Marine Advisory: 39/2025 - Concentrated Inspection Campaign (CIC) on Machinery and Electrical Failures

SUBJECT: Concentrated Inspection Campaign (CIC) on Machinery and Electrical Failures Dear Shipowners, ship operators, ship managers, and ship masters:

Background

The Liberian Administration observed a significant increase in machinery and electrical failures among ships navigating regions characterized by dense traffic, complex tidal patterns, and challenging meteorological conditions. Such failures have resulted in serious navigational incidents, prompting expanded Port State Control (PSC) inspections and stricter enforcement measures.

These incidents have raised concerns regarding navigational safety, environmental protection, and continuity of port operations. Key Risks

Sudden failures such as main engine breakdowns, steering gear malfunctions, or power blackouts may lead to:

• Collisions, groundings, or contact incidents
• Blockage of major fairways disrupting traffic flow
• Environmental pollution from oil or cargo spills
• Endangerment of crew and vessel integrity

PSC Enforcement Actions

Any vessel experiencing mechanical or electrical failure within PSC navigable waters can be subject to an expanded PSC inspection. Focus areas may include:

• Maintenance and testing records of propulsion and electrical systems
• Crew familiarity with emergency and machinery-handling procedures
• ISM Code compliance and verification of maintenance programs
• Vessel’s past deficiencies and corrective actions

Vessels found with concealed or unresolved deficiencies risk:

• Detention and PSC fines
• Repair delays and financial losses (demurrage, off-hire)
• Reputational harm to the owner/operator
• Possible suspension of the Document of Compliance (DOC) or SMC

-1

Preventive Measures for Ship Operators

1. Pre-Departure and Pre-Entry Checks
   • Ensure comprehensive checks of:
   • Main and auxiliary engines
   • Steering gear, rudder control, and automation systems
   • Power generation and distribution systems
   • Emergency generator and backup circuits
   • Bilge, ballast, and firefighting systems
2. Critical Operational Controls
   • Emphasize strict adherence to procedures during:
   • Fuel oil changeover
   • Generator load transfers and parallel operations
   • High-consumption equipment usage (e.g., bow thrusters)
   • Ballast/de-ballasting and blackout recovery drills
3. Maintenance and Training
   • Enforce proactive PMS-based maintenance routines
   • Conduct frequent emergency drills and familiarization
   • Ensure engineers are competent in troubleshooting and PMS usage

Mandatory Deficiency Reporting

Any machinery or electrical defect must be reported immediately to: • Port State Control

• Flag Administration (Liberia)
• Recognized Organization (Class Society)

Concealment of defects can be treated as violations of SOLAS, MARPOL, and the ISM Code, potentially resulting in detention and legal proceedings.

Immediate Actions Recommended

All owners, operators, and masters are advised to:

• Reinforce onboard and shore-based safety cultures
• Verify system readiness before port entry
• Promote transparent defect reporting and continuous improvement
• Engage Class and LISCR Fleet Prevention Department for advisory support

References:

• SOLAS Ch. II-1, III & IX
• MARPOL Annex I
• ISM Code Sections 10 & 11

Shanghai MSA Circular on Machinery and Electrical Failures (2025)

Please contact the Fleet Prevention Department at prevention@liscr.com or telephone +1 703 790 3434 for more information and/or additional guidance or if any of the responses is “No”.

* * * * *

-2

Concentrated Inspection Campaign

Questionnaire for the 2025 CIC on Machinery and Electrical Failures

-3