including:

• Exhaust valves not operating properly;

• Fuel system or air/vapor locks leakages;

• Remote control failures; and

• Governor failures.

ii. Fuel-oil changeover:

Incidents have occurred where there has been insufficient or incorrect fuel preparation before the changeover. This has caused the diesel generator engines to trip, consequently causing the vessel to lose electric power.

2. These incidents show the importance of good maintenance for all main and auxiliary machinery with robust testing prior to entering any area of high-density traffic or narrow waters in China.

3. Accordingly, in order to avoid similar failures and to prevent accidents occurring, ship Owners, Operators, and Masters of vessels in the concerned waters are advised as follows:

a. To carry out proper main engine and steering gear testing when repairs have been completed. This is to be done prior to entering any area of high-density traffic or narrow waters.

b. Ensure responsible crew members are familiar with the fuel oil changeover procedures when entering or exiting Sulphur Emission Control Areas, and in dealing with any emergency situations.

c. When equipment or machinery is found faulty, in addition to reporting to Class, or the Administration, the Coastal State and Local MSA to be promptly notified.

d. Any inability to maneuver or loss of propulsion incident in China is to be reported by the Master directly to local authorities and to the Administrator @ inspections-hk@register-iri.com

4. Owners/ Managers and Masters of ships are advised to be guided by above and ensure compliance.

Enclosure:

• Republic of Marshall Islands Marine Safety Advisory No. 05-24.

Disclaimer:

This Technical Circular and the material contained in it is provided only for the purpose of supplying current information to the reader and not as an advice to be relied upon by any person. While we have taken utmost care to be as factual as possible, readers/ users are advised to verify the exact text and content of the Regulation from the original source/ issuing Authority.                              

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