RICKEY HUGHES

Electrical systems and equipment must function properly and minimize system failures and fire and shock hazards. The electrical motor for the flanking rudder system failed. Determine the cause of the failure and make necessary repairs.

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. The governor linkage on the starboard service generator's engine was found broken and the frequency was reading approximately 58.5 Hz. Determine the cause of the failed linkage, the low generator frequency, and make necessary repairs.

After the electrical motor for the flanking rudder system failed, the vessel's Chief Engineer attempted to align the valves to supply hydraulic pressure to the flanking rudders from the auxiliary steering system. In that process, the flanking motor hydraulic tank overflowed, leading to the steering rudder system failure. Determine the cause of the failure and make necessary repairs and/or corrective action report.

The functional requirements of a TSMS include policies and procedures to provide direction for the safe operation of towing vessels and procedures to prepare for and respond to emergency situations by shoreside and vessel personnel. The company has procedures for changing steering systems in the even of a failure, however, the procedures are unclear. The piping diagram associated with the procedures has valves drawn in wrong locations and some of the valves are not labeled on the valves themselves. In addition, the Chief Engineer, who is responsible for changing systems in an emergency, was unfamiliar with the procedures for changing systems. Provide a corrective action plan.

Machinery must be designed and maintained to provide safe operation of the towing vessel under normal and emergency conditions. Vessel reported a failure to the starboard rudder of the steering system resulting in the reduction of the primary steering. 46 CFR 143.205 Make permanent repairs to the satisfaction of vessel's TPO (TVIB) prior to towing operations.

Propulsion machinery, including main engines, reduction gears, shafting, bearings, and electrical equipment and systems must: (1) be maintained to ensure proper operation; (21 be suitable for route and service; and (3) have suitable propulsion controls to provide the operator full control at each operating station. The port main engine lost power. All repairs and tests must be to the satisfaction of the TPO (TVIB).

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 involved in a marine casualty, running aground causing damage to STBD side main propulsion engine reduction gear keel cooler resulting in reduction gear overheating.

Oil transfer procedures lacked required contents. Items located in 33 C.F.R. 155.750 (a)(3), (4), (5), (6), (9) were not included.