Applicability: shipowners, ship operators and ship managers.

The Australian Maritime Safety Authority  has advised Recognised Organisations of a change in the focus of Port State Control inspections with respect to planned maintenance on ships.

AMSA states that recent incidents have demonstrated the potentially serious consequences of a lack of effective maintenance of main engines and power generation systems. These can pose serious risks to the safe and pollution-free operation of ships. There will be an increase in the focus on planned maintenance during routine PSC inspections of the propulsion and auxiliary equipment and associated systems. AMSA will take necessary compliance actions to address any identified areas of concern.

What ship operators should do now

Ship operators are advised to ensure that planned maintenance of propulsion and auxiliary machinery and associated systems is up to date on arrival at Australian ports. In cases where deficiencies are apparent (e.g. due to a delay in the delivery of spare parts), this should be communicated to the PSC authority prior to arrival in order to prevent problems arising at PSC interventions.