Vessel fuel systems
Who is this safety update is for
This maritime update is for:
- Recognised Surveyors (including Authorised Persons)
- owners and operators of domestic commercial vessels.
Other people working in the commercial boating industry, particularly those involved in inspecting, testing, or repairing fuel tanks and piping systems, may also find it useful.
Background
On 10 September 2022, the vessel i‑Catcher, with 11 people on board, departed from South Bay, Kaikōura. The 10 passengers were members of the Nature Photography Society of New Zealand.
About 2 hours into the excursion, the vessel capsized. The wreckage pinned five people underneath, and they tragically succumbed to asphyxiation from petrol fumes.
Investigation
A preliminary investigation by TAIC found that flaws in the i‑Catcher’s fuel system almost certainly allowed fuel to leak into the air pocket of the upturned vessel and very likely reduced the survivability of the incident. The link to TAIC’s preliminary report is under “Further information”.
Recommendations
As part of its report, TAIC recommended that Maritime NZ alert all Recognised Surveyors to:
- the importance of conducting and documenting inspections of a vessel’s complete fuel system during surveys
- the need to check that vessels they are surveying have undergone a recent complete inspection of the fuel system.
Recognised Surveyors
Maritime NZ reminds Recognised Surveyors of the importance of conducting and documenting inspections of a vessel’s fuel system during surveys.
Recognised Surveyors should:
- check the records of vessels they have surveyed to confirm whether the vessel’s complete fuel system was thoroughly inspected at the most recent survey
- if the fuel system has not been inspected thoroughly, ensure that a complete inspection is carried out at the next scheduled survey
- ensure that the fuel system complies with applicable Maritime Rules
- note the relevant survey items under “Fluid transfer systems” and “Propulsion and steering systems” in the Survey Report Template generator.
Over the coming months, Maritime NZ will consult Recognised Surveyors and Authorised Persons on proposed additions to the Survey Performance Requirements (SPRs) relating to vessel fuel systems.
Domestic commercial owners and operators
TAIC has also recommended that Maritime NZ alert industry stakeholders to the importance of inspecting a vessel’s complete fuel system to assure its integrity and safety.
Maritime NZ reminds domestic commercial owners and operators that they must:
- ensure the safety of the vessel at all times¹
- develop and maintain a maintenance plan that describes the policies and procedures to maintain the vessel, including the hull, decks, superstructure, and the vessel’s machinery, equipment, and critical shipboard systems².
1 Maritime Rule 19.62(2)(a).
2 Maritime Rule 19.45.
Owners and operators must have adequate control measures
- Under the Health and Safety at Work Act 2015, domestic commercial owners and operators must have control measures in place to eliminate the risk of harm to workers and others from their work, so far as is reasonably practicable. For owners and operators of commercial passenger vessels, this includes the duty to ensure the health and safety of passengers and crew, so far as is reasonably practicable.
- If risks cannot be eliminated, they must be minimised, so far as is reasonably practicable. This includes having measures in place should an incident occur, such as a capsize. If in doubt, owners and operators should seek expert advice to develop effective control measures.
Owners and operators to inspect and maintain their vessel’s fuel system
Owners and operators should be familiar with their vessel’s fuel system and the functions of its components, such as hoses, pipework, and level gauges.
- Unless it has been checked recently, Maritime NZ strongly encourages owners and operators to inspect (or arrange for an expert to inspect) their vessel’s fuel system as soon as practicable, particularly if the owner or operator:
- has never inspected the vessel’s fuel system
- is not familiar with the vessel’s fuel system
- is not familiar with the vessel’s history
- is not familiar with any modifications carried out on the vessel or its fuel system.
The inspection should be as thorough as is practicable. For example, if the tank is fixed in place (non‑portable), this may require:
- removing deck plates or other fittings, and
- in some cases, removing the fuel tank from its place of installation so that the space underneath can be inspected.
Below are examples of parts of the fuel tank or system that owners and operators should check. This list is not exhaustive; there may be parts that need to be checked that are not listed here. Owners and operators should contact a specialist or their surveyor if they have any doubts about accessing any part of their fuel system.
Owners and operators should:
- check the integrity of the fuel tank structure, for example look for:
- cracks or deformities
- condition of welds
- corrosion
- check whether the tank is mounted securely and that there are no signs of wear or abrasion due to movement
- review the results of any pressure tests of the fuel tank and, if there are concerns, consider arranging a new test
- check for leaks in the fuel tank or pipes, for example:
- looking for signs of fuel in the tank space or bilges
- check that tank fittings and connections are secure and made from suitable material and of suitable size for their purpose. An example is that hose clips or clamps connecting fuel and vent lines and level gauge should be metal instead of plastic which may deteriorate
- check that level gauges provide a safe means of measuring tank contents be aware that rules specific to vessel type may apply
- if possible, obtain a copy of the design drawings of the fuel tank and check the design standards of the tank and fittings
- check that fuel lines and other fuel‑system pipework are secure, in good condition, and made of suitable material
- check for holes, splits, and areas where lines may rub and cause abrasion
- check whether the fuel tank has shut‑off valves note that Maritime Rules may require an automatic or remote shut‑off valve, depending on vessel type
- check whether fuel tank vents and filling points are located in a safe open‑air position
- check whether the opening of the vent pipe from the petrol tank is protected by a flash‑proof fitting, and that the fitting is in good condition and free from blockages
- check whether there is a risk of hydrocarbon vapours from fuel building up where a source of ignition may be present. If there is a risk, a hydrocarbon gas detector must³ be fitted under or adjacent to the petrol tank
- check that fuel filters and water separators are secure, accessible, and regularly checked and cleaned or changed in line with a servicing schedule
- check that fuel pumps or primers are secure and fit for purpose
- check whether fuel tanks and other fuel‑system components are electrically bonded or grounded as required.
3 Maritime Rule 40A.33. There are similar requirements in other Maritime Rules, for example, Rule 40C, 40D, 40E. Owners and operators should check which Maritime Rules apply to their vessel type.