In the port of Naples, the Coast Guard has placed the bulk carrier Tanais Dream under detention due to serious irregularities on board concerning violations of international regulations on the safeguarding of human life at sea. The bulk carrier, which is transporting grain, flies the flag of Belize and has a crew entirely of Russian nationality.
The detention order was issued by the Port State Control unit at the end of a long and complex on-board activity. In particular, a thorough inspection revealed serious hygienic deficiencies in the crew cabins, public areas, and entertainment areas, absence of the necessary on-board provisions for the upcoming voyage, presence of insects in the kitchen, provision rooms, and crew mess rooms. Furthermore, serious impairments to the crew cabins’ ventilation systems were identified, absence of the required certifications for the ship’s cook, engine rooms with copious leaks from the on-board generators and main engine, as well as various discrepancies in matters of maritime security, and in the requirements prescribed by the main international conventions on navigation safety and for the prevention of marine pollution.
In the coming days, under the direct responsibility of the Flag State of Belize, the Tanais Dream must undergo the necessary technical and documentary checks to guarantee its safety. Only afterwards will the Coast Guard team, under the orders of Rear Admiral Gaetano Angora, commander of the port of Naples and maritime director of Campania, return on board for a further inspection and, if the outcome is positive, authorize the ship’s departure. Furthermore, the captain and the owner of the detained bulk carrier will be subject to the payment of an amount of approximately 4,000 euros for an administrative fine and for further charges related to the administrative detention of the vessel.
Since the beginning of the year, 37 foreign vessels have already been subjected to control by the local Port State Control unit.
