A Honduran-flag products tanker which had been detained nine times in eight years, twice while under its current manager, was held once more by the UK Maritime & Coastguard Agency (MCA) when it called in Belfast in November. The 36-year old Archon was among nine under detention in UK ports during November after failing Port State Control (PSC) safety inspection.
Two bulk carriers, six general cargo vessels and one tanker were detained in November. One vessel was registered with a flag state listed on the Paris MOU black list, four were registered with states on the grey list and four were registered with states on the white list.
The 3,322 dwt Archon was detained in Belfast with over 50 deficiencies, 20 of which were detainable, including 3 ISM major non-conformities (maintenance of ship and equipment, emergency preparedness and resources and personnel). It was held for five days.
According to the MCA detainable deficiencies included main engine air control not operating properly, liferaft not properly stowed, crew unable to demonstrate functioning oily water separator, bow thrust space full of oily water, cover damaged and no securing nuts, forepeak tank lid not bolted, lifeboat sails damaged, medical equipment out of date, stern light obscured, and three ISM major non-conformities: maintenance of ship and equipment not according to SMS, emergency preparedness and resources and personnel.