PLEASE BE INFORMED THAT Port State Control (PSC) inspectors have been pointing out deficiencies in many divergences during their recent inspections, which result in detentions of many ships. Among the deficiencies the largest number reported was in the category "Others" which includes repairs by taping and/or putting pad plates on sea water/sanitary piping in Engine Room and sea water piping on weather decks.

These detentions are judged to be attributable to the fact that the PSC inspectors do not recognize taping and putting pad plates as effective means of permanent repairs for piping.
It is, therefore, recommended to provide for the measures listed below in the event of damage to the piping in engine rooms and on weather decks while at sea.

1. Maintenance is to be carried out in accordance with the following procedures:

(1) In cases where damage is found to piping, an investigation is to be carried out to check for other similar cases of damage.
(2) In cases where the damaged part of the piping cannot be replaced immediately by the ship's crew, temporary repairs should be carried out in the way that best maintains its function. In cases where a survey by the Society's surveyor is required, a confirmatory survey will be carried out.
(3) The Master shouls maintain a record of the damage condition and the method of temporary repair. He must then make a plan for prompt permanent repair (including timing, place and repair method) and a survey schedule if necessary, and report the plan(s) to the person ashore in charge of maintenance in order to make arrangements.
(4) The person ashore in charge of maintenance should make the necessary arrangements for the permanent repair based on this plan and gives a written notice of his arrangements to the master.
(5) The master keeps the plan for permanent repairs and the notice mentioned above and makes preparations for the repair work.
(6) Permanent repairs are to be carried out according to the plan. In cases where a survey by the Society's surveyor is required, a confirmatory survey is applied and carried out.
(7) The master implements inspections of the piping at appropriate intervals and maintain the records of the results.

2. For ships already in compliance with the ISM Code, an appropriate corrective action is to be taken in accordance with the established procedures with regard to maintenance of the ship and equipment required by the Code.


The measures mentioned above were explained to the person in charge of PSC of the headquarter of the United States Coast Guard and have been agreed to.
Please feel free to contact the Coordination Section of the Survey Department for further details / questions on:
Tel : +81 3 5226 2027 or Fax : +81 3 5226 2029.