Critical Safety Alert for Ship Owners and ISM Operators Under Tokyo MoU Jurisdiction
A significant safety concern has been flagged by Polish Register of Shipping (PRS) for vessels operating within ports governed by the Tokyo Memorandum of Understanding (Tokyo MoU). The issue pertains to the testing of emergency power systems, specifically the risks associated with using the simulated blackout method to automatically start the emergency power source and connect it to the emergency switchboard.
The Tokyo MoU Safety Bulletin 04/2024 highlights these risks, noting that improper procedures or insufficient preparedness during these tests can jeopardize vessel and crew safety. This concern also ties directly into compliance with the International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea (SOLAS) Chapter II-1, Regulations 42 and 43, which require stringent testing and operation of emergency power sources.
Key Points of Concern:
- Simulated Blackout Method: There are inherent risks when using this method to test emergency power systems. Improper procedures or a lack of readiness can lead to failures that compromise the safety of the vessel and crew.
- SOLAS Compliance: This issue pertains to compliance with SOLAS Chapter II-1, Regulations 42 and 43, which mandate proper testing and operation of emergency power sources.
Action Required:
- Review the Bulletin: All ship owners and ISM operators are strongly encouraged to thoroughly review the attached Safety Bulletin.
- Circulate Information: Ensure that the contents of this memo and the attached bulletin are communicated to all relevant parties within your organization, including technical staff and ship crew.
- Prepare for Inspections: Given the precedent set by the Tokyo MoU, similar actions are likely to be adopted by other MoUs. It is crucial to ensure full compliance with the outlined requirements to avoid any complications during Port State Control (PSC) inspections.
