Scrubbers are a relevant compliance option for many ships to meet the IMO Global Sulphur Cap 2020. DNV GL has for many years worked with owners and operators on scrubber installation and operation. This casualty information focuses on the importance of selecting the correct design and appropriate materials for the scrubber overboard spool piece, the need for good workmanship as well as the need for regular inspections in order to avoid similar incidents occurring.

This safety circular highlights the dangers of battery packs and correct maintenance of acetylene hoses. Remember the hoses must be fitted with approved connections.

A surge of stern tube bearing failures since 2014 has been extensively investigated by DNV GL.

One of the major questions to answer is whether the performance of the newly introduced environmentally acceptable lubricants (EALs) is equivalent to the traditional mineral oils used in stern tubes.

Preliminary findings from the marine casualty resulting in a stevedore being fatally injured by falling into the cargo hold of a container ship, revealed that a safety railing was in poor condition and badly corroded, and may have contributed to the fall of the stevedore. Although the corroded safety railing had been
identified as a task to be carried out on board, there were no safeguards or warning signs in place to warn personnel in the vicinity of its condition.

In a separate incident, a crew member on a container ship fell from a height of almost 20 metres when the base plate of the crane cabin he had just entered gave way. Preliminary findings revealed that the base plate was severely corroded. Although the company’s planned maintenance system covered inspection of cranes, the corrosion of the base plate had not been detected .

Due to a label error, Marlin Australia PTY, Ltd. has recalled lot 14442C1 of PFDs approved by the US Coast Guard under approval numbers 160.055/215/0 and 160.055/216/0.

Adult Model 320RT (160.055/215/0) incorrectly lists a minimum buoyant force of 32 pounds; the correct minimum buoyant force is 22 pounds. Child Model 321RT (160.055/216/0) incorrectly lists a minimum buoyant force of 16 pounds; the correct minimum buoyant force is 11 pounds. Figure 1 shows the incorrect Adult Model 320RT label.

Both models have been manufactured in accordance with US Coast Guard regulations and standards and continue to perform as approved. Although the recalled PFDs are incorrectly marked,
they still meet the minimum buoyancy requirement for a Type I PFD approved under 46 CFR 160.055, Mislabeled PFDs may continue to be used as long as they are in serviceable condition.