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BILL SPENCE

Towing Vessel · Built 1970s · USCG Heartland District (CGD-H)

BILL SPENCE is a 1973 towing vessel. The Coast Guard has recorded 43 inspections since 1993, most recently in May 2025, along with 12 deficiencies and 6 casualty investigations between 2002 and 2025.

Records from 1993 to 2025. Most recent: inspection, 26 May 2025.

Built
1973
Last inspected
26 May 2025
Documentation
Valid · documentation file of 10 August 2026
Inspections
43
Deficiencies
12 recorded · 0 without a recorded resolution
Controls
None recorded without a removal date
Casualties
6 investigations · 2002–2025
Inspected with
24 other vessels

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 Towing Vessel class in Maury's sources begin in 1980.

Inspection record

Last inspected 26 May 2025
Recorded inspections43
…physical examinations8
…administrative events1
…with no type recorded34
Deficiencies 12 recorded · 0 without a recorded resolution
Operational controls None recorded without a removal date
Years with a record 20 calendar years (1993–2025)
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

US Official No.
547684
IMO number
—
Call sign
WAN6438
MISLE id
120893
Flag
UNITED STATES
Maury page id
psix-120893

Documentation record

Registered dimensions (L × B × D)61.2 ft × 28.0 ft × 8.7 ft
Registered tonnagegross 118 / net 80
ITC dimensions (L × B × D)Not recorded
ITC tonnageNot recorded
BuilderKELSO MARINE INC · GALVESTON, TX, UNITED STATES · built 1973
Hull materialSteel
PropulsionDiesel
Hull shapeUNSPECIFIED
Hull configurationUNSPECIFIED
Hailing portGALVESTON, TX
Trade endorsementsCoastwise, unrestricted
DocumentationValid · issued 3 July 2026 · expires 31 July 2027
Service, as the file records itTowing Vessel
Hull formpowered (Maury's inference from propulsion, hull shape, material and length, rule hf-1; not a recorded fact)
Tonnage as PSIX records it80 - Regulatory (Subpart C or D), Net Ton
118 - Regulatory (Subpart C or D), Gross 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, 1980 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.

Inspected as a tow unit · 24

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.

HENRY T Towing Vessel · MISLE 132142 · 26 May 2025 · activity 8149730ROBERT C LANIER Passenger (Inspected) · MISLE 360572 · 26 May 2025 · activity 8149730FRANK THACKSTON Towing Vessel · MISLE 202450 · 4 March 2016 · activity 5829339KIRBY 16813 Tank Barge · MISLE 949567 · 4 March 2016 · activity 5829339BIG-T Industrial Vessel · MISLE 1439743 · 4 March 2016 · activity 5829339NAVIGATOR Towing Vessel · MISLE 72391 · 4 September 2008 · activity 3319325WEB 312 Tank Barge · MISLE 29914 · 25 April 2004 · activity 2055235KIRBY 10809 Tank Barge · MISLE 44074 · 25 April 2004 · activity 2055235MATTHEW Towing Vessel · MISLE 202017 · 25 April 2004 · activity 2055235WEB 313 Tank Barge · MISLE 510260 · 25 April 2004 · activity 2055235MARTHA RENAE Towing Vessel · MISLE 54009 · 24 April 2004 · activity 2051708KIRBY 17801 Tank Barge · MISLE 50312 · 27 July 2003 · activity 1869522KIRBY 16808 Tank Barge · MISLE 376293 · 18 January 2003 · activity 1749847KIRBY 16802 Tank Barge · MISLE 339710 · 25 November 2002 · activity 1710977CF4 Tank Barge · MISLE 48612 · 27 March 1999 · activity 153949KIRBY 30701 Tank Barge · MISLE 50475 · 27 March 1999 · activity 153949KIRBY 10801 Tank Barge · MISLE 49934 · 6 August 1998 · activity 15355KIRBY 10800 Tank Barge · MISLE 50481 · 6 August 1998 · activity 15355KIRBY 24002 Tank Barge · MISLE 427520 · 28 March 1996 · activity 32603KIRBY 24004 Tank Barge · MISLE 427530 · 28 March 1996 · activity 32603KIRBY 24002 Tank Barge · MISLE 427520 · 28 March 1996 · activity 181314KIRBY 24004 Tank Barge · MISLE 427530 · 28 March 1996 · activity 181314KIRBY 10042 Tank Barge · MISLE 51417 · 6 October 1994 · activity 149806KIRBY 10429 Tank Barge · MISLE 52043 · 6 October 1994 · activity 149806KIRBY 29004 Tank Barge · MISLE 52003 · 23 April 1993 · activity 12631KIRBY 29002 Tank Barge · MISLE 52251 · 23 April 1993 · activity 12631

Inspection history · 43

26 May 2025 Type not recorded
No type recorded · Marine Safety Unit Texas City · USCG Heartland District (CGD-H) · Activity 8149730
21 May 2024 Administrative Inspection · Deficiency Check · COI Inspection
Physical examination · Marine Safety Unit Texas City · USCG Heartland District (CGD-H) · Activity 7916285
29 May 2019 Initial Certification · COI Inspection
Physical examination · Marine Safety Unit Texas City · USCG Heartland District (CGD-H) · Activity 6697841
4 March 2016 Type not recorded
No type recorded · Sector Corpus Christi · USCG Heartland District (CGD-H) · Activity 5829339
27 April 2014 Type not recorded
No type recorded · Marine Safety Unit Texas City · USCG Heartland District (CGD-H) · Activity 4931484
26 October 2010 Industry Initiated Exam · Deficiency Check · MTSA Verification
Physical examination · Marine Safety Unit Galveston · USCG Heartland District (CGD-H) · Activity 3878265
5 June 2009 Uninspected Other
Physical examination · Marine Safety Unit Galveston · USCG Heartland District (CGD-H) · Activity 3495776
4 September 2008 Type not recorded
No type recorded · Sector Houston/Galveston · USCG Heartland District (CGD-H) · Activity 3319325
7 December 2007 Type not recorded
No type recorded · Station Galveston · USCG Heartland District (CGD-H) · Activity 3110917
14 September 2004 Examination of Repairs · Administrative Inspection
Physical examination · MSO HOUSTON/GALVESTON · USCG Heartland District (CGD-H) · Activity 2195506
4 September 2004 Damage Survey
Physical examination · MSO HOUSTON/GALVESTON · USCG Heartland District (CGD-H) · Activity 2186403
26 August 2004 Type not recorded
No type recorded · MSU LAKE CHARLES · USCG Heartland District (CGD-H) · Activity 2207004
16 August 2004 MTSA Verification
Physical examination · MSO HOUSTON/GALVESTON · USCG Heartland District (CGD-H) · Activity 2168454
4 August 2004 Type not recorded
No type recorded · MSO Corpus Christi · USCG Heartland District (CGD-H) · Activity 2156114
3 August 2004 Type not recorded
No type recorded · MSO Corpus Christi · USCG Heartland District (CGD-H) · Activity 2154856
18 May 2004 Annual Inspection
Physical examination · MSO HOUSTON/GALVESTON · USCG Heartland District (CGD-H) · Activity 2072049
25 April 2004 Type not recorded
No type recorded · MSO PORT ARTHUR · USCG Heartland District (CGD-H) · Activity 2055235
24 April 2004 Type not recorded
No type recorded · MSO HOUSTON/GALVESTON · USCG Heartland District (CGD-H) · Activity 2051708
5 January 2004 Type not recorded
No type recorded · MSO HOUSTON/GALVESTON · USCG Heartland District (CGD-H) · Activity 1975059
24 December 2003 Security Plan Review - ASP
Administrative · Marine Safety Center (MSC) · Activity 1977616
27 July 2003 Type not recorded
No type recorded · MSO MORGAN CITY · USCG Heartland District (CGD-H) · Activity 1869522
10 February 2003 Type not recorded
No type recorded · MSU GALVESTON · USCG Heartland District (CGD-H) · Activity 1742607
18 January 2003 Type not recorded
No type recorded · MSU GALVESTON · USCG Heartland District (CGD-H) · Activity 1749847
25 November 2002 Type not recorded
No type recorded · Marine Safety Unit Baton Rouge · USCG Heartland District (CGD-H) · Activity 1710977
12 August 2002 Type not recorded
No type recorded · MSU GALVESTON · USCG Heartland District (CGD-H) · Activity 1660165
11 January 2002 Type not recorded
No type recorded · MSO NEW ORLEANS · USCG Heartland District (CGD-H) · Activity 1486908
24 June 2001 Type not recorded
No type recorded · MSO PORT ARTHUR · USCG Heartland District (CGD-H) · Activity 154532
9 May 2000 Type not recorded
No type recorded · MSO HOUSTON/GALVESTON · USCG Heartland District (CGD-H) · Activity 277713
5 February 2000 Type not recorded
No type recorded · MSU GALVESTON · USCG Heartland District (CGD-H) · Activity 89211
14 October 1999 Type not recorded
No type recorded · MSO HOUSTON/GALVESTON · USCG Heartland District (CGD-H) · Activity 433774
4 June 1999 Type not recorded
No type recorded · MSO HOUSTON/GALVESTON · USCG Heartland District (CGD-H) · Activity 429349
27 March 1999 Type not recorded
No type recorded · MSO NEW ORLEANS · USCG Heartland District (CGD-H) · Activity 153949
27 March 1999 Type not recorded
No type recorded · MSO NEW ORLEANS · USCG Heartland District (CGD-H) · Activity 216856
25 October 1998 Type not recorded
No type recorded · MSU GALVESTON · USCG Heartland District (CGD-H) · Activity 86683
6 August 1998 Type not recorded
No type recorded · MSO MORGAN CITY · USCG Heartland District (CGD-H) · Activity 15355
22 June 1998 Type not recorded
No type recorded · Marine Safety Unit Victoria · USCG Heartland District (CGD-H) · Activity 757232
20 June 1998 Type not recorded
No type recorded · Marine Safety Unit Victoria · USCG Heartland District (CGD-H) · Activity 210182
27 August 1997 Type not recorded
No type recorded · MSO HOUSTON/GALVESTON · USCG Heartland District (CGD-H) · Activity 164557
1 May 1996 Type not recorded
No type recorded · MSO Corpus Christi · USCG Heartland District (CGD-H) · Activity 181908
28 March 1996 Type not recorded
No type recorded · MSU GALVESTON · USCG Heartland District (CGD-H) · Activity 32603
28 March 1996 Type not recorded
No type recorded · MSU GALVESTON · USCG Heartland District (CGD-H) · Activity 181314
6 October 1994 Type not recorded
No type recorded · MSO Corpus Christi · USCG Heartland District (CGD-H) · Activity 149806
23 April 1993 Type not recorded
No type recorded · Marine Safety Unit Victoria · USCG Heartland District (CGD-H) · Activity 12631

Deficiency record · 12

15 - Safety Management Systems (ISM) › N/A - No Subsystem › Documentation-ISM
Issued 6 June 2019 Resolved
The TSMS through policies must ensure document and data control. MIs observed vessel did not have the most current TSMS onboard, plan onboard lacked notification procedures for vessels to U.S. Coast Guard.
Condition: Invalid
Action required: 16 - Rectify deficiencies w/in 14 days
Due 20 June 2019
Resolved 18 June 2019
Resolution: MIs attended vessel and verified deficiency corrected.
15 - Safety Management Systems (ISM) › N/A - No Subsystem › Company verification, review and evaluation
Issued 6 June 2019 Resolved
The TSMS must contain procedures for any person to report non-conformities. the procedures must describe how an initial report should be made and the actions taken to follow-up and ensure appropriate resolution. MIs observed vessels TSMS has no procedures for tracking and closing non-conformities.
Condition: Invalid
Action required: 16 - Rectify deficiencies w/in 14 days
Due 20 June 2019
Resolved 18 June 2019
Resolution: MIs attended vessel and verified deficiency corrected.
01 - Certificates & Documentation › 012 - Crew Certificates › Certificates for master and officers
Issued 6 June 2019 Resolved
Each towing vessel must be operated in compliance with 33 CFR parts 101 and 104. MIs observed vessel's master had an expired TWIC.
Condition: Invalid
Action required: 16 - Rectify deficiencies w/in 14 days
Due 20 June 2019
Resolved 18 June 2019
Resolution: MIs attended vessel and verified deficiency corrected.
07 - Fire Safety › N/A - No Subsystem › Fire fighting equipment and appliances
Issued 6 June 2019 Resolved
Marine inspectors discovered the required semi-portable extinguisher was not properly secured. Properly secure the semi-portable extinguisher as required by CFR.
Condition: Placed in Improper Service
Action required: 16 - Rectify deficiencies w/in 14 days
Due 20 June 2019
Resolved 18 June 2019
Resolution: MIs attended vessel and verified deficiency corrected.
07 - Fire Safety › N/A - No Subsystem › Oil accumulation in engine room
Issued 6 June 2019 Resolved
Bilges are required to be kept free of accumulation of combustible/flammable materials. Upon Inspection, MIs discovered excess oil in the bilge. Prove to MI satisfaction bilge is clear of flammable hazards.
Condition: Improper/Lack of Maintenance
Action required: 16 - Rectify deficiencies w/in 14 days
Due 20 June 2019
Resolved 21 June 2019
Resolution: Received pictures and accepted as proof the bilges have been satisfactorily cleaned.
07 - Fire Safety › N/A - No Subsystem › Other (fire safety)
Issued 6 June 2019 Resolved
Vessel had buckets containing oil products and residuals adjacent to port main diesel engine. Products are being improperly stored. Remove from space or provide proper stowage.
Condition: Improper/Lack of Maintenance
Action required: 16 - Rectify deficiencies w/in 14 days
Due 20 June 2019
Resolved 18 June 2019
Resolution: MIs attended vessel and verified deficiency corrected.
11 - Life Saving Appliances › N/A - No Subsystem › Operational readiness of lifesaving appliances
Issued 6 June 2019 Resolved
Floating electric water light on starboard bridge wing ring buoy does not work. Prove operation to MI satisfaction the light functions.
Condition: Improper/Lack of Maintenance
Action required: 16 - Rectify deficiencies w/in 14 days
Due 20 June 2019
Resolved 18 June 2019
Resolution: MIs attended vessel and verified deficiency corrected.
11 - Life Saving Appliances › N/A - No Subsystem › Buoyant apparatus
Issued 6 June 2019 Resolved
Life float is labeled with wrong vessel name. Relabel with correct vessel name.
Condition: Invalid
Action required: 16 - Rectify deficiencies w/in 14 days
Due 20 June 2019
Resolved 18 June 2019
Resolution: MIs attended vessel and verified deficiency corrected.
Engineering › Fuel Oil Storage/Transfer System › Tank
Issued 4 September 2004 Resolved
VESSEL HAS A CRACK IN THE NUMBER ONE STARBOARD FUEL OIL TANK, WHICH WAS LEAKING INTO THE HOUSTON SHIP CHANNEL .
Condition: Unknown
Action required: 705 - Other - as specified
Due 4 September 2004
Resolved 14 September 2004
Resolution: Repairs were made to the #1 stbd fuel oil tank to the satisfaction of the Coast Guard inspector.
Documentation › Logs/Records › Transfer Equipment Test/Inspection Records
Issued 4 June 1999 Resolved
VESSEL'S LOG OF REQUIRED TEST AND INSPECTIONS NOT DOCUMENTED.
Condition: Unknown
Due 11 June 1999
Resolved 13 November 2006
Personnel › Certificates/Documents/Licenses › License, Radio Officer
Issued 4 June 1999 Resolved
RESTRICTED RADIO LICENSE NOT ON BOARD THE VESSEL.
Condition: Unknown
Due 4 August 1999
Resolved 13 November 2006
Navigation › Piloting/Steering › Local Notices to Mariners
Issued 4 June 1999 Resolved
LOCAL NOTICE TO MARINERS NOT ON BOARD VESSEL.
Condition: Unknown
Due 18 June 1999
Resolved 13 November 2006

Casualty record · 6

25 November 2002Routine · role: Involved in a Marine Casualty · activity 1710977
18 January 2003Routine · role: Involved in a Marine Casualty · activity 1749847
10 February 2003Routine · role: Involved in a Marine Casualty · activity 1742607
26 August 2004Routine · role: Involved in a Marine Casualty · 1 dead · activity 2207004
4 March 2016Routine · role: Involved in a Marine Casualty · serious marine incident, as classified · activity 5829339
26 May 2025Routine · role: Sighted in Area · activity 8149730
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.