JANE MERRICK

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 alarm system malfunctioned. Provide TPO close out report prior to departure. 46CFR143.205

Each towing vessel have a self-priming, power-driven, fixed fire pump. Vessels fire pump was inoperable during inspection. 46 CFR 142.325 (a)

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. MI's unable to verify the primary means of emergency dewatering (fixed system) functions as intended to include bilge suction. 46 CFR 140.210(a)(4)

The safety of the towing vessel is the responsibility of the master and includes; Compliance with the applicable provisions of this subchapter and supervision of all persons onboard in carrying out their assigned duties. Crew onboard vessel unable to demonstrate familiarization and ability to utilize primary means of dewatering. 46 CFR 140.210 (a)(2)(4)

Essential systems or equipment must be regularly tested and examined. Tests and examinations must verify that the system or equipment functions as designed. Each towing vessel must perform the applicable tests in Table 143.245(b) of this section. MI's unable to verify full functionality of the bilge system due to the inability to test bilge suction. Emergency dewatering system is tested every 3 months, but testing to ensure full functionality/functions as designed is not being completed in accordance with regulation, and procedural steps for testing as included in FT-51717.1 of the companies TSMS. Company is required to have TPO conduct a external vessel audit. Scope of the audit shall include the verification that all essential systems, particularly the bilge and ballast system, are tested as required by 46 CFR 143.245. Additionally audit shall include verifying duties and duty stations of each person onboard are identified IAW 46 CFR 140.405 and crews are familiar with how to perform these duties. 72 hour notification prior to audit to be made to cognizant OCMI.

Master reported that vessel lost port MDE while in process of mooring. Regulations require that propulsion machinery, including main engines, reduction gears, shafting, bearings, and electrical equipment and systems must: (1) Be maintained to ensure proper operation; (2) Be suitable for route and service; and (3) Have suitable propulsion controls to provide the operator full control at each operating station. Vessel will remain at McKinney Fleet (LMR 228) and have technicians attend for troubleshooting and repairs. Repairs will be cleared by TPO (TVIB), and reprot of repairs will be sent to CG.

A continuous supply of clean fuel must be provided to main propulsion engines and generators. Vessel has been draining and replacing fuel filters on board with increased frequency since April 4th, 2019, due to discovery of excessive water accumulation in the main engine fuel filters. Source/cause of excessive water in the fuel has not been identified and effectively corrected/isolated. Vessel is allowed to continue voyage to Channahon, IL, however once there, the vessel is restricted from departing Channahon, IL until the source of excessive water contamination in the vessel's fuel is identified and steps are taken to correct the cause, and isolate/remove the water and/or contaminated fuel. After completing the above items, vessel must provide documentation of the above items and receive permission from CG MSU Chicago prior to departure from Channahon, IL.