Friends-Rs-1 Ship Details and Seafarer Feedback

The cargo vessel 'Friends RS 1' was detained on November 7, 2023, at Gemlik port due to a staggering 23 deficiencies identified during inspections. Among these, 11 were classified as serious enough to warrant the vessel's detention, including critical issues such as missing entries in the oil record book, cracked bulkheads, inoperative electrical installations, and inadequate fire drill training. Notably, the vessel also failed to meet standards for life-saving appliances, with lifeboats not being ready for use and a non-compliant sewage treatment plant. This recent detention marks the second time 'Friends RS 1' has faced scrutiny in Gemlik within just eight months. The first incident occurred on February 27, 2023, when it was involved in an allision with the cargo ship 'Jessica B' (IMO: 9262534), leading to its detention with 24 deficiencies outlined at that time. After its latest inspection, the 'Friends RS 1' was released on November 12, 2023, setting course for Sulina with an estimated time of arrival (ETA) of November 14, 2023. The frequency of these detentions raises concerns regarding safety regulations and compliance within the region's maritime operations.

On the morning of February 27, 2023, the 'Friends RS 1' was involved in an allision with the cargo vessel 'Jessica B' (IMO: 9262534) in Gemlik port. Following the incident, inspections on March 1 revealed 24 deficiencies on the 'Friends RS 1', with 12 of these classified as serious enough to warrant detention. The shortcomings included critical issues such as missing entries in the Ballast Water Record Book and Oil Record Book, structural damage including cracking on decks and bulkheads, and various failures in life-saving appliances and fire safety measures. Specific deficiencies cited were the lack of updated navigation charts and insufficient maintenance of survival craft embarkation arrangements. After being detained for several days, the 'Friends RS 1' received clearance on March 5 and was anchored in Gemlik at coordinates 40° 25' N 029° 05' E as of March 10. In the meantime, the 'Jessica B' successfully berthed in Tuzla on March 4.

On the morning of February 27, 2025, an incident occurred in the bustling port of Gemlik involving the vessel 'Friends RS 1' and the cargo ship 'Jessica B' (IMO: 9262534). As the 'Friends RS 1' was executing a stern-first maneuver to depart, it collided with the 'Jessica B', striking the vessel at its port side aft while it was securely docked. This unfortunate contact resulted in a puncture on the starboard side of the 'Jessica B', situated above the waterline, which caused ballast water to be discharged into the sea due to pressure. Local authorities promptly initiated a thorough damage assessment at the scene. Following the incident, the 'Friends RS 1' anchored off Gemlik at 8:50 AM UTC, positioning itself at coordinates 40° 25' N 029° 05' E. Subsequently, an investigation was launched to evaluate the potential environmental impact and to assess any risks of pollution to the surrounding maritime ecosystem.

On January 15, 2025, the ship 'Friends R.S. 1' faced detention in Bartin due to significant safety deficiencies. During the inspection, a total of eight major issues were discovered, which raised serious concerns about the vessel's operational readiness. The deficiencies included: 1) Fire safety - Firefighting equipment and appliances were not up to standard. 2) Safety of navigation - The voyage data recorder was found inoperative. 3) Safety of navigation - The vessel’s passage plan was also inoperative. 4) Radio communications - MF/HF radio installation did not meet required specifications. 5) Radio communications - The radio log (diary) was found lacking compliance. 6) Emergency systems - Emergency lighting, batteries, and switches were not functioning as required. 7) Emergency systems - The emergency fire pump and its associated pills were reported as inoperative. 8) ISM - The International Safety Management (ISM) certificate was not as per requirement. Following the resolution of these issues, the 'Friends R.S. 1' was released from detention and departed from Bartin on January 16, 2025, with a new destination set for Sulina, expected to arrive on January 18. For more updates, visit [facebook.com](https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100063576908591).