New CIC on Stability in General announced

The aim and scope of this CIC is to ensure that stability systems onboard are installed, available and approved. In addition, that stability calculations for each voyage are carried out and documented adequately. As such, Master and responsible officers will be checked for familiarization and their knowledge of the loading systems provided on board, the use of stability software and documentation.

SQE MARINE consulting firm issued circular to provide guidance (see Appendix A) based on data from RiSK4SEA platform, in particular on findings by Paris and Tokyo MoU on possible deficiencies related to CIC. Additionally, a full best practice guidance will be provided in order to address the CIC questionnaire checklist, when published (expected in August 2021).

During 2010, Paris MoU conducted a similar CIC on stability with main focus on IMO stability requirements for tankers. Following same practice, SQE MARINE expects that the key items to be checked would be:

• Stability documentation (Stability Booklet/Loading manuals etc)
• Loading calculations (Loading computer and software/ Loading documents)
• Responsible officers’ familiarization with the above
• Ship Organization to respond to emergencies which require stability calculations (grounding/flooding/cargo list etc)

The CIC will be included in the routine PSC inspections and responsible PSCO will be provided with the relevant CIC questionnaire, which is not published yet. The identified deficiencies will be reported to the official PSC report for each ship.

The PSC codes applicable for stability and loading issues are the following:

 Stability is related to many serious incidents due to incorrect ship loading conditions or missing intact stability documentation on board. Responsible officers should be trained to provide information on the stability calculations for current or upcoming voyage and be able to demonstrate the response.

Appendix A

The ISM 15150 deficiency code is ranked as No 1 in the Paris MoU for the last 5 years. However, this not representative as this code is used to mark ISM noncompliance/failure in general and not only for stability issues.

The most critical findings of related codes for both MoUs are:

• 01316-Cargo information
• 01317-Cargo record book
• 01326-Stability Information Booklet
• 02102-Damage control plan
• 02103-Stability/strength/loading information and instruments

Most common PSC findings for above codes are:

01316-Cargo information

1. Not available on board

2. Cargo data sheet not available

3. Declaration of shipper not signed

4. BCSN missing from cargo sheet

01317-Cargo record book

1.Not available on board

2.Not approved by Classification society

3.Crew not familiar with the record book

4.Cargo records missing/false entries

01326-Stability Information Booklet

1.Not available on board

2.Not ship specific

3.Not approved by Classification society

4.Crew not familiar to use the booklet

5.Crew could not demonstrate stability calculation for the upcoming voyage

02102-Damage control plan

1. Not available on board

2. Not ship specific

3. Not approved by Classification society

4. Ship’s emergency response plan had no provisions for the use of damage control booklet

5. Crew was not familiar on how to use the damage control booklet

02103-Stability/strength/loading information and instruments

1. Not available on board

2. Not approved by Classification society

3. Maintenance and calibration records missing

4. Crew not familiar to use the equipment/instruments

Source: https://safety4sea.com/