ROBIN MARIE

(a) Each towing vessel operating on oceans, coastwise, limited coastwise, or beyond 3 nautical miles from shore upon the Great Lakes must carry a Category 1, 406 MHz satellite Emergency Position Indicating Radio Beacon (EPIRB) that meets the requirements of 47 CFR part 80. (b) 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 EPIRB's hydrostatic release was not marked with an expiration date and the installation date was not known. Install a new hydrostatic release and ensure the appropriate expiration date is appropriately marked on it.

46 CFR 143.205(a) 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. MI observed exhaust leaks on both MDE near the turbos.

46 CFR 143.205(b) The crew of each towing vessel must demonstrate the ability to operate the primary and auxiliary machinery and electrical systems for which they are responsible, and to do so under normal and emergency conditions. MI observed that the crew was unable to test the emergency lighting due to an inoperable breaker.

46 CFR 144.320(b) Closure devices must be provided for deck house or hull penetrations, which open to the exterior of the vessel and which may allow water to enter the vessel. These devices must be suitable for the expected route. MI observed port aft and starboard aft watertight closures with worn seals resulting in water intrusion when tested with firehouse. Closure devices require watertight integrity.

46 CFR 137.320 A drydock and internal structural examination performed for a towing vessel to maintain a valid load line certificate issued in accordance with subchapter E of this chapter would count as an examination required under § 137.300. Vessel was unable to provide proof that vessel was dry docked during last load line survey.

46 CFR 142.240 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. MI observed that the semi-portable extinguisher aft of the stbd MDE did not have a servicing tag.

46 CFR 136.212(b) The inspection will ensure that the vessel is in satisfactory condition and fit for the service for which it is intended, and that it complies with the applicable statutes and regulations for such vessels. The inspection will include inspections of the structure, pressure vessels and their appurtenances, piping, main and auxiliary machinery, electrical installations, lifesaving appliances, fire detecting and extinguishing equipment, pilot boarding equipment, and other equipment MI observed 02 A-60 doors that did not latch.

46 CFR 136.212(b) The inspection will ensure that the vessel is in satisfactory condition and fit for the service for which it is intended, and that it complies with the applicable statutes and regulations for such vessels. The inspection will include inspections of the structure, pressure vessels and their appurtenances, piping, main and auxiliary machinery, electrical installations, lifesaving appliances, fire detecting and extinguishing equipment, pilot boarding equipment, and other equipment. MI observed multiple areas on the 01 deck that need further gauging. Provide gauging report.

46 CFR 142.325 All suction valves necessary for the operation of the fire main must be kept in the open position or capable of operation from the same place where the remote fire pump control is located. MI observed that the check valve on the main fire pump was malfunctioning.

46 CFR 144.605 Means must be provided for stopping each fan in a ventilation system serving machinery spaces and for closing, in case of fire, each doorway, ventilator, and annular space around funnels and other openings into such spaces. MI observed that the port MDE damper was inoperable.

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. SME turbo failed preventing proper operation.

Propulsion machinery must be maintained to ensure proper operation. Vessel experienced a loss of port propulsion engine while towing due to a failed turbo charger. Repair to the satisfaction of the Coast Guard. 46 CFR 143.205

Propulsion machinery, including main engines, reduction gears, shafting, bearings, and electrical equipment and systems, must be maintained to ensure proper operation. Vessel experienced control issue on port engine. 46 CFR 143.205(c)(1)

Propulsion machinery, including main engines, reduction gears, shafting, bearings, and electrical equipment and systems, must be maintained to ensure proper operation. Vessel reported a loss of oil pressure on their reduction gear which resulted in a loss of propulsion on their starboard engine. Provide a technical report attesting to proper operation of the vessel. 46 CFR 143.205(c)(1) - 17C

The owner and managine operator must ensure that the towing vessel is in compliance with this subchapter and other applicable laws and regulations at all times. This vessel is subject to a 5 year interval for dry dock, which expires february 13, 2021. Conduct a dry dock examination to the satisfaction of a CG marine Inspector prior to conducting any cargo operations.

The master must ensure that all lifesaving equipment is properly maintained and ready for use at all times. The rescue boat davit system had a jumper wire for the limit switch. The 02 life rafts on board were improperly installed with the painter line attached to the vessel and not weak link. Life rafts were corrected on the spot. Rescue boat davit limit switch must be properly fixed for proper operation and fall service to be completed. Prior to departure into the gulf from LMR.

Emergency lighting must be provided for all internal crew working and living areas. Emergency lighting must provide for sufficient illumination under emergency conditions to facilitate egress from each space and must be either: Crew state rooms did not have lights or phosphorescent adhesive lighting strips that are installed that are sufficiently visible to enable egress with no power. Galley and mess room had no emergency lighting or adhesive lighting strips. Provide proper lighting or adhesive lighting strips. Prior to departure into the gulf from LMR.

A towing vessel must carry adequate and up to date charts, maps and nautical publications for the intended voyage, US Coast Pilot [name withheld] list and other publications. Spoke to the Chief Mate after reviewing charts, Coast Pilot and determined they made the voyage from Port Sulphur to New Orleans with uncorrected charts, Coast pilot and Light List. Make all updates to current local charts, obtain charts for next destination and current publications. Prior to departure into the gulf from LMR.

The officer in charge of a navigational watch must conduct a navigation assessment for the intended route and operating prior to getting underway. The navigation assessment must incorporate the requirements of pilothouse resource management of 140.640 assess operational risks and anticipate and manage workload demands. Crew did not have knowledge and the difference between a voyage plan versus a navigation assessment and the requirement of updating of changes to navigation assessments. Provide proper training on the difference between voyage plan and navigation assessment. Prior to departure into the gulf from LMR.

The pilothouse alerter system may be reset physically, or the reset may be accomplished by a link to other pilothouse action such as rudder or throttle control movement or motion detection of personnel. Witnessed a line hanging from the ships whistle that could trip the alarm. The line needs to be looped up or made secure. Crew was also unfamiliar with the system and how to turn it on or off and test it. Prior to departure into the gulf from LMR.

Inspections and tests of lifesaving equipment must be recorded in TVR, Official log book or TSMS checklist. Master and Mate unaware of weekly lifesaving equipment checks per 46CFR141.235. Provide weekly checks for the lifesaving equipment. Prior to departure into the gulf from LMR.

The following vessels must have a properly installed, operational, type approved AIS as of the date specified: Chief Mate did not update the AIS and was reflecting 09 persons on board, draught was incorrect and did not know how to update it to reflect current status. Ensure the crew make necessary changes and know the system process. Prior to departure into the gulf from LMR.

Each towing vessel operating on oceans must carry a Category 1, 406 MHz satellite Emergency Position Indicating Radio Beacon that meets the requirements of 47CFR part 80. The owner or manageing operator must maintain valid proof of registration. The document provided to NOAA had the incorrect length, type of vessel and 2nd 24 hour phone number. Company must update with current information. Prior to departure to the gulf from LMR.

Essential systems or equipment must be regularly tested and examined. Test and examinations must verify that the system or equipment functions as designed. Crew were not testing or properly logging test of General alarm, pilothouse alerter system, and emergency lighting. Provide proper documentation of testing of essential equipment and ensure crew understand testing intervals. Prior to departure into the gulf from LMR.

Towing vessels must meet the communications requirements of 33CFR part 26 and 33CFR 164.72 as applicable. Marine Inspectors found the bridge to bridge certificate was expired, shore based maintenance was expired, safety radio certificate expired, AC fault, no logs for GMDSS daily, weekly, monthly checks. Bridge to Bridge Prior to movement. All others prior to departure into gulf from LMR.

A 40 B:C portable fire extinguisher must be located near the storage room or cabinet. This is addition to the portable fire extinguisher required by tables 142.230(d)(1) and 142.230(d)(2) of 142.230. No portable fire extinguisher located near flammable locker in the fuel bunker station.Provide a portable 40 B:C fire extinguisher near the flammable locker by the fuel transfer area. As soon as possible but no later than 1 week.

A portable watertight container carried at the operating station. Portable watertight containers for pyrotechnic distress signals must be of a bright color and must be clearly marked in legible contrasting letters at least 0.5” inches high with “DISTRESS SIGNALS” Distress flares were in a green container and not properly marked. Provide proper container and mark properly. 1 week

Each towing vessel must be operated in compliance with FWPCA, APPS, parts 151, 155, 156 as applicable. The Oily water separator is inoperable, the Sludge tank is at 50% capacity. : empty the sludge tank before it is 75% full 46CFR140.655 and Provide proper certification of the OWS prior to departure into the gulf from the river.

Pressure vessels over 5 cubic feet in volume and over 15 pounds per square inch MAWP must be equipped with an indicating pressure gauges and with one or more spring loaded relief valves. Inspector found #2 Air Receiver plugged. Crew corrected on the spot verified operation of the PV valve.

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: High bilge levels. STBD bilge alarm was cut and inoperable. Crew rewired the bilge alarm and verified proper operation.

Propulsion machinery, including main engines, reduction gears, shafting, bearings and electrical system. Witnesses an excessive leak of the Port shaft seal. Crew tightened up the shaft packing seal to secure leak.

Survival Craft Equipment: Provide minimum equipment for survival if recovery time is expected to be greater than 24 hours. Servicing reports for the inflatable life rafts show that the first aid kits expired in January of 2021 and flares expire in March of 2021.

A towing vessel whose construction was contracted for prior to January 18, 2000, may use an existing engine room monitoring system (with fire-detection capability) instead of a fire-detection system, if the monitoring system is operable and complies with paragraphs (a)(2) through (7) of this section, and uses detectors listed by an NRTL. Provide documentation attesting to the proper certification of the fire detection panel.

All U.S.-flag vessels which engage in domestic voyages by sea (coastwise and intercoastal voyages) shall be subject to the applicable provisions of this part. Route is limited to within the boundary line until proof of valid load line is received and approved by the cognizant OCMI.

The master must ensure that all lifesaving equipment is properly maintained and ready for use at all times. Rescue boat davit is overdue for 5 year davit servicing. Additionally, the electrical systems within the control box are inoperable. Prove proper operation of the davit.

The owner or managing operator must implement procedures to identify and mitigate health and safety hazards. Crew no longer has access to their Health and Safety plan (SMS).

One ship station license will be granted for operation of all maritime services transmitting equipment on board a vessel. Vessel's Station license is expired.

The master must ensure that all lifesaving equipment is properly maintained and ready for use at all times. Several life rings, as identified by MIs on 6SEPT2021, throughout the vessel needed Bung Holes replaced.

A vessel must be operated in accordance with applicable laws and regulations and in such a manner as to afford protection against hazards to life, property, and the environment. While onboard MIs witnessed an abundance of spiders throughout the tug and barge unit, including several sightings of black widow spiders. Provide crew onboard with the means to control the population to eradicate the presence of deadly spiders.

Vsl Shall comply with 46 CFR subchapter M requirements prior to departure.

The vessel does not currently have a valid DOC and the COI is revoked.