TERRY REGLIN

(b) Each towing vessel must be fitted with a general alarm that: (1) Is activated at each operating station and can notify persons onboard in the event of an emergency; (2) Is capable of notifying persons in any accommodation, work space, and the engine room; (3) Has installed, in the engine room and any other area where background noise makes a general alarm hard to hear, a supplemental flashing red light that is identified with a sign that reads: “Attention General Alarm—When Alarm Sounds or Flashes Go to Your Station” Genral alarm did not sound during op-test. Make repairs to alarm and show proper operation.

Means must be provided for... for closing, in case of fire, each doorway, ventilator, and annular space around funnels and other openings into such spaces. MI observed rotten plywood ventilation closures on engine room exhaust stack. 46 CFR 144.605

When conducting an examination of a towing vessel as required by this subpart, the surveyor must determine whether any defect, deterioration, damage, or modifications of the hull and related structure and components may adversely affect the vessel's seaworthiness or fitness or suitability for its route or service. Marine inspector observed significant scaling in bow void and steering voids. Bow void was found to have wastage in excess of 75% and evidence of water intrusion through bottom plate. Port aft steering void wasted weld found shimmed and improperly repaired. Significant pitting found on side shell and bottom plate of vessel. Clean and descale voids and conduct complete UT for hull thickness of vessel side shell and bottom plate to determine extent of wastage. 46 CFR 137.325(a)

Examine the exterior of the hull, including bottom, sides, headlog, and stern, and examine all appendages for damage, fractures, wastage, pitting, or improper repairs. Submit repair proposal for wasted bottom plate on bow, port aft steering void, damaged push knees, and bow void cable transit to the satisfaction of the marine inspector. 46 CFR 137.330(a)(1)

Examine the rudders for damage, the upper and lower bearings for wear, and the rudder stock for damage or wear. MI found starboard rudder bushing cap dislodged and deteriorating welds along previous repair to port and starboard rudders. Repair to the satisfaction of the MI.

Electrical systems and equipment must function properly and minimize system failures and fire and shock hazards. Open end wires found on the Port VHF radio. Properly cap unused wires.

All towing vessels must have at least one properly operating handheld VHF-FM radio in addition to the radios otherwise required... Portable radio not onboard.

AIS must be maintained in effective operating condition... AIS was not properly transmitting vessel's position.

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 and must be either: (1) Automatic, battery-operated with a duration of no less than 2 hours: or (2) non-electric, phosphorescent adhesive lighting strips that are installed along escape routes and sufficiently visible to enable egress with no power. E-lighting missing. Properly install emergency lighting/phosphorescent adhesive on the required egress routes stated.

Closure devises must be provided for deckhouse or hull penetrations, which open to the exterior of the vessel and which may allow water to enter the vessel. These devices must be suitable for the expected route. Repair all improperly installed scuttle clamping devices, and replace WTD gaskets.

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. TIMCO alarms were not alarming in the pilot house to include: High bilge alarm, Main engline low lube oil pressure, main engine high cooling water temperature, generator low lube oil pressure, generator high cooling water temperature, low hydraulic steering fluid levels. Alarms must be visible and audible at each operating station. The alarm located at the operating station may be a summary alarm... Make repairs to all called alarm set points, and provide proof of proper function to the requirements of 46 CFR 143.230.