By Karen Robes Meeks
Seven foreign vessels have been detained since November 2018 after the US Coast Guard found compliance discrepancies with the International Maritime Organization Safety of Life at Sea (SOLAS) multilateral treaty during Port State Control exams, the agency announced Wednesday.
The latest detention took place after Marine Safety Unit Portland examiners found 100 inoperable carbon dioxide cylinders, which are needed to extinguish fires in the vessel’s machinery space or cargo holds.
“The Coast Guard maintains the safety of the port by preventing damage to property or the marine environment,” said Capt. Tom Griffitts, commanding officer, Marine Safety Unit Portland. “Inspectors from our unit do a great job of identifying major non-conformities aboard vessels and through this identification we ensure vessels are safe, secure, and environmentally sound to transit the complex Columbia River System.”
