Inspection Campaign to 31 October 2020
Steamship Mutual
Published: August 25, 2020
AMSA has recently published Marine notice 05/2020 that provides information on an upcoming focused inspection campaign (FIC) “Proper stowage and securing of cargo containers” a campaign that will run from 1 August to 31 October 2020.
While it is expected that these inspections will run concurrent with routine port state control (PSC) inspections there may be some standalone inspections carried out even if the vessels are not eligible for a PSC inspection. While these standalone inspections are not PSC inspections (there will be no data transmission to regional PSC databases), the AMSA inspector may proceed to a full PSC inspection if clear grounds of non-compliance exist.
AMSA have advised that, where non-compliance is found, they will take the necessary steps to bring a ship into compliance
This FIC has been initiated by AMSA for vessels arriving at Australian ports in response to several incidents involving loss of container due to inadequate cargo stowage and securing arrangements. Target vessels are those have, or are required to have, cargo stowage and securing arrangements approved under regulation 5 of Chapter VI of the Safety of Life at Sea (SOLAS) Convention.
As stated in this notice, AMSA encourages ship owners and masters to familiarise themselves with the approved cargo securing manual for their vessel and Marine order 42 which gives effect to Chapter VI of SOLAS in Australia.
Inspectors will follow a checklist when conducting the focused inspections.
AMSA expects all cargo to be carried in full compliance with the vessel’s Cargo Securing Manual as approved under Regulation 5.6 of Chapter VI of SOLAS
Members are reminded of the Steamship article “Australia: Proper Stowage of cargo and Containers” which introduces AMSA Marine Notice 03/2018
