Indian Maritime Administration’s Concern over Expired Pyrotechnics

Posted on May 19, 2015

DG Shipping of India has issued LSA Circular 01/2015 showing concern over fraudulent practice on use of expired pyrotechnics. It has been brought to the notice of the Directorate that time expired pyrotechnics which were intended for use onboard ships & survival crafts are being misused, fraudulently, by way of tampering with the dates of expiry. Moreover, it was reported that such malpractices are being practised by the life raft service stations and suppliers of
pyrotechnics.
The Directorate had already issued necessary instructions and warnings in the subject of the misuse of pyrotechnics vide Nautical Wing Circular No. NT/LSAJ02/2006. Despite this, the recently reported incidences of such malpractices have again raised serious concerns of the Directorate towards the safety of seafarers.
Considering the fact that the pyrotechnics are essential life saving appliance onboard ships which may be needed, in case of distress at sea, any malpractice will jeopardize the safety of lives at sea.

In view of above, the shipping companies, suppliers of the pyrotechnics and life raft service stations are hereby reminded of their responsibility to ensure use of genuine pyrotechnics in order to prevent any such malpractices as previously stated in
Directorate’s circular no. NT/LSAJ02/2006.
The Directorate hereby reiterates that the pyrotechnics should not be disposed at sea and the disposal of time-expired pyrotechnics is the responsibility of manufacturers, suppliers and the life raft service stations. In this respect, such agencies are directed to ensure disposal of it, in accordance with the guidelines of the manufacturer, through suitable facilities which are either controlled by the Government organization or approved by the Petroleum and Explosives Safety Organization and maintain a proper record of all disposal activities.
The surveyors of the Mercantile Marine Departments and the Recognized organizations authorized to carry out the SEQ survey and supervision of life raft servicing are directed to ensure the genuineness of the pyrotechnics and to be vigilant about any fraudulent practices stated above during surveys I inspections.
Additionally, the surveyors are required to corroborate the records of supply I purchase, servicing of life rafts against the record of disposal of pyrotechnics to prevent any instances of such malpractices. In case of any violations or discrepancies, the matter shall be reported to the Principal Officer of the Mercantile Marine Department, for further investigation.

In case of violation of above instructions, the Directorate may initiate suitable punitive action against the company, which may include withdrawal or suspension of approval of life raft / life boat service station, granted by the Directorate. Subsequently, after the inquiry, if found guilty of an offence, the defaulters may be prosecuted under Section 334 of M.S Act 1958, (as amended) which may amount to a penalty as imprisonment, which can extend up to six months.