Focused Inspection Campaigns
Since 1 December 2000, AMSA has periodically conducted Focused Inspection Campaigns on vessels visiting Australian ports.
The aim of the various phases of the campaigns is to focus on a particular area of a vessel in order to ensure compliance with the applicable international requirements. Australia targets the particular areas for each phase on the basis of port State control statistics that indicate areas requiring special attention. The campaigns are conducted in conjuction with routine port Sate control inspections. Each campaign focus and timeframe is advised to the shipping industry via Marine Notices, one month prior to commencement.
For each phase of the campaign, an AMSA surveyor uses guidelines and a standard checklist to confirm that an area or a particular item of equipment meets international standards. When a surveyor detects a deficiency associated with the campaign, the surveyor will require the Master to rectify the problem in the same manner as that required under normal port State control inspections. Where a deficiency warrants the vessels detention the surveyor records the details of the deficiencies and detention in accordance with AMSA's port State control procedures.
Results of campaigns completed so far are summarised below.
Phase 1 - Bridge Visibility / Collision Avoidance
Phase 3 - Crew Living Conditions / STCW
Phase 4 - The Carriage of Cargoes and Dangerous Goods (SOLAS Chapters VI & VII)
Phase 7- Bridge Operations / 2000 amendments to SOLAS Chapter V
Phase 8 - Focussed Inspection Campaign on Lifeboats
Phase 9 - Focussed Inspection Campaign (FIC) on Mooring Arrangements and Deck Operations