The Kenya Ports Authority tugboats have once again been certified safe to operate by the Lloyds Register of Shipping Quality standards.
Marine crafts, Kiboko II, Simba III and Nyangumi II passed the Annual Inspection (survey) conducted by the LIodys Surveyors last week. This is a mandatory exercise meant to evaluate and establish whether the structures and the equipment of the tugs are operated and maintained by KPA as per Class requirements.
The tugboats were constructed under Lloyds Register of Shipping Quality Standards and classed according to their rules and regulations that are internationally recognized. In order to maintain the class whilst in service, the marine crafts tugs must be subjected to periodical test and examination by the Lloyds surveyors. The class rules and regulations must be obeyed to avoid suspension of the class status.
The surveys fall under three categories; annually, intermediate (two and half years interval) and special (5years interval). The three tugs are in the 2nd cycle of the 5 Year Inspection plan, where in the annual, intermediate and special surveys have been successful.
According to the KPA Principle Marine Engineer Rashid Salim who led KPA team during the inspection, KPA boats passed all the items on the Surveyors checklist. Other team members included Marine Engineer David Kariuki, Captain. Alfred Munga and the tugs crew.
“This achievement was highly recommended by the Lloyds Surveyors and KPA management” added.
Eng. Rashid commended the tug crew members and maintenance team for sticking to the maintenance schedules which had resulted in the certification and the following benefits.
i. Insurance cover in case the tug is involved in an accident( A vessel in class has less risks and avoids high insurance premiums)
ii. Enables KPA to comply with International safety standards that will guarantee safe and efficient operations. Minimizes accidents and downtimes.
iii. Keeps the boat competitive in terms of service provider(enhances the organizational ISO objectives)
27th April 2011.
PUBLIC RELATIONS DEPARTMENT
pr@kpa.co.ke, www.kpa.co.ke
0412112393