RIVERCAT

All seals and gaskets must be properly maintained to prevent leaks of flammable or combustible liquid. MI observed leaking fuel piping connection in engine room at fuel transfer pump. Clean accumulated diesel and repair connection prior to using fuel transfer pump. 46 CFR 143.220(a)

Each towing vessel must be equipped with navigation lights, shapes, and sound signals in accordance with...33 CFR part 84 as appropriate to its area of operation. Vessel does not have appropriate day shapes on board vessel. 46 CFR 140.720

Each EAP education program must include at least the following elements... display and distribution of the employer's policy regarding drug and alcohol use in the workplace. MI found company drug and alcohol policy on board to be dated in 1999, with old chemical testing frequencies listed. Place new company policy on board vessel. 46 CFR 16.401(a)

Any towing vessel with alternating watches (shift work) or overnight accommodations must identify the duties and duty stations of each person onboard during an emergency. Emergency instructions posted do not cover all required items. Missing provisions include: Flooding, heavy weather, taking action relative to tow, loss of propulsion/steering/control, and management of non-crew. 46 CFR 140.405(b)

A vessel must be operated in accordance with applicable laws and regulations and in such a manner as to afford protection against hazards to life, property and the environment. Vessel had an excessive amount of diesel in the bilge due to leaking fuel piping. 46 CFR 140.205(a)

All fire hoses must be inspected for excessive wear, and subjected to a test pressure equivalent to the maximum service pressure. All fire hoses which are defective and incapable of repair must be destroyed. Vessel was found with hose that was leaking at the connection with the fire station making it defective. Vessel Captain destroyed the hose in the presence of a MI and replaced the hose with a new one, and was satisfactorily tested. 46 CFR 142.240 (a)(7)

Nature of inspection: The inspection will ensure that the vessel is in satisfactory condition and fit for the service for which it is intended, and that it complies with the applicable statutes and regulations for such vessels. The inspection will include inspections of the structure, pressure vessels and their appurtenances, piping, main and auxiliary machinery, electrical installations, lifesaving appliances, fire detecting and extinguishing equipment, pilot boarding equipment, and other equipment. Vessel fire pump piping inlet before the gate valve was found wasted and deteriorated. Submit temporary repair to the MI, and conduct approved temporary repairs until permanent repairs can be made at the vessels next drydock. 46 CFR 136.212 (b)

A towing vessel must be maintained and operated so the watertight integrity and stability of the vessel are not compromised. Vessel was found with a cable penetration in the fwd bulk head of the engine that the composite material utilized is now deteriorated, effecting the ability of that penetration to be watertight. Repair and seal the penetration to the satisfaction of the MI. 46 CFR 140.605 (b)

Personnel dispatched from the vessel or that are working in an area on the exterior of the vessel without rails and guards must wear a life jacket meeting requirements in 46 CFR 141.340, an immersion suit meeting requirements in 46 CFR 141.350, or a work vest approved by the Commandant under 46 CFR subpart 160.053. Vessel crew members were found wearing work vests that are not of the approved type. Replace work vest to the approved type or submit for special consideration. 46 CFR 140.430 (a)

Stowage positions for life jackets stowed in a berthing space or stateroom and all life jacket containers must be marked in block capital letters and numbers with the minimum quantity, identity, and, if sizes other than adult or universal sizes are used on the vessel, the size of the life jackets stowed inside the container. Life jacket stowage did not contain markings with the minimum quantity stored. Add markings to the satisfaction of the MI. 46 CFR 141.340 (h)

The Rules concerning shapes shall be complied with by day. Vessel did not have any day shapes on board. Procure and place day shapes applicable to the vessel on board or submit for special consideration. 33 CFR 83.20 (d)

Each towing vessel must perform the applicable tests in Table 143.245(b) of this section. Pressure vessel relief valves need to be tested twice every 5 years, with no more than 3 years elapsing since last test. Port side relief was was tested and failed. Replace port side relief valve to the satisfaction of the marine inspector.

Any towing vessel with alternating watches (shift work) or overnight accommodations must identify the duties and duty stations of each person onboard during an emergency, including: (1) Responding to fires and flooding; (2) Responding to emergencies that necessitate abandoning the vessel; (3) Launching survival craft; (4) Taking action during heavy weather; (5) Taking action in the event of a person overboard; (6) Taking action relative to the tow; (7) Taking action in the event of failure of propulsion, steering, or control system; (8) Managing individuals onboard who are not crewmembers; (9) Managing any other event or condition which poses a threat to life, property, or the environment. Vessel was missing sections as outlined in the regulations on their duty station bill. Update the duty station bill covering all portions as outline to the satisfaction of the MI. 46 cfr 140.405 (b)

Each towing vessel must perform the applicable tests in Table 143.245(b) of this section. Alarm setpoints need to be tested twice every 5 years, with no more than 3 years elapsing since last test. Vessel was unable to provide testing records. Provide record of testing to the satisfaction of the MI. 46 CFR 143.245 (b)

Each watertight door and watertight hatch must be marked on both sides in clearly legible letters at least 25 millimeters (1 inch) high: “WATERTIGHT DOOR—KEEP CLOSED” or “WATERTIGHT HATCH—KEEP CLOSED”. 06 signage markings were missing on the watertight doors. Signage was fixed in the presence of the marine inspector. 46 CFR 144.160 (e)

All seals and gaskets must be properly maintained to prevent leaks of flammable or combustible liquid, as those terms are defined in 46 CFR subpart 30.10, into the machinery space. Fuel filter site glass was found leaking. Repaired in the presence of the MI during inspection. 46 CFR 143.220

Annual inspections will be similar to the inspection for certification but will cover less detail unless the marine inspector finds deficiencies or determines that a major change has occurred since the last inspection. If the marine inspector finds deficiencies or finds that a major change to the vessel has occurred, he or she will conduct a more detailed inspection to ensure that the vessel is in satisfactory condition and fit for the service for which it is intended. During annual inspection, hole in the bulkhead was identified behind the starboard air compressor. Repair prior to next credit drydock. 46 CFR 137.200 (b)

Closure devices must be provided for deckhouse or hull penetrations. Wooden doors on port and starboard side of bridge, and from berthing rooms are not weathertight. 46 CFR 144.320(b)

Each lifebuoy on a towing vessel must... Be marked in block capital letters with the name of the vessel. Ring buoy on forward main deck found without name of the vessel. 46 CFR 141.360(b)(4)

Each operator or agent of a vessel with a capacity of 250 or more barrels of fuel oil...shall designate, either by name or by position in the crew, the person in charge (PIC) of each transfer to or from the vessel. Vessel must designate a PIC of fuel oil transfers.

Each towing vessel must have...a self-priming, power-driven, fixed fire pump, a fire main, and hoses. Fire main pump is leaking must repaired to the satisfaction of the attending MI.

Each towing vessel must carry at least one appropriately-sized lifejacket, approved under approval series..., for each person on board. Two lifejackets must be added IAW vessels COI. Vessel is permitted to carry 7 total persons at this time.

The master must ensure that all hatches, doors, and other openings designed to be watertight or weather-tight function properly. Damaged weathertight door in berthing space must be repaired to the satisfaction of the attending MI.

Each lifebuoy with a floating electric water light must have a lanyard of at least 910 millimeters (3 feet) in length, but not more than 1,830 millimeters (6 feet), securing the water light around the body of the lifebuoy. Port and starboard operating station lifebuoy water lights must have satisfactory lanyards added.

Verify that bilges and other spaces are free of excessive accumulation of oil. Oil and debris must be cleaned and removed from engine room bilge.

Machinery and electrical systems must be designed and maintained to provide for safe operation of the towing vessel and safety of persons onboard under normal and emergency conditions. Fuel filters are missing heat deflector bowls. Install bowls to satisfaction of MI.

Closure devices must be provided for deckhouse or hull penetrations, which open to the exterior of the vessel and which may allow water to enter the vessel. These devices must be suitable for the expected route. Watertight doors affixed to house and engine room failed to adequately secure.

The Bridge-to-Bridge Act and the regulations of this part apply to every towing vessel of 7.8 meters (26 feet) or over in length, measured from end to end over the deck excluding sheer, while navigating. Vessel requires a bridge-to-bridge radio certificate on board and was unable to present such certificate. 47 CFR 80.1001(c)

Each watertight door and hatch must be marked on both sides in clearly legible letters at least 1" high: "Watertight Door- Keep Closed". Vessel's two doors on the main deck leading from the accommodation space were not labeled on both sides.

Means must be provided for stopping and closing each fan in a ventilation system servicing machinery spaces in case of fire. Vessel's two exhaust fans for the engine room do not have a ventilation closure installed.

Machinery and fuel tank spaces must be separated from accommodation spaces by bulkheads. Vessel's doorway leading to the machinery space from the main deck accommodation space has penetrations in the overhead that need to be sealed.

Each Mattress must comply with either: (a) the Consumer product safety commission standard for mattress flammability (FF 4-72) or (b) IMO Resolution A.688(17). Vessel must have approved mattresses for it's 3 overnight accommodations.

IMO: Vsl is broadcasting no IMO #

Company does not have a Substance Abuse Professional (SAP) name and contact information, as required by 49 CFR 40.287.