BUBBA-JOHN

To stop the flow of fuel in the event of a fire or break in the fuel line, a remote fuel shut off valve must be fitted on any fuel line that supplies fuel to a propulsion engine or generator prime mover. Wire rope failed to operate fuel shut-off valves each time the pull station was activated. 46 CFR 143.260(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 operating conditions. Inspection team observed missing cover on electrical box for Port Engine. 46 CFR 143.205(a)

All lifesaving equipment must be tested and maintained in accordance with the minimum requirements of 199.190. Bouyant apparatus on aft deck was not properly labled with vessel name in block letters.

The master of a towing vessel must ensure that each crew member participates in fire-fighting drills and receives instruction at least once each month. The instruction may coincide with the drills, but is not required to do so. All crew members must be familiar with their fire-fighting duties, and, specifically how to: Fight a fire in the engine room and elsewhere on board the towing vessel, including how to: Stop any mechanical ventilation system for the engine room and effectively seal all natural openings to the space to prevent leakage of the extinguishing agent. During fire drill, vessel's crew was unfamiliar with how to secure engine room ventilation. Additionally, emergency procedures on board did not list procedure for securing engine room ventilation. Conduct crew training, revise emergency procedures, and conduct satisfactory fire drill in the presence of an attending Marine Inspector.

Each towing vessel must be equipped with at least one fire axe that is readily accessible for use from the exterior of the vessel. No fire axe was found on board. Place fire axe on vessel.

Each ship subject to the Bridge-to-Bridge Act must have on board a radio operator who holds a restricted radiotelephone operator permit or higher class license. Neither Master or Apprentice Mate onboard had proof of a radio operator permit. Cite: 47 CFR 80.163

The Coast Guard will issue a medical certificate to a mariner meeting the medical and physical standards for merchant mariners. Master onboard was unable to provide a valid medical certificate when requested by Marine Inspectors. Master to provide necessary certificate at next inspection.

To stop the flow of fuel in the event of a fire or break in the fuel line, a remote fuel shutoff valve must be fitted on any fuel line that supplies fuel directly to a propulsion engine or generator prime mover. When Marine Inspectors requested operational test of emergency fuel-oil cut-off, the connecting cable sheered, rendering system inoperable. Replace sheered cable.

The portable fire pump must be self-priming and power-driven, with: (1) A minimum capacity of at least 300 LPM (80 gpm) at a discharge gauge pressure of not less than 414 kPa (60 psi), measured at the pump discharge. The portable fire pump on-board was inoperable. Complete necessary maintenance and operationally test in the presence of an attending Marine Inspector.

The master must ensure that all hatches, doors, and other openings designed to be watertight or weather-tight function properly. Marine Inspectors observed 02 wasted weather-tight hatches leading to the vessel's bunk room.

A towing vessel must carry adequate and up-to-date charts, maps, and nautical publications for the intended voyage. Vessel did not have 2023 coast pilot or Coast Guard light list. Vessel to have applicable parts of both publications for intended voyages.

Each towing vessel must have a means to monitor and control the amount of thrust, rudder angle, and (if applicable) direction of thrust, at each operating station. Marine Inspectors found the port main engine RPM gauge to be disconnected; reinstall RPM gauge.

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. Additionally, alarms must be visible and audible at each operating station. The system designations on the operating station alarm indicating panel were faded and/or not properly marked.

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. Vessel did not have consistent records and inspectors could not confirm all records have been kept. Vessel to maintain records in accordance with subchapter M, after 90 days vessel to submit to inspectors at MSU Texas City a copy of their records.

Each towing vessel must be maintained and operated so as to minimize fire hazards and to ensure the following: all bilges are kept free from accumulation of combustible and flammable materials and liquids.

Lifefloat must be fitted with lifeline, pendants, a painter, and a floating electric water light. Lifefloat does not have attached painter with appropriate weak link attached or floating water light.

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. The Semi-portable fire extinguisher is not permanently attached the bulkhead or deck.

To stop the flow of fuel in the event of a fire or rupture, a remote fuel shutoff valves must be fitted on fuel lines supplying propulsion engine or generator. It must be installed directly outside of the fuel tank and be operable from a safe place outside the space. Vessel does not have a remote fuel shutoff.

Vessel requested a maximum count of 06 persons on board and only has 03 lifejackets. Provide 06 total lifejackets to meet COI manning of a maximum capacity of 06 persons on board.

The water light must be attached by the lanyard with a corrosion resistant clip to allow the water light to be quickly disconnected from the lifebuoy. The clip must have strength of at least 22.7 kilograms (50 pounds). Neither one of the two lifebuoys had a lanyard attached with a corrosion resistant clip

Each towing vessel must have reliable means to provide notification when an emergency condition exits or an essential system develops problems that required attention. The generator spaces did not have a high bilge alarm.

Means must be provided for for closing, in case of fire, each doorway, ventilator, and annular space around funnels and other openings into engine spaces. There is no means of closing the ventilation to engine room.

The master must ensure that all hatches, doors, and other openings designed to be watertight or weather-tight function properly. Port and starboard main deckhouse doors and engine room door were missing dogs, corrosion/wastage on the metal channels guiding the gasket on each door, and doors did not seat properly when dogged down.

An exposed hazard such as gears and rotating machinery, must be protected by a cover, guard or rail. Vessel needs guards on the shafts, fan between ER and generator room, and on both main engines.

Towing vessels 65 feet or less in length may meet the requirements listed in 33 CFR 183.810 or paragraph (a) of this section. Vessels navigation lights mast was bent leading the lights to no longer meet the arc of visibility requirements.

Fire hazards must be minimized and bilges kept clear of flammable or combustible materials. Steering gear pipes in ER had 02 minor leaks and was wrapped in absorbent pad. Repair leaking fittings.

All owners and operators of an existing towing vessel must have a valid COI prior to the specified phase-in period. The vessel shall be made available for a Coast Guard COI inspection within 90 days. If an inspection is not completed prior to this date, the action for this deficiency shall be changed to a 60 (Rectify deficiencies prior to movement) and the vessel may no longer be permitted to operate.