3.4.1 The probability of a discharge resulting
from damage to the ship or its equipment is a reason for making a
report. In judging whether there is such a probability and whether
the report should be made, the following factors, among others, should
be taken into account:
-
.1 the nature of the damage, failure or breakdown
of the ship, machinery or equipment; and
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.2 sea and wind state and also traffic density
in the area at the time and place of the incident.
3.4.2 It is recognized that it would be impracticable
to lay down precise definitions of all types of incidents involving
probable discharge which would warrant an obligation to report. Nevertheless,
as a general guideline the master of the ship should make reports
in cases of:
-
.1 damage, failure or breakdown which affects
the safety of ships; examples of such incidents are collision, grounding,
fire, explosion, structural failure, flooding, cargo shifting; and
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.2 failure or breakdown of machinery or equipment
which results in impairment of the safety of navigation; examples
of such incidents are failure or breakdown of steering gear, propulsion
plant, electrical generating system, essential shipborne navigational
aids.