RICE Hydro, Inc. Helping Vessels Stay Compliant with US Coast Guard Requirements
Submitted by Carson Now Reader on Fri, 08/17/2018 - 8:10am
The recent buzz of maritime alerts focused on the high percentage of bunker line test failures and the US Coast Guard’s response with strengthened enforcement of fines and halting bunker line operations. During Port State Control (PSC) examinations, it was noted that approximately 30 percent of all vessels were not compliant.
Many vessel owners have looked towards Nevada based manufacturer, RICE Hydro, Inc. for easy to use, effective solutions to test vessel bunker lines per US Coast Guard Requirements. Recently, RICE Hydro has modified some of its product line configurations to better assist maritime vessels with the testing of their bunker lines to maintain compliance. Modified products include the: HP-10, HP-25/35, HP-35/20, HP-35/25.
RICE Hydro, Inc. has changed the configuration of these products by streamlining access to the connection points critical to testing. The above mentioned units now house connection points in one location on the right-hand side of the units. The centralization of connection points allows the vessels to house the unit permanently onboard and initiate testing without needing to locate a high-pressure pneumatic test pump in port, eliminating transfer interruptions. Bunker Line Failures can lead to costly port delays and hefty fines for vessel owners.
In most cases, the PSC Officers found that failing vessels had tested the systems with air rather than liquid, making test results null and void. In addition, several vessels were not able to provide written records of the date and result of the most recent test and inspection of bunker lines/transfer systems as required by 33 CFR 155.820.
Denese Doherty, General Manager, RICE Hydro Inc., stated, “While bunker line testing requirements aren’t new, the Coast Guard’s enforcement efforts are increasing. Recently, we have seen a strong uptick in sales to shipping companies such as: SeaBird Exploration, Euronav and General Maritime. RICE Hydro is continuously looking at ways to improve our product to meet the needs of our customers.”
Vessel owners/operators must be compliant with regulations 33 CFR parts 155 and 156 prior to engaging in the transfer of any oil or hazardous material in the United States. Bunker lines are required to be tested to 1.5 times their allowable operating pressure by placing them under a constant hydrostatic load for a prescribed period of time; generally, 5 to 10 minutes.
About RICE Hydro, Inc.
RICE Hydro was established in 1976 by Allen Rice, a Harvard University graduate who retired from a career in the water municipality industry. Rice was desirous of staying busy and took a position with a local rental yard in San Diego California. During this period, he recognized the contractor need for a hydrostatic test pump, versus an adapted pressure washer to test pressurized lines. Rice began designing the first hydrostatic test system, one that allowed for ease of operation; precision, reliability and rapid results. From humble beginnings out of his garage in El Cajon California, the first RICE hydrostatic test pump was constructed - the ST-1, a 5 HP roller pump, with a flow rate of 5 GPM, and an output pressure of 300 PSI.
Over the years, the product line has evolved to include, not only Hydrostatic Test Pumps, but also: Fire Hose Testers, Post Hole Diggers, Hand Test Pumps and Shoring Pressure Pumps. Serving the needs of commercial, residential, municipal, industrial, military, and all types of contractors, RICE Hydro provides clients with exceptional testing, pumping and digging solutions.
For more than four decades, RICE Hydro has been the industry leader in design and manufacturing of superior quality products. Their systems are versatile, dependable and have the highest level of customer satisfaction.
For more information, visit: RICEHydro.com.
