RISING SUN

Each vessel must be designed and constructed to minimize fire hazards insofar as reasonable and practicable. Fuel leaks were identified on the sediment box around the bolts and gasket.

Each vessel must be designed and constructed to minimize fire hazards insofar as reasonable and practicable. Observed oil soaked windings on starboard generator.

Machinery and electrical systems must be designed and maintained to provide for safe operation of the towing vessel and safety of persons on-board under normal and emergency conditions. Air leaks identified on the port main engine reduction gear control system. Additionally the clutch was sticking during operational testing.

Each towing vessel must have a reliable means to provide notification when an emergency condition exists or an essential system develops problems that require attention. The following alarms must be provided:(3) Auxiliary generator engine low lubricating oil pressure. Starboard generator prime mover was found inoperable during the inspection.

Electrical equipment and systems, must:(1) Be maintained to ensure proper operation. The amps and volts indicator on the port generator panel were found inoperable during operational testing.

Machinery and electrical systems must be designed and maintained to provide for safe operation of the towing vessel and safety of persons on-board under normal and emergency conditions. Unusual noise identified in the vicinity of the port generator while while operating.

The owner, managing operator, or master of a towing vessel must ensure that the vessel's fire suppression equipment complies with the applicable requirements of part 142 of this subchapter and is in good working order. Multiple portable fire extinguishers throughout the vessel were found in the wrong brackets. Provide the correct bracket for each extinguisher with for proper securing.

The person in command of a documented vessel must have on board that vessel the original Certificate of Documentation currently in effect for that vessel. The vessel did not have the original certified copy onboard during the annual inspection

Each towing vessel must have a fire-detection system installed to detect engine room fires. The owner or managing operator must ensure the system is installed, tested, and maintained in accordance with the manufacturer's design manual. The fire detection panel was not working properly and showing a fault and not working as intended.

The fire detection system control panel at the operating station must include an audible alarm to notify crew of a fire. The installed fire detection panel at the operating station (wheelhouse) only provides a visual indication of the alarm zone, but no audible alarm sounds in the wheelhouse when a detector is activated.

The owner, managing operator, or master of a towing vessel must ensure that the vessel’s lifesaving equipment complies with the applicable requirements of part 141 and is in good working order. 4 of the vessel’s immersion suits are Stearns suits with a 2005 manufacture date and no documentation of any pressure testing. Relevant guidance from the manufacturer and CG policy calls for pressure testing at annual intervals when the suits are 10 years of age. Carry out pressure testing of these 4 suits, or replace with new suits. Update 1/12/2024: The deficiency due date has been extended to 3/1/24 due to the reported 4-6 week lead time for the servicing supplier to carry out this pressure testing. In the meantime, the vessel has 2 newer suits that are sufficient for the two crewmembers normally working onboard.

The person in command of a documented vessel must have on board that vessel the original Certificate of Documentation (COD) currently in effect for that vessel. While the Coast Guard’s internal database (MISLE) shows the vessel has a valid COD with expiry of 3/31/24, neither the original COD (nor a copy) could be found onboard the vessel on the day of inspection.

Each towing vessel must have a reliable means to provide notification when an emergency condition exists or when an essential system develops problems that require attention. The following alarms must be provided: (5) high bilge levels. The main bilge alarm in the engine room is wired so that it is only operational when the main engines are running.

Each towing vessel must perform the applicable tests in Table 143.245 (b) of this section. The tests required by this section must be recorded in accordance with part 140 of this subchapter. Alarm setpoints: twice every 5 years, with no more than 3 years elapsing since last test. (see 143.230 (a) for list of required alarms). At time of attendance, the vessel has held a COI for >3 years, but there is no objective evidence of completion of testing of the alarm setpoints.

All crewmembers must be provided with health and safety information and training that includes: content and procedures of the owner or managing operator’s health and safety plan…(140.515). A towing vessel subject to this section must maintain a TVR. The TVR must include a chronological record of events as required by this subchapter. Records must be kept available for review by the Coast Guard upon request. The following list of items must be recorded in the TVR…(46 CFR 140.905-910). The company’s Health and Safety Plan is in need of updates, the paper copy and electronic copy are of different dates, and both are reported to be out-of-date and in need of revision. Required TVR records in Helm program on iPad not readily accessible when spot-checked.

Each towing vessel operating north of latitude 32° N must carry at least one appropriate sized immersion suit, approved under approval series 160.171, for each person onboard. The COI requires 6 immersion suits, but at time of inspection the vessel only has 4 immersion suits. *Vessel is restricted to 4 total persons until the additional 2 immersion suits are procured and placed onboard.

The design of the fire detection system and its installation on the towing vessel must be certified and inspected by a registered professional engineer with experience in fire-detection system design, by a NICET Level IV technician, or by an authorized classification society with equivalent experience. At present, there is not a certification letter for the fire detection system that is signed by a PE, NICET Level IV technician, or authorized classification society. Due by 01 July 2023.

Survival craft must be stowed in accordance with the requirements of 199.130 of this chapter, as far as practicable on existing towing vessels. A survival craft that weighs 407.8 lbs or less may be lifted not more than 1 foot in order to launch. Each liferaft must be arranged to permit it to drop into the water from the deck on which it is stowed. Current liferaft stowage/launching arrangements does not meet these requirements. Owner/operator to provide a proposal to the OCMI for modification and timeframe for rectification.

Vsl is broadcasting: Invalid IMO # and no static draft information.