BULK CARRIERS

GUIDANCE / INSTRUCTIONS
FOR P.S.C INSPECTIONS
(To be checked off when the vessel departs for its next port of call)

Safety Equipment

• Emergency Stations Muster List up-to-date, and posted in conspicuous locations. The
Muster List must include the following information:

a) Duties assigned to different members of the Crew

b) Officer/s assigned for maintenance of LSA/FFA

c) Substitutes for key personnel, who may become disabled in an emergency

• Crew to be familiar with all emergency station signals, and to be practised in

Abandon Ship drills. Drills must be performed with key personnel absent, to gauge
response of all staff in an emergency.

• Lifeboat lowering dates, during drills (as well as date of last launching) to be entered
in log book. All lifeboat launching equipment, including davits and release gear, to be
in fully operational condition. All blocks & pivot points to be regularly greased, with
no paint accumulation. Lifeboat launching instructions to be posted (in Chinese).

• Liferafts to be stowed as per manufacturers’ instructions, with correct fastening of

weak link. Containers to be in satisfactory condition, with last survey date and
capacity clearly marked. Launching instructions to be posted.

• Liferafts and lifebuoys in good condition, number and location as per Vessel’s Safety
Plan.

• Lifeboat and Bridge pyrotechnics, as well as Man Overboard markers, correct in

quantity, within expiry dates.

Bulk Carriers/PSC Checklist/WSM-SID 1

• GMDSS EPIRB and SARTs operational & tested (log entry made), batteries within
expiry date.

• Record of all emergency drills carried out, along with annual schedule for shipboard
drills to be posted. (Annual schedule as per WSM Quarterly Report).

• All safety equipment neatly laid out in EHQ, with LSA/FFA PMS Chart up to date.

• Communication equipment during an emergency (GMDSS radio sets) to be fully

functional and tested, stored in an easily accessible position.

• Fire Control Plan and Fire Wallet (with latest Crew List) to be available at gangway,
while in port. All staff to be familiar with its contents.

• Damage Control Plan (with Damage Stability), as well as Emergency Response

Information, available with Chief Officer, in a fixed location.

• SOLAS Training Manual to be fully updated, with vessel specific information, and
read/signed by all staff. (One English copy + 2 Chinese copies to be available).

• Self closing fire doors operating properly – not hooked in open position.

• Fire flaps and dampers in fully operational condition, checked for free movement.
List of flaps/dampers prepared, with location, & posted on Wheelhouse.

• Funnel flaps fully operational, and routinely tested. Entry made in log book.

• All emergency Quick Closing valves in fully operational condition, date of last test
entered in log book.

• Emergency generator fully operational, tried out regularly, on load. Log entry made
of test dates for Emergency generator. Instructions for operation to be posted in
Chinese.

Bulk Carriers/PSC Checklist/WSM-SID 2

• Batteries fully operational, test records kept updated, no visible signs of leakage or
overflow. Protective gear available in Battery Room.

• Emergency ventilator shut off switches fully operational, date of last test to be entered
in log book.

• Emergency escapes from Engine Room clearly marked and well lit – fitted with
lifeline and rescue harness.

• Fire line on deck and in Engine Room – in good condition, no patches, heavy
corrosion or soft spots. Any leaking hydrants to be repaired.

• Fire hoses and nozzles – tested routinely under full operating pressure, any leaks
rectified.

• Fixed Fire Extinguishing System for Engine Room – fully operational, all cylinders
showing normal level indication, date of last test marked in cylinder storage room.
Log entry made, describing last test carried out of release mechanism and alarms.

• Special safety precautions for personnel, on or below deck:

a) Illumination and ventilation of work spaces and routes along which people pass,
to be satisfactory.

b) Unobstructed approaches to ladders, and proper maintenance of non-slip surfaces

on ladder steps, platforms and working spaces to be carried out.

c) Warning notices in danger areas to be posted, and maintained in good condition.

d) Bulbs of portable lights to be protected, to prevent breakage and contact with

combustible materials.

e) Adequate first aid facilities to be available, including facilities for evacuation of

injured persons.

f) If carrying noxious cargoes, instruments for measuring harmful gases and oxygen
to be available, along with calibrating gases for same. Logs to be kept of tests and
calibration carried out on these instruments.

Bulk Carriers/PSC Checklist/WSM-SID 3

• Personal protective equipment to be available to all personnel, depending on the
nature of his duties. There must be provision for sufficient quantity of goggles, face
shields, helmets, gloves, safety harnesses and lines, ear protection, safety boots and
overalls. There must be adequate instructions available, on the use of personal
protective equipment.

• In machinery spaces, the following areas must be checked, to ensure strict compliance
with safety standards:

a) All moving parts of mechanical and/or electrical machinery to have properly

installed, built-in guards, or other protective devices such as fencing or shields, in
order to avoid presenting hazards to the crew.

b) All electrical equipment to be regularly maintained, with maintenance records.

c) Instructions are to be posted on resuscitation procedures, next to switchboards.

d) Steam pipes, compressor discharges, etc are to have proper lagging or shielding,
which are capable of creating a safety hazard, due to their temperature and
location.

MARPOL

• Oil discharge Monitor (Engine Room) – Clear and legible instructions posted.

• Oil Record Book up to date, and signed by C/E and Master.

• Overboard valve from Oil Discharge Monitor closed and locked, key with C/E or 2/E.

• Disposal of oily residues logged regularly in Oil Record Book, as per handling
capacity of vessel’s incinerator (if being incinerated). In case any residues discharged
ashore, certificate of discharge to be obtained from shore installation/barge, and
attached within Oil Record Book (along with relevant entry).

• Waste Management Plan in full use, with daily entries in WSM Waste Management
Manual. Any disposal of plastic waste ashore to be accompanied by receipt from
shore authority.

Bulk Carriers/PSC Checklist/WSM-SID 4

• Vessel’s staff fully aware of disposal and discharge requirements under MARPOL
Annex V, inside and outside a Special Area. All staff must be aware of Areas
determined to be Special Areas, under Annex V.

• Designated spaces aboard the vessel, with specific containers used to collect, store,
process and unload ship generated waste.

• Equipment available on board, with full operating instructions, to deal with ship
generated garbage (includes incinerators and grinders/comminuters).

• Shipboard Oil Pollution Emergency Plan (SOPEP) – latest revisions inserted, and
manual regularly reviewed by Master.

• In spite of MARPOL Annex IV (covering sewage disposal) not being in force, some
PSC checklists have additional requirements for vessel’s sewage systems. Some of
the items inspected are as follows:

a) Exhaust ventilation arrangements from sanitary spaces to be satisfactory

b) Scuppers, washbasin and bath drains in toilets and bathrooms to be sufficient

c) Efficient water traps and water seals to be fitted on all drains, scuppers and
discharges.

d) Operation of air blowers and pumps to be correct, as per manufacturers’

specifications.

e) Condition of discharge pumps and overboard discharge piping to be satisfactory.

f) Adequate availability of dosing chemicals, for sewage treatment.

Drugs & Alcohol

• WSM Drug & Alcohol Policy notices posted in visible areas.

• Testing equipment for Alcohol content (Alco-Check apparatus, containing 10 sets)

on board, within expiry date.

Bulk Carriers/PSC Checklist/WSM-SID 5

Medical Chest

• An adequate Medical Chest, separate from the vessel’s other stores/spares, must be
carried on board.

• All medicines within are to be clearly marked with name, type of treatment offered,
dosage, date of expiry, and warnings/precautions, if any. No expired medicines to be
kept on board.

• All narcotics and controlled substances to be in Master’s custody, with an inventory,

available for inspection.

• Separate hospital accommodation is to be provided (not to be counted as part of crew

living accommodation), with quarantine facility (ie, there must be access to the
hospital from outside as well as from within the accommodation).

• A water closet (bathroom & toilet) must be provided for the exclusive use of the
hospital occupant/s.

Loadline

• Hatchcovers in satisfactory condition, packings and compression bars undamaged.

• Ladders and guardrails to be inspected for any wastage, and steps taken to rectify any
faults.

• Any previously carried out temporary repairs to be replaced by permanent, lasting

repair (if necessary, permission to be sought for shore assistance).

• Floats on tank air pipes in good condition.

• Covers for air pipes in good condition, no material wastage.

• Watertight door closure satisfactory, all dogs and packings in good condition (dogs
operating freely).

Bulk Carriers/PSC Checklist/WSM-SID 6

• All sounding pipes in Machinery spaces to have self closing cocks, in fully
operational condition. Cocks must not be locked or secured in open position.

• Gangways (accommodation ladders) securely rigged, with safety nets, and sufficient
lighting at night.

• Pilot ladders in satisfactory condition, without any damage to steps, rope or chocks.

Cargo operations

• Cargo gear register (Chain Register) available with C/O, all surveys/inspections
within date.

• Certificates for wires, chains, loose gear and ropes available, all appropriately
marked.

• All lifting appliances clearly marked with their SWL.

• Publications – Following publications (latest edition) to be amongst those available

on board:

a) Code of Safe Practices for Solid Bulk Cargoes

b) Code of Safe Practices for ships carrying Timber Deck Cargoes

c) Code of Safe Practices for Cargo Stowage and Securing

d) Cargo Securing Manual

Officers and Crew to be familiar with contents of above publications.

• All relevant documents on carriage of grain to be readily available, staff to be familiar

with their contents.

• Lashings – If applicable, log cargo lashing plan to be prepared and kept as ready
reference. Also, a lashing equipment condition check must be made at regular
intervals, and any failings rectified immediately.

Bulk Carriers/PSC Checklist/WSM-SID 7

• International Maritime Dangerous Goods (IMDG) Code – Volumes to be available on
board, staff to be aware of all dangers associated with carriage of vessel’s cargo.
Publications containing EMS (Emergency Schedules) and MFAG (Medical First Aid
Guide) also to be available on board, with staff aware of first aid requirements for
onboard cargo.

• Creeping under load of crane wire – timings to be checked and verified. In case creep
exceeds 1 metre in 60 seconds, brakes to be adjusted accordingly. Any shortcomings
to be brought to the attention of Technical Suptdt, as soon as possible.

• Chief Officer’s Standing Orders to be posted, and signed by all Deck Officers.

• Winch and windlass operation – All equipment to be in fully operational condition,

any deficiencies to be brought to the attention of Technical Suptdt. at earliest
opportunity. Condition of windlass/winch brake lining to be monitored, and plans
made for renewal in case excessive weardown is noted.

• Ballast water management – Change of ballast water (as per country specific
guidelines, eg AQIS guidelines for Australian ports, in conjunction with vessel’s
specific Ballast Water Management Plan) to be carried out, and Ballast Water
Reporting Forms to be prepared.

On Bridge

• All logs up-to-date, signed by OOW and verified by the Master.

• All Chart corrections up to date, corrected to latest NTM on board. All applicable
T & P Notices to be marked on Charts, and also filed in separate file.

• Compass Error log being filled regularly, showing recent error observation and
calculation. Master to verify this log periodically.

• Passage Plan (Berth to Berth) prepared, and in use.

• Master’s Standing Orders posted, signed by all OOWs.

Bulk Carriers/PSC Checklist/WSM-SID 8

• Master’s Night Orders, written every night at sea/in anchorage.

• Steering instructions (including changeover procedure and emergency steering)

posted in conspicuous location. All officers familiar with instructions.

• Vessel’s manoeuvering data posted, depicting performance in loaded and ballast

conditions. All officers familiar with data.

• Bridge Procedures Manual, including all checklists and publications, sighted by all
Deck Officers. Officers to sign manual after reading same.

• GMDSS log – Log must clearly mention officer in charge of GMDSS equipment
maintenance. All tests (internal and external) carried out also to be logged. A visiting
PSC inspector may require that a test be carried out in his presence. All OOW must
therefore be fully conversant with operating procedures for GMDSS equipment.

• If bound for an Australian port, it is mandatory to participate in AUSREP, and send

reports as per the AUSREP brochure. Records of AUSREP will be examined by a
visiting PSC inspector, and must therefore be made available, for his inspection.

Food and Catering

• Vessel to have suitable quantity and quality of food and water supplies, which are
suitable for the vessel’s number of crew, with regard to the nature and duration of the
voyage.

• All spaces and equipment for the storage and handling of food and water, as well as
spaces and equipment for preparation/service of meals (ie the Galley and Pantry), are
to be maintained in such a manner which permits the service of proper meals to the
crew.

• If any signs of cockroach infestation visible, regular spraying of insecticide to be

performed, until all traces of infestation removed.

• The ventilation, lighting, water system and other equipment of Galleys and other
catering department spaces on board, including store rooms and refrigerated

Bulk Carriers/PSC Checklist/WSM-SID 9

 chambers, are to be properly maintained, to ensure health and safety of crew
members.

Crew Accommodation

• General requirements for Crew Accommodation are to be as per the Crew

Accommodation Certificate, which would refer to ILO criteria for living and working
areas. Additionally, the following requirements for sanitary facilities are to be borne
in mind:

a) There must be one tub and/or shower bath for every eight, or less persons.

b) One water closet for every eight, or less persons.

c) One wash basin for every six, or fewer persons.

d) Floors must be of durable material, easily cleaned and impervious to damp, with
proper drainage.

e) The spaces must be sufficiently lighted, heated and ventilated.

f) Water closets are to be close to, but separated from sleeping rooms.

g) All water closets should have ventilation to open air, independent from any other
part of the accommodation.

h) All water closets should have an adequate flush of water, available at all times,
and independently controllable.

i) Waste pipes should be of adequate size, and so constructed as to minimize the risk
of obstruction. They should also facilitate cleaning.

Machinery

• Housekeeping and maintenance standards in the Engine Room must be such that no
evidence is visible of any disregard towards machinery, Engine Room safety, and
pollution prevention. Some of the most visible signs of neglect, that must not be
allowed to occur, are:

a) Disconnected or inoperative control rods

b) Inoperative machinery trip mechanisms

c) Missing valve hand wheels

d) Chronic steam, water or oil leaks

Bulk Carriers/PSC Checklist/WSM-SID 10

 e) Dirty tank tops and bilges

f) Extensive corrosion of machinery foundations

g) Numerous temporary repairs, such as pipe bands or cement boxes

h) Leaking pump glands

i) Dirty water gauge glasses

j) Inoperative pressure gauges

k) Rusted and seized relief valves

l) Inoperative or disconnected safety control devices

m) Evidence of repeated operation of scavenge or crankcase relief valves

n) Malfunctioning or inoperative automatic equipment and alarm systems

o) Leaking boiler casings or uptakes

General

• All vessel’s Statutory and Trading certificates in order, in Master’s custody.

• Copy of Company’s Document of Compliance (DOC), with valid annual verification,

to be available on board.

• Class listing of Survey Status (latest) available on board, including COCs, if any.

• List of Surveys/Inspections due prepared, in Master’s custody.

• Shipboard Management Manuals (Part I,II & III) updated to latest revision/correction,
along with all other Company manuals.

• Approved Stability booklet, associated Stability plans and Stability information to be

available for inspector’s verification.
• All officers holding valid Flag State certification, as per Minimum Safe Manning
Certificate, with original licences on board (In case original licences not yet issued,

Bulk Carriers/PSC Checklist/WSM-SID 11

 an application letter for the licence will suffice). Dangerous cargo endorsements,
where applicable, to be in Master’s possession, along with Certificates of
Competency.

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Bulk Carriers/PSC Checklist/WSM-SID 12

 Commonly noted deficiencies, by PSC Inspectors
Resulting in vessel’s detention

Safety Management System (SMS)

• Master/Senior officers did not know Designated Person Ashore (DPA), or means to
contact him.
• Master not aware of his vessel’s minimum manning, as per Certificate.
• Copy of Company’s DOC not available on board.
• No record of annual endorsement on DOC.
• Safety Equipment Record and Supplement not updated, for shipboard equipment.
• Crew not familiar with Safety Management System (SMS) – take too much time to
find relevant sections in the Manuals. Language of SMS Manuals not familiar to
Crew.
• Operating instructions for critical equipment (lifeboat davits, emergency generator,
emergency fire pump, etc.) not in language understood by Crew.
• Staff not following Company Safety Reporting (SAFIR) system, ie raising Near-
Accident, Non-Conformity and Accident/Incident reports.
• Record of Internal and External audits, with follow up action, not found on board.

Safety, including LSA/FFA

• Record of drills not maintained.

• Emergency fire pump malfunctioning, not reported to Company.
• No records of Pollution Prevention drills.
• No records of recent Emergency Steering drills.
• Maintenance of LSA/FFA not planned, signs of poor condition of equipment.
• Fire main on deck found in poor condition, holed and with temporary repair patches.
• Fire main isolating valves overstowed with provisions.
• Lifeboat sail – wire stays, traveller and strop missing.
• Lifeboat davits not well lubricated, sheaves seized, signs of paint on greasing points.
• Lifeboat bilge pump hoses wasted.
• Lashing of liferaft faulty.
• Engine Room fan dampers not operating properly.
• CO2 bottle storage room – drains from space clogged.
• Lights defective on numerous lifejackets.
• Man overboard marker in poor condition, seemed frozen in position and would not
operate as designed.
• Emergency fuel shut down valves (quick closing valves) not operating.
• Funnel fire dampers stuck in one position, no signs of maintenance.
• Lifeboat engine did not start.
• Fire hoses found leaking, not suitable for firefighting operations.
• Training Manual printed in a language the Crew did not understand.

Bulk Carriers/PSC Checklist/WSM-SID 13

• Fire detectors found inoperative.
• Fire door between Engine Room and Steering Room found hooked in open position.
• Three empty bottles for Compressed Air Breathing Apparatus (CABA) found.
• Welding work found to be in progress on upper deck, in spite of vessel being a coal
carrier.
• Emergency batteries found defective, no logs kept of maintenance & checks.
• Emergency generator inoperative.
• Lifeboat drill not performed smoothly, in presence of inspector.
• Explosive cartridges for Line Throwing Apparatus found to have expired.
• Lifeboat lifting hooks in poor condition, lifting arrangement defective.
• Lifeboat freshwater tanks leaking.
• Lifeboat gear locker holed.
• Lifeboat gear found missing, not as per record of equipment.
• Lifeboats found in dirty condition. Accumulation of oil and water inside lifeboat.
• No records found of renewal or end-for-ending of lifeboat falls.
• Galley grease/oil filters found clogged and dirty.
• Cargo hold fire fighting system defective.
• Emergency lighting at lifeboat embarkation station, steering space and emergency fire
pump compartments not working.
• Engine room fire dampers inoperable.
• Secondary system of navigation lights found not working.
• Some fire alarm bells found not working.
• Fireman’s outfit and breathing apparatus found defective.
• 406 MHz Satellite EPIRB defective.

Loadline/Structural

• Floats for WBT air vent pipes found deficient.

• Damage noted in cargo hold, not reported to Company.
• Defects noted in hatch coamings.
• Hatchcovers – weathertight securing arrangement defective.
• Bulkheads in cargo holds found corroded and holed.
• Closing devices of WBT air pipes found deficient.
• Access ladders in holds found to be unsafe (in poor condition).
• Cargo hold ventilators holed.
• Ventilation trunking holed. Ventilation fan and funnel casings wasted.
• Access hatch covers to tanks holed.
• Anchor chain hawse pipes holed/leaking.
• Duct keel vent trunking holed.
• Forepeak tank bulkhead vertical stiffeners detached, and horizontal stringers wasted.
• Watertight bulkheads holed. Ship side shell frames wasted.
• Cracking in bulkhead and deck plating.
• Ballast tank structural deficiencies.
• Weathertight doors defective.

Bulk Carriers/PSC Checklist/WSM-SID 14

• Forecastle vent doors and casing rusted and holed.
• Hatch inspection platforms wasted and corroded.

MARPOL

• Leaks on Fuel Oil Transfer Pump not reported to Company.

• Deficiencies found with Oil/Water Separator, and with Oil Record Book entries.
• Oil Transfer Procedures not provided.
• No mechanical plugs found for bunker station spill containment trays.
• Diesel oil filling line on main deck holed.

Bridge/Communication

• Magnetic compass found to contain bubbles.

• Chart corrections not made adequately.
• NUC light/s not functioning.
• RPM/Rudder angle indicator – repeaters on bridgewings not working.
• MF/HF radio installation defective.
• GMDSS radio equipment inoperative.

Certification

• Second Engineer qualifications not in accordance with Minimum Manning

Certificate.
• Master’s & C/E’s Certificate of Competency expired.
• Chief Officer’s Certificate of Competency missing.

Machinery space

• Main engine camshaft lubrication system defective.

• Numerous leaks found on valve glands.
• Evidence of remote spindles having been disconnected.

Bulk Carriers/PSC Checklist/WSM-SID 15