Situation:
(Use a notebook to note down any observations)
During a round of the Emergency Head Quarters on a pressurized LPG Tanker called MT Gascon, the SIRE Inspector came across the SCBA.
The Chief Officer, the 3rd Officer and an AB were accompanying him during the round. The SCBA was kept inside a box secured to the bulkhead.
The box was not locked but kept closed by a latch.
Upon inspection, it was verified that:
- It had been serviced and inspected in accordance with the maintenance plan.
- The bottle was fully charged.
- The correct number of fully charged spare bottles was available.
- The harness and facemasks were kept covered inside a plastic pouch.
- One of the straps in the SCBA Set was found broken.
When asked, the Chief officer stated that the SCBA Set was kept in the box and the masks inside the pouch to protect them from dust.
The inspector asked the Chief Officer (Safety Officer) about the maintenance plan.
- C/Off was unsure and said he will refer to the PMS.
- 3rd Officer clearly stated the maintenance requirements.
The rating was asked to demonstrate the donning of the SCBA. He could not do it.
However, the 3rd officer demonstrated it without any trouble, with all necessary checks carried out.
This is what he did - Click here
Later, it was found that the company's SMS Manual:
- Did not specify the frequency and method of inspection and testing of the equipment.
- The PMS explained the method of testing clearly, but not the frequency.
5.3.1. Were the Master, officers and ratings familiar with the location and use of the vessel’s firefighter’s outfits including the self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA), and was the equipment maintained in good condition and ready for immediate use in accordance with company procedures?
Analyse.
