Tampering with approved safety devices

Description of Incident

During a client inspection, the sight glass on a vessel main engine lubricating oil storage tank was found to have been fitted with an unauthorised and homemade ‘clamp’. An unauthorised ‘clamp’ was installed on the storage tank without any consideration for the potential consequences. This clamp kept the self-closing valve open at all times, contravening mandatory regulations, company standards and exposing the crew, the vessel and the environment to a significant fire, safety and environmental risk.

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