PAT PICKETT

Stb Gen

The owner and managing operator must ensure that the towing vessel is in compliance with this sub-chapter and other applicable laws and regulations at all times. The vessel suffered a steering casualty while underway. Make repairs and prove proper operation to the satisfaction of a USCG Marine Inspector prior to operations.

The design of the system and its installation on the towing vessel is certified and inspected by a registered professional engineer with experience in fire-detection system design, by a technician with qualifications as a National Institute for Certification in Engineering Technologies (NICET) level IV fire alarm engineering technician. PE letter on file is dated February 21, 2007. Own / operator informed MI that fire-detection system has been updated / replaced after 2007. Prove to the attending Coast Guard marine inspector that the fire detention system was replaced in kind or provide new professional engineer letter for current system.

The results of the inspections required by 33 CFR 164.76 (Towline and terminal gear for towing alongside and pushing ahead) must be documented in the TVR, official logbook. TVR did not have recordkeeping for towing gear. Illustrate to the attending Coast Guard marine inspector of how future records will be recorded

Each towing vessel must be equipped with an industrial type first aid cabinet or kit, appropriate to the size of the crew and operating conditions. First aid kits located in galley and on bridge have expired medicine. Prove to the attending Coast Guard marine inspection that first aid kits have non-expired medicine.

Each towing vessel must be maintained and operated so as to minimize fire hazards and to ensure all bilges and voids are kept free from accumulation of combustible and flammable materials and liquids. Vessel's bilges have not been proactively maintained and are filled with combustible/flammable materials causing a hazardous condition on board. Remove oil/fuel from bilges.

Each towing vessel must be maintained and operated so as to minimize fire hazards. Both (2) ship service diesel generators have not been proactively maintained causing the windings to be heavily oiled causing a fire hazard. Clean oil from both generator electrical windings. This must be completed before energizing either generator.

Prove proper operation of the emergency fuel shut offs.

Electrical systems and equipment must function properly and minimize system failures, fire, and shock. Loose opened ended electrical cables/wires were found in the starboard side generator space, engine room and main deck forward storage locker. Remove all loose open ended wires and cable through out the entire vessel.

All vessel equipment must be used in accordance with the manufacturer's recommended practice and in a manner that minimizes risk of injury or death. The vessels hot water heater pressure/temperature safety device was leaking showing signs of failure causing a hazardous condition. Replace the hot water heater safety device in accordance with the manufacturer's recommendation.

All seals and gaskets must be properly maintained to prevent leaks of flammable or combustible liquid into the machinery space. Main diesel engine(s), reduction gears (02) and ship service diesel generators (02) leak excessively causing oil and fuel accumulation in the engine room bilges. Prove to the attending USCG Marine Inspector the vessels machinery and piping have been properly maintained to prevent leakage.

Means must be provided for closing, in case of fire, each ventilator, and annular space around funnels and other openings into such spaces. The engine room and generator spaces have not been pro-actively maintained causing a serious risk of fire. The engine room and generator spaces have no means of closing of ventilation in a fire emergency. Provide closures for all ventilation and openings into the engine room and generator spaces.

Machinery systems must be designed and maintained to provide safe operation of the towing vessel and safety of persons on board under normal and emergency conditions. Machinery and piping system valves have not been proactively maintained and are missing handles throughout machinery spaces preventing the opening or closing in an emergency situation. Prove to the attending USCG Marine Inspector all machinery and system valves are properly fitted with handles.

Each towing vessel must have a reliable means to provide notification when an emergency condition exists. The installed bilge high level float(s) are not fixed to the bilge and would rise with the water in the bilge. Prove to the attending USCG Marine Inspector all high bilge level floats/alarms are installed correctly and have a visual/audio alarm at the operating station.

The master must ensure that all lifesaving equipment is properly maintained and ready for use at all times. Type 1 life jackets on board have not been proactively maintained, jackets were found to be heavily soiled and not orange in color. Prove that all life jackets on board meet the requirements of 46 CFR 141.300.

All pressure vessels must have the max allowable working pressure (MAWP) indicated by a stamp, nameplate, or other means visible by the crew. The pressure vessels (02) on board neither have a nameplate or markings of the MAWP. The relief valves(RV) have not been tested or verified in accordance with 46 CFR 143.245. The markings and set points on the RV have been painted over and/or are not legible. Provide documentation proving the MAWP of the pressure vessel(s) by a professional engineer or install a new pressure vessel(s) in accordance with 46 CFR 143.545. Provide new R/V's and prove testing in accordance with 46 CFR 143.245.

The owner or managing operator must implement a health and safety plan ensuring that all persons on board the towing vessel comply with the plan. The owner or the managing operator shall implement a health and safety plan in accordance with 46 CFR 140.500, provide a copy of the plan to the local inspection office for review, and make the vessel available for a marine inspector to verify the plan has been implemented.

Systems must be designed and maintained to provide safety of persons on board. Numerous incandescent lighting fixtures are missing covers. Provide covers for all lighting fixtures.

Fixed fire extinguishing systems required by 46 CFR Part 142 (Sub M) must be approved by the Commandant (CG-ENG). A towing vessel on a rivers route must be equipped with either an approved 160-B semi-portable fire extinguisher or a fixed fire extinguishing system that is properly installed and does not pose a risk to the crew. The vessels fixed fire extinguishing was installed incorrectly. The 600 pound fixed extinguishing system was installed without control/stop valves, manifold discharge piping protection and discharge indicator. System was designed with single pull automatic actuation with heat activation devices (HADs), pressure switches that were not wired to shut down ventilation and/or equipment. Pressure switches and siren were both piped in after the 30 second carbon dioxide (CO2) actuated time delay posing a serious risk to the crew being exposed to CO2. Owner, operator and/or Master must provide plans to prove conformity of the fixed fire suppression system to the regulation or remove the system to prevent accidental discharge and provide a 160-B semi portable fire extinguisher. All to the satisfaction of the attending USCG Marine Inspector. 46 CFR 142.215 / 46 CFR 142.315 / 33 CFR 160.215 Code 30.

The vessel suffered a loss of power do to both generators shutting down by cause of water in the fuel. Vessel crew found 10 inches of water in the #3 port storage tank in which was used to supply fuel to the #2 port day tank. Crew suspects a pin hole in the #3 port fuel storage tank. Vessel is to proceed to Mikes shipyard Wood river, IL, for permanent repairs. Prove proper operation of both generators and main engines. Complete to the satisfaction of an attending USCG Marine Inspector. 46 CFR 140.205