USCG Exam
USCG Exam
A. GENERAL PROVISIONS
Under Coast Guard policy set forth in the "M" Business Plan (COMDTINST 16000.26) each
foreign freight vessel shall be examined in accordance with the Targeting Procedures
outlined in MSM II-D4.
In addition to the Pollution Prevention Regulations (33 Code of Federal Regulations (CFR)
parts 151, 155-157, 159) and the Navigation Safety Regulations (33 CFR part 164) foreign
vessels are subject to the requirements of the Hazardous Materials Transportation Act
(HMTA) (49 U.S.C. 1802 et seq.) when in U.S. waters. The applicable regulations are found
in 46 CFR Part 150 and 49 CFR Parts 107, 171-179.
1. Oil-Bulk-Ore
(OBO) Vessel The definition of "tank vessel" in 46 U.S.C. 2101(39) includes all vessels which are
Change of constructed or adapted to carry, or that carries, oil or hazardous material in bulk as cargo
Status; or cargo residue. Therefore, any vessel, including an Oil-Bulk-Ore (OBO) vessel, which is
Conversion constructed or adapted to carry oil or hazardous materials in bulk as cargo, is considered
to a Non- a tank vessel even if it does not carry oil or hazardous material when trading in the U.S.
Tank Vessel For business reasons, owners of these types of vessels may wish to remove the vessel
from tank vessel status.
Vessel Change of a. Vessel Change of Status. Following the decision to remove a vessel from the
Status bulk oil or hazardous material trade, the vessel's owner should:
(1) Request from its classification society or flag state that its
International Oil Pollution Prevention Certificate (IOPP), along with
the Form A Supplement, be reissued to indicate that the vessel
does not carry oil in bulk as cargo.
(2) Apply to the Coast Guard National Pollution Funds Center (NPFC)
if the owner desires to have the Certificate of Financial
Responsibility (COFR) revised to reflect non-tank vessel status.
Enforcement Action b. Enforcement Action. During annual examinations and reexaminations, the
boarding team shall verify that the vessel's documents all properly indicate the
"non-tank vessel" status. They shall update the Marine Safety System (MSIS)
Vessel File List of Documents (VFLD) for the vessel to indicate the change in
status from a tank vessel to non-tank vessel.
(1) If a vessel's certificates indicate "non-tank vessel" status, but cargo oil or
hazardous materials are found to be carried in bulk on board, the vessel
will not be allowed to transfer cargo oil. The vessel is in violation of its
IOPP Certificate and shall be detained until enforcement actions are
completed as provided in Volume I, Chapter 4.I.1.e. of this manual.
Additionally, enforcement actions shall be initiated pursuant to a COFR
violation as provided in Volume I, Chapter 4.I.1.d. of this manual.
1. Scheduling The arrival of most freight vessels can be anticipated by the advance notice of arrival
provided under 33 Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) 160.201. Arrivals of other freight
vessels may be discovered during harbor patrols, or from information provided by Vessel
Traffic Services, local pilots, or local agencies such as the Maritime Administration or Port
Authority. Using the targeting procedures described in Chapter D4 of this volume, Officers
in Charge Marine Inspection (OCMI) or Captains of the Port (COTP) shall identify high
priority vessels entering their zones. After identifying those vessels to be boarded, the
examinations will be scheduled using the Marine Information System (MSIS) Port Safety
Vessel Scheduler (PSVS) product set and a boarding team will be assigned. Boarding
teams assigned to conduct Priority I boardings shall include a marine inspector. Other
boarding teams should include a marine inspector if resources permit. Teams should also
be scheduled to monitor cargo transfers if vessel operations permit.
2. Coordination
Determine if the NCB intends to board the vessel during the port call. NCB activity is
With The
limited to cargo requirements and does not address the non-cargo vessel requirements
National
(i.e., SOLAS, MARPOL, STCW, ILO, navigation safety and pollution prevention). When the
Cargo Bureau
NCB is boarding the vessel, consideration should be given to concentrating Coast Guard
(NCB)
efforts on those areas not addressed by the NCB and relying on the NCB report to
ascertain the vessel's compliance with applicable cargo requirements.
3. Pre-Boarding Prior to arrival at the vessel, the boarding team must review the available MSIS data and
Preparations regulations to determine the required examination activities for the boarding. Extract the
basic information from the MSIS Port Safety Vessel History (PSVH) for use during the
boarding (including: name, flag, call sign, tonnage, date/port of last Coast Guard boarding,
recent spills, outstanding discrepancies, status of certificates and documents, etc.).
Classification society information should be checked in the Vessel File Involved Party
(VFIP) product set. A check of the MSIS history of the vessel may indicate that certain
information must be confirmed or updated during the boarding to keep MSIS records
current. It may also indicate outstanding discrepancies that you should check. Since 49
CFR 107 and 171 do not require a carrier's registration to be on board, it will not always be
possible to check for that during a boarding. However, if registration or lack thereof is
verified prior to the boarding, appropriate action can be taken at the time of the boarding if
packaged hazardous material is being carried by the vessel.
e. The general condition of the facility (or other vessel) adjacent to the vessel
being boarded;
g. The location of the vessel's load line (if the vessel is trim and the load line mark
is submerged, the COTP should be notified);
5. Boarding the Upon boarding the vessel, identify yourself as a representative of the U.S. Coast Guard,
Vessel Marine Safety Office or Marine Safety Activity as appropriate, and ask to see the master or
chief mate (or the senior deck officer on duty). Introduce yourself and advise that the
purpose of this visit is to conduct a Port State Control Examination.
b. When conducting a reexamination, advise the master that the examination will
consist of a document check and a general examination as a minimum. If
applicable, it may also include a follow-up on any outstanding discrepancies.
In either event, ensure that the master understands that the boarding team
reserves the right to expand the examination if "clear grounds" are established
to doubt the validity of the vessel's certificates (See MSM II-D1.I). The depth
and scope of the examination must be determined by the boarding team based
on their observations. A satisfactory check may be accomplished simply by
sighting a piece of equipment in some cases, while in others it may be
necessary to look, question or test more closely.
6. Examination of Sight and review pertinent vessel documents, certificates, and officers' licenses. Make sure
Documents they are current. Determine whether the vessel's hull, deck, internal structure, cargo
hatches, piping or required equipment has been damaged or undergone repair since the last
Coast Guard examination. Also determine whether any outstanding conditions of class
exist. Check to see if the vessel is overdue for dry-docking or repair. If after boarding it is
determined from records aboard a vessel that the vessel is not due for an examination, or
that the vessel's boarding priority is lower than MSIS records indicate, advise the vessel's
officer that you will limit your examination to a less extensive reexamination. Do not leave
the vessel without at least completing a cursory document check and a general "walk
through" examination to ensure no obvious deficiencies exist.
IOPP Certificate a. IOPP Certificate. Review the International Oil Pollution Prevention (IOPP)
Certificate. Ensure that for countries which are not signatory to the
International Convention for the Prevention of Pollution from Ships 1973, as
modified by the Protocol of 1978 (MARPOL 73/78), the equivalent
documentation is Coast Guard acceptable. Check the Oil Record Book to
ensure that it has been maintained properly. Navigation Vessel Inspection
Circulars (NVIC) 8-83 and 6-94 (CH-1) provide additional guidance for MARPOL
73/78 enforcement.
Safe Manning b. Safe Manning Document. SOLAS, Chapter V, Regulation 13, requires all
Document ships of 500 gross tons and more on international voyages to be issued a safe
manning document. This document states what the flag State considers to be
the minimum complement necessary to ensure the vessel is sufficiently
manned from the point of view of safety. There is no standard format for a safe
manning document, though some guidance on the elements to be included in
the document can be found in IMO Resolution A.481(XII), Annex 1, and
guidance to be taken into account in determining safe manning can be found in
Annex 2 of that IMO resolution. However, there are no specific manning scales
which can be considered as an internationally agreed standard for assessing
the adequacy of the crew complement on a seagoing ship. Therefore, the
boarding team must use good judgment in questioning a flag State's
determination of the adequacy of a vessel's manning level.
(1) Every foreign flag vessel of 500 gross tons or more visiting a U.S. port
should have on board a safe manning document issued by the vessel's
flag State. If the document is in a foreign language, an English
translation is to be available. The document should contain the following
information:
(c) The date of issue and expiration along with a signature for and the
seal of the Administration.
(2) In the event a safe manning document is available, the flag State is a
party to SOLAS, the information in the document is complete, and the
required crew complement is consistent with normal expectations for a
ship of its size and service, no further action is required with respect to
the manning document itself. Attention may then be directed to
determining that the crew is appropriately certificated under the STCW
convention (as discussed below).
STCW Flag States (2) Flag States where STCW entered into force less than five years from
vessel boarding: Transitional provisions of the Convention will allow flag
States to continue to issue Certificates under the terms of the previous
Convention for five years. States may continue to issue STCW 78
Certificates until February 1, 2002, to all mariners who commence
training or seagoing service before August 1, 1998.
Hazardous Material d. Hazardous Material Training. Title 49 CFR 176.13 requires records to be
Training maintained aboard the vessel of the hazardous materials training required by
49 CFR part 172. A check should be made for documentation that personnel
have received appropriate training.
e. Dangerous Cargo Manifest Check. Ask if the vessel is (or will be) carrying any
Dangerous Cargo packaged hazardous materials. If it is, ask to see the vessel's dangerous
Manifest Check cargo manifest (DCM). Check the DCM to ensure completeness. Also note
the nature and stowage locations of the various hazardous materials from the
DCM and list a few specific hazardous material shipments on board. Also
examine the planned stowage of hazardous cargo to determine if the general
handling, stowage, and segregation requirements are met. Verify the following
items on the DCM:
(1) Vessel's name, flag, official number, and/or call sign are listed;
(3) Proper shipping names and identification numbers are listed (no
improper use of dittos or abbreviations for proper shipping name);
(5) The number and description of packages and their gross weights are
properly entered;
(7) The stowage location for each hazardous cargo is accurately indicated;
(8) Emergency response telephone number is listed for each cargo listed;
Garbage f. Garbage Management Plan (GMP). These plans should be examined during
Management Plan annual and reexams. These are written procedures for collecting, storing,
(GMP) processing, and disposing of garbage, including the use of equipment on
board. It should designate the person responsible for carrying out the plan and
should be in the working language of the crew. The Plan was made mandatory
by an amendment to MARPOL 73/78 which added regulation 9 to Annex V. It
is important because it requires ship operators to track their garbage and take
notice of what happens to it. Missing GMP’s are not sufficient grounds, in and
of themselves, for a detention.
Global Maritime g. Global Maritime Distress and Safety System (GMDSS). There are exceptions,
Distress and Safety but GMDSS equipment is required on all cargo ships of 300 gross tons and
System (GMDSS) over as of 1 February 1999. During general examinations, briefly examine the
GMDSS equipment as required by SOLAS IV, with further guidance described
in NVIC 3-99. An expanded exam program is being developed that will focus on
STCW GMDSS operators, when clear grounds are established that radio
operators pose a danger to the environment because of repeated false alert
transmissions. The method to identify these targeted vessels, training
requirements, and personnel resources available to augment MSO boarding
teams to perform these limited competency assessments are still being
developed. Until this program is implemented, boarding officers are not
expected to perform expanded STCW GMDSS operator competency
assessments.
7. General During annual examinations and reexaminations, conduct a general "walk through" examination
Examination of the vessel. The general examination should include observation of required equipment on
deck, in the engine room, and in after steering. Verify the adequacy, maintenance, and
operation of firefighting, pollution prevention, and other equipment required by regulations. Look
for obvious safety problems. Verify that the stowage location for hazardous cargoes is
accurately indicated.
Navigation Safety a. Navigation Safety Equipment Check. During annual examinations and
Equipment Check reexaminations, determine through operator competence (STCW) if all
equipment was working properly during the last voyage. If equipment is not
working, determine when repairs will be made. If a major piece of electronic
equipment (like the radar or Automatic Radar Plotting Aid (ARPA)) is not
operational, the OCMI/COTP should be contacted for instructions.
Check the complete list of navigation safety items, paying special attention to
the extra requirements for vessels over 10,000 gross tons. Check or test the
equipment paying particular attention to the following:
Position Fixing (1) Position Fixing Device (LORAN C, Satellite Navigation System
Device (SATNAV) or GPS). Energize the equipment. Check that the receiver is
able to lock on and track the signals for these readings. For SATNAV,
see that the mate is able to set up the receiver to obtain the vessel's
position on the next usable satellite pass.
Automatic Radar (2) Automatic Radar Plotting Aid (ARPA). Ensure that each vessel over
Plotting Aid (ARPA) 10,000 gross tons is equipped with an ARPA as required by the Port and
Tanker Safety Act and the Navigation Safety Regulations. Take the time
to spot targets on the screen and to follow a vessel's movement across
the screen.
Echo Depth (3) Echo Depth Sounder and Recorder. Energize the equipment to see if it
Sounder and gives a reading. The recorder will show recent performance if it was
Recorder operational as the vessel entered the harbor.
Marine Radar (4) Marine Radar. Energize the radar and note targets moving across the
screen or pick out shore objects on the radar if possible. Check both
radars on vessels over 10,000 gross tons, including true north
stabilization features.
Vessel FM Radio (5) Vessel FM Radio. Ensure that the vessel has the capability to use VHF
Channels 13, 16 and 22 and that the radios are in working order. A radio
check is not necessary unless you suspect that the radios do not work.
Magnetic Steering (6) Magnetic Steering Compass. Check to see if there is a current deviation
Compass table posted near the magnetic compass. The table should be derived
from swinging the vessel and there should be a comparison log showing
entries of the differences between the vessel's true, gyro and magnetic
north compass readings. The magnetic compass can vary depending on
the type of cargo loaded and it may show differences from voyage to
voyage. Check the emergency steering compass periscope, if fitted, to
ensure that you can see the card. Check compass illumination.
Gyrocompass (7) Gyrocompass. Check the reading on the steering gyrocompass against
the repeaters on the bridge wings, the second steering station and the
steering engine room. Be sure to ask if the gyro is energized as they
are sometimes secured during an extended port stay. Look at the
comparison log for any fluctuations between the gyro, magnetic and true
readings.
Rudder Angle (8) Rudder Angle Indicator. Check the rudder angle indicator in all locations
Indicator such as main steering station, bridge wings, and emergency steering
station. They should all have the same reading. A few degrees variance
is acceptable.
Charts (9) Charts. Check charts of the areas to be transited within the COTP zone
to see if they are maintained up-to-date. Use a list of the most recent
Defense Mapping Agency (DMA) notice to mariners changes to verify
that a chart is corrected up-to-date. Foreign charts are acceptable if
they contain similar information and are of a large enough scale to permit
safe navigation. NVIC 9-83 provides additional guidance regarding
application of the requirements for carriage of charts. Electronic charts
are not an acceptable substitute for paper charts.
Publications (10) Publications. Vessels must carry a currently corrected copy of, or
applicable currently corrected extract from, the U.S. navigation
publications (or foreign equivalents) listed in 33 CFR 164.33. Further
enforcement guidance is provided in NVIC 9-83. Publications required
include:
Relative Motion (11) Relative Motion Plotting Equipment. While the ARPA may do some of
Plotting Equipment the relative motion plotting for the vessel personnel, the vessel still must
have equipment for manual plotting of relative motion. Normally this
equipment consists of maneuvering boards, triangles, parallel rules, etc.
ILO 147 b. ILO 147. During annual examinations and reexaminations, be alert for
especially hazardous or unsanitary conditions. We cannot hold other
countries to the same standards we expect here in the U.S. However, we
should be alert to those conditions that are blatantly unsafe. Labor or pay
complaints should be brought to the attention of the Department of Labor by
contacting G-MOC. Where intervention authority is lacking, local humanitarian
or religious organizations (i.e. Seamen's Friends Society) may be able to
assist in correcting unsanitary practices or in assisting crewmembers. See
COMDINST 16711.12 for further guidance.
Structural Integrity c. Structural Integrity. During annual examinations and reexaminations, look for
evidence of long term neglect, wastage, corrosion, cracking, pitting or casualty
damage. The presence on deck of plating, sections of piping, or an excessive
number of oxyacetylene tanks may indicate unauthorized repairs or other
problems. Look for recent burn marks from welding particularly on the reverse
slope plates of the upper wing tanks if possible. Temporary repairs including
cement boxes, epoxy patches, postage stamp inserts and drill stopped cracks
may indicate problems. Each situation must be evaluated to determine whether
the temporary repair is adequate or whether the vessel should be detained until
permanent repairs are made.
Cargo Operations d. Cargo Operations. During annual examinations and reexaminations, check the
following:
General
(1) General.
(d) Determine if the vessel has a capacity to retain all oily waste and
oily bilge slops generated while operating in U.S. waters; and
For foreign flag vessels that return to U.S. ports without CSM’s on
subsequent voyages, more restrictive actions may be necessary,
to include:
(a) Note the general condition of the fuel piping systems (including
manifolds), particularly any non-permanent repairs and other
irregularities;
(b) Check the materiel condition of the fuel vents; (note: there is no
requirement for fuel tank vent screens on foreign vessels)
NOTE: These items applicable only to vessels carrying oil or liquid hazardous
material as cargo (i.e., in deep tanks) or engaged in bunkering.
(a) Look at the small discharge containment and visually check the
capacity. Have someone demonstrate the mechanical means of
closing scuppers and drains in the containment, and look for the
means of draining or removing discharged product from the
containment;
(b) Look at the fuel and bulk lubricating oil discharge containment and
visually check the capacity (i.e., 1/2 barrel 300-1600 gross tons, 1
barrel over 1600 gross tons, 5 U.S. gallon portable container for
100-300 gross tons and 100 gross tons or over constructed before
July 1974);
(c) Sight the bilge slops piping outlet (1,600 gross tons and above, on
each side of the weather deck; below 1,600 gross tons,
accessible from the weather deck) and make sure the vessel has
a means to stop each discharge on the weather deck near the
discharge outlet;
(g) Visually inspect required deck lighting at the transfer point and
transfer operation work area;
(h) The minimum design burst pressure for each hose assembly must
be at least four times the sum of the pressure of the relief valve
setting (or four times the maximum pump pressure when no relief
valve is installed) plus the static head pressure of the transfer
system, at the point where the hose is installed.
(i) Check to see each hose is marked with the required information;
and
(a) Sight the oil-water separator and check the certification label for a
Coast Guard approval number or International Maritime
Organization (IMO) specification label (MARPOL 73/78);
(b) Check the bilge continuous monitor for an approval number or IMO
specification label and sight the recording tape;
(e) Verify that the vessel is equipped with an operable, U.S. Coast
Guard or MARPOL IV certified marine sanitation device (MSD);
and
(b) Examine in depth the bulk liquid transfer procedures. Ensure that:
(c) Confirm that the emergency shutdown is operable from the cargo
control area for bulk liquid transfer operations.
Abandon Ship Drill h. Abandon Ship Drill. An abandon ship drill is to be witnessed by the
boarding team during annual examinations.
i. Conducting the drill: Muster crew at their stations. Check muster
lists for accuracy. Check that lifejackets are properly donned.
Determine if crew members are able to communicate with each other.
Ensure that crewmembers are familiar with abandon ship
procedures/duties and the proper use of ship’s lifesaving equipment.
Lower lifeboats, where practicable, to the embarkation deck. Conduct
general examination of davits, falls, sheaves, etc. as boat is being
prepared and lowered to the embarkation deck. Start lifeboat engines.
Lowering of lifeboats into the water, releasing them and exercising the
crew is not required. If the marine inspector or boarding officer feels
the crew is unfamiliar with their duties or incapable of safely operating
the lifesaving equipment, then the drill should be halted and the Master
told to conduct training and/or additional exercises. The USCG should
be recalled when they are ready to conduct a drill. During follow-up
exam, inspectors/boarding officers may have crew lower boats into the
water, release them and exercise crew, when practicable, to ensure
competency of crew. Drills are determined unsatisfactory when
language barriers interfere with adequate verbal communication, or
when the competency of the crew is so inadequate that the drill can
not be executed safely.
Fire Drill i. Fire Drill. A fire drill is to be witnessed by the boarding team during annual
examinations. The ability of the crew to respond to emergencies is witnessed
during the drill. All crewmembers should participate except for those engaged
in cargo operations or on watch in machinery spaces. One suggested method
of conducting the fire drill is to choose a specific location in the vessel (cabin,
paint locker, storage room, etc.) for a simulated fire.
(1) Conducting the Drill. Have a crewmember go to the location and activate
Conducting the
the manual fire alarm system. Observe the alarm indication on the fire
Drill
alarm panel and the responses of the vessel's officers. A normal
procedure is to send an officer or fire patrolman to investigate. Go to the
location and describe the fire situation (smoke, flames, etc.) to the
investigator. Observe how the report of fire is relayed to the bridge or
damage control center. At this point most vessels will sound the crew
alarm to summon the firefighting parties and the remainder of the crew to
their stations. Observe the firefighting party arriving on scene, breaking
out their equipment and fighting the simulated fire. Team leaders should
be giving orders as appropriate to their crews and passing word back to
the bridge or damage control center on the conditions. The firefighting
crews should be observed for proper donning and use of their equipment.
Make sure that all of the gear is compatible; e.g., the breathing
apparatus can be worn with the protective suit, the helmet can be worn
with the air mask, and the lifeline can be attached to breathing apparatus
or belt. Merely mustering the emergency crews with their gear is NOT
acceptable.
Steering j. Steering. Steering gear failures on all classes of foreign vessels have caused
serious marine casualties and pollution incidents in U.S. waters. The steering
system shall be tested at annual exams by a marine inspector. The tests
should include the following:
(1) Operationally check the main and auxiliary steering from each remote
steering gear control system and each steering position on the
navigating bridge;
(2) Test the main steering gear from the emergency power supply;
(3) Check the reading on the bridge gyrocompass against the repeater in
the after steering room;
(4) Check the rudder angle indicator in the after steering room, it should
have the same reading as the indicator on the bridge;
(5) Test each remote steering gear control system power failure alarm and
each steering gear power unit failure alarm;
(6) Test for full movement of the rudder according to the required capabilities
of the steering gear;
(7) Test the means of communication between the navigating bridge and the
steering gear compartment;
(8) Visually inspect the steering gear and its connecting linkage; and
8. Expanded During any annual examination, reexamination, or deficiency follow-up, the boarding team
Examination should expand their examination of a vessel if their examination establishes "clear grounds"
for believing that the condition of a vessel, its equipment, or crew do not correspond
substantially with the particulars of the certificates. Expanded examinations should focus
on those areas where "clear grounds" have been established and should not include other
areas or systems unless the general impressions or observations of the boarding team
support such examination.
D. MONITORS
1. Bulk Liquid
Monitor If a bulk liquid transfer is in progress, meet the person-in-charge and observe the cargo (or
bunker) transfer operation (See MSM II-D6.D.1 of this volume).
2. Dry Cargo Observe the transfer of hazardous materials and walk through the vessel to check for
Monitor compliance with the packaged or solid bulk hazardous material handling requirements.
When walking through the vessel, spot check for the hazardous materials noted during the
DCM check. At a minimum, the following should be examined:
On Deck
a. On Deck.
(1) Observe the cargo handling equipment and procedures to ensure that
cargo is properly secured and is not damaged during transfer;
(2) Ensure that only acceptable hazardous materials are loaded or carried
on board;
(3) Check containers and packaged cargo for proper marking, labeling, and
placarding;
(4) Look for damaged or leaking cargo containers and packages; and
In Holds b. In Holds. When possible, go into open holds. However, if the hatch is being
worked, do not stop the loading operation unless you see or have reason to
suspect a violation.
(3) Check containers and packaged cargo for proper marking, labeling, and
placarding;
(5) Check for proper stowage and segregation of hazardous materials for
compliance with 49 CFR 176.83;
E. CARGO SUPERVISION
1. Boarding Team
Presence
The boarding team must be present during the entire transfer from beginning to end.
2. Special Special requirements for the cargo carried must be enforced. For vessels carrying military
Requirements and commercial explosives, 49 CFR 176, Subpart G, must be adhered to. Further
guidance is contained in Chapter 29.E. of this volume. For vessels carrying highway route
controlled quantities of radioactive material, 49 CFR 173, Subpart I, and 49 CFR 176,
Subpart M, must be adhered to. Further guidance is contained in MSM II-F5.C.5. of this
volume.
Advise the master of all discrepancies noted, what corrective actions are required, and
when those actions must be completed. The decision to impose operational controls
should be made by the COTP except in cases of imminent danger. The boarding team
should be prepared to make appropriate recommendations to the COTP regarding the
actions to be taken on deficiencies. If the discrepancies make the vessel unsafe to
proceed to sea, or an unreasonable risk to the environment, the COTP should detain the
vessel under the provisions of the appropriate international convention, a COTP order, or a
customs hold as appropriate. Discrepancies which do not make a vessel unsafe to
proceed to sea, or an unreasonable risk to the environment, should be handled by requiring
corrective measures to be accomplished within a specified time frame or prior to returning
to the U.S. If time permits, assist in correcting simple problems (such as transfer
procedures or maneuvering information) while on scene. Give the master (or mate)
sufficient guidance to correct any outstanding problems. Provide the master a written
record of the boarding that includes a listing of all discrepancies and the corrective actions
required. If the vessel is detained, provide the master with a copy of the Detention Report
(MSM II-D2, Annex A). The Detention Report should list only those deficiencies that must
be corrected prior to departure.
As you depart the vessel, watch for any signs of pollution around the vessel and the facility
(or other vessels) and any other unsafe situations. A brief monitor of the shoreside part of
the operation should also be conducted before leaving the area for your next assignment or
returning to the unit. After arriving at the unit, enter all information into the MSIS, including
vessel file updates, boarding report (PSAR), discrepancy reports, and operational controls.
For the benefit of other MSO's, enter case information as soon as possible after return to
the unit. In all cases, MSIS should be updated within 48 hours of completing the boarding.
If the vessel is detained, follow the procedures in Chapter 24 of this volume for documenting
the detention.
1. Marine Safety All cargo vessel examinations will be documented in MSIS by filing a Port Safety Activity
Information Report (PSAR). To ensure the accuracy of the database used in making boarding
System (MSIS)decisions:
a. The code "AEF" will be used to document all annual freight vessel
examinations.
b. The code "DOCK" will be used to document all freight vessel reexaminations.
This code will only be used when a physical boarding is performed. (Those
units that update document data based on electronically provided information
may use the code "INV NEC" when filling a PSAR to record that activity.)
f. Until a change can be made to the PSAR, the "PERS" column will be used to
record the number of "ACTIVITY" work hours spent by marine inspectors on
foreign freight vessels. All work hours will be rounded to the nearest tenth of
an hour with the exception of marine inspector "ACTIVITY" hours, which will be
rounded to the nearest hour. Marine inspector preparatory time, travel time,
administrative time and time on board should be included under the "PERS"
column.
h. The certificate codes "NON" (none) will be used for all freight vessel annual
examinations and reexaminations.
j. Update the Vessel File Involved Party (VFIP) product set if different from that
observed aboard the vessel. If a vessel's classification society is not listed or
differs from that shown in VFIP, enter the appropriate classification society
using the Involved Party Numbers (IPN) listed in MSM II-D4.B.3. The
"OWNER" indicated in the VFIP should match that indicated on the vessel's
registry. The "OPERATOR" indicated in the VFIP should match that indicated
on the vessel's Certificate of Financial Responsibility (COFR). If the vessel is
ISM certified ensure that the Document of Compliance company name is
entered as owner or operator.
k. The Vessel File List of Documents (VFLD) product set should be updated to
reflect the status of the vessel's documents.
l. MSIS entries including deficiencies are to be entered into MSIS within 48 hours
of completing a boarding.
FIGURE D5-1
CASE NUMBER/ PS95000002 PORT/ G-MOC ACTIVITY DATE/ 01JAN98 REF CASE/
VESSELS INVOLVED:
V/K VIN NAME FLAG SERVICE
V L7117117 RUSTY BUCKET MT FREIGHT SHIP .
#DIS/ OUT?/ LEG.ACT?/ LPC/ HONDO NPC/ HOUMS
ACTIVITY TYPE(S)/ ANNUAL SHIP MON PH HAZMAT MARPOL GEN .
.