Port State Control Deficiencies for Fire-Fighting Outfits
Port State Control (PSC) deficiencies are a serious concern for yacht captains and crew. Recently, some Paris Memorandum of Understanding (Paris MoU) Member States have issued PSC deficiencies for fire-fighting outfits. The deficiencies are related to thermal protection for the wearer in case of entering an enclosed space.
The findings of the PSC inspections are as follows:
The outfit is not a fire entry suit
The outfit is not suitable for fire entry
The outfit has buttons or latches piercing the suit, which allows heat to be conducted to the inner side of the suit and causes burns to the wearer.
The Code 17 deficiency being cited is: "may not provide the wearer sufficient thermal protection from the radiated heat if entering an enclosed space." This deficiency is being issued even though the subject fire-fighting outfits are certified or approved in accordance with the International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea (SOLAS) or Fire Safety Systems Code (FSS Code).
PSC Officers are utilizing European close proximity standards for fighting fires within enclosed spaces in addition to international standards, leading to the issuance of Code 17 deficiencies. These deficiencies are also being issued when the outfits, as outlined above, are used during enclosed space fire-fighting drills or when the crew member is unaware of the outfit's limitations.
Fire teams should be aware of the outfit's limitations during onboard familiarization (SOLAS Chapter II-2, Regulation 15). These limitations should also be included in the ship-specific training manual, and the record of the fire-fighting drill should not conflict with the limitations.
In conclusion, yacht captains and crew should be aware of the limitations of their fire-fighting outfits and ensure that they meet international and European close proximity standards. Furthermore, crew members should be trained on the limitations of the outfits, and the training manual should reflect the same. By taking these steps, yacht captains can avoid PSC deficiencies and ensure the safety of their crew in case of a fire emergency.