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Presently, the coating condition of dedicated
seawater ballast tanks of all Indian bulk carriers is required to be
maintained in 'GOOD' condition as per the existing guidelines issued to
the Classification Societies. Though the requirement stipulated was higher
than the international standards, such a decision was taken keeping in
view the age and PSC detention profile of Indian bulk carriers. The Indian
National Ship-owners Association (INSA) has made several representations
to the Directorate to review the above standards for bringing it in line
with the International norms.
Taking in to consideration the representations made by
INSA, the competent authority has decided to amend the requirements for
the coating condition of seawater ballast tanks of bulk carriers as
follows:
(a)
Condition of paint coating of dedicated seawater ballast tanks of bulk
carriers should be maintained, at least, in 'FAIR'
condition. Notwithstanding the above, ship-owners are urged to maintain
'GOOD' condition for such tanks, as far as practicable.
(b)
In case the condition of the coating is observed to be 'FAIR', those tanks
should be subjected to an examination during annual surveys by Class in
order to verify that the 'FAIR' condition is maintained.
This relaxation shall be reviewed annually and further steps
would be taken as deemed necessary.
All ship-owners and Classification Societies are advised to
take note of the above requirements for necessary compliance.
This issue with the approval of Chief Surveyor with the Govt.
of India.
Sd/-
(Suresh Kumar)
Dy Chief Ship Surveyor |
