The US Coast Guard has issued an emergency safety alert to mariners, relating to air receivers on Uninspected Towing Vessels. The alert comes after a seaman was seriously injured after an unexpected rupture of an air receiver. The crew member was on an Uninspected Towing Vessel on the Mississippi River. The air receiver ruptured and the crew member suffered serious injuries, and was left paralyzed. The Coast Guard has now called for urgent inspections by owners and operators of Uninspected Towing Vessels.
According to the Coast Guard, the uncontrolled release of the huge amount of energy inside an air receiver can be strong enough to lead to serious injury or even death. Since the serious maritime accident on the Mississippi River, the Coast Guard is warning about the need to frequently inspect these receivers.
For instance, operators and inspectors must ensure that the data plate is attached to the receiver and pressure relief devices. The data plate associated with the receiver and pressure relief device must also be undamaged, and remain legible. The Coast Guard is also cautioning operators about the need for getting maintenance on air pressure relief devices and air receivers performed only by companies that hold the National Board of Boiler and Pressure Vessel “R” Certificate and the VR Certificate for pressure relief devices.
These recommendations are part of good marine practices for many maritime workers and uninspected towing vessel operators. However, maritime attorneys would encourage operators and owners of these vessels to take extra precautions to prevent accidents involving air receivers. Because of the tremendous amount of energy that is released during an accident, crew members nearby are at a very high risk of serious injuries.
