TOWLINE

The cognizant OCMI may require additional examinations of the vessel whenever he or she discovers damage or deterioration to hull plating or structural members that may affect the seaworthiness or fitness for the route or service of a vessel. Vessel taken out of service by owner and drydocked after a hole was found in the bottom shell plating of the main hold compartment IVO keel and above the shaft. Correct to the satisfaction of attending marine inspector prior to return to service. 46 CFR 137.300(b)

Each lifebuoy on a towing vessel must be approved under approval series 160.050 or 160.150. Vessel's lifebuoys onboard were not in serviceable condition. O/O is to repair or replace prior to conducting towing operations. 46CFR141.360(b)(1)

Each fire detection system on board shall be installed, tested, and maintained in accordance with the manufacturer's design manual. Fire detection panel battery backup was inooperable. O/O to repair/replace fire detection panel battery back up prior to conducting towning oerations. 46CFR142.330(a)(2)

Vessel alarms shall be visible and audible at each operating station. Vessel's high bilge level alarm at the operating station was missing the visual alarm. O/O to install visual light for bilge alarm to satisfaction of attending marine inspector. 46CFR143.230(b)(1)

Each towing vessel operating in oceans and coastwise service must have a line throwing appliance approved under approval series 160.040. Vessel's linethrowing apparatus had expired charges. Vessel is retricted to 3NM from shore until new charges procured. 46CFR141.385

The owner, managing operator, or master of each towing vessel must maintain the required navigational-safety equipment in a fully-functioning, operational condition. Vessel depth sounder wasn't operating properly and showing accurate depth. O/O to repair or replace. 46CFR140.620(b)

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 onboard were all expired. O/O to replace first aid kit. 46CFR140.435

Essential systems or equipment must be regularly tested and examined. Tests and examinations must verify that the system or equipment functions as designed. Hot water heater pressure relief valve was wasted and in need of repair. O/O is to repair/replace pressure relief valve to satisfaction of attending marine inspector. 46CFR143.245(a)

Each towing vessel must be equipped with a means to detect smoke in the berthing spaces and lounges that alerts individuals in those spaces. Smoke detector in galley/crew lounge was missing. O/O to reinstall smoke detector to satisfaction of attending marine inspector. 46CFR142.330(b)

Statement of satisfactory stability was not onboard or available. O/O to provide letter and keep onboard. 46CFR144.300(a)

The owner or managing operator of an existing vessel not operating under a stability document must be able to show at least one of the following: (1) The vessel's operation or a history of satisfactory service does not cause the stability of the vessel to be questioned by the Coast Guard. (2) The vessel performs successfully on operational tests. (3) The vessel has a satisfactory stability assessment by means of giving due consideration to each item that impacts a vessel's stability characteristics. A large steel extension/accommodation space was built onto the aft portion of the house without OCMI notification. As such, the letter from Farrel and Norton Naval Architects dated August 28, 2020 which attests to the vessels stability characteristics is now void. Verify compliance with 46 CFR 144.300 prior to conducting towing operations.

Each towing vessel must carry at least one appropriately-sized lifejacket, approved under approval series 160.002, 160.005, 160.055, 160.155, or 160.176, for each person on board. Vessel is short 02 PFD's, and is limited to 10 persons onboard until resolved.

Each towing vessel operating in those regions must carry at least one appropriate-size immersion suit, approved under approval series 160.171, for each person onboard. Vessel is short 06 immersion suits, and is limited to 06 persons onboard until resolved.