DVIDS Hub works best with JavaScript enabled

U.S. Coast Guard Forces Micronesia/Sector Guam ensures maritime safety and environmental stewardship with notable tank vessel exam

Courtesy Photo | Marine inspectors from the U.S. Coast Guard Forces Micronesia/Sector Guam, under the...... read more read more

SANTA RITA, GUAM

10.24.2023

Story by Chief Warrant Officer Sara Muir

U.S. Coast Guard Forces Micronesia / Sector Guam

SANTA RITA, Guam – Marine inspectors from the U.S. Coast Guard Forces Micronesia/Sector Guam, under the authority of the Captain of the Port Guam, conducted a Certificate of Compliance (COC) examination and Port State Control inspection on the tank vessel Cindy Glory Sept. 22, 2023.

This inspection marked a significant milestone as it was the vessel's first COC and first time in U.S. waters.

The Cindy Glory, a state-of-the-art 600-foot tanker built in 2023 and flagged out of the Republic of the Marshall Islands, underwent rigorous scrutiny during the inspection. The results of this comprehensive examination were as follows:

- Certificate of Compliance Safety Examination:
- (0) deficiencies issued
- (0) deficiencies cleared
- (0) deficiencies outstanding
- No control actions imposed

"I want to acknowledge the outstanding professionalism exhibited by the crew of the Cindy Glory. Their dedication to upholding the highest standards of maritime safety and compliance during their first entry into U.S. waters is truly commendable," said Chief Warrant Officer Tony Harris, U.S. Coast Guard Forces Micronesia/Sector Guam. "It reflects their commitment to their vessel and our collective responsibility to safeguard Guam's strategic port and the entire region. This accomplishment underscores the critical role we all play in ensuring the safety of our waters and protecting the environment, preserving its integrity and ensuring its vitality for generations to come."

During this examination, the U.S. Coast Guard inspectors witnessed satisfactory operational tests of the vessel's critical systems, including the emergency fire pump, steering gear system, emergency generator, and oily water separator. The team thoroughly examined the cargo pump room and oversaw the vessel crew's successful operational tests of the Inert Gas Generator shutdown/alarms, cargo pump shutdowns, and high-level/overfill cargo alarms. Randomly sampled oxygen levels in cargo tanks were at or below the safe threshold of 8 percent oxygen.

In addition, the inspectors completed a Ballast Water Management Compliance Exam, during which the vessel's operator demonstrated awareness of current U.S. reporting and management requirements. The vessel crew provided proof of submission of the Ballast Water Report to the U.S. Coast Guard National Ballast Water Information Clearinghouse (NBIC), and the team determined the vessel meets the mandatory Ballast Water Management (BWM) requirements.

As a result of the successful inspection, a Renewal for Certificate of Compliance for Oil/Chem-Tanker was issued, with an expiration date set for Sept. 22, 2025, and an annual inspection scheduled for September 2024.

COC inspections are crucial in maritime safety and environmental stewardship. These inspections are essential for several reasons:

1. Ensuring Safety: COC inspections verify that a ship meets design and equipment requirements to uphold safe operation in U.S. waters.

2. Protecting the Environment: These inspections ensure compliance with marine safety and environmental protection laws and international conventions, preserving our oceans and coastlines.

3. Regulatory Compliance: The U.S. Coast Guard is responsible for verifying regulatory compliance for vessels in U.S. waters, including COC inspections.

4. Preventing Substandard Vessels: COC inspections prevent substandard vessels from operating, safeguarding our coastal and territorial waters.

The U.S. Coast Guard Forces Micronesia/Sector Guam remains committed to upholding maritime safety and environmental protection through rigorous inspections like the one conducted on the Cindy Glory. This dedication ensures that vessels like the Cindy Glory can safely navigate U.S. waters while adhering to the highest standards of environmental stewardship.

About U.S. Coast Guard Forces Micronesia/Sector Guam:

The U.S. Coast Guard Forces Micronesia/Sector Guam team focuses on safeguarding the maritime interests of the United States and ensuring the safety and security of the region's waters while working with like-minded partners. With a commitment to environmental stewardship and maritime safety, the sector plays a vital role in protecting the pristine waters of the Micronesian region.