The Italian Maritime authorities have launched the asset integrity Management scheme for Ro-Pax ferries to cover fire risk mitigation, single-failure risk assessment, enhanced planned maintenance and condition- based monitoring and also food and bacteriological risk management.

The initiative also includes specific training for Ro-Pax crews, including behavioural training to avoid and manage crises. With over 300 ferries featured under RINA, the authority is a world leader in Ro-Pax ferry safety and now wishes to lead the way in safety standards which go beyond regulatory basics. RINA’s package of initiatives builds on its recent work with major cruise and ferry operators to extend tailored risk management services to the marine industry.

The first company to use the new package is Grimaldi Lines which will implement the measures on the 22.5 knot 2003-built Ro-Pax vessel Florencia. The package builds on work done last year with major passenger fleet operators including Carnival, MSC Cruises and Moby Lines to extend an approach to operations and maintenance based on risk-prevention, assessment and management.

Undoubtedly the major fire incidents involving the Norman Atlantic and Sorrento have highlighted the need to enforce such a scheme even before causes of both fires are known.