PSC deficiency code 03108: Ventilators, air pipes, casings
Area 03 Water and weathertight conditions
This is a load line item: the openings on exposed decks that let air in and out, meaning ventilators, tank air pipes and casings. If any of them can't be closed or are holed, green water can get below.
What the inspector looks at
Expect a walk along the main deck and forecastle, with some closing devices worked in front of the inspector.
- Air pipe heads: the closing device (float or similar) is present, moves freely and seats properly
- Ventilator closing flaps or covers operate and seal, with gaskets in good condition
- Securing gear such as wing nuts, toggles and handles is complete and not seized
- Coamings and casings are free of corrosion holes and cracks
- Open and closed positions are marked, and the space each opening serves is identified
- Fire flaps on ventilators, where fitted, work as well as the weathertight closure
Common findings
- Air pipe closing device float missing or stuck
- Ventilator closing flap seized in open position
- Gasket of ventilator cover perished or missing
- Wasted area and holes in ventilator coaming
- Air pipe head heavily corroded, flame screen damaged
- Securing wing nuts missing on ventilator cover
- No open/closed marking on ventilator
The rule behind it
The International Convention on Load Lines (with its 1988 Protocol) sets the requirements in Annex I, with ventilators and air pipes each covered by their own regulation and machinery space openings and casings dealt with separately. The inspector may compare what's on deck with the ship's Record of Conditions of Assignment. Ventilators serving machinery spaces and cargo holds also have to be closable for fire purposes under SOLAS chapter II-2.
Action codes you are likely to see
A stiff flap that can be freed and greased on the spot often ends up as 10 or 17. Missing gaskets and securing gear are usually 17, or 16 if spares have to be delivered. Holes in coamings and air pipes, or closing devices that can't be made to work, affect weathertightness directly, and inspectors may treat them as grounds for detention (30), particularly on the forward part of the ship. The action taken codes guide explains each code.
How to close it
Free and grease seized flaps, renew gaskets, replace floats and missing securing gear, and repaint the open/closed markings. Holes in coamings or air pipes need a permanent repair: a doubler may be accepted only as a temporary measure, so agree the method with class before cutting and welding. When class attends, keep the survey report or the deletion of the condition. Photos before and after, the work order and the class report go in the file with the Form B.