ABS Regulatory News Update: FIRE SAFETY REQUIREMENTS FOR RORO, PASSENGER AND CARGO SHIPS

ABS has released an updated Regulatory News briefing titled “Fire Safety Requirements for Ro-Ro Passenger and Cargo Ships.” This detailed guidance outlines important changes to fire protection standards and compliance expectations for Ro-Ro vessel operators. Download the full ABS Regulatory News PDF:Fire Safety Requirements for Ro-Ro Passenger and Cargo Ships Key Topics Covered Updated fire … Read more

NTSB Safety Alert: Land-Based Firefighters: Know the Risks and Challenges Posed by In-Port Vessel Fires

“Training and Vessel Familiarization Is Vital for Effective Firefighting. The problem — Many land based firefighters lack the necessary training and familiarity with vessel layouts and fire protection systems to effectively fight in-port vessel fires. Combatting vessel fires — especially aboard large commercial vessels — requires different resources, skills, and tactics than fighting structural fires on land.”

USCG MARINE SAFETY ALERT: IMPORTANCE OF ADHERING TO HOT WORK PROCEDURES & IMPLEMENTING ROBUST LOCKOUT/TAGOUT PROGRAMS

“A recent marine casualty, resulting in a fire and severe injuries to two crewmembers, highlights the risks associated with Liquified Natural Gas (LNG), performing hot work in hazardous zones, and the necessity of maintaining a robust lockout/tagout program.”

USCG Marine Safety Alert: Warning: Ensure a Gas-Free Environment Prior to Conducting Hot Work

“Coast Guard Sector Honolulu and Hawaii State Fire Investigators are examining a recent marine
diesel fuel tank explosion on an uninspected commercial fishing vessel (CFV) moored for
maintenance at a state-regulated facility. The explosion injured five individuals and resulted in
one fatality.

Preliminary findings reveal that the vessel did not adhere to the “Hot Works” permit guidelines
issued by the State Department of Transportation (DOT), which authorized work on a water tank
hatch, engine room stairs, and spotlights. Witnesses confirmed welding was performed on a fuel
tank vent pipe that was neither certified gas-free nor “Safe for Hot Work” by a certified marine
chemist, as required by the permit. Consequently, diesel fuel vapors ignited, causing the
explosion.”

New Chemist Joins Team

We would like to announce the addition of Casey Rawson, CMC 742, to our team! We first met Casey several years ago when he was interning at Detyens Shipyards, Inc.  He then trained with us for a couple of weeks in May of last year prior to becoming certified in August.  He performed hundreds of … Read more