In the first quarter of 2019, the Singapore Registry of Ships (SRS) experienced a number of Port State Control (PSC) detentions. There were a total of 18 PSC detentions taking place in the following countries: Australia (5), Colombia (2), Indonesia (2), United States (2), Belgium (1), Canada (1), China (1), Cuba (1), France (1), Mexico (1), and Netherlands (1). Majority of the detentions occurred due to common PSC deficiencies (see section below for more details).
Under the Tokyo MOU regime, the detention ratio of SRS is 1.51% (an increase from 0.91% in 1Q 2018) against the regime's average of 3.11%. Under the Paris MOU regime, the detention ratio of SRS is 2.55% (an increase from 0.66% in 1Q 2018) against the regime's average of 3.48%.
This year, the increase in PSC detention of Singapore ships so far is a trend that is undesirable, and all efforts should be used to stem this trend.
Most common causes of ship detentions
Fire safety continues to be the top detention deficiencies by category, followed by pollution prevention items.
Fire safety-related deficiencies include:
- Engine room fire dampers defective.
- Problems with fixed CO2 system - hose / branch line disconnected; empty high pressure CO2 bottles; many fire extinguishers overdue for annual inspection; fire main and water mist line found frozen.
- Fuel oil supply line quick-closing valve to engines secured in open position by wire and unable to close remotely
- Crew unfamiliar with testing of these quick-closing valves or valves seized in place during testing.
Pollution prevention deficiencies include:
- Defective sewage treatment plant
- Defective incinerator
- Defective oily water separator
- Direct overboard discharge of sewage (black water) into the local waters.
We like to point out that defects related to the ship's sewage treatment plant have surfaced as the single most common PSC detainable deficiency item this year. We have issued a Shipping Circular No.5 of 2019 on the same topic.
Call for Action to bring down PSC detentions
To stem this undesirable trend and uphold Singapore's quality flag status, SRS operators are urged to arrange for your vessels to be thoroughly inspected to ensure they are in good order, and to deal with any deficiencies promptly in accordance with the ISM Code. Serious deficiencies which cannot be rectified immediately shall be reported to your company, MPA (shipping@mpa.gov.sg) and the ROs, as well as the competent authority of the Port State when the vessel is calling at a foreign port.
We had also sent out warning emails to the DPAs and ship managers of companies operating Singapore ships earlier this year in February and March to bring attention to the increase in PSC detentions experienced by Singapore ships in early 2019. We urge you to continue to monitor your ships closely and provide good support to the masters and crew.
