LIZ SLOSS

Machinery must be designed and maintained to provide safe operation of the towing vessel under normal and emergency conditions. Starboard main engine was experiencing surging above 1100 RPMs. Repair starboard propulsion unit to the satisfaction of TPO prior to towing operations. In accordance with CVC Policy Letter 17-10, the above deficiencies may be cleared by the operating company's TPO (TVIB). TPO must submit a report to the cognizant OCMI within 72 hours of clearing the deficiencies.

Each towing vessel must be maintained and operated so as to minimize fire hazards and to ensure all bilges and void spaces are kept free from accumulation of combustible and flammable materials and liquids insofar as practicable. Marine Inspector discovered an excess amount oil in the bilge. 46 CFR 142.220(a)

Machinery and electrical systems must be designed and maintained to provide for safe operation of the towing vessel and safety of persons onboard during normal and emergency conditions. Vessel is missing starboard rudder. Repair/replace to the satisfaction of the USCG Marine Inspector or TPO. Vessel is restricted from towing operations until rectified. 46 CFR 143.205 (a)

Self reported noise in rudder room. CG-835V written to document proceeding to Port Arthur under sister tugs assistance.

Paints, coatings, or other flammable or combustible products on board a towing vessel must be stored in a designated storage room or cabinet when not in use. If a dedicated storage cabinet is provided it must be secured to the vessel so that it does not move and must have a 40-B portable fire extinguisher located near the storage room or cabinet. Marine Inspectors observed the permanently attached flammable locker (located fwd. of the house) did not have a 40-B portable fire extinguisher near the storage locker. In addition, Marine Inspectors observed a small flammable locker (filled with portable gasoline cans for the skiff, paint cans, matches, charcoal) on the aft deck of the vessel underneath an external ladder and forward of two AC units. This locker was not permanently secured to the vessel and it did not have a 40-B portable fire extinguisher near the locker. Provide a corrective action to the satisfaction of the the vessel's Third Party Organization.

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. Vessel had a reduction in propulsion. Vessel identified a loss in oil pressure to the starboard reduction gear for the starboard MDE. Complete permanent repairs to the effected machinery to the satisfaction of the TSMS, and US Coast Guard Marine Inspectors.

Electrical components that pose an electrical hazard must be in an enclosure. Marine Inspectors observed dead end wiring in the storage/battery compartment one deck below the wheel house on the vessel. Provide corrective action to permanently ensure electrical hazard is minimized.

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. Vessel experienced a reduction in propulsion, starboard engine stalled out. Cause of casualty was a faulty solenoid valve. Casualty corrected.