USCG Detains Bulk Carrier in Tacoma

zoom The U.S. Coast Guard detained the 751-foot, Bahamian-flagged bulk carrier Rena in the Port of Tacoma on September 24 due to safety deficiencies. A Port State Control exam team from Coast Guard Sector Puget Sound conducted a routine Port State and International Ship and Port Facility Security exam aboard the 2010-built Rena, discovering multiple areas that did not meet regulations set forth in the International Maritime Organization’s Safety of Life at Sea Convention. The most severe deficiency involved improper pressurization of the crew’s self-contained breathing apparatuses. Malfunctioning SCBAs would prevent the crew from safely responding to a fire aboard the 81,700 dwt bulker. Rena will be required to remain in port until the deficiencies are rectified. “Coast Guard examiners determined that key safety procedures were inadequate and the crew did not have the necessary equipment to safely respond to an onboard emergency, said Cmdr. Matt Edwards, Chief of Prevention at Sector Puget Sound. “We will continue to work with the vessels crew and the appropriate authorities to ensure that the issues found are corrected before the vessel resumes operations.” Rena is owned and operated by Athens-based Trojan Maritime. Image: Coast Guard Sector Puget Sound