PATHFINDER

Each towing vessel must have a fire detection system installed to detect engine room fires. The heat sensing probe in the lower ER wasn't working during testing. Prove proper operation prior to movement

Pressure vessels must be equipped with one or more spring loaded relief valves. Repair existing relief valve and place new relief valves on each bottle within 30 days.

Each watertight door must be marked on both sides "WATERTIGHT DOOR-KEEP CLOSED" Mark both sides of the watertight door within 30 days.

46 CFR 144.905(b) Means must be provided to ensure that windows immediately forward of the operating station in the pilothouse allow for adequate visibility to ensure safe navigation regardless of weather conditions. Inoperable FWD center windshield wiper.

46 CFR 140.410(b)/ 46 CFR140.645 Prior to getting underway for the first time on a particular towing vessel, each crew member must receive a safety orientation. Unable to provide documentation that Safety Orientation for all crew and navigational training.

46 CFR 142.245/ 46 CFR 140.420 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, and ensure proper record keeping Crew not conducting monthly fire-fighting drills.

46 CFR 143.245 Each towing vessel must perform the applicable tests in Table 143.245(b) of this section. No record of general alarm, pressure vessel relief valves, alarm set points, and other essential systems (such as emergency fuel shut downs).

46 CFR 142.240 All portable fire extinguishers, semi-portable fire-extinguishing systems, fire-detection systems, and fixed fire-extinguishing systems, including ventilation, machinery shutdowns, and fixed fire-extinguishing system pressure-operated dampers on board the vessel, must be inspected or tested at least once every 12 months, as prescribed in paragraphs (a)(1) through (8) of this section, or more frequently if otherwise required by the TSMS applicable to the vessel. Fire Detection system hasn't been serviced in the past 12 months.

46 CFR 142.230(b) Towing vessels of more than 65 feet in length must carry the proper amount of portable fire extinguishers. Vessel is required to carry (2) 40-B portable fire extinguishers in the engine room, and (3) 40-B:C Throughout the vessel.

46 CFR 143.300 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. Pressure relief valves need to be installed on each tank to ensure MAWP is not exceed.

46 CFR 143.235 (b)(2) Each towing vessel must be fitted with a general alarm that: (2) Is capable of notifying persons in any accommodation, work space, and the engine room. Alarms above fridge in galley were obstructed.

Vessel must be equipped with a fixed firefighting system FFS (if not equipped with semi-portable 160-B extinguisher). IAW 46 CFR 136.110 FFS required to be approved by Commandant; Approval based on Installation IAW USCG approved manufacture's manual. FFS missing 2nd control (stop) valve as required for systems with more than 300 lbs of CO2.

FFS must be serviced every 12 months. Record not available showing FFS had been serviced w/in last 12 mo.

FFS must be tested as required by 46 CFR 147.60; Cylinders required to be tested every 12 years. Last test date stamped on cylinders head was in 2008.

A vessel must be operated in such a manner as to afford protection against hazards to life, property, and the environment. Fire alarm horn/strobe (high decibel audio & visual strobe light) located at operating station has potential to significantly distract master's ability to operate vessel in a safe manner during an emergency.

Fuel shutoff required 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 or prime mover; must be installed in the fuel piping directly outside of the fuel oil supply tank; must be operable from a safe place outside the space where the valve is installed; must be marked in clearly legible letters, at least 25 millimeters (1 inch) high, indicating the purpose of the valve and the way to operate it. The vessel's remote fuel shut off: a. Location of remote operation for forward fuel tank inaccessible. b. Inboard fuel supply line; remotely operated valve has disconnected reach rod. c. No remotely operated valve for aft fuel tank. d. Location of remote operation for forward fuel tank not labeled with purpose of operating instructions.

Engine Alarm set points required to be tested. Not tested. Test in the presences of a marine inspector.

Closure devices for hull penetrations. Exterior deck hatches (all) wasted compromising watertight integrity.

Radio station license (U.S. Army issued) not on board.

Each VHF radio operator must hold a restricted operator's license or higher. Operator not licensed.

The operator of each self-propelled vessel 12 meters or more in length shall carry and maintain for ready reference, a copy of these Rules. Copy not on board.

A vessel must be operated in such a manner as to afford protection against hazards to life, property, and the environment. Bilge alarm for sensor located in forward peak STBD, void #1 Port, and aft center (steering room) were inoperable.

Portable watertight containers for pyrotechnic distress signals must be of a bright color and must be clearly marked in legible contrasting letters at least 12.7 millimeters (0.5 inches) high with “DISTRESS SIGNALS”. Container not labeled as required.

For towing vessels with berthing aboard, a sufficient number of additional lifejackets must be carried so that a lifejacket is immediately available for persons at each normally manned watch station. There was no lifejacktet at the operator's station.

Each towing vessel must be operated in compliance with 33 CFR 155 & 156 (Prevention of oil pollution). Vessel does not have oil transfer procedures, equipment not tested, and Declaration of Inspections not incorporated.

A vessel must be operated in such a manner as to afford protection against hazards to life, property, and the environment. First aid kit contained expired items.

All portable fire extinguishers must be approved by the Commandant (CG-ENG) Approval includes use of a suitable bracket (46 CFR 162.028-3). Engine Room extinguishers were not in approved brackets.

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. Forward pressure vessel's gauge not suitable for application.

Rails or equivalent protection must be installed near the periphery of all decks accessible to crew. Second deck aft corner not equipped with protection.

An exposed hazard such as gears and rotating machinery, must be protected by a cover, guard or rail. a. Generator engines pulleys not protected. b. Steering rudder arms/connector bar not protected.

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. Engine room vent louvers missing connecting rod(s).

The inspection will ensure that the vessel is in satisfactory condition and fit for the service for which it is intended. Fire drill, Man over board, abandon ship drill to be completed in presence of a marine inspector prior to the issuance of a COI.