Marine Advisory: 08/2024 - China Maritime Safety Administration (MSA) Special Safety Inspection Period – Mechanical and Electrical Equipment (April-October 2024)

Subject: China Maritime Safety Administration (MSA) Special Safety Inspection Period – Mechanical and Electrical Equipment (April-October 2024)

Dear Shipowner/Operator/Master:

The purpose of this Marine Advisory is to inform shipowners, operators, and masters of the recently issued Notice by the China MSA. The objective is to provide awareness for the vessels calling ports of the People’s Republic of China.

Overview

On 3rd April 2024, China MSA announced a nationwide campaign of enhanced inspection of the vessel’s machinery and electrical equipment, which is to start 7th April 2024 and continue until 31st October 2024, the upcoming inspection will apply to all vessels calling any China ports, regardless of type, sizes, or flags of the vessels.

Given quite many vessels have encountered machinery/equipment failure during port operations and posed hazards to the port facilities and other vessels recently, the inspection principally focuses on operational states and maintenance of major propulsion machinery, generators, boilers, steering gears, anchoring devices, MARPOL-related equipment, etc.

The inspections will be included as part of routine Port State Control (PSC) inspections or conducted as detailed inspections in response to identified and/or reported failures of electromechanical equipment. Vessels with a history of such equipment failures will be a priority for PSC inspections.

In addition to the machinery and equipment, the crew's operational competence will be also a key aspect of the inspection, crew members might be requested by PSC officers to demonstrate proper operational ability on all machines and equipment onboard, crew unfamiliar with electromechanical equipment operation requirements could result in detention of the vessel.

Actions

Liberian Administration strongly recommends shipowners, operators, and masters to implement self-inspection protocols and to report all concerns to relevant parties. Prior to arrival in ports of the People’s Republic of China, crews should verify proper operation of electromechanical equipment. Items subject to inspection include, but are not limited to:

• Main propulsion fully operational?
• Main propulsion security, remote monitoring, and ancillary equipment fully operational?
• Ship’s boiler(s) fully operational?
• Main & emergency power supplies fully operational?
• Steering gear fully operational?
• Crew proficient in operation of electromechanical equipment within scope of duties?
• Associated maintenance and servicing records in order?

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