ROSS S. STERLING

Passenger (Inspected) · Passenger Ship class · Built 1960s · USCG Heartland District (CGD-H)

ROSS S. STERLING is a 1964 passenger vessel (inspected). The Coast Guard has recorded 26 inspections since 2016, most recently in February 2026, along with 14 deficiencies and 11 casualty investigations between 2003 and 2019.

Records from 2003 to 2026. Most recent: inspection, 10 February 2026.

Built: 1964
Last inspected: 10 February 2026
Documentation: Valid · documentation file of 10 August 2026
Inspections: 26
Deficiencies: 14 recorded · 0 without a recorded resolution
Controls: None recorded without a removal date
Casualties: 11 investigations · 2003–2019

Coast Guard record current through 23 August 2026, retrieved 5 September 2026 from PSIX. Every field on this page was recorded by the Coast Guard. Records for the Passenger Ship class in Maury's sources begin in 2016.

Inspection record

Last inspected 10 February 2026

Recorded inspections26

…physical examinations21

…administrative events4

…with no type recorded1

Deficiencies 14 recorded · 0 without a recorded resolution

Operational controls None recorded without a removal date

Years with a record 11 calendar years (2016–2026)

Every line above is a count of records the US Coast Guard wrote, or a date it recorded. A blank resolution means none was recorded in this data; it does not establish that a deficiency is outstanding. Years with a record are calendar years in which a record exists, not years in service. What Maury does not do.

Identity

545783

—

WDF7246

119402

Flag

UNITED STATES

Maury page id

psix-119402

Documentation record

Registered dimensions (L × B × D)62.5 ft × 30.0 ft × 8.5 ft

Registered tonnagegross 85 / net 57

ITC dimensions (L × B × D)62.5 ft × 30.0 ft × 8.5 ft

ITC tonnageNot recorded

BuilderTODD SHIPYARDS CORP · HOUSTON, TX, UNITED STATES · built 1964

Hull materialSteel

PropulsionDiesel

Hull shapeUNSPECIFIED

Hull configurationUNSPECIFIED

Hailing portHOUSTON, TX

Trade endorsementsCoastwise, unrestricted

DocumentationValid · issued 23 December 2025 · expires 30 November 2026

Service, as the file records itPassenger (Inspected)

Hull formpowered (Maury's inference from propulsion, hull shape, material and length, rule hf-1; not a recorded fact)

Tonnage as PSIX records it85 - Regulatory (Subpart C or D), Gross Ton
57 - Regulatory (Subpart C or D), Net Ton

Every line above is a field of the National Vessel Documentation Center's file as served by NOAA Fisheries, dated 10 August 2026, matched to this hull on its Official Number. Registered and ITC measurements are two systems and are never combined. One snapshot is held so far; documentation history begins with the next.

Vessel history report

Every record for this hull, in one document — $299

Every recorded inspection, 2016 to 2026 for this class, in one chronology · every deficiency, with system, dates and resolution · operational controls imposed and removed · every name this hull has been recorded under · the vessels it was inspected alongside, and when · how its record compares with hulls of similar age and size, as a fact about the population and never a judgement about this vessel.

Read one first, in full: a forty-year chronology · a hull that changed operators four times · the sparse case, shown as an example, not for sale.

This report is in development and is not for sale yet. There is no date, and nothing is charged. Leave an email and we will tell you when it exists, once.

Inspection history · 26

10 February 2026 Administrative Inspection · Annual Inspection

Physical examination · Sector Houston/Galveston · USCG Heartland District (CGD-H) · Activity 8308930

30 October 2025 Deficiency Check · Administrative Inspection · Damage Survey

Physical examination · Sector Houston/Galveston · USCG Heartland District (CGD-H) · Activity 8260982

26 February 2025 Deficiency Check · Annual Inspection

Physical examination · Sector Houston/Galveston · USCG Heartland District (CGD-H) · Activity 8084846

21 February 2025 Examination of Repairs

Physical examination · Sector Houston/Galveston · USCG Heartland District (CGD-H) · Activity 8084087

30 January 2025 Administrative Inspection · Excursion Permit

Administrative · Sector Houston/Galveston · USCG Heartland District (CGD-H) · Activity 8072345

7 February 2024 In-Service Inspection

Physical examination · Sector Houston/Galveston · USCG Heartland District (CGD-H) · Activity 7862590

22 January 2024 Administrative Inspection · Annual Inspection

Physical examination · Sector Houston/Galveston · USCG Heartland District (CGD-H) · Activity 7852567

7 February 2023 Annual Inspection · Administrative Inspection

Physical examination · Sector Houston/Galveston · USCG Heartland District (CGD-H) · Activity 7633363

2 March 2022 Deficiency Check · COI Inspection

Physical examination · Sector Houston/Galveston · USCG Heartland District (CGD-H) · Activity 7403952

16 July 2021 Hull Examination · Administrative Inspection · Internal Structural Exam · Examination of Repairs

Physical examination · Sector Houston/Galveston · USCG Heartland District (CGD-H) · Activity 7258116

10 December 2020 Annual Inspection

Physical examination · Sector Houston/Galveston · USCG Heartland District (CGD-H) · Activity 7123444

1 June 2020 Administrative Inspection

Administrative · Sector Houston/Galveston · USCG Heartland District (CGD-H) · Activity 6965571

22 July 2019 Examination of Repairs

Physical examination · Sector Houston/Galveston · USCG Heartland District (CGD-H) · Activity 6758823

2 May 2019 Administrative Inspection · Examination of Repairs

Physical examination · Sector Houston/Galveston · USCG Heartland District (CGD-H) · Activity 6675445

5 March 2019 Administrative Inspection · Examination of Repairs

Physical examination · Sector Houston/Galveston · USCG Heartland District (CGD-H) · Activity 6636834

2 March 2019 Type not recorded

No type recorded · Sector Houston/Galveston · USCG Heartland District (CGD-H) · Activity 6747398

16 January 2019 Administrative Inspection

Administrative · Sector Houston/Galveston · USCG Heartland District (CGD-H) · Activity 6611137

20 August 2018 Examination of Repairs · Administrative Inspection

Physical examination · Sector Houston/Galveston · USCG Heartland District (CGD-H) · Activity 6518084

14 February 2018 Excursion Permit

Administrative · Sector Houston/Galveston · USCG Heartland District (CGD-H) · Activity 6355181

7 September 2017 Administrative Inspection · Examination of Repairs

Physical examination · Sector Houston/Galveston · USCG Heartland District (CGD-H) · Activity 6261898

3 April 2017 Internal Structural Exam · Administrative Inspection · Examination of Repairs · Drydock Exam

Physical examination · Sector Houston/Galveston · USCG Heartland District (CGD-H) · Activity 6118477

2 March 2017 Administrative Inspection · MTSA Verification · COI Inspection

Physical examination · Sector Houston/Galveston · USCG Heartland District (CGD-H) · Activity 6096870

8 June 2016 Examination of Repairs · Administrative Inspection

Physical examination · Sector Houston/Galveston · USCG Heartland District (CGD-H) · Activity 5901518

20 May 2016 Administrative Inspection · Examination of Repairs

Physical examination · Sector Houston/Galveston · USCG Heartland District (CGD-H) · Activity 5882395

5 May 2016 MTSA Verification · Annual Inspection

Physical examination · Sector Houston/Galveston · USCG Heartland District (CGD-H) · Activity 5869367

19 April 2016 Examination of Repairs · Administrative Inspection

Physical examination · Sector Houston/Galveston · USCG Heartland District (CGD-H) · Activity 5857813

Deficiency record · 14

13 - Propulsion and Auxiliary Machinery › N/A - No Subsystem › Other (machinery)

Issued 30 October 2025 Resolved

In general, compliance with the standards established by a recognized classification society will be considered satisfactory evidence 0f the structural adequacy, of a vessel. Vessel suffered unrepairable crack on propeller shaft near aft portion of exposed shaft. Vessel not authorized to operate until shaft is replaced and successful power trials conducted by a Coast Guard Marine Inspector. Vessel is authorized to transit back to home port, Lynchburg Ferry Terminal, until new shaft is ready for installation. Vessel will then transit back to SouthWest Shipyard for final repairs and installation. 46 CFR 177.10-1 705 C

Action required: 705 - Other - as specified
Resolved 11 December 2025
Resolution: Shafts and shaft seals installed and sea trial successfully conducted.

13 - Propulsion and Auxiliary Machinery › N/A - No Subsystem › Bilge pumping arrangements

Issued 26 February 2025 Resolved

The bilge suctions shall be fitted with suitable strainers having an open area not less than three times the area of the bilge pipe. Engine room bilge suction line found fitted without strainer. 46 CFR 182.25-5(b)

Action required: 50 - Rectify deficiencies w/in 30 days
Due 26 March 2025
Resolved 13 May 2025
Resolution: New strainers were fitted to bilge suction lines.

13 - Propulsion and Auxiliary Machinery › N/A - No Subsystem › Operation of machinery

Issued 26 February 2025 Resolved

All electrical installations shall be to the Satisfaction of the Officer in Charge, Marine Inspection. Dead end wires found leading to battery charger not properly terminated. 46 CFR 183.01-15(a)

Action required: 50 - Rectify deficiencies w/in 30 days
Due 26 March 2025
Resolved 13 May 2025
Resolution: Dead end wires removed.

13 - Propulsion and Auxiliary Machinery › N/A - No Subsystem › Insulation wetted through (oil)

Issued 26 February 2025 Resolved

It is further intended that all machinery be installed and maintained in such a manner as to afford adequate protection against fire, explosion, machinery failure and personnel injury. Oil soaked lagging above the "south" main engine and missing lagging on the port generator turbo. Replace missing and damaged lagging. 46 CFR 182.01-5(a)

Action required: 50 - Rectify deficiencies w/in 30 days
Due 26 March 2025
Resolved 13 May 2025
Resolution: New lagging was placed on prime movers.

02 - Structural Conditions › N/A - No Subsystem › Hull damage impairing seaworthiness

Issued 8 February 2023 Resolved

Repairs or alterations to the hull, machinery, or equipment that affect the safety of the vessel must not be made without the approval of the cognizant OCMI. Provide repair proposal for and repair as original the following areas identified during inspection. 1. Pinhole in aft overhead void located in South end of vessel, left side. 2. Two holes in frame, deck level, leading underneath CO2 storage compartment. 46 CFR 176.700 (a)

Action required: 50 - Rectify deficiencies w/in 30 days
Due 8 March 2023
Resolved 1 March 2023
Resolution: All repairs rectified at SWCH shipyard. Verified by MI.

05 - Radio Communications › N/A - No Subsystem › VHF radio installation

Issued 8 February 2023 Resolved

Every vessel subject to Part III of Title III of the Communications Act must have a detailed inspection of the radio installation by an FCC-licensed technician in accordance with § 80.59 once every five years. Provide Safety Radiotelephony Certificate for vessel. 47 CFR 80.903

Action required: 50 - Rectify deficiencies w/in 30 days
Due 8 March 2023
Resolved 1 March 2023
Resolution: Safety radio telephony certificate on board.

10 - Safety of Navigation › N/A - No Subsystem › Nautical publications

Issued 8 February 2023 Resolved

(a) As appropriate for the intended voyage, a vessel must carry adequate and up-to-date: (1) Charts of large enough scale to make safe navigation possible;(2) U.S. Coast Pilot or similar publication;(3) Coast Guard Light List;(4) Tide tables; and(5) Current tables. Provide US Coast Pilot (To include COLREGS, Rules of the Road) and Coast Guard Light List.

Action required: 50 - Rectify deficiencies w/in 30 days
Due 8 March 2023
Resolved 1 March 2023
Resolution: All pubs and docs onboard and accounted for.

07 - Fire Safety › N/A - No Subsystem › Fire detection and alarm system

Issued 2 March 2022 Resolved

Except as further modified by this section, where fire extinguishing systems or equipment are not required but are installed, the system or equipment and its installation shall meet the requirements of this part. MI discovered fire detection equipment above number 2 diesel engine painted over and inoperable. Repair or replace the fire detection equipment above number 2 diesel engine. 46 CFR 181.05-5(a) 16C

Action required: 16 - Rectify deficiencies w/in 14 days
Due 16 March 2022
Resolved 16 March 2022
Resolution: Fire detection sensor was replaced in kind with a new sensor. All sat.

11 - Life Saving Appliances › N/A - No Subsystem › Lifejackets incl. provision and disposition

Issued 2 March 2022 Resolved

A number of child sized life jackets equal to at least 10% of the number of persons permitted on board must be provided. MI discovered 01 child sized life jacket torn and unfit for service. Life jacket was removed from vessel reducing vessels required amount of child sized life jackets below required minimum. Replace child sized life jacket with operable one to meet requirement. 46 CFR 180.71(b) 16C

Action required: 16 - Rectify deficiencies w/in 14 days
Due 16 March 2022
Resolved 16 March 2022
Resolution: New Lifejacket was placed into service. All sat

11 - Life Saving Appliances › N/A - No Subsystem › Lifejackets incl. provision and disposition

Issued 2 March 2022 Resolved

ach child sized life jacket must be stowed in a location that is appropriately marked and separated from adult life jackets. MI discovered child sized life jackets and adult life jackets stowed in same container and mixed together. Stow child sized and adult life jackets separately so that they are not mistaken for one another. 46 CFR 180.78(a)(5) 16C

Action required: 16 - Rectify deficiencies w/in 14 days
Due 16 March 2022
Resolved 16 March 2022
Resolution: New identification stickers were applied to designate childs and adult life jackets. All Sat

11 - Life Saving Appliances › N/A - No Subsystem › Lifejackets incl. provision and disposition

Issued 2 March 2022 Resolved

Each life jacket carried on board the vessel must be marked in accordance with 46 CFR 185.604. MI discovered 01 adult life jackets with wrong vessel name stenciled on. Replace life jacket with correct name of vessel stenciled on. 46 CFR 180.71(e) 16C

Action required: 16 - Rectify deficiencies w/in 14 days
Due 16 March 2022
Resolved 16 March 2022
Resolution: Life jacket was labeled correctly. All sat

07 - Fire Safety › N/A - No Subsystem › Other (fire safety)

Issued 2 March 2022 Resolved

Where liquid level indicating gauges are installed, they shall be of heat resistant materials, adequately protected from mechanical damage, and provided at the tank connection with devices which will automatically close in the event of rupture of the gauge or gauge line. MI discovered diesel fuel tank sight glass was not heat resistant, protected against damage, or have installed devices which automatically close in case of rupture. Install correct type sight glass for diesel fuel tank with protective covering and closure devices. 46 CFR 182.20-25(a)(5) 16C

Action required: 16 - Rectify deficiencies w/in 14 days
Due 16 March 2022
Resolved 16 March 2022
Resolution: New site glass with protective guard and shutoff valves were installed. All sat

09 - Working and Living Conditions › 091 - Living Conditions › Medical Equipment

Issued 2 March 2022 Resolved

A vessel must carry either a first aid kit approved under approval series 160.041 or a kit with equivalent contents and instructions. MI discovered aspirin in first aid kit had expired. Replace expired aspirin with new aspirin and place in first aid kit. 46 CFR 184.710 16C

Action required: 16 - Rectify deficiencies w/in 14 days
Due 16 March 2022
Resolved 16 March 2022
Resolution: New first aid kit purchased. All sat

01 - Certificates & Documentation › 011 - Ships Certificates › Other (certificates)

Issued 1 June 2020 Resolved

Your vessel must undergo an annual inspection within the 3 months before or after each anniversary date. Due to Covid-19, your annual inspection window has been extended and must now be completed by 02 September, 2020.

Action required: 705 - Other - as specified
Due 2 September 2020
Resolved 2 March 2022
Resolution: Vessel has conducted inspections IAW COI.

Casualty record · 11

14 September 2003Significant Marine Casualty · role: Involved in a Marine Casualty · serious marine incident, as classified · 3 injured · activity 1904979

17 January 2007Routine · role: Involved in a Marine Casualty · activity 2884869

21 September 2007Routine · role: Involved in a Marine Casualty · activity 3065703

27 January 2011Routine · role: Involved in a Marine Casualty · activity 3934212

27 January 2011Routine · role: Moored/Anchored in Vicinity of Primary Subject · activity 3934591

25 March 2011Routine · role: Involved in a Marine Casualty · activity 3986477

9 October 2011Routine · role: Involved in a Marine Casualty · activity 4165930

3 January 2012Routine · role: Involved in a Marine Casualty · activity 4218517

15 October 2012Routine · role: Involved in a Marine Casualty · activity 4467125

31 December 2018Routine · role: Involved in a Marine Casualty · activity 6610777

2 March 2019Routine · role: Involved in a Marine Casualty · activity 6747398

Each line is an incident investigation the Coast Guard recorded with this hull among the vessels involved, with the date and the classification the Coast Guard gave it. Involvement is not fault. The investigation narrative is not published. Source: IIR, through 2026.

Ownership record

The Coast Guard's documentation record for this hull -- the Abstract of Title, with its owners and liens as filed -- is not in PSIX. Ask, and Maury buys it from the National Vessel Documentation Center, files it here with its date, and every reader of this page gets it.