CIRCULAR LETTER 11 th January 2013 To all vessels Masters / Chief Engineers SUBJECT: PARIS MoU Harmonized Verification Programme (HAVEP) on passenger vessels. We would like to inform you that Paris MoU members agreed to carry out a Harmonized Verification programme (HAVEP) regarding passenger ship safety operational control matters, taking into consideration 45th PSC Committee meeting (PSCC45) held in Riga - Latvia between 07-11 May 2012. Such Paris MoU HAVEP will apply to all passenger vessels with 12 months duration between 01/01/2013 and 31/12/2013. During this Paris MoU HAVEP, Port State Control Officers (PSCOs) will verify passenger ships operational control that will comprise of a standard emergency scenario which will include a simulated machinery space fire, a passenger evacuation with muster drill and an abandon ship drill which will include lowering of lifeboats to the water and taken away under power. More specifically the scenario will comprise: 1. Incident Stage: A report or alarm received on the bridge and acted upon. 2. Escalation Stage: The incident progresses to a major fire which requires the ship to deploy fire team, to perform boundary cooling, to face casualties of passenger and /or crew, to evacuate and close down of parties, as appropriate. 3. Muster Stage: Personnel should be mustered at some time to be determined by the master, lifeboats should be prepared. 4. Abandon Ship Stage: The fire fighters should withdraw and the crew/passengers should abandon the ship. Lifeboats should be lowered and sent away, provided it is safe to do so. If passengers are onboard it is up to the discretion of the Master whether they should be encouraged to attend the passenger muster and abandon ship drill. Note: There is NO intention that passengers actually embark the lifeboats. If passengers take part it should made clear to them that they must follow instructions from the crew to go to their muster station, put on their lifejacket, remain calm and listen for instruction and take no active part of the drill. The Master and all shipboard personnel must familiarize themselves with the contents of the vessel's "FIRE AND LIFE SAVING PLAN" posted on several locations and with the SOLAS Safety and Fire Training Manual. The SOLAS Safety and Fire Training Manual in which these points are covered in detail will be of particular use in this matter and should be updated and ship specific.
For the purpose of a fire drill, an outbreak of fire should be assumed to have occurred in some part of the vessel and a mock attack should be made. The complete cooperation of the personnel of all departments is essential in fire fighting. During the fire drill the fire announcement out can be made by: - The person discovering the fire. - The fire detection and alarm system. The first few minutes after a fire is discovered are vital and the measures to be taken should be completely familiar to all Officers and crewmembers onboard. The Master s priorities should be to: - Ensure safety of all persons onboard. - Prevent environmental pollution. - Limit damage to vessel. Each fire drill shall include: - Reporting to stations and preparing for the duties described in Muster List. - Starting a fire pump (main and emergency), using at least the two required jets of water to show that system is in order. - Checking of fireman s outfit and other personal rescue equipment. - Checking of relevant communication equipment, public address system. - Checking operation of watertight doors, fire doors, fire dampers and main inlets and outlets of ventilating systems in drill area, - Checking the necessary arrangements for abandoning the ship (SOLAS III/19.3.4.2)and - Checking of Fire Detection System including the two (2) minutes delay. The use of fire hoses, nozzles, applicators and portable fire extinguishers must be demonstrated, practised and inspected at each fire drill. Adequate pressure is to be put on two fire hoses during the fire drills. Life jackets must be worn but may then be removed to facilitate the drill activity. The Engine Room staff shall ensure that the fire pumps in the machinery spaces are prepared for operation and that full water pressure is on the fire mains. The emergency fire pump situated outside the machinery space, should be started. The fire party or parties should be sent to the scene of the assumed fire. The hoses in the vicinity shall be laid out and where practicable water played through them, the water being supplied first from the E/R pump and then from the emergency pump only, with the E/R isolating valve closed. A number of portable fire extinguishers shall be available and members of the fire party should be instructed in the use of the apprpriate type of fire extinguisher for a particular type of fire. The emergency fire pump shall be run by the ratings and or Deck and Engine Officers so that it charges the vessel's fire main. All the fire main isolation valves must be operated monthly. All members of the crew must know the position of each valve and its purpose.
The crew shall be exercised in the closing of openings, i.e. side scuttles, deadlights, doors, ventilating shafts, fire doors, the annular space around the funnel, etc. so as to reduce the supply of air to a fire and isolate it from other parts of the vessel, especially stairways. As many members of the crew as possible and particularly the Officers shall become familiar with the position of remote controls for ventilation fans, oil fuel pumps and oil tank valves and be instructed in the method of their operation. They shall be also trained and exercised in the use of the breathing apparatus (BA). The abandon ship drill shall include: - Summoning of crew to muster stations with the sounding of the alarm, followed by drill announcement on the public address or other communication system, and ensuring that they are made aware of the order to abandon ship. - Reporting to stations and preparing for the duties described in the Muster List. - Checking that crew is suitably dressed. - Checking that lifejackets are correctly donned. - Lowering of at least one lifeboat after any necessary preparation for launching. - Starting and operating the lifeboat engine. - Operation of davits used for launching life rafts. - Verification of the normal operation and the use of radio life-saving appliances. The following instructions in the use of life-saving equipment and survival at sea shall be given during each drill, including but not be limited to: - operation of the vessel s inflatable life rafts. - problems of hypothermia, first aid treatment of hypothermia and other first aid procedures and - special instructions necessary for use of the vessel s life-saving appliances in severe weather and sea conditions. Furthermore, the following tests and inspections shall be carried out: - Emergency lighting for muster and abandonment positions shall be checked and any deficiencies rectified (for a period of 36 hours, emergency lighting shall be provided). - All survival craft, rescue boats and launching appliances shall be visually inspected to ensure that they are ready for use. - All engines in lifeboats and the rescue boat shall be run ahead and astern for a total period of not less than 3 minutes, provided the ambient temperature is above the minimum temperature required for starting the engine. - If possible, the outboard motor fitted to a rescue boat, if carried, should be tested. However, if the special characteristics of the motor do not permit it to be run other than with its propeller submerged for a period of 3 minutes, it should be run for such a period as prescribed by the manufacturer. - The general emergency alarm system shall be tested.
In addition to the emergency lighting, the means of escape, including stairways and exits, shall be marked by lighting or photo-luminescent strip indicators placed not more than 300 mm above the deck at all points of the escape route, including angles and intersections. The marking must enable passengers to identify the routes of escape and easily identify the escape exits. If electric illumination is used, it shall be supplied by the emergency source of power and it shall be so arranged that the failure of any single light or cut in a lighting strip will not result in the marking being ineffective. Additionally, escape route signs and fire equipment location markings shall be of photo luminescent material or marked by lighting. The Master shall ensure that such lighting or photo luminescent equipment has been evaluated, tested and applied according the Administration requirements and the Fire Safety Systems Code. PSCOs will use a questionnaire listing a number of items to be covered during the HAVEP. All items will be verified in more detail for compliance with related items in SOLAS Chapters II, III and V. The questionnaire can be found at the next page of this Circular letter together with detail explanation of each requirement. Special consideration will be given to the on-board decision support system, ship/shore communications, SAR plans, records of crew training, supply of emergency power and operation of watertight doors. When deficiencies are found, PSC actions may vary from recording a deficiency and instructing the master to rectify such deficiencies within a certain period of ship's detention. In case of a vessel detention, such records will be published normally in the monthly list of detentions on relevant MoU Webpages. PSC Authorities will use their professional judgment in determining whether to detain the ship until such deficiencies to be corrected or to allow sailing with certain deficiencies without unreasonable danger to the safety, health or the environment, having in mind the particular circumstances of the intended voyage. It is expected that the Paris MoU will carry out approximately 500 inspections during HAVEP. 2013 Paris MoU HAVEP results will be analyzed and findings will be presented to Paris MoU members for submission to the IMO. Wishing you smooth seas
HAVEP QUESTIONNAIRE Notes: 1. Any question answered with a NO MUST be accompanied by a relevant deficiency on the Report of Inspection. 2. Some deficiencies are of such a serious nature that they should be considered as a no-go item (marked with an * and a RED BOX), warranting the detention of the ship. 3. Other items may warrant the detention by themselves or in combination with other items. Deficiency codes and convention references are given for each question. 4. If lifeboats not lowered Qu 19 can be answered N/A.
EXPLANATIONS REGARDING THE REQUIREMENTS OF HAVEP QUESTIONNAIRE 1. Fire Control Plan satisfactory? The Fire Control Plan shall provide information regarding fire protection, fire detection and fire extinction based on IMO guidelines. Fire Control plans shall be permanently exhibited for the guidance of the crew, showing for each deck the control stations, the various fire sections enclosed by "A" class divisions, the sections enclosed by "B" class divisions, together with particulars of the fire detection and fire alarm systems, the sprinkler installation, the fire-extinguishing appliances, means of access to different compartments, decks and the ventilation system, including particulars of the fan control positions, the position of dampers and identification numbers of the ventilating fans serving each section. The Fire Control Plan shall be: Available in the language(s) required by the Flag State. If the language is neither English nor French, a translation into one of those languages shall be included. In good condition, up-to-date and permanently exhibited in an accessible location. A duplicate set of the Plan shall be permanently stored in a prominently marked weathertight enclosure outside the deckhouse for the assistance of shore side fire fighting personnel. Copies with updated crew lists should be available outside superstructure as per Fire Plan. (Reference: SOLAS Chapter II-2, Regulation 15) 2. Muster List satisfactory? The Muster List shall be: Updated, stamped by the Master, signed, laminated and according to the Flag Requirements. 3. Decision Support System satisfactory? The Decision Support System shall be: Updated and ship specific. 4. Is the ship provided with an integrated system of contingency planning for shipboard emergency plans? The integrated system of contingency planning for shipboard emergency plans should cover all essential scenarios and emergencies. 5. Record of emergency training and drills satisfactory? The records of emergency training and drills should be: Carried out according to the plan, Signed by all Crew members, Cross-checked with work rest hours Note: Training needs if raised should be fulfilled. All Crew members should participate in the drills except the Crew members on the watch. The Crew Members who didn t participate in the drills should be briefed after the completion of the drill (this should be written in the drill evaluation report).
6. Is the SAR Co-operation Plan satisfactory? The SAR Co-operation Plan should be updated and with essential contact details. 7. Operation of Watertight Doors (WTD) satisfactory? Local and remote operation under normal conditions and normal source of power should be checked. Local and remote operation with emergency source of power. Check of indication panel on the bridge. Elimination of leakage (pneumatic or hydraulic). Visual and Sound Alarm should be in good operational condition. Instructions of operation should be permanently exhibited. Crew familiarization with WTD operation and Posters to be permanently closed during voyage. 8. Emergency Source of Power satisfactory? Testing of means of starting of Emergency Generator. Emergency Generator and Batteries operation of all systems according to the Power Distribution Plan. Upon completion of the test check of batteries condition of all systems. Upon completion of the test check the quantity of Diesel Oil of Emergency Diesel Generator. 9. Command, Control, Communication satisfactory? The Master is in control and the information is flowing to/from the command centre. Means of communication to be checked. Communication among crew members and with shore based support and rescue services. Specific instructions and guidelines. Crew familiarized with the emergency equipment operation. Crowd and crisis effective management and Official Language. 10. Initial response to incident satisfactory? According to Plan. Check of crew operational readiness. Minimization of crew response. 11. Bridge Team response to incident satisfactory? According to Plan. Check of crew operational readiness. Minimization of crew response. 12. Fire party(s) satisfactory? Crewmembers should receive instructions on fire safety onboard the ship and on their assigned duties. Crewmembers shall be trained to be familiar with the arrangements of the ship as well as the location and operation of any fire-fighting systems and appliances that they may be called upon to use. Training in the use of EEBDs shall be considered as part of the onboard training. Performance of crewmembers assigned with fire-fighting duties shall be evaluated by conducting training and drills to identify areas for improvement, to ensure competency
in fire-fighting skills is maintained, and to ensure the operational readiness of the firefighting equipment. Parties responsible for fire extinguishing should be organized. These parties shall have the capability to complete their duties at all times while the ship is in service. Onboard training on the use of the ship's fire-extinguishing systems and appliances shall be planned and conducted in accordance with the relevant regulations. The following items should be checked: 1. Proper follow up of fire fighting activities and procedures, including procedures for notification of a fire and use of manually operated call points. 2. Meanings of the ship's alarms. 3. Operation and use of fire-fighting systems and appliances. 4. Operation and use of fire doors. 5. Operation and use of fire and smoke dampers. 6. Escape systems and appliances. 7. Correct approach of a fire. 8. Crew familiarised and trained properly. 9. Effective use of emergency equipment. 10. Effective communication. 11. Breathing apparatus (BA) sets are in good condition. 12. SCBA are readily available and fully charged. 13. All air bottles are fully charged (including all spares). 14. Low pressure alarm on BA operating correctly. 15. Quantities of outfits and BA are as per Fire Control Plan. 16. Torch and radio are fully charged. 17. Equipment are stowed in the appropriate fire station, ready for use. 18. Easy access without obstruction is provided to the fire stations and equipment. 19. Crew are familiar and trained in the use of equipment and required procedures. 20. Responsible officer is assigned for maintenance and inspection. 21. Records are available showing periodical inspections and maintenance as per manufacturer s recommendations. 22. Annual Testing and Certification are in order. 23. Hydro Test has been performed according to Flag State requirements. 24. EEBDs are readily available, as per Fire Control Plan and complete. 25. All IMO markings and labels are clearly visible and readable. 26. Annual Testing and Certification are in order. 27. Hydro Test has been performed according to the Flag State requirements. 28. Fire fighters outfits are complete and readily available and 29. Fireman outfits are in good condition and type approved. Fire fighting outfits are appropriately sized to fit designated crew. 13. Ancillary parties (e.g. boundary cooling, stretcher party) satisfactory? Equipment ready for use. Crew familiar with the use of equipment. Crew familiar with the handling of an injured person and A stretcher suitable for hoisting an injured person up from spaces shall be placed in a readily accessible location.
14. Passenger accounting satisfactory? Effective method of checking all areas of accommodation and service. 15. Muster personnel reacted satisfactorily? Crowd and Crisis effective management. Reporting to stations and preparing for the duties described in the Muster List. Checking that passengers are suitably dressed. Checking that lifejackets are correctly donned. Crew awareness of problems of hypothermia, first aid treatment of hypothermia and other first aid procedures. Special instructions necessary for use of the vessel s life-saving appliances in severe weather and sea conditions. 16. Instruction at assembly / muster station satisfactory? Free of obstacles. Posters should be available. Instructions of safety equipment to be available and underneath emergency lighting. Crew must be able to give specific and accurate guidelines and instructions to the passengers as regards the approach of Muster Stations, the use of Life Saving Equipment and IMO Marking. 17. LSA preparation and manning satisfactory? LSA in good operational condition and distributed according to the LSA Plan. IMO Marking. Lifejackets marking, equipment, SOLAS approved, reflective tapes, not locked, not in plastic covers. Embarkation Ladders well maintained, U-bolts not corroded, IMO marking, enough length. Rescue Boat: check of equipment, marking, engine operation, reflective tapes. 18. Lifeboats lowered and sent away satisfactory? Lowering of lifeboat with the normal and emergency means of lowering. Equipment of the lifeboat to be checked if it is according to the requirements. Consumables to be checked. Engine operation. Wires renewal every 5 years. Crew familiarized. Manoeuvring and steering. Water and weather tightness. Rollers and brakes to be checked. Reflective tapes. IMO marking. Documentation and certificates to be available.