Getting the Ship Ready for Port State Control Inspection | Chief MAKOi

Summary

In this video, a seafarer discusses the rigorous preparations involved in getting a ship ready for port state control inspections. They explain how the crew from various departments, including the bridge, deck, engine, and galley, work together to maintain the ship's operation and safety. The importance of cleanliness, functional equipment, and emergency readiness is emphasized, as well as the high stress level of passing these inspections. The video also touches on challenges like corruption in some ports and the pressure faced by senior officers, particularly during high-stakes inspections that can affect the ship's schedule and reputation.

Takeaways

• 😀 The ship is currently in the Atlantic Ocean, on a voyage towards Brazil with a loading port expected in nine days.
• 😀 The crew is preparing for port state control inspections, a routine but critical process to ensure the ship meets regulations.
• 😀 The ship's crew is divided into departments, each responsible for specific tasks such as navigation, maintenance, and keeping everyone fed.
• 😀 Ships must follow a wide array of regulations, primarily focused on safety and pollution prevention.
• 😀 Port state control inspections are stringent, covering areas like emergency equipment, machinery, and the crew's preparedness for emergencies.
• 😀 Inspectors have the authority to impose sanctions or even detain ships for significant violations, which can disrupt operations.
• 😀 A clean and orderly ship is crucial for making a positive first impression during inspections, reducing the likelihood of minor issues being nitpicked.
• 😀 Any malfunctions in major equipment, especially related to safety or pollution, can result in detention and delays, which can be costly.
• 😀 Delays during port inspections can lead to financial losses, fines, and damage to the ship's reputation.
• 😀 The stress of inspections is particularly felt by the ship's management, including the captain, who is responsible for communicating with the ship owner and managers.
• 😀 The system of port inspections, although well-intentioned, can sometimes be imperfect due to factors like corruption in certain countries.
• 😀 Despite the flaws, most inspectors are dedicated to ensuring the ship is seaworthy and that the crew is properly trained and prepared.

Q & A

What is the ship's current location and what is its next destination?

The ship is currently in the middle of the Atlantic Ocean, heading towards a loading port in Brazil, where it will be loading corn.

What tasks need to be completed before reaching the loading port?

The deck crew needs to finish cleaning the cargo holds, and the engine crew has several maintenance tasks left, including further cleaning of the engine room.

What is the primary role of each department on the ship?

Each department has a specific role: the bridge officers manage navigation, the deck department handles deck and cargo hold maintenance, the engine department takes care of the engine room and machinery, and the galley department ensures everyone is well-fed.

Why are port state control inspections crucial for ships?

Port state control inspections are important to ensure that ships comply with safety and pollution prevention regulations. They check various aspects of the ship, such as the validity of certificates, emergency equipment, and the functionality of critical machinery.

What does a port state control inspection typically involve?

A port state control inspection typically involves checking the validity of the ship's certificates, testing emergency safety equipment, inspecting machinery like navigation, propulsion, and power systems, and conducting drills to test the crew's emergency preparedness.

What happens if a ship fails the port state control inspection?

If a ship fails the inspection, it can face sanctions or even detention until major violations, especially those related to emergency equipment or pollution prevention, are addressed. This can delay the ship's departure and cause financial losses.

Why is the first impression important during a port state control inspection?

The first impression is crucial because if the ship appears clean and orderly, the inspectors are likely to have a positive view of the crew's competence, making them less likely to focus on minor issues. However, major equipment functionality remains paramount.

What are the consequences of delays caused by port state control inspections?

Delays can result in significant financial losses for ship owners, with fines and claims from charterers for offhire, not to mention potential damage to the ship's reputation and the company's overall image.

How do some seafarers view the port state control system?

Some seafarers feel frustrated by the system, particularly due to the influence of corruption in certain ports, which can complicate inspections. However, the speaker acknowledges the importance of following high standards and will address the issue of corruption in a future episode.

How does the speaker view the role of inspectors in ensuring ship safety?

Despite the frustrations with the system, the speaker recognizes that many inspectors perform their jobs well, ensuring that ships are seaworthy and safe, and that the crew knows how to maintain that safety.