INDEPENDENCE

Propulsion machinery, including shafting, must be maintained to ensure proper operation. The vessel experienced a failure of a flange in the port main propulsion shaft assembly that rendered the port main engine inoperable. Vessel must effect repairs to the satisfaction of a Coast Guard Marine Inspector and conduct satisfactory tests to ensure proper operation of the port shaft assembly. **To facilitate repairs, the vessel has been authorized to transit from the Marine Safety Unit Lake Charles area of responsibility to Verret Shipyard near Baton Rouge, LA. Repairs must be conducted to the satisfaction of a Coast Guard marine inspector prior to returning the vessel to service.

Machinery and electrical systems must be designed and maintained to provide safe operation of the towing vessel and electric systems must be designed to minimize system failures. The forward bilge alarm was wired using a re-purposed extension cord. Replace wiring with marine type shipboard wiring.

Machinery and electrical systems must be designed and maintained to provide safe operation of the towing vessel. The intake piping for starboard main engine was improperly installed/mounted using lagging wire and duct tape. Repair intake piping.

Machinery and electrical systems must be designed and maintained to provide safe operation of the towing vessel. Several fuel hoses on both generators were dry-rotted and need replaced. Also, install compression-type fittings and double hose clamps (where applicable) at all hose joints.

A towing vessel with overnight accommodations and alternating watches (shift work), when pulling, pushing or hauling alongside one or more barges, must have a system to detect when its master or mate (pilot) becomes incapacitated. Vessel has an inoperable system installed. Make repairs to system.

Pressure vessels over 5 cubic feet in volume and over 15 pounds per square inch maximum allowable working pressure (MAWP) must be equipped with an indicating pressure gauge (in a readily visible location) 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. Port PV did not have a relief valve installed. Install Pressure relief valve.

Electrical systems and equipment must function properly and minimize system failures and fire and shock hazards. Switchboard on forward engine room bulkhead was missing knockouts. Repair/replace.

Each towing vessel must be fitted with a general alarm that is activated at each operating station and can notify persons on board in the event of an emergency. General alarm activation points were not functioning at the time of inspection. Repair general alarm call points.

Main engines and auxiliary generators must have low lubricating oil pressure and high jacket water temperature gauges. Subject alarms were not functioning properly at the time of inspection. Repair subject alarms.

All lifesaving equipment must be tested and maintained in accordance with the minimum requirements of 199.190 of this chapter. The hydrostatic release unit for the EPIRB is expired. Replaced hydrostatic release unit.

An exposed hazard such as gears and rotating machinery, must be protected by a cover, guard or rail. Replace missing framing that supports guard over the stbd main engine shaft.

Regardless of the option chosen to obtain a COI, upon obtaining a COI each towing vessel must then undergo a drydock and internal structural examination at the following intervals: A vessel that is exposed to salt water not more than 6 months in any 12-month period since the last examination or initial certification must undergo a drydock and internal structural examination at least once every 5 years. Complete the attached worklist items, a satisfactory credit drydock and Internal Structural Exam, prior to operations.

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. Vessel reported a collision with unknown extent of damage. Conduct a damage survey to determine extent of damage to the satisfaction of the Coast Guard. Prepare a transit plan to location of repairs and conduct any necessary repairs to the satisfaction of the attending Marine Inspector.

46 CFR 143.245 (a) Essential systems or equipment must be regularly tested and examined. Tests and examinations must verify that the system or equipment functions as designed. If a component is found unsatisfactory, it must be repaired or replaced. During casualty response, marine inspectors discovered steering gear heavily corroded and structurally compromised. Port and starboard main rudder assemblies appeared inadequately supported and lower to the deck with the starboard actuator head scraping the deck during operational tests. Main rudder follow-up linkage to the bridge was found broken due to corrosion. Flanking rudder follow-up linkage assembly bearing was found corroded and unsecured. Several grease hoses were disconnected without existing alternative procedures for similar maintenance. Vessel must prove satisfactory condition and operability of the steering system including all components and appendages above and below the waterline.

46 CFR 137.300(b) The cognizant OCMI may require additional examinations of the vessel whenever he or she discovers or suspects damage or deterioration to hull plating or structural members that may affect the seaworthiness or fitness for the route or service of a vessel. These examinations may include a drydock examination, including: (1) An internal structural examination of any affected space of a vessel, including its fuel tanks; (2) A removal of the vessel from service to assess the extent of the damage and to affect permanent repairs; or (3) An adjustment of the drydock examination intervals to monitor the vessel's structural condition. During post-collision repairs, an approximately 5-foot section of major transverse structural member in the aft engine room overhead (below the second deck) was cut and removed without replacement along with corresponding vertical structural members to the bulkhead. Repairs do not feature full-penetration welds or radiused corners. Exhaust stack damage from previous collision has not been repaired. Longitudinal bulkheads within both aft rudder post voids were found buckled and separated from deck plating. Prior to any structural repairs, the vessel shall schedule an internal structural exam with Sector Houston Galveston Domestic Inspections to determine the extent of damage and required repairs.

46 CFR 142.220 (a) All bilges and void spaces are kept free from accumulation of combustible and flammable materials and liquids insofar as practicable. Marine inspector observed excessive oil and oily water in the engine room bilges. Vessel shall clean all bilges of combustible and flammable liquids.

46 CFR 143.270 Piping and tanks exposed to the outside of the hull must be made of metal and maintained in a leak free condition. Slop tank located on the aft main deck is unable to be closed due to a damaged hatch. Existing slop tank repair of 1-foot by 1-foot at the main deck has no radii or relief cuts at the corners. Vessel shall repair the tank to its original condition and conduct non-destructive testing prior to use.

46 CFR 140.510 (a)(2) The owner or managing operator must implement procedures to identify and mitigate health and safety hazards, including but not limited to: Slips, trips, and falls. Marine inspectors identified various structural conditions leading to operational safety hazards including: Improper and incomplete repairs made to the aft second deck following recent collision, deck grating over the steering gear assembly inadequately supported and heavily corroded, and buckled stair supports on the aft main deck. Repair to Coast Guard satisfaction prior to reissuance of the COI.

The owner or managing operator must implement procedures to identify and mitigate health and safety hazards, including but not limited to: Blood-borne pathogens and other biological hazards. Marine inspectors witnessed a live rat caught in the steering gear assembly. Provide objective evidence from a licensed party that the vessel is free of pests.

46 CFR 143.460 Each owner or managing operator must develop procedures to routinely examine, maintain, and replace capstans, winches, and other machinery used to connect the towing vessel to the tow. Starboard winch electrical brake assembly casing is heavily corroded exposing electrical components and hazard to personnel. Vessel shall renew winch electrical brake assembly casing prior to operation and develop a maintenance procedure and periodic examination schedule to ensure its mooring equipment is in suitable condition.

46 CFR 143.400 Electrical systems and equipment must function properly and minimize system failures and fire and shock hazards. Port engine lube oil pressure switch connections are exposed and spliced open; one cable is disconnected from its sensor. Vessel shall conduct an operational test of all engine alarms in the presence of a marine inspector.

46 CFR 140.910 (b) & (c) A towing vessel subject must maintain a TVR. The TVR must include a chronological record of events as required by this subchapter. Vessel port clutch actuator failed the previous day, 11OCT2023. Electronic logbook and/or "Helms" system used for record-keeping did not have any chronological entry reflecting the partial loss of propulsion.

46CFR144.330 An OCMI may require a review to ensure that a towing vessel is maintained and operated so that the watertight integrity and stability of the vessel are not compromised. Approximately 3” of water was found in flanking rudder voids. Pump out water and determine cause to the satisfaction of OCMI and make vessel available for an Internal Structural Exam.

46 CFR 143.245 (a) Essential systems or equipment must be regularly tested and examined. Tests and examinations must verify that the system or equipment functions as designed. If a component is found unsatisfactory, it must be repaired or replaced. Vessel’s port clutch actuator was found replaced and operable following previous day failure.

Each towing vessel that operates solely on Rivers need not carry a survival craft of it carries a 406 MHz Cat 1 EPIRB. EPIRB was not onboard. Vessel is restricted to not more than one (1) mile from shore until EPIRB is replaced.

Towing vessels of more than 65 feet in length must carry one 40-B portable fire extinguisher fitted in the engine room for each 1,000 brake horsepower of the main engines or fraction thereof. Of the 02 required in the engine room by this part, 01 CO2 type extinguisher was due for a hydrostatic test. Replace the CO2 extinguisher with a 40-B portable fire extinguisher in the engine room.

On towing vessels greater than 26ft at leas two life buoys must be fitted with a floating electric water light. Port side floating water light was inoperable.

Piping and tanks exposed to the outside of the hull must be made of metal and maintained in a leak free condition. Slop tank located on the aft main deck will not close and seal properly. Repair coaming and cover.

Electrical systems and equipment must function properly and minimize system failures and fire shock hazards. Wire along over head in forward stores just forward of the ladder is coiled up with exposed wires at the end.

Each towing vessel must have a reliable means to provide notification of high bilge levels. High bilge level alarm was missing from forward hold. Install high bilge level alarm prior to completion of next drydock.

All bilges and void spaces are kept free from accumulation of combustible and flammable materials and liquids insofar as practicable. Fuel and lube oil was found on bilges during material inspection. 46 CFR 144.800(a) Clean all bilges from any flammable or combustible liquids.

Propulsion machinery, including main engines, reduction gears, shafting, bearings, and electrical equipment and systems, must: (1) Be maintained to ensure proper operation. Engines' exhaust pipe support brackets are not properly installed/connected. Exhaust pipe shall be properly supported. 46 CFR 13.205(c)

Essential systems or equipment must be regularly tested and examined. Tests and examinations must verify that the system or equipment functions as designed. If a component is found unsatisfactory, it must be repaired or replaced. Port steering gear rudder linkage appeared heavily corroded at its midsection thus compromising its functionality. Hydraulic linear actuator for the port rudder had several grease hoses disconnected and holding pin was able to be lifted by hand. Repair port steering gear assembly as designed by manufacturer. 46 CFR 143.245 (a)

Piping and machinery components that exceed 220 °C (428 °F), including fittings, flanges, valves, exhaust manifolds, and turbochargers, must be insulated. Port exhaust pipe was missing lagging. Add lagging to exposed parts of the exhaust piping system. 46 CFR 143.220

Electrical systems and equipment must function properly and minimize system failures and fire and shock hazards. Battery cables were laying on deck and were not properly secured. Failure of such may result on a possible tripping and electrical hazard. Run battery cables with adequate support preventing the risk from someone tripping or disconnecting the cables by accident. 46 CFR 143.400(a)

Decks and bulkheads designed to be watertight or weathertight must be maintained in that condition. Aft engine room, exhaust stack bulkhead, and deck including vents for the engine room were damaged by collision. Crop and renew affected area by the collision and repair to its original condition. Repair must be conducted to the satisfaction of a CG Marine Inspector prior re-issuance of the COI.

Rails or equivalent protection must be installed near the periphery of all decks accessible to crew. Aft 2nd deck handrails and aft main deck bulwarks was severely damaged by the collision. Crop and renew affected area and repair to its original condition to the satisfaction of CG Marine Inspector prior re-issuance of COI. 46 CFR 144.800

The owner or managing operator must implement procedures to identify and mitigate health and safety hazards, including but not limited to: slips, trips, and falls. Stern deck grating support brackets are heavily corroded and several welds are cracked compromising the integrity of the platform. Repair to satisfaction of CG Marine Inspector prior re-issuance of COI. 46 CFR 140.510(a)(2)

Piping and tanks exposed to the outside of the hull must be made of metal and maintained in a leak free condition. Slop tank located on the aft of the main deck is severely damaged. Vessel shall repair tank to its original condition prior being used. 46 CFR 143.270

The officer in charge of a navigational watch must keep the navigation assessment up-to-date to reflect changes in conditions and circumstances. This includes updates during the voyage or trip as necessary. At each change of the navigational watch, the oncoming officer in charge of the navigational watch must review the current navigation assessment for necessary changes. A navigation assessment entry must be recorded in the TVR, official log, or in accordance with the TSMS applicable to the vessel. Master of the vessel couldn't provide objective evidence of such record. Provide record of navigational assessment and logbook entries during upcoming annual inspection. 46 CFR 140.635(b)&(d)

If a dedicated storage cabinet is provided it must be secured to the vessel so that it does not move. Flammable storage locker was not secured to the bulkhead or deck. Secured flammable locker to prevent movement while underway. 46 CFR 142.225(c)

The following systems must be equipped with gauges at the machinery location: (1) Main engine lubricating oil pressure and main engine RPM. Port and starboard engine room gauges do not show accurate readings. Calibrate and/or renew gauges accordingly. 46 CFR 143.230(c)

Essential systems or equipment must be regularly tested and examined. Tests and examinations must verify that the system or equipment functions as designed. If a component is found unsatisfactory, it must be repaired or replaced. Port steering gear hydraulic linear actuator pin is missing its cotter pin thus preventing from being lifted. Tiller linkage is bent and corroded. A coat of anti-corrosion paint has been applied but condition still appears to be compromised. Repair port steering gear assembly as designed by manufacturer prior re-issuance of COI. 46 CFR 143.245 (a)

A towing vessel subject must maintain a TVR. The TVR must include a chronological record of events as required by this subchapter. Electronic logbook and/or "Helms" system used for record-keeping did not have any chronological entry of the incident/casualty. Additionally, items required to be recorded as per 46 CFR 140.915 were not evident during inspection. Provide objective evidence of accurate record keeping of all entries required per 46 CFR 140.915 to include essential systems required tests listed on 46 CFR Table 143.245(b) prior re-issuance of COI. 46 CFR 140.910(b)&(c)

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. Although installed in a battery tray, starting batteries for generators were not properly secured and/or supported. Battery tray and conductors were loose. Battery tray could easily be tipped which can allow for starting battery to come out and create an electrical fire hazard. Additionally, there is a freshwater overflow pipe on the starboard bulkhead which is dripping water within one foot from the starboard engine battery. This pipe appeared to be originally connected to the bilge but has now being cut. Crew temporarily put duct tape to prevent water from coming out. Light fixture on same area is shattered. Starboard bow winch motor junction box gland is broken and conductors are exposed. Light fixtures on same location (fwd) conductors are exposed to the environment and not properly fitted inside the fixture. Engine exhaust supporting brackets and flanges were missing several hardware. Repair all mentioned items to prevent any fire and/or shock hazards to the satisfaction of a Coast Guard marine inspector prior the re-issuance of the COI. 46 CFR 143.205(a)

All bilges and voids are kept free from accumulation of combustible and flammable materials and liquids insofar as practable. Excessive fuel oil leakage into engine room bilge via atomizing spray from #2 generator fuel supply line.

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. PORT SIDE MAIN ENGINE LOW LUB OIL PREEUSRE ALARM IS INOPERABLE.

Provide on board a stern light that is visibile for 135 degrees.

Vessel is required to have a EPIRB due to her route off the coast of Fla.

Provide on board vessels a manchinery guard for #1 generator pully.