LUSK

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. There are two, approximately 4ft x 3ft holes cut into the aft engine room bulkhead to accommodate the location of the vessel's Z drives. Current configuration does not allow ventilation to be secured to the engine room in case of fire. Additionally, holes pose a risk of down flooding in the engine room. Repairs must be made prior to movement. Submit repair proposal to [name withheld] changes to the vessel's original structure or arrangement will require plan approval in accordance with 46 CFR Part 144.

The owner and managing operator must ensure that the towing vessel is in compliance with this subchapter and other applicable laws and regulations at all times. Engine room has multiple deficiencies including fuel leaks, disconnected wiring, and debris scattered throughout the engine room including: tools, parts, trash and drums and buckets of flammable liquids.It is evident that owner/operator is not proactively managing the vessel. Vessel is required to undergo full COI inspection prior to operation.

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. Port generator is inoperable.

Propulsion machinery, including main engines, reduction gears, shafting, bearing, and electrical equipment and systems must:be maintained to ensure proper operation. During the 20APR2022 deficiency check it was discovered the STBD Z-drive was inoperable. Vessel shall complete repairs and operationally test the STBD Z-drive unit to the satisfaction of the attending marine inspector.

Each towing vessel must carry at least one appropriately sized approved lifejacket for each person onboard. There were no approved lifejackets onboard. Vessel shall have one approved lifejacket onboard for each person onboard.

The master must ensure that all lifesaving equipment is properly maintained and ready for use at all times. All the life rings onboard were weathered to the point that the plug was rotted off and the grab lines were falling apart. The vessel shall be fitted with new or well maintained life rings.

Fire hoses must be fitted with a nozzle made of corrosion resistant material capable of providing a solid stream and a spray pattern. None of the fire hoses onboard were fitted with a nozzle. Each fire hose shall be fitted with an appropriate nozzle.

Each towing vessel must be fitted with a general alarm. There is no general alarm installed onboard. Vessel shall install a general alarm or identify a USCG approved alternate means to notify all persons onbard of an emergency.

Compressed gas cylinders must always be secured and, when not in use, stowed in a rack in an upright position with the valve protection cap in place. Observed an unsecured oxygen/acetylene cylinder combo on the deck. Vessel shall store and secure these compressed gas cylinders as required by regulation.

Each towing vessel must be equipped with an illumintaed magnetic compass or swing meter (western rivers only). the vessel did not have either installed onboard. The vessel shall install an illuminated magnetic compass or swing meter onboard the vessel.

Each towing vessel must be equipped with an industrial type first aid cabinet or kit, appropriate to the size of the crew and operating conditions. All the first aid kits onboard were observed to be expired. Vessel shall replace the first aid kits onboard in compliance with the regulations.

Towing vessels must carry a combination of day/night visual distress signals. Vessel did not have distress signals onboard. Vessel shall place the appropriate types and quantities of visual distress signals onboard.

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. The vessel did not have any of the alarms or gauges required by 46CFR143.230. The vessel shall install the required alarms and gauges onboard the vessel.

Records of drills and instruction must be maintained in the TVR or official logbook. There are no records of the required drills and instruction onboard. The master of the vessel shall record and maintain the records of all required drills in accordance with the regulations.

A towing vessel must maintain a Towing Vessel Record (TVR). There is no TVR onboard. Vessel shall create and maintain a TVR onboard and make it available for inspection by the Coast Guard.

The master of each towing vessel must ensure the personnel records required by 46 CFR 140.400 is recorded, logged, and maintained onboard. There are no personnel records onboard. Vessel shall meet the personnel records requirements of 46 CFR 140.400

Fire detection system design and installation must be certified by a registered professional engineer [name withheld] letter was not available for review. The PE letter must be made available for review by a USCG inspector.

The owner/operator must implement other types of safety control measures before relying on PPE. One of the fire extinguishers in the engine room was too large for the provided mount and was sitting unsecured on the deck creating a potential safety hazard. The extinguisher shall be secured to a mount approved for this type of extinguisher or removed and replaced with an approved fire extinguisher with a proper mount.

The owner/operator must implement procedures to identify and mitigate health and safety hazards, including: (7) Electrical. There were mulitple locations where there were exposed wires and inoperable light fixtures. The vessel shall correct all electrical issues prior to the scheduled deficiency check on 20APR2022