ELMER M

Each towing vessel in oceans and coastwise service must have a line throwing appliance approved under approval series 160.040. Equipment for impulse-projected rocket type line-throwing appliances includes four rocket projectiles and not less than 4 primer-ejector cartridges which fit the chamber of the launcher. Vessel had four launchers present, but only one rocket projectile.

Line throwing appliances must include an auxiliary line that is at least 1500 feet long, and has a breaking strength of 9000 pounds-force. Vessel had one 600 foot line with breaking strength of 6500 pounds-force.

Alarms must be visible and audible at each operating station. During bilge test, no audible alarm was observed on the bridge.

Each towing vessel must have a fire-detection system installed with control panel that includes an audible alarm to notify crew. During fire detection system test, no audible alarm was heard at the bridge control panel.

Fire pumps. Each towing vessel must have a self priming, power driven fixed, or a portable pump with hoses and nozzles. The portable fire pump must have a discharge gauge pressure of not less than 60 psi measured at the pump discharge. During inspection, portable pump had no discharge pressure gauge. (satisfactory firefighting stream was observed during test)

Each towing vessel must have a reliable means to provide notification when an emergency condition exists or an essential system develops problems that require attention. Alarms must be visible and audible at each operating station or have a summary alarm where a specific alarm condition is indicated at machinery or bilge location. MI observed vessel failed to have a visual and audible alarm for high bilge levels and low steering fluid levels at operating station and in machinery location.

Employers must ensure that they and their crew-members meet the requirements of 46 CFR Part 16. Vessel could not provide proof of crew members enrollment in a drug and alcohol program required by 46 CFR Part 16. Provide proof of crew enrollment in required drug and alcohol program as required by 46 CFR Part 16 to attending Marine Inspector.

Each towing vessel must be equipped with an installation, or multiple installations, of VHF-FM radios as prescribed 47 CFR part 80, to maintain a continuous listening watch on the designated calling channel. Vessel's station license MMSI didn't coincide w/ installed radio. Provide proof of satisfactory radio station license to attending Marine Inspector.

Each towing vessel operating on oceans must carry a Category 1, 406 MHz satellite Emergency Position Indicating Radio Beacon (EPIRB) that meets the requirements of 47 CFR part 80. Vessel did not have valid EPIRB registration on-board. Provide proof of valid EPIRB registration to attending Marine Inspector showing registration numbers on registration letter matching registration sticker on EPIRB.

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 lifejacket 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. Work vests used by crew did not meet 46 CFR subpart 160.053. Vessel crew must utilize correct work vest type or revert to using lifejackets meeting requirements in 46 CFR 141.340. Vessel must provide proof of acquired correct work vests, or provide statement from company that personnel will wear lifejacket meeting requirements in 46 CFR 141.340.

The portable fire pump must be self-priming and power-driven, with a minimum capacity of at least 80 gpm at a discharge gauge pressure of not less than 60 psi, measured at the pump discharge. There was no way of determining discharge gauge pressure from portable pump. Provide ability to measure/read discharge gauge pressure.

All lifesaving equipment must be tested and maintained in accordance with the minimum requirements of 46 CFR 199.190. Each EPIRB must be tested monthly. Ensure monthly tests of EPIRB are being conducted by crew.

MMSI: Vsl is broadcasting invalid MMSI, IMO: Vsl is broadcasting invalid IMO #, ZERO LENGTH OR BEAM: no dimension information (AIS Antenna Position ABCD values equals 0), SHIP TYPE MISSING: Vsl is not broadcasting an AIS Ship Type

No AIS installed.