SIMONE

he safety of the towing vessel is the responsibility of the master and includes compliance with the TSMS, if one is applicable to the vessel. An in-service inspection was conducted due to a reportable marine casualty on the vessel's port propulsion clutch. The Marine Inspector discovered the non-conformity was not logged in the vessel's towing vessel record book or engineering log. The inspection was then expanded to determine if the vessel was complying with its TPO's TSMS certificate requirements. Vessel did not follow their TSMS procedures for reporting non-conformities in accordance with Towing Vessel Inspection Bureau(TVIB) Subchapter M Notifications. Neither the Master nor the owner had reported the non-conformity to the TPO, identifying a serious deficiency, posing an immediate safety risk to people and the vessel. Recommend external audit be conducted in the presence of vessels TPO, TVIB.

objective evidence discovered during an expanded ism exam revealed non-conformities: the vessel failed to fully implement the requirements of the ism code through their sms procedures as evident by the below deficiencies indicating that the ship and/or company are not meeting the sms requirements. the company should establish procedures to ensure that the ship is maintained in conformity with the provisions of the relevant rules and regulations and with any additional requirements which may be established by the company. in meeting these requirements, the company should ensure that: inspections are held at appropriate intervals. the sms states that routine inspections should be conducted according to the schedule in the program helm. the last checks were conducted on 21may2020 with only one discrepancy noted. marine inspectors discovered the below deficiencies which indicates routine inspections are not addressing discrepancies on critical safety systems. recommend ism audit

Machinery and electrical systems must be designed and maintained to provide for safe operation of the towing vessel and safety of persons on board under normal and emergency conditions. Port and starboard ship service generators both had oil accumulation on the winding vents. There was oil spray on the primary fire pump which was coming from the port generator winding vent.We requested for the starboard generator to be started and after 5 minutes of running there was oil accumulation on the winding vent. Make repairs or provide a service technician report of repairs made. Demonstrate proper operation to attending Marine Inspector.

Each towing vessel must carry at least one appropriately-sized lifejacket for each person on board. Replace (04) unserviceable lifejackets out of 9.

Electrical systems and equipment must function properly and minimize system failures and fire and shock hazards. (01) The switchboard Steering Gear breaker tab was broken off, meaning a screwdriver or some other tool would be needed to open/close the breaker. Renew breaker. (02) The port, backside of the switchboard was exposed, approximately 8" x 4", creating a potential shocking hazard. Install a cover over the exposed portion of the switchboard. (03) The emergency generator was inaccessible due to spare parts and equipment being stored around it. Make emergency generator accessible.

Emergency lighting sources must provide for sufficient illumination under emergency conditions to facilitate egress from each space. (02) Emergency lights, facing the switchboard and primary engine room egress route, were not working. Make repairs or renew emergency lighting.

Propulsion machinery, including main engines, reduction gears, shafting, bearings, and electrical equipment and systems, must: (1) be maintained to ensure proper operation. Port and starboard shaft packing glands were leaking excessively creating a flooding hazard. Adjust packing glands to reduce excessive leaking.

All machinery and equipment that is not in proper working order (including missing or malfunctioning guards or safety devices) must be made safe through covering. Starboard propulsion shaft guard was found in the bilge, not properly installed creating a personnel safety hazard. Properly install shaft guard.

The owner or managing operator must implement procedures to identify and mitigate health and safety hazards. The black water/grey water piping, in the engine room overhead, showed apparent signs of leaking. There was also a modified tarp rigged under the MSD to shield the leaks to the bilge. Make repairs or replace piping and prove proper operation to attending Marine Inspector.

Each towing vessel must have a means to control the amount of thrust and direction of thrust, at each operating station. The local control of the main engines and reduction gears has been disconnected and no longer works. Make repairs to make control station operational or properly Lock out/Tag out control station.

THE CERTIFICATION LABEL, WITH THE COAST GUARD APPROVAL NUMBER, IS MISSING ON THE MARINE SANITATION DEVICE (MSD).

EPIRB IS REQUIRED TO HAVE HYDROSTATIC RELEASE.

THE WEAK LINK THAT CONNECTS THE LANYARD FROM THE VESSEL TO THE LIFE RAFT ISMISSING.

LIFE JACKETS ARE REQUIRED TO HAVE LIGHTS.