Please be kindly informed of the followings in relation to the recent status of the Port State Control (PSC) undertaken by the Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA). The ship owners and ship management companies managing ships entering Australian ports are requested to pay due attention especially to routine maintenance and operation of the relevant equipment.


1. AMSA has published "PORT STATE CONTROL REPORT 2000". According to the report, although the detention percentage was relatively low, 42 ships classed with NK were detained in 2000 because a great number of ships classed with NK entered Australian ports. The below-mentioned items are found as the detainable deficiencies with the highest and the second highest frequency.
(1) Malfunction of fire-dampers, remote control of shut-off devices for flammable oil tanks and remote control stop of pumps/fans
(2) Frozen closing devices and wastage of ventilators, air pipes and casings

2. As informed in NK Technical Information No. 388 of 25 December 2000, the focused inspection regime has been implemented in addition to their usual PSC activities. According to the Marine Notice attached hereto, the areas at the second stage, which will start on 1 April 2001 and run to 31 July 2001, are operational aspects of the GMDSS.

(Note) "PORT STATE CONTROL REPORT" web site: http://www.amsa.gov.au/psc/
AMSA Marine Notice web site: http://www.amsa.gov.au/amsa/mn/mn_index.htm



Attachments:
1. Most Common Detainable Deficiencies pointed out under PSC 1999-2000
2. AMSA Marine Notice 6/2001