PSC ALERT 006/2021
14 Feb 2021
Defective Immersion Suits on Found on Fleet Vessel
Confirmation required
Summary of incident
Marshall Island Flag State conducted inspection on one of our fleet vessels at Port of Longview on 19
January 2021. Lifesaving equipment were inspected, and ALL Immersion suits were found to be
defective. Flag State Inspector advised to rectify this deficiency by replacing all 31 pcs Immersion Suits
prior departure. There was no delay to the vessel.
What happened?
Marshall Island Flag State Inspector & USCG went on board to conduct Safety Inspection and PSC
Inspection respectively. Flag State Inspector then requested the Duty Officer to open the Immersion
Suits for inspection. Upon checking the suits, it was found out that the adhesive used to attach the main
zipper to the Immersion Suits was already worn out and ineffective to keep the main zipper attach to
the immersion suits.
PSC ALERT 006/2021
14 Feb 2021
Defective Immersion Suits on Found on Fleet Vessel
Confirmation required
Moreover, the zippers attached to the suits were already worn out, detached and the teeth were damaged.
It was also found that fluffs were caught into the teeth or elements of the zippers of the immersion suits
resulting to the zipper sliders inability to move.
Actions subsequent to incident
As all the Immersion Suits were found irreparable and the deficiency had to be rectified prior departure,
the office was informed and requested to replace the defective suits.
PSC ALERT 006/2021
14 Feb 2021
Defective Immersion Suits on Found on Fleet Vessel
Confirmation required
The flag state inspector strongly requested that all 31 immersion suits be replaced before departure
from Longview. Technical PIC arranged to supply all 31 immersion suits thru the local supplier at short
notice.
Probable Cause
Maintenance / Management Deficiency
1. The glue connecting the zipper to the immersion suits lost its
function due to age. The manufacturing date of immersion suits was
2011, hence the suits were already 10 years old.
2. Immersion Suits were not properly inspected during routine
inspection of all safety equipment on board. It was only 18 days
when they were last physically inspected as below.
PSC ALERT 006/2021
14 Feb 2021
Defective Immersion Suits on Found on Fleet Vessel
Confirmation required
On further checks of maintenance records on this ship, it was found that vessel has only one Monthly
Task in PMS with below instructions for the inspection by 3/O.:
Quote
Check appearance and quantity. Confirm whistle and inflating device functioning properly.
Unquote
On further checks, it was found that PMS tasks and instructions for Immersion Suites are not uniform
on all ships.
Preventive Actions
1. Masters to ensure that Immersion Suites are Inspected and Tested on Monthly and 2 Yearly interval
following below guidelines.
2. Further these two PMS Tasks for Monthly Inspection and 2 Yearly Test shall be added or amended
in PMS as per below guidelines in consultation with Technical PIC by 15th May 2021.
Quote
PMS Task 1: General Check of Immersion Suit
Interval: Monthly
Job description:
1. Check closures on storage bag as well as general condition of bag for ease of removal of suit.
2. Check to make sure that the product is entirely dry inside and out.
3. Visually check for damage including the lifting loop and others. Rips, tears or punctures should be
repaired.
4. Check the zipper by sliding it up and down for ease of operation. Lubricate the front and back of
zipper.
5. If the zipper is not functional, or the damage irreparable, inform office immediately with
Requisition.
6. If fitted, check inflatable head support and/or buoyancy ring for damage and ensure that it is
properly attached. The ring should be inflated and tested for leaks.
7. Check retro-reflective tape for condition and adhesion. Replace if necessary.
8. If fitted, check whistle and expiration date of light and battery.
PMS Task 2: Air Pressure Test of Immersion Suit
Interval: 24months
Job description:
1. Secure suitable Head piece into the face orifice and open gaskets and inflate the suit to a pressure
of 0.7 to 1.4kPa (0.1 to 0.2psi, 5.3 to 10.5mmHg). All seams and closures of the suit should then be
covered with a soapy water. If leaks are revealed, leaking areas should be repaired.
PSC ALERT 006/2021
14 Feb 2021
Defective Immersion Suits on Found on Fleet Vessel
Confirmation required
2. If the leaking areas cannot be repaired, inform office immediately with Requisition.
3. After all repairs are performed, the suit should be inflated again, to repeat test.
Note: Some Flag State requires servicing by approved service station, if Immersion Suites are more
than 10 years old. It should be clarified with PIC.
Unquote
3. Master. CO and CE to conduct a training of 3/O and Deck crew for the inspection and testing of
Immersion Suites and send a report to Marine PIC using ECP-04-00B.
4. All vessels are requested to physically check the condition of each Immersion Suites and year of
manufacturing.
5. Any damage or deteriorating condition found should be immediately reported to PIC with
photographs for proper disposition.
6. Inspection report, Date of manufacture and completion of Training report to be sent to Marine and
Technical PIC by 25th Feb 2021 positively.
7. PMS to be amended by 15th May 2021 in coordination with Technical PIC.
Enclosed:
1. MSC/Circ.1114 Guidelines for Periodic Testing of Immersion Suits and Anti-exposure Suit Seams
and Closures.
Note: We invite comments for preventive actions from your similar past experiences for us to achieve
an optimum "lessons learnt" experience.
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