US Port State Control Sees Decline in Fire Detentions

The US Coast Guard’s Office of Commercial Vessel Compliance has released the U.S. Port State Control Annual Report for 2024 noting a decrease in detention rate due to fire safety issues.

The annual detention rate decreased from 1.22 to 0.94%.

Fire Safety: For the fourth straight year fire safety deficiencies lead all deficiency categories. Oil accumulation in the engine room once again led the deficiency total, 18 deficiencies. However, this was a significant reduction from last year’s total of 31 deficiencies. In addition to the usual oil-soaked lagging, fuel leaks, excessive oil in the bilge, PSC officers discovered on one ship the emergency escape from the officer’s lounge completely bolted shut. On another ship the PSCO discovered over 200 gallons of fuel oil being stored in trash cans scattered throughout the engine room and purifier spaces.

A chemical tanker was found to have an entire hyper mist zone disabled with the ship’s crew having no knowledge of it being disabled. Several deficiencies were identified related to multiple ventilation dampers unable to be closed due to being stuck in the open position or missing handles for manual operation. There was also an exam where the PSC officer observed