The MV Barima had life rafts overdue for servicing, a non-operational radar and no fire suits when inspected in November 2025, MARAD Inspector Christopher Bailey told the Commission of Inquiry on Tuesday.

Bailey, an inspector with the Maritime Administration Department (MARAD) who carried out the inspection, also acknowledged weaknesses in the department's system for monitoring inspections as the CoI resumed at the Arthur Chung Convention Centre. He said more can be done to identify vessels operating without the required inspections.

The inspection also found a crane whose remote control was not working, Bailey said, adding that he found no documentation for it.

On other safety equipment, he said about 200 life jackets were observed in the passenger area, while crew life jackets were secured in cabins. Fire and smoke detectors were tested and found satisfactory.

The vessel appeared structurally sound, with no observed leaks, cracks or abrasions, and its engine room was undergoing maintenance at the time, he said.

"Structurally she seemed fine," he told the CoI.
Bailey estimated the inspection took between 45 minutes and an hour and maintained that this was sufficient, depending on the findings and areas examined. He acknowledged, however, that he did not review previous inspection reports beforehand.

He said he understood the vessel was exempt from mandatory inspection under the relevant regulations, although MARAD proceeded with one. He confirmed that a report of verification was submitted but said he had not received the verification.

Turning to the wider system, Bailey said vessel owners and operators are responsible for requesting inspections, with MARAD relying on its records and periodic checks to establish which vessels are due.

"We do have a system where vessel is due for inspection, but it's not telling what's the operation of that vessel. That vessel may be not operational at the time. It may be tied up somewhere, not working. So we don't go looking for every single vessel. When they come in, it's their obligation to come get the inspection done," he said.

Asked how the system could be improved, he acknowledged that greater monitoring was necessary.
"Our system can be improved in terms of reaching out more…checking on more vessels to make sure that they are not operable," he testified.

Bailey also agreed that coastal shipping regulations may require upgrading, particularly on mandatory safety equipment.