DUTCHMAN

All fire-detection systems must be inspected or tested at least once every 12 months. Vessel did not have documentation attesting to the annual testing of the fire detection system. Provide documentation attesting to satisfactory annual servicing of the fire detection system to the satisfaction of the TPO or Coast Guard. 46 CFR 142.240(a).

Electrical systems and equipment must function properly and minimize system failures and fire and shock hazards. The vessel's 12V electrical system in the vicinity of the battery bank forward in the engine room was not installed properly, allowing several loose leads. Vessel must have a marine electrician verify proper wiring and that battery back-up for required systems is properly functioning to the satisfaction of the TPO or Coast Guard. 46 CFR 143.400(a)

Each towing vessel must carry on board and maintain marine charts or maps of the areas to be transited that are of a large enough scale and have enough detail to make safe navigation of the areas possible, and are current editions or currently corrected editions. Vessel did not have current or updated charts on board. Provide evidence of current or updated charts on board to the satisfaction of the TPO or Coast Guard. 33 CFR 164.72(b)(1).

Each lifebuoy on a towing vessel must be approved under approval series 160.050 or 160.150 and at least one lifebuoy must have a lifeline, secured around the body of the lifebuoy. If more than one lifebuoy is carried, at least one must not have a lifeline attached and the water light must be attached by the lanyard with a corrosion-resistant clip to allow the water light to be quickly disconnected from the lifebuoy. Lifebuoys had faded retro-reflective tape and both lifebuoys had lights improperly attached. Replace retro-reflective tape and attach water lights with lanyard around the body of the lifebuoy. Attach at least one light around the lifebuoy with a corrosion resistant clip to allow for quick disconnect. Correct to the satisfaction of the TPO or Coast Guard. 46 CFR 141.360 (b)(1),(c)(1), (c)(2).

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. The generator fuel supply line was an approximately 10ft long non-metallic flexible hose. Vessel must determine whether the installed hose is properly rated for fuel service. Correct to the satisfaction of the TPO or Coast Guard. 46 CFR 143.205 (a)

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. The bilge suction line did not have a means to prevent backflood into the space or means to strain bilge water. Correct to the satisfaction of the TPO or Coast Guard. 46 CFR 143.205 (a).

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. The vessel was unable to swing the flanking rudders smoothly from hard port to hard starboard. Vessel must determine the cause of the loud popping and correct to the satisfaction of the TPO or Coast Guard. 46 CFR 143.205 (a).

Piping and machinery components that exceed 220 °C (428 °F), including fittings, flanges, valves, exhaust manifolds, and turbochargers, must be insulated. Both main diesel engines had approximately one foot of exhaust piping that was not insulated. Correct to the satisfaction of the TPO or Coast Guard. 46 CFR 143.220(b)

The following systems must be equipped with gauges at the machinery location: main engine lubricating oil pressure and main engine RPM. The RPM gauge was reading an error message. Correct to the satisfaction of the TPO or Coast Guard. 46 CFR 143.230(c)(1).

All owners and operators of an existing towing vessel must have on board a valid COI prior to the specified phase-in period. This vessel has not scheduled an inspection or obtained a valid COI. The vessel shall be made available for a Coast Guard COI Inspection immediately and the vessel may no longer be permitted to operate. 46 CFR 136.202