Car Carrier Detained in Tacoma Over Fire Safety Violations
September 11, 2015 by Mike Schuler
The MV Pegasus Highway approaches the port of Tacoma, Wash., after being detained by the Captain of the Port for multiple safety deficiencies found during a PSC inspection, September 9, 2015. U.S. Coast Guard Photo The U.S. Coast Guard has detained the MV Pegasus Highway, a Panamanian-flagged car carrier, in the Port of Tacoma this week due to safety deficiencies including an inoperable fire detection system.
A Port State Control exam team boarded the 590-foot MV Pegasus Highway on Wednesday for a routine PSC inspection. While aboard, the Coast Guard discovered multiple violations of the Safety of Life at Sea (SOLAS) convention.
The most severe deficiency involved a fire detection system that was found to be inoperable.
The vessel will be required to remain in port until the deficiencies are rectified.
“Through the Port State Control Program, the Coast Guard verifies that foreign vessels calling on U.S. ports meet applicable U.S. and International regulations to protect people, property, and the environment.” said Cmdr. Matt Edwards, chief of prevention at Sector Puget Sound. “We will continue to work with the vessel’s crew to ensure the deficiencies are corrected and the vessel is safe to resume trade.”
Port State Control (PSC) inspections are regularly carried out include the inspection of fire protection, life saving, machinery, navigation, and pollution control systems as well as assesses the crew’s ability to respond to onboard emergencies.