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The Coast Guard issued new emergency safety requirements for passenger vessels as a result of the Labor Day boat fire on the island of Santa Cruz, which cost the life to 34 people.
The bulletin recommended that commercial boat operators review national safety measures, ensure that safety equipment is operational and reduce the potential risks associated with lithium batteries Power supply and extension cords.
The cause of the worst maritime disaster in California's recent history has not been determined. But there have been questions as to whether the fire started at a charging station used by passengers for phones and other electronic devices in the office or because of a malfunction of the lithium battery.
FBI Federal Investigators, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the US Coast Guard spent the last two days searching the office of Truth Aquatics, operator of the Design Diving Boat, in Santa Barbara Harbor. The FBI also on Tuesday asked the public for any information – including videos and photos – on the boat.
The fire is declared during a dive expedition on weekends, trap the victims, who were sleep under the bridge. Five crew members who were on deck at the time could have escaped but said that the fire was too intense to get out somebody else.
The investigators looked into possible failures in the operation of the design. The police told The Times last week that a preliminary investigation had suggested Serious deficiencies in security on board the Conception.
They stated that the ship did not have a "traveling night watchman" to stay awake and alert passengers of fire or other danger; some of the surviving crew members told investigators that they had not received the necessary training to deal with a major emergency; and passengers may not have received complete safety instructions
In the wake of Conception's deaths, the Coast Guard is now taking a closer look at the vessels, according to a source who requested anonymity to be able to speak openly about the federal investigation. The Coast Guard "keeps" ships for potential fire and safety issues that did not attract attention until the September 2 fire, another unauthorized source said in public.
Dan Salas, CEO and owner of Harbor Breeze Cruises in Long Beach, said the Coast Guard had conducted annual safety inspections of its vessels on Monday. Salas said he noticed an immediate change in the way the Coast Guard looked at his ships, including Sir Winston (500 passengers).
"We have entered a whole new world," said Salas, offering his condolences to the victims of the Conception. "It's no longer just a routine safety inspection. Firefighting equipment and emergency access have been more closely monitored. We can not take anything for granted. We fully support Coast Guard regulations. "
He ordered his employees to review the safety procedures on his nine ships and ensure that each worker was properly trained. Salas said that the tragedy of Conception "had deeply shaken the shipping industry" and that he had trouble sleeping at night since the accident.
"We are fully aware of the importance of safety," said Salas. "All shipowners take this seriously. Safety is our main concern when we are in the ocean. "
The new Coast Guard safety requirements recommend that operators of passenger vessels:
– Examine the routes and conditions listed on the ship's inspection certificate, including the number of passengers and night passengers allowed; Make sure the crew members know and understand their obligations, including any additional requirements detailed on the certificate.
– Examine the duties and responsibilities of the crew in the event of an emergency to ensure that they understand and respect their obligations in the event of an emergency, including with respect to passenger safety, and ensure the emergency exits are clearly identified, functional and stay away from objects that may hinder the exit.
– Check the log of the ship and make sure that records relating to crew training, emergency drills and equipment maintenance are recorded and up to date. In addition, it is recommended that operators complete log entries to demonstrate to the Coast Guard that their vessel is operating in accordance with the routes and conditions of their certificate.
– Make sure all necessary firefighting and rescue equipment is on board and operational.
– Reduce the risk of fire and consider limiting the unsupervised charge of lithium-ion batteries and the intensive use of power strips and extension cords.
– Examine the general condition of passenger accommodation spaces and any other space easily accessible to passengers during the trip, in search of unsafe practices or other unsafe arrangements.
There are many investigations into the disaster, including the cause of the fire and the reasons why passengers can not escape.
A surviving crew member told a navigator who had helped to rescue him that he thought the fire had declared in the office, where cell phones and mobile phones were being used. cameras had been plugged in to recharge overnight.
The Design designer told The Times that he thought the fire was starting in the belly of the boat and involved lithium battery chargers.
Authorities said it could take a year to complete the investigation. However, the publication of the security bulletin was considered an urgent first step.
"In some cases, our marine accident commissions identify urgent safety issues related to vessel stability, engine room, or life-saving and fire-fighting equipment," the Coast Guard said. a statement. "In these cases, we issue alerts or security bulletins to ensure that the latest security guidelines are widely available."
The Coast Guard has set up a marine investigation committee to investigate the fire. This is the Coast Guard survey on marine casualties at the highest level. The four members of the board of inquiry will review all aspects of the incident.
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