What Crew Members Say About Maximus-I

Coast Guard Sector Columbia River detained the "Excellent Pescadores" for failure to comply with international and domestic regulations regarding safety, security, and environmental protection. The vessel was first detained in the port of Longview on April 13, 2012, after a Coast Guard Marine Safety Unit Portland Port State Control boarding detected a number of deficiencies including but not limited to fire and electrical hazards, problems with installment of life rafts, and verification of credentials. During an April 17, 2012, follow-up boarding, the crew rectified a number of discrepancies, but was unable to demonstrate compliance with applicable regulations, when they failed to conduct a satisfactory abandon ship and fire drill. Failure to complete the drills was due to extensive communication/language barriers amongst key crew members. This was the crew’s third failed attempt to perform a satisfactory fire/abandon ship drill during the inspection.