MAR G

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. Marine Inspectors observed three hydraulic lines on the PORT and one line on the STBD winches dry rotted.

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. Pressure vessel relief valves be tested twice every 5 years, with no more than 3 years elapsing since last test. Vessels crew were not able to provide pressure relief valves testing records to Marine Inspectors.

All seals and gaskets must be properly maintained to prevent leaks of flammable or combustible liquid, as those terms are defined in 46CFR subpart 30.10, into the machinery space. Marine Inspector observed fuel oil leak on the generator fuel pump. Repair/replace pump. 46CFR143.220(a)

Piping and machinery components that exceed 220 degrees Celsius (428 degrees Fahrenheit), including fittings, flanges, valves, exhaust manifolds, and turbochargers, must be insulated. Marine Inspector observed lagging installed on generator exhaust manifold not affixed to piping/missing. Attach lagging to exhaust manifold. 46CFR143.220(b)

The connections for flexible cable plugs and socket outlets must be designed to prevent unintended seperation. Marine Inspector observed four unsecured electrical plugs connections underneath bridge console and electrical plug for bilge pump and battery charger needs to be secured.46CFR143.400(i)

Each towing vessel must be operated in compliance with: (a) The Maritime Transportation Security Act of 2002 (46 U.S.C. Chapter 701); and (b) 33 CFR parts 101 and 104, as applicable. Marine Inspector observed last recorded annual security exercise in 2020. Update security records with the 2021 exercise.46CFR140.660

The portable fire pump must be self-priming, and power driven, with a minimum capacity of at least 80GPM at a discharge gauge pressure of not less than 60 PSI measured at the pump discharge. Portable fire pump was not self priming with adequate pressure. Fire pump also had a priming hose ran to the top of the pump. Repair or replace to the satisfaction of the attending Marine Inspector.

Alarms must be visible and audible at each operation station. Bilge Alarm was not visible at the operating station. Repair alarm to have a visible alarm to the satisfaction of the attending Marine Inspector.

Fuel systems for towing vessel MDE and SSDG must have a documented maintenance plan to ensure proper operation of the system. Company documented plan did not address when filters were changed. Company is required to update plan to reflect actual maintenance plan to ensure that it is meeting required intervals.

The officer in charge of a navigational watch must conduct a navigation assessment for the intended route and operations prior to getting underway. The navigation assessment must incorporate the requirements of pilothouse resource management of 140.640 assess operational risk and anticipate and manage workload demands and cover all items listed in this regulation. Vessels navigation assessment does not cover all items such as Air draft to bridges, horizontal clearance, navigation hazards, traffic and updating barge configuration. Company must verify and update navigation assessments for the vessel to ensure that all items listed are covered and updates are logged in the TVR.

The TVR must include a chronological record of events as required by this subchapter. Including items in 46CFR140.915. Vessel does not log all items as required by 140.915 in the TVR. Vessel must ensure all items are entered into the TVR.

Each towing vessel must be equipped with at least two portable battery powered lights. One in each location. Wheelhouse and Engine Room. Vessel didn't have a battery powered light in wheelhouse

Each towing vessel must be equipped with an industrial type first aid cabinet. Vessels first aid kit had multiple expired items.

No fixed fire detection system in engine room.

No audible or visual alarm in engine room.

The vessel had no Type I PFD's onboard for the crew.(Vessel=46.5ft)

The vessel's navigational lights were household bulbs and not an approved type.

The vessel had a fracture in the hull at the starboard stern corner.

Steering ram has a hydraulic fluid leak.

The vessel's fire extinguishers had no UL or CG approval placards.

The vessel had excessive oil in the bilge and on the machinery in the engineroom.

The vessel had no charts onboard for any area.

The vessel had no Light List or Notice To Mariners onboard for any area.

The vessel's ring buoys were all wasted and split along the seams.

The vessel had no magnetic compass or swing meter onboard.