Working Conditions Aboard the Corsica

The vessel "Corsica" faced a serious setback on December 10, 2023, when it was detained at the port of Nordenham due to an alarming total of 49 deficiencies. Among these, a staggering 18 were classified as critical enough to warrant immediate detention. The issues identified were extensive and spanned various safety and operational categories. Key concerns included: 1. **Structural issues**: The steering gear did not meet required standards, and significant corrosion was noted on the decks. 2. **Water/Weather Tightness**: Ventilation systems, air pipes, door integrity, and manholes were all found to be inadequate. 3. **Fire Safety**: Serious shortcomings were noted in the fire fighting equipment, including missing appliances, inoperative fire detection systems, and a lack of crew training in emergency response. Fixed fire extinguishing installations were also marked as non-functional. 4. **Navigational Safety**: The vessel's lights, shapes, and sound signals were not in compliance, posing serious risks during operations. 5. **Labor Conditions**: Both heating and ventilation systems failed to meet required standards. 6. **Life-Saving Appliances**: The arrangements and inventory for rescue boats were found wanting, raising concerns about the crew's safety in emergencies. 7. **Pollution Prevention**: The sewage treatment plant was also noted as not being operational, raising environmental concerns. 8. **ISM Compliance**: The International Safety Management (ISM) certificate was not provided as required. Following these extensive inspections, the ship was finally released from detention on January 2, 2024, and departed from the port the following day, January 3. This incident in Nordenham was not isolated; the "Corsica" had experienced a previous detention as recent as May 28, 2023, in Livorno, where it was identified with 27 deficiencies over a six-day period. The ongoing issues highlight significant challenges in maintaining safety and operational standards within maritime operations.

On May 28, 2025, the vessel 'Corsica' faced detention in Livorno, Italy, after authorities identified a staggering 37 deficiencies, with ten noted as serious violations warranting the detention. The issues flagged included severe concerns related to pollution prevention, structural integrity, life-saving appliances, fire safety, and labor conditions. Key infractions included: 1) Missing record book of engine parameters, compromising pollution prevention measures. 2) Crew unfamiliarity with operational procedures for critical engine or equipment. 3) Non-compliance regarding ballast, fuel, and other tanks. 4) Inadequate closing devices and watertight doors. 5) Improper launching arrangements for survival craft. 6) Fire doors and openings not meeting fire resistance standards. 7) Unsanitary conditions in labor facilities. 8) Substandard sleeping quarters and additional spaces. 9) Non-compliance with temperature and cleanliness standards in cold rooms. 10) Absence of a valid ISM certificate. After addressing these pressing issues, the 'Corsica' was released from detention on June 2, 2025, and promptly set sail for Marina di Carrara, arriving on June 3.