CAPT KENNETH

11117 - Each lifebuoy on a towing vessel must be marked in block capital letters with the name of the vessel. The name markings on both the port and starboard lifebuoys were faded and need to be remarked. 46 CFR 141.360(b)(4)

11122 - When the towing vessel is underway, the EPIRB must be stowed in its float-free bracket with the controls set for automatic activation and be mounted in a manner so that it will float free if the towing vessel sinks. The hydrostatic release unit for the EPIRB was not marked with an expiration date therefore the validity could not be determined. 46 CFR 141.380(b)

Pressure vessels over 5 cubic feet in volume and over 15 psi MAWP must be equipped with an indicating pressure gauge and with one or more spring-loaded relief valves. The total relieving capacity of such relief valves must prevent pressure from exceeding the MAWP, as established by the manufacturer, by more than 10 percent. Data plate for air receiver in the engine room indicates a 200 psi MAWP. The pressure relief valve currently installed is 250 psi. The pressure gauge’s upper range is 180 psi. Replace pressure relief valve with one of the appropriate setting, and the gauge with one with an appropriately higher upper range than the MAWP.

The owner or operator must implement a health and safety plan (HSP) that documents compliance with this part and includes recordkeeping procedures. The owner, managing operator, or master must ensure that all persons on board a towing vessel comply with the HSP. HSP not available onboard at time of inspection.

Each towing vessel must be equipped with navigation lights, shapes, and sound signals in accordance with 33 CFR part 84. No day shapes available onboard at time of inspection.

Alarm setpoints must be tested twice every 5 years, with no more than 3 years elapsing since last test. No objective evidence available at time of inspection that alarm setpoints have been tested in the past 3 years.

Each towing vessel must have 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; (4) auxiliary generator engine high cooling water temperature; (5) high bilge levels; (6) low hydraulic steering fluid levels. Alarms must be visual and audible at the operating station. The vessel is not fitted with high bilge level alarms or low hydraulic steering fluid level alarms; thus they are also no alarm indications at the operating station for these items. There are no alarms at the operating station for the generator lube oil pressure or cooling water temp (reportedly only an automatic shutdown feature is provided).

A towing vessel must carry a combination of day and night visual distress signals indiated in Table 141.370 for specified areas where the vessel operates. Vessels onboard flares had expired. 46 CFR 141.375

Licensees of radio stations are required to have current station documents. Vessel did not have a current FCC Station License.

The master of each towing vessel must keep an accurate list of crewmembers and their assigned positions and responsibilities aboard the vessel. Vessel did not have an Emergency Duty Station responsibilities list.

Vsl is broadcasting: Invalid MMSI.

All portable fire extinguishers, semi-portable fire-extinguishing systems, fire-detection systems, and fixed fire-extinguishing systems, including ventilation, machinery shutdowns, and fixed fire-extinguishing system pressure-operated dampers on board the vessel, must be inspected or tested at least once every 12 months. Vessel O/O had no proof of inspection of their fixed pre-engineered fire system.