Marine Advisory: 06/2020 - Guidance on Fixed Gas Detection Systems for Liquefied Gas Carriers
17 February 2020
Marine Advisory 06/2020
17 February 2020
Marine Advisory: 06/2020
SUBJECT: Guidance on Fixed Gas Detection Systems for Liquefied Gas Carriers
Dear Shipowner/Operator/Master/Recognized Organizations:
The purpose of this Advisory is to alert you to the recent USCG Marine Safety Alert 02-20, “Alarming Trends Found on Fixed Gas Detection Systems”. The USCG has advised that on several occasions during Port State Control inspection of Liquefied Gas Carriers, deficiencies were raised for items dealing with the fixed gas detection systems. These items were:
- Multiple sensors measured outside the tolerances established by the manufacturer and subsequent calibration checks failed. Crewmembers were not following established procedures as specified in their Safety Management System (SMS).
- The span gas used to test sensors or complete calibration checks was not appropriate for the type of sensor being tested.
The Liberian Administration encourages Owners and Operators and their Masters of Liquefied Gas Carriers to take this USCG Safety Alert into account in maintaining operation of Fixed Gas Detection Systems, including the following:
- Testing and calibration of fixed gas detection systems are completed per the vessel’s SMS and manufacturer’s instructions.
- Sensors are operating within established parameters as required by a vessel’s procedures and manufacturer’s instructions.
- The appropriate span gas for the type of sensor is correctly applied to the sensor, as established by the manufacturer and vessel’s SMS.
- The crewmembers responsible for maintaining the gas detection system have adequate training, are fully knowledgeable of the system, and are proficient in conducting system tests. The USCG Marine Safety Alert Safety Alert can be found at:
https://www.dco.uscg.mil/Portals/9/DCO%20Documents/5p/CG-5PC/INV/Alerts/0220.pdf?ver=2020-02-03-112914-260
For more information, please contact the Technical Department at technical@liscr.com or telephone +1 703 790 3434.
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