DGS cracks the whip to prevent ship accidents

MUMBAI: After 17-18 shipwrecks on the Indian coast, mostly involving foreign general cargo ships, the directorate general of shipping (DGS) has finally cracked the whip. It has tightened the flag state and port state controls by imposing stringent measures and has started detaining ships for non-compliance of the safety code.

"There is a total negligence and lack of interest in implementing the ISM code by companies," said Ajoy Chatterjee, chief surveyor-cum-additional DG (engineering), government of India.

"If the ISM code is implemented, you can be sure that there will be total safety. I would say even old vessels, if properly maintained, can be safe. The main reason for accidents is negligence and not having proper officers and crew," he said.

The investigations carried by the directorate revealed that all accidents involved grounding and sinking of general cargo ships due to poor maintenance of the hull and machinery equipment. There has been criminal negligence especially with regard to older vessels that are registered under flag of convenience (FoC).

An DGS official said all ports and ship agents have been told of the potential dangers to the coast of India, who have, in turn, warned masters of vessels accordingly and issued advisories. Henceforth, they have to strictly comply with international collision regulations regarding traffic; approach the Mercantile Marine Department (MMD) for towage and voyage permission as per revised guidelines; ensure that ship propellers are adequately submerged at all times; keep anchors ready; obtain weather bulletins well in advance; and to follow the recommended route in the vicinity of the harbour.

Masters of the vessels are warned to follow the voluntary weatherobservation system of the Indian meteorological department. A reminder has also been given to ship breakers and port officials with regard to ships coming for scrapping that they follow the International Maritime Organisation (IMO) guidelines.

Considering the fact that most shipwrecks involved foreign flag vessels, the official said, "The trade does not believe in maintaining balance between commercial activity and safety. Accordingly, 'advisory' issued highlights the need for due diligence and basic seamanship to be exercised by the ship's crew calling at the ports, irrespective of the flag. It is noteworthy that following the introduction of the tanker management self assessment (TMSA) not a single incident has occurred, the world over involving oil or gas tankers.

Accordingly, the administration is strongly pushing for the introduction of the conditional assessment scheme (CAS) for other types of vessels at the forthcoming 83rd session of the MSC of the IMO to be held next month.