INLAND CARDINAL

A towing vessel may not be operated without having onboard a valid COI issued by the Coast Guard as required by 136.202. Vessel COI expired 09SEPT2025. Vessel must complete DD and COI Inspection prior to operating.

Vessel reported it was taking on water in the starboard void. Vessel pulled out at Steiner Shipyard for repairs. Provide repair proposal to sector Mobile for review and approval prior to any repairs made to the vessel.

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 a cracked air intake elbow on the port main diesel engine's turbo.

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 soot covered exhaust lagging on the starboard main diesel engine's exhaust piping, there is potential of a exhaust leak. MI could not investigate due to location. Crew is to investigate and report findings to the Coast Guard.

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. Hydraulic hose for steering ram is worn through to the metal braiding.

The frame or support of any semi-portable fire extinguisher fitted with wheels must be welded or otherwise permanently attached to a steel bulkhead or deck to prevent it from rolling under heavy sea conditions. Semi portable fire extinguisher in upper engine room is secured by chain to the hand rail. A more permanent attachment method is needed.

Machinery and electrical systems must be designed and maintained to provide for safe operation of the towing vessel and safety of persons onboard. Overhead light on FWD main deck has electrical wires hanging out of enclosure and lamp cover is broken.

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. Engine alarm set point records were unable to be produced. Provide record of tests.

The original COI must be framed under glass or other transparent material and posted in a conspicuous place onboard the towing vessel. All individual pages of the COI were not posted.

The sidelights of vessels of 20 meters or more in length shall be fitted with matte black inboard screens. Sidelights had gloss black paint. Repaint with matte black paint.

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. Water pipe from potable water tank in lower forward engine room was leaking water into the engine room.

Emergency lighting must be provided for all internal crew working and living areas. Emergency lighting sources must provide for sufficient illumination under emergency conditions to facilitate egress from each space. Crew cabins had no methods of illuminating egress routes or exits for night time emergencies.

Means to stop fans and close openings. Means must be provided for closing, in case of fire in such spaces. Engine room vent on port side was unable to be fully closed.

Rails or equivalent protection must be installed near the periphery of all decks accessible to crew. There were no rails or protection installed around the aft of the vessel where the aft steering deck is level with the top rail of the vessel.

Bilge pumps or other dewatering capability. 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. Crew was unable to start the portable bilge pump in a timely manner.

The master must ensure that all hatches, doors, and other openings designed to be watertight or weather-tight function properly. Seal on the #2 void was missing on the void cover.

The master must ensure that all lifesaving equipment is properly maintained and ready for use at all times. Lifering light on port side was inoperable due to a missing battery.

Each towing vessel must be equipped with an industrial type first aid cabinet or kit, appropriate to the size of the crew and operating conditions. Vessel's first aid kit had expired contents onboard.

Storage areas must be kept free from accumulation of combustible and flammable materials insofar as practicable. Main deck head contained flammable materials.

Lifebuoys must have the following attachments and fittings: At least one lifebuoy must have a lifeline, secured around the body of the lifebuoy. If more than one lifebuoy is carried, at least one must not have a lifeline attached. All liferings had an attached rope.

The master must ensure that all hatches, doors, and other openings designed to be watertight or weather-tight function properly. #2 void had water approximatly 6" above the bottom frames. Instructed crew to comprise a monitoring plan to troubleshoot ingress of water.

Excessive leaking of shaft packing.

Louvers on exhaust ports did not have a means of closing completely.

Repair work around stbd shaft alley was missing a weld.

Steering gear was missing chafing gear around hydraulic hoses and hoses were not mounted in designed brackets.

Electrical connection to battery in engine room was loose.

01 lifejacket was found without an approved light. Total number of persons onboard reduced to 05 until rectified.

A heat sensor was unsecured from the overhead in the engine room. Sensor was reattached.

The PE letter for the fire detection system was missing.

Vessel was undergoing a dockside yard period and not ready for annual inspection. Multiple deficiencies were noted and vessel issued no-sail 835 to complete satisfactory annual inspection prior to operation.

Fire main piping in engine room was found rusted and leaking. Replace wasted piping.

hydraulic hoses for steering gear were found dry rotted and cracked. Replace hoses.

Excessive oil/water and debris was noted in bilge. Clean bilge

Galley watertight door failed chalk test. Adjust door to make watertight.

Vessel call sign was changed due to new ownership, but the Call Sign was not changed in AIS or on COI.

Vessel is certificated for 6 persons. Vessel only had 4 mattresses. Provide additional mattresses or reduce passenger count.

Frames around stbd stuffing box for shaft were found wasted. Repair at next drydock but no later than September 2022.

All fire suppression equipment must be maintained in accordance with manufacturers instructions. MI noted broken nozzle on fire extinguisher in engine room.

Frame or support of semi portable fire extinguishers fitted with wheels must be permanently attached to steel bulkhead or deck to prevent from rolling. MI noted semi portable secured by zipties.

Electrical systems must be designed and maintained to provide for safe operation of the vessel and safety of persons onboard. MI noted exposed electrical wires above oven.

Flammable/combustible products onboard must be stored in a designated storage room or cabinet when not in use. MI noted flammable/combustibles stowed on open deck.

Decks & bulkheads designed to be watertight must be maintained in that condition. Before the vessel is permitted to operate under its own power as a Subchapter M regulated towing vessel, vessel must repair the following structural issues & have them inspected / tested by a Marine Inspector: 1) Stern void: Found Transverse deck stiffener not attached to deck plating and wasted over last 30" on the port side. Vertical stiffeners (x2) on fwd (engine room) bulkhead in way of new insert wasted over the bottom 2'. Crop wasted sections and renew. 2) #7 Port wing void: Found Fwd vertical stiffener wasted. Fwd bulkhead holed and patched with putty. Knuckle and fwd bulkhead inset upward 5-6" from bottom. Crop damaged area and renew. 3) Port bow void: Found aft bulkhead buckled and patched. Aft 1/3 of swash bulkhead wasted. Aft two vertical stiffeners on swash bulkhead wasted. Aft two stiffeners on tranverse bulkhead wasted. Inboard wasted/crushed 4-5' from overhead. Crop damaged area and renew. 4) Stbd bow void: Aft bulkhead / sideshell / transverse bottom frame crushed upward from bottom. Crop & Renew. (5) #1 Stbd Wing Void: Found top of inboard longitudinal bulkhead / deck above both holed. Entire longitudinal swash bulkhead wasted / buckled. As marked: Two vertical sideshell stiffeners, three overhead deck stiffeners, and three bottom longitudinals excessively wasted. Crop and renew. (6) #2 Stbd Wing Void: Found wasted 2' section of deck stiffener (aft of scuttle) wasted. Crop and renew or replace member.

Electrical systems and equipment must function properly and minimize system failures and fire and shock hazards. Electrical equipment and electrical cables must be suitably protected from wet and corrosive environments. In bow void, found distribution panel with exposed circuits and cabling runs were not supported to keep it out of wet environment or prevent shock. Properly secure distribution panel / electrical cabling.

Piping and tanks exposed to the outside of the hull must be made of metal and maintained in a leak free condition. Found sink drain elbow wasted. Found Washing Machine drain wasted. Renew affected piping sections.

Each towing vessel must be maintained to ensure all bilges and void spaces are kept free from accumulation of combustible/flammable materials and liquids insofar as practicable. Found excessive (4-6”) accumulation of oily water in bilge to include overall condition of machinery space was substandard. Excess oily water inhibited ability to test functionality of bilge alarms; note, bilge alarms were not alarming in operating station. Remove oily water by transferring to an approved oil reception facility. In addition, remove submersed/excess debris in bilges to include paint cans, filters, spray paint cans, and oily rags. Provide evidence of transfer to an attending USCG Marine Inspector. 46CFR142.200 30c

The officers and crew are permitted to be divided into two watches when at sea on a voyage of <600 miles on a towing vessel. Found vessel master could not produce medical card/certificate. Also found that vessel was about to embark on a seagoing voyage from New Orleans, LA to Dauphin Island, AL short one deckhand. Provide adequate crew for intended voyage. 46CFR15.705(b) (30c)

All fire detection equipment on board a towing vessel must be maintained IAW manufacturers approved design manual. Found fire detector system is inoperable in E/R. Provide evidence of repair and testing from an approved servicing facility. 46CFR142.240(b) (30c)

Electrical systems must be designed and maintained to provide for safe operation of the towing vessel and safety of persons onboard. Found multiple electrical hazards: proper interlock for generator switchboard missing, electrical box for inverter ammeter/voltmeter unsupported, open access to upper E/R receptacle box and lower E/R STBD distribution panel, dead end/uncapped wiring under wheelhouse console. Repair/Replace to satisfaction of attending USCG Marine Inspector. 46CFR143.205(a) (30c)

The master must ensure all hatches, doors, and openings designed to be watertight or weathertight function properly. Door openings to galley and E/R were not watertight because of punctures in knife edge weldments. All of these doors are missing gaskets, making them ineffective. Multiple flush mounted void hatches observed inoperable to close. Repair to satisfaction of attending USCG Marine Inspector. 46CFR140.610(b) (30c)

Bulkheads designed to be watertight must be maintained in that condition. Noted water ingress in aftermost STBD wing void bulkhead. Of note, adjacent stern void has considerable corrosion. Determine cause of water ingress and make repairs to satisfaction of attending USCG Marine Inspector. 46CFR140.610(f) (30c)

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. Identified excessive shaft leakage on port propulsion shaft with rigged means of dewatering with pumps to maintain leakage, creating a serious substandard condition not being pro-actively managed by the Company, vessel owner, and/or operator. 46CFR143.205(b) (30c)

The responsibilities of the master and crew are outlined throughout Subchapter M regulations. MI observed master and crew are unfamiliar with the requirements of Subchapter M and the overall safety management system (HELM) utilized for record keeping and hosting shipboard plans. Company to provide Corrective Action Plan to attending Marine Inspector. 46CFR140.210 (30c)

Each towing vessel must be equipped with a marine radar. Vessel’s installed radar would not show transit mode display or required functionality. Provide evidence of repair by a licensed technician. 46CFR140.710 / 33CFR164.72(a)

Each exhaust pipe from an internal combustion engine which is within reach of personnel must be insulated or otherwise guarded to prevent burns. Exhaust lagging on Port SSDG is missing 3-4’ of lagging. 46CFR144.830(60c)

A 40-B portable fire extinguisher must be located near the storage room or cabinet. This is in addition to the portable fire extinguishers required by tables 142.230 (a) and 142.230(b) of this part. Found no fire extinguisher near the flammable locker, although extra B-II's were located throughout the vessel, provide one near each flammable locker not of UL1275 approved. 46CFR142.225 (60 c)

Drills must take place on board the towing vessel as if there were an actual emergency; they must include testing of all alarm and detection systems by operation of the test switch or by activation of one or more devices. Upon asking the crew to test the fire detection system, crew indicated they did not have the proper equipment on board to test the heat detectors adjacent to the engines and generators. Per the fire detection system manual, provide the proper equipment to test the alarm and detection system, and incorporate testing into monthly fire drills as required. 46CFR140.210 (60 c)

Prior to getting underway for the first time on a particular towing vessel, each crewmember and non crewmembers must receive a safety orientation and training shall be documented in the TVR, official logbook, or IAW SMS. Observed safety orientation training was not being conducted. Provide training for onboard crew and non crewmembers and document prior to movement. 46CFR140.410 (60c)

A towing vessel must carry lifebuoys that meet 141.360. Identified aft main deck lifebuoy with deteriorated corrosion-resistant clip and STBD main deck lifebuoy with a deteriorated lifeline and corrosion-resistant clip. 46CFR141.360(c). (60c)

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. Observed Port exhaust damper holed and not functioning as designed. Replace to satisfaction of attending USCG Marine Inspector. 46CFR144.605 (16c)

The following minimum information is required in the towing gear inspection record: The dates when examinations were performed, the identification of each item of towing gear examined, and the name(s) of the person(s) conducting the examinations. Towing gear inspection logs did not contain all required items. 46CFR140.820(b) (16c)

Rails or equivalent protection must be installed near the periphery of all decks accessible to crew. Observed supports to wheelhouse top deck bulwark separated from weldments. Repair to satisfaction of attending Marine Inspector. 46CFR144.800 (16c)

A navigation assessment entry must be recorded in the TVR, official log, or in accordance with the TSMS applicable to the vessel - the entry must include the date and time of the assessment, the name of the individual making the assessment, and the starting and ending points of the voyage that the assessment covers. Navigation assessments did not contain all required items as indicated in the on board logbook. 46CFR140.635(d) (16c)

A towing vessel must be maintained and operated so the watertight integrity and stability of the vessel are not compromised. Prior to dead-ship tow from New Orleans to Mt. Vernon, AL, vessel must repair the following structural issues & have them inspected / tested by a Marine Inspector: 1) Holed plating found in STBD side shell adjacent to center wing void & PORT side shell adjacent to aft wing void; Crop and renew plating. 2) Cracked/holed weldment in reinforcement plate above starboard propeller shaft; Gouge out wasted portion of existing weld & remake weldment. 3) Found approximately 4' x 2' wasted tranverse bulkhead plating from starboard shell across wing void and aft engine room bulkhead; Crop and renew. 4) Wastage found on top section of transverse bulkhead between bow void & fwd STBD wing void with wasted deck above; Crop & Renew. 5) Found small wasted deck section (pinhole) above stern void, just outboard of starboard corner of superstructure. Carry out repair of affected area.

THE VESSEL WAS NOT PROPERLY EQUIPT. WITH THE PIPING TO REMOVE OILY WASTE FROM THE BILGES.

THE 12" BELL REQUIRED BY NAV RULES WAS NOT ON BOARD.

THE VESSEL WAS REQUIRED TO CARRY 5 B-II EXT., THEY HAD 4 ON BOARD.

THE TYPE I PFDS WERE STOWED WITH THE TYPE V PFDS.

THE LIGHT LIST WAS NOT ONBOARD.

THE NAV. RULES BOOK WAS WAS NOT ON BOARD.

THE REQUIRED TEST AND INSP. WERE NOT BEING LOGGED AS REQ.

THE FUEL TANK VENTS DID NOT HAVE FLAME SCREENS.