John Flores, Director of the Maritime Rescue Coordination Centre (MRCC) and former Director of Safety at MARAD, returned to provide additional testimony to the Commission of Inquiry into the sinking of the MV Barima.
Questions were asked by commissioners about MARAD’s Inspection responsibilities and vessel records.
Flores said that before the management changes in 2020, vessel inspections were conducted through the Harbour Master’s Office.
Following the appointment of a new Director General, the structure changed, and his area assumed responsibility for inspections and the associated filing system. He described efforts to establish vessel files and improve recordkeeping.
Regarding government ferries, Flores said he sought documentation from the then General Manager of the Transport and Harbours Department, which administered those vessels.
Flores distinguished surveyors from vessel inspectors, explaining that surveyors had higher-level training and examined matters such as a vessel’s structural construction and certification requirements.
He said that around 2020 the government had no surveyors and that private surveyors were contracted when required, particularly in connection with vessels travelling overseas. Asked about local ferries, he said there had been no occasion to contract surveyors for them.
With regard to safety inspections and standard, Flores described statutory inspections as well as random inspections intended to identify safety issues between scheduled inspections. Inspectors used an existing form or checklist covering safety equipment, including fire extinguishers.
Asked where those standards originated, Flores said he suspected they came from SOLAS, but did not state that definitively. He said the checklist system was already in place when he assumed responsibility; he had not created it.
With regards to deficiencies and detention recommendations, Flores explained that inspectors recorded deficiencies and required vessel owners to correct them. He said owners were often given two weeks or more to undertake corrective work, with the inspector managing that process.
On detention, he said the inspector conducting or heading the inspection would make a recommendation to the office. He described detention as an important decision for which management guidance was sought.
His evidence also referred to seeking guidance from management and the legal department on matters involving exemptions and detentions.
Flores confirmed that he had not received inspection reports concerning government vessels during his time as director.
Flores is still on the stand.
