THE BIG KAHUNA

ATTENDED VESSEL OUT OF THE WATER ON 29SEP20 TO CONDUCT A DAMAGE SURVEY/DRYDOCK EXAM. UPON EXAMINATION, IT WAS NOTED THAT 2 SEPARATE COMPARTMENTS HAD SUSTAINED STRUCTURAL FAILURES AND NUMEROUS OTHER COMPARTMENTS WERE DEFORMED OR INSET. BASED ON THESE FAILURES WITHIN THE FIRST YEAR OF CERTIFICATED OPERATION AND VESSELS OF THE SAME BUILD OPERATING IN OTHER PORTS HAVING SUSTAINED SIMILAR FAILURES, FURTHER APPROVAL WILL BE REQUIRED IN ACCORDANCE WITH 46 CFR 177.340 BY SUBMISSION OF CONCEPTUAL DESIGN PLANS TO COMMANDING OFFICER, MARINE SAFETY CENTER FOR REVIEW AND APPROVAL.

Owner removed vessel from water without ensuring presence of marine inspector or providing notification after receiving written requirement and verbal notification of such requirement. Vessel crew discovered water ingress in aft port compartments (2). Manufacturer stated the hull is in recall status. Vessel is not authorized to operate until Coast Guard approval is granted.

The BIG KAHUNA is a new inspected small passenger vessel within the Sector Detroit Fleet. Concerns have been raised at the office of Commercial Vessel Compliance/CG Headquarters based on design and structure (HDPE compartmentalization). As a safety management process, OCMI may decrease the dry-dock examination intervals to monitor the vessel's structural condition. The vessel is certificated under the provision of 46 CFR 176.315 for non-standard construction. In order to establish that the design and construction of the vessel are adequate for the intended service, a hull inspection shall take place annually upon removing the vessel from the water for winter lay-up. Provide notification and ensure presence of Marine Inspector upon initial removal of the vessel from the water.

Gasoline fuel lines must run at or above the level of the tank top to a point as close to the engine connection as practicable. Lines below the level of the tank top are permitted if equipped with anti-siphon protection. Line shall be supported using non-ferrous metal straps with no sharp edges and are insulated to protect against corrosion. Fuel Line runs under the level of tank top. Vessel shall install fuel line as outlined above.

Fuel lines greater than 30 inches must be of USCG Type A1, A2, B1, B2, and installed with two clamps at both ends of hose. Installed hoses are not labeled and installed using zip ties. Vessel shall installed approved hoses with label and with proper clamps.