LA FORCE

Machinery or electrical systems must be designed and maintained to provide safe operation of the towing vessel and safety of persons onboard under normal and emergency conditions. It was reported that vessel lost a propeller from starboard side shaft causing damage to the clutch. Vessel is to transit to lay berth to undergo further repairs. IAW NVIC 17-10, upon successful completion of repairs, TPO may clear this vessel to operate and must report doing so within 72 hours of clearing deficiency to the local USCG OCMI.

There must be an installed or portable bilge pump for emergency dewatering. Any portable pump must have sufficient hose length and pumping capability. All installed bilge piping must have a check/foot valve in each bilge suction that prevents unintended backflooding through bilge piping. Vessels installed bilge pump failed to operate in the aft steering compartment. Vessel is required to repair the bilge system and test the operation in the presence of a Marine Inspector. Inspector received objective evidence of fwd and aft bilge suction functioning. Steering compartment still not functioning, vessel has portable dewatering pump on standby for space and allowed to sail. Steering compartment will need to be witnessed by a CG marine inspector to clear. Due 5/18/2024.

Towing vessels of more than 65 feet in length between 100-500 GT must carry 3 40-B:C extinguishers, 6 40-B extinguishers for HP in the engine room, and one 40-B extinguisher per flammable storage locker. The vessel has 3 acceptable extinguishers for tonnage requirement, 2 extinguishers acceptable for HP requirement, and zero extinguishers for flammable storage. Outfit properly.

A towing vessel must be maintained and operated so the watertight integrity and stability of the vessel are not compromised. The fwd hold hatch did not have a gasket installed.

Emergency lighting must be provided for all internal crew working and living areas. E-lighting was installed in working and living areas but did not operate.

Each towing vessel must be equipped with a means to detect smoke in the berthing spaces and lounges that alerts individuals in those spaces. Smoke detectors were either missing or failed to operate in berthings, pilothouse, and common areas.

Electrical systems and equipment must function properly and minimize system failures and fire and shock hazards. Engineer and Mate's staterooms had multiple multi-outlet power strips with numerous devices plugged in creating a potential overload situation on the respective circuits.

Any piping system that penetrates the hull below the waterline must be clearly marked by labeling or color coding that enables the crew to identify its function. Numerous valves in the engine room did not have any labeling or color coding.

Paints, coatings, or other flammable or combustible products onboard a towing vessel must be stored in a designated storage room or cabinet when not in use. Inspection found an abundance of flammable chemicals/sprays located throughout vessel. All items need to be stored in the supplied flammable storage cabinets.

Essential systems or equipment must be regularly tested and examined. Tests and examinations must verify that the system or equipment functions as designed. Test and examination procedures must be in accordance with manufacturer's instructions or the Towing Safety Management System (TSMS) applicable to the vessel, if the vessel has a TSMS. The bilge dewatering system is required to be tested every 3 months. Provide objective evidence that the essential system is being tested.

Propulsion machinery, including main engines, reduction gears, shafting, bearings, and electrical equipment and systems, must be suitable for route and service. Vessel reported loss of propulsion. Vessel is permitted a one way transit lightship to Bludworth Shipyard in Corpus Christi TX IAW with transit plan. No repairs or alterations affecting the safety of the vessel or its machinery shall be made unless repair proposal is submitted to and approved by the CG. Company is authorized to carry out repair oversight in accordance with their TSMS but final 835 clearance must be obtained by the CG prior to the vessel departing Bludworth Shipyard. Examples of objective evidence for clearance can include, but not limited to dive report/tech report/TPO report. 46 CFR 143.205(c)(2)