While Petra Frontier had undergone an initial flag State inspection on 4 May 2009 and routine class surveys, the most recent being a class survey completed on 12 August 2009, neither authority was aware that the ship was unseaworthy in relation to critical safety equipment when it departed Singapore.
The ATSB has issued a Safety Advisory Notice as it believes that the safety issue has not been adequately address by the proposed safety actions.
The American Bureau of Shipping advised the ATSB that:
The class surveys of the PETRA FRONTIER in Singapore from 7 to 12 August 2009 were annual surveys which generally call for visual examination of machinery and equipment. Even if there had been more detailed surveys, similar to the renewal surveys, they would not have identified many of the deficiencies, some of them caused by subsequent work on the vessel.
Furthermore, the American Bureau of Shipping stated that: Under ABS Rules, any damage, failure or deterioration of the hull, machinery or equipment of an ABS-classed vessel which affects or may affect classification is to be reported to ABS by the vessel owner at first opportunity. ABS received no notification of malfunctions of the vessel's fuel oil purifier, oily water separator or steering gear until advised of the 16 September 2009 PSC detention of the vessel. Nor was ABS advised of the early September attempted repairs to machinery items and the steering system, as also required by ABS Rules.
The Australian Transport Safety Bureau advises that the American Bureau of Shipping should consider the safety implications of this safety issue and take further action where considered appropriate.
The Marshall Islands Registry has reviewed the initial flag State inspection carried out by its contracted surveyor on board Petra Frontier on 4 May 2009. As a result of this review, it has been decided that the contractor will not be engaged to carry out inspections in the future. Petra Frontier and its owners remain under close scrutiny by the Marshall Islands Registry.
A flag State representative inspected the ship in Darwin on 3 October 2009 and follow up visits were carried out in Singapore between 24 and 30 October. Further visits were also carried out up until the time the ship departed Singapore. The ship has since been inspected on 10 March 2010 and 25 September; and the next inspection is planned for April/May 2011.
The ATSB is satisfied that the action taken by the Marshall Islands Registry will adequately address the safety issue.
The Australian Transport Safety Bureau advises that the American Bureau of Shipping should consider the safety implications of this safety issue and take further action where considered appropriate.
The Australian Transport Safety Bureau advises that the American Bureau of Shipping should consider the safety implications of this safety issue and take further action where considered appropriate.
