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USCG asks boat owners to be Y2K compliant
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Posted on Jul 14 1999
The U.S. Coast Guard yesterday asked owners of ships and marine facility managers to make sure that they are Y2K compliant to prevent any sea disaster related to the millennium computer bug.
As part of its marine safety campaign, the Coast Guard asked owners and operators of the vessels to answer a survey prepared by the International Maritime Organization to find out the preparations they are doing for potential Y2K-related system failures, said Lt. Junior Grade Scott Masterson.
The IMO surveys will be managed in a nationwide database containing port-specific geographical data for each Captain of the Port Zone.
According to Capt. S. J. Glover of the U.S. Coast Guard, port captains will use this assessment to determine if any operational control should be imposed on vessels and facilities during high risks periods.
These new regulations will be in effect from July 23, 1999 to March 31, 2000. U.S. flagged vessels, including small passenger vessels, and facilities must submit the IMO survey by Aug. 1, 1999.
“By submitting the surveys within the required time frame, your company will not only be in compliance with regulations, it will be providing the Coast Guard with the information necessary to make reasonable decisions about the operation of your vessels or facilities during high risk periods,” said Glover.
Computer programs for engine automation systems that send critical operating signals are good examples for possible Y2K problem. If these programs misread “00” as the year 1900 instead of 2000, they may misinterpret that 100 years have passed and respond with an inappropriate action, creating a domino effect that could shutdown systems.
Marine facilities are also at risk from Y2K-related problems. Systems that use time as a function of measurement such as fire detection systems cargo tracking software, process flow controls (oil, gas and chemical), temperature controls and alarms are most vulnerable.
System sensors could cause an automatic shutdown response that could in turn trigger some other fail-safe response. Likewise, a release of hazardous materials could occur when over pressure safeguards react to the sudden closure of a valve against the flow of gas or liquid.
