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ROSS S. STERLING
Passenger (Inspected) · Passenger Ship class · Built 1960s · USCG Heartland District (CGD-H) · Other hulls named ROSS S. STERLING
ROSS S. STERLING is a 1964 passenger vessel (inspected). The Coast Guard has recorded 39 inspections since 1996, most recently in February 2026, along with 14 deficiencies and 11 casualty investigations between 2003 and 2019.
Records from 1996 to 2026. Most recent: inspection, 10 February 2026.
- Built
- 1964
- Last inspected
- 10 February 2026
- Documentation
- Valid · documentation file of 10 September 2026
- Deficiencies
- 14 recorded · 0 without a recorded resolution
- Controls
- None recorded without a removal date
- Casualties
- 11 investigations · 2003–2019
Identity
545783
WDF7246
119402
Flag
UNITED STATES
367482540
Maury page id
psix-119402
Inspections, by type
…with no type recorded10
Years with a record
21 calendar years (1996–2026)
The 39 inspections in the strip above, split by the kind of activity the US
Coast Guard recorded. Years with a record are calendar years in which a record exists, not
years in service. What Maury does not do.
Coast Guard record current through 13 September 2026, retrieved 18 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 1977.
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 shapeNot recorded
Hull configurationNot recorded
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
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 September 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.
Radio station licence
WDF7246MMSI 367482540 · active · compulsorily equipped · granted 25 March 2021, expires 19 March 2031
FCC Universal Licensing System ship-station file of 6 September 2026, matched to this hull on its
US Official Number. Status and dates are the file’s own. The licensee is not read from the file and is not shown.
A lapsed licence’s MMSI is still the number the vessel transmitted under while it was valid.
Inspected as a tow unit · 18
The Coast Guard recorded this vessel and the following in the same inspection activity — normally a tug and the barges in its tow. A recreational or unclassed hull in the same activity is held and not published, so it does not appear here: these lists are a floor, not a complete manifest.
ACL 01176 Freight Barge · MISLE 40229 · 27 January 2011 · activity 3934591SARA K Towing Vessel · MISLE 137299 · 27 January 2011 · activity 3934591LF 142 B Freight Barge · MISLE 405497 · 27 January 2011 · activity 3934591KIRBY 10352 Tank Barge · MISLE 40614 · 21 September 2007 · activity 3065703TM 22 Tank Barge · MISLE 46674 · 21 September 2007 · activity 3065703KIRBY 30018 Tank Barge · MISLE 52413 · 21 September 2007 · activity 3065703CLIFFORD H GALLEY Towing Vessel · MISLE 177831 · 21 September 2007 · activity 3065703CHEM 189 Tank Barge · MISLE 3840 · 17 January 2007 · activity 2884869USL 129 Tank Barge · MISLE 47861 · 17 January 2007 · activity 2884869EDWARD A DAVIS Towing Vessel · MISLE 150030 · 17 January 2007 · activity 2884869CHEM 248 Tank Barge · MISLE 341647 · 17 January 2007 · activity 2884869ACL 9732B Freight Barge · MISLE 454400 · 17 January 2007 · activity 2884869KIRBY 22301 Tank Barge · MISLE 47010 · 24 November 2004 · activity 2252782LYNN R Towing Vessel · MISLE 188411 · 24 November 2004 · activity 2252782JAM 401-13 Tank Barge · MISLE 43160 · 14 September 2003 · activity 1904979STC 180B Tank Barge · MISLE 46697 · 14 September 2003 · activity 1904979TONYA GARRETT Towing Vessel · MISLE 93795 · 14 September 2003 · activity 1904979MS. ALICE Towing Vessel · MISLE 188694 · 14 September 2003 · activity 1904979Inspection history · 39
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
16 December 2015
Examination of Repairs · Administrative Inspection
Physical examination · Sector Houston/Galveston · USCG Heartland District (CGD-H) · Activity 5783142
14 May 2014
Annual Inspection
Physical examination · Sector Houston/Galveston · USCG Heartland District (CGD-H) · Activity 4858274
17 February 2012
Administrative Inspection · COI Inspection · Drydock Exam · Internal Structural Exam
Physical examination · Sector Houston/Galveston · USCG Heartland District (CGD-H) · Activity 3393612
3 January 2012
Type not recorded
No type recorded · Sector Houston/Galveston · USCG Heartland District (CGD-H) · Activity 4218517
27 January 2011
Type not recorded
No type recorded · Sector Houston/Galveston · USCG Heartland District (CGD-H) · Activity 3934212
27 January 2011
Type not recorded
No type recorded · Sector Houston/Galveston · USCG Heartland District (CGD-H) · Activity 3934591
19 October 2010
Inclining Experiment · Internal Structural Exam · Drydock Exam
Physical examination · Marine Safety Unit Galveston · USCG Heartland District (CGD-H) · Activity 3876949
21 September 2007
Type not recorded
No type recorded · Sector Houston/Galveston · USCG Heartland District (CGD-H) · Activity 3065703
17 January 2007
Type not recorded
No type recorded · Sector Houston/Galveston · USCG Heartland District (CGD-H) · Activity 2884869
24 November 2004
Type not recorded
No type recorded · MSO HOUSTON/GALVESTON · USCG Heartland District (CGD-H) · Activity 2252782
14 September 2003
Type not recorded
No type recorded · MSO HOUSTON/GALVESTON · USCG Heartland District (CGD-H) · Activity 1904979
21 April 2001
Type not recorded
No type recorded · MSO HOUSTON/GALVESTON · USCG Heartland District (CGD-H) · Activity 63350
7 August 1996
Type not recorded
No type recorded · MSO HOUSTON/GALVESTON · USCG Heartland District (CGD-H) · Activity 95031
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
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)
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)
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)
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)
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
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.
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
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
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
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
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
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
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.
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, and the bridge, lock or dam the investigation names where it names one. 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.