SAFETY4SEA Log Issue 22

ISSUE 22 I January 2018 I SAFETY 4SEA log I 57 safety4sea.com Plague outbreak in Madagascar ► WHO recorded a plague outbreak in Madagascar that spread to the capital and port towns since last summer. Therefore, operators are advised to review specific guide issued by WHO, which draws attention on lessons learned from disease outbreaks to provide substantive public health guidance. https://goo.gl/Q6uFP6 Lessons learned from manhole covers ► The Steam- ship Mutual P&I Club recorded several claims for cargo damage and other liabilities caused by lea- kage from the manhole covers of either ballast or bunker tanks and highlighted how important is for the crew to be familiar with the required manhole cover standards. The extent of damage caused in such a case will often depend on how quickly the leakage is identified and the scope for quickly transferring out the contents. Side tanks are particularly difficult in this regard as leakage may go un- noticed. Therefore, control measures should also include hydrostatic pressure testing of the tank upon completion of the work. The permit to work should not to be closed until the tank has been secured and the hydrostatic pressure testing has been completed. How to avoid sprinkler head damage ► A number of PSC findings related to sprinkler heads have been found with empty glass bulbs. Following an investigation with the sprinkler system suppliers, the root cause for the unexpected empty bulbs was identified to be due to “external hits”. Suppliers have highlighted issues related due to external corrosion of sprinkler heads, which can impair sprinkler head per- formance. During routine inspections, special attention should be given to sprinkler heads subject to aggres- sive atmospheres. Original Bill of Lading now mandatory ► Brazil has reintroduced the obligation of the receiver/ consignee to produce the original Bill of Lading, as well as other documentation, prior to the delivery of the goods. This measure is expected to reduce the risk of misdelivery claims, the Standard Club said. Failure to declare ship’s fire extinguishers ► Steamship Mutual P&I Club informed that various ship- owners have been fined because of an alleged failure to declare to Senegalese customs how much CO2 is onboard the vessel in the ship’s fixed firefighting system. Find out which items are required to be declared at https://goo.gl/P13iTr Polar Code amendments to STCW Convention ► The new STCW amendments concerning Master and deck officers on ships operating in polar waters will take effect on July 2018 and not in January 2018, as it was previously announced. These requirements, which were adopted by IMO MSC in November 2016, include transi- tional provisions which will allow seafarers, who began their approved seagoing service in polar waters before 1 July 2018, to meet the alternative basic training or ad- vanced requirements by 1 July 2020. ALERTS