The Psf-Pasifik: Crew Feedback and Vessel Data

The vessel 'PSF Pasifik' was subjected to detention in Constanta on February 2, 2025, after inspection revealed a staggering 19 deficiencies, with 12 identified as serious enough to warrant detention. The significant issues included inadequate maintenance of life-saving appliances, missing voyage or passage plans, and deficiencies in safety navigation systems such as BNWAS and voyage data recorders. Additional serious faults were found in emergency systems, where the emergency fire pump and its associated pipes did not meet required standards, while emergency lighting and switches were found to be inoperative. Communication issues were also flagged, with crew members showing a lack of familiarity with GMDSS equipment and equipment maintenance not meeting requirements. Other notable deficiencies included unsafe fire doors, a lack of crew performance evaluation training, and missing ISM certifications. Following the inspection, the vessel was released on February 12, but its access to Paris MOU ports has been denied, significantly impacting its operational capabilities. The detainment of PSF Pasifik underscores crucial safety compliance issues within maritime operations.

On June 21, 2021, at 8 a.m., the cargo vessel 'Daroja', while navigating towards the port of Figueira da Foz from Ferrol, experienced a significant loss when multiple wooden logs fell from its main deck. This incident prompted the National Maritime Authority to temporarily close the port to all ship traffic for safety reasons, a closure that lasted until approximately 12:30 p.m. In response to the situation, the Lusa agency was engaged to assist in recovering the logs from the water. The ship's owner promptly arranged for tugs, which successfully towed the 'Daroja' to the commercial port of Figueira da Foz, where it was safely moored by 9:45 a.m. The Maritime Police took charge of the situation, coordinating surveillance operations in collaboration with the Administration of the Port of Figueira da Foz, the Estação Salva-Vidas, and an aircraft from the Portuguese Air Force to assess navigation conditions in the area. For further details and images, please visit: https://e-nautilia.gr/portogalia-kormoi-epesan-sti-thalassa-apo-fortigo-ploio-kleinontas-to-limani/

Crew members aboard the MV Daroja, a cargo ship servicing the route between Aberdeen and the Northern Isles, are reported to be receiving an alarming wage of just £2.56 per hour. This figure falls significantly short of the UK's minimum wage, currently set at £7.50. The situation has sparked renewed protests, as demonstrators gathered on Friday, citing ongoing concerns about fair pay for maritime workers. This unrest follows previous demonstrations that occurred six months ago concerning wage issues for crew on ferries operated under contracts from the Scottish Government. Notably, Streamline Shipping, the company that charters the MV Daroja, has benefited from £3 million in government subsidies between 2008 and 2014, despite the crew’s low earnings. The disparities in pay have raised critical questions about labor practices in the maritime industry, urging calls for reform and better regulation to ensure fair compensation for seafarers.