LADY SAMOA IV

Openings in class “A” divisions shall be provided with permanently attached means of closing. The port side interior passenger seating area door closing mechanism was not attached, and a port side exterior door locking mechanism did not latch closed.

Maintenance of life-saving appliances shall be carried out in a manner having due regard to ensure reliability. The fast rescue boat had damage to the bow that had been improperly repaired and the port bow had unrepaired damage exposing the fiberglass lay-up.

The condition of the ship shall be maintained to ensure that it will remain remain fit to proceed to sea without danger to the ship or persons onboard. There are three sharp insets on the starboard quarter of the transom at water level. Internally, there are bent frames.

Every ship 400 gross tons and above, shall carry a garbage management plan which the crew shall follow. The crew was in- correctly logging garbage categories for disposal.

Unless expressly provided otherwise, launching and embarkation appliances complying with the requirements of section 6.1 of the Code shall be provided for all survival craft. While crew was demonstrating the launching of the starboard lifeboat the stern of lifeboat and aft section of davit continued to lower the lifeboat to the water, while the bow and forward section of davit stayed stationary, leaving the lifeboat hanging above the water at a 45 degree angle until making way into the water stern first. SOLAS 2014 (cons.) REG 16.1/LSA CODE CHAPTER VI 6.1.1.1 40 b c

At least one of the rescue boats on a ro-ro passenger ship shall be a fast rescue boat complying with section 5.1.4 of the code. Vessels crew was not able to start engine and operate the fast rescue boat. SOLAS 2014 (cons.) REG 26.3.1 40 b c

Copies of the submitted and approved VRP must be available as follows - The vessel owner or operator must ensure that they maintain one English language copy of the VRP and a copy of the Coast Guard approval letter, onboard the vessel.While conducting a review of the vessel's plans, the PSCO found that the vessel did not have a copy of the approved VRP onboard and did not have a copy of the VRP approval letter on board. When asked about the vessel response plan, the vessel's crew provided a "response plan" with a written bolded statement reading, "this vessel response plan addresses USCG regulations as stated in 33 CFR Part 155, for non tank vessels." However, the provided plan did not have any Qualified Individual information, WCD calculations, contact information for the NRC, or marine salvage and firefighting information and demonstrably does not meet the requirements of 33 CFR 155.

A vessel owner or operator must comply with the VRP exercise requirements of 33 CFR 155.1060. The following are the minimum exercise requirements for vessels covered by this chapter: Qualified individual notification exercises, which must be conducted quarterly.While conducting a documentation review the PSCO found that the vessel did not have any records for a qualified individual notification exercise. When asked, the crew did not appear to know who the qualified individual was or what their role is, and were unaware of the requirements to conduct a quarterly qualified individual exercise. The vessel did not have a copy of the vessel response plan onboard so that a qualified individual notification exercise could be conducted. A vessel owner or operator must comply with the VRP exercise requirements of 33 CFR 155.1060.

The vessel owner or operator shall ensure that adequate exercise records are maintained as required: on board the vessel, records of the qualified individual notification exercise and the emergency procedures exercise.While conducting the document review, the PSCO found that the vessel did not have records for the qualified individual notification exercise or the emergency procedures exercise, and the crew were unfamiliar with the requirements to have records of these exercises.

Before the ship leaves port and at all time during the voyage, all lifesaving appliances shall be in working order and ready for immediate use. PSCO observed vessel crew was unable to start the starboard lifeboat. 74 SOLAS (2020) CH III REG 20.2

Every inflatable liferaft shall be serviced at intervals not exceed 12 months. PSCO's observed that the vessels liferafts were past the required 12 month servicing date. 74 SOLAS (2020) CH III REG 20.8.1.1

A passenger ship intended to carry 36 or more persons is to be capable of of withstanding damage along the side shell to an extent specified in paragraph 3. During an examination of the engine room and associated machinery spaces, the PSCO discovered that 03 sliding wateright doors, did not properly seal and allowed light to pass through, preventing the vessel from complying with the subdivision requirements of regulation 8.2 74 SOLAS (2020) CH II-2 REG 8.2

All openings in the expose weather deck shall have comings of ample height and strength and shall be provided with efficient means for expeditiously closing them weathertight. While conducting an examination of the RoRo cargo space, PSCO observed that the aft loading gate had 2 holes in it which permitted the passage of light from the weather deck into the interior of the cargo space. Upon reviewing the vessel’s damage control plan, it was revealed that the plan listed the aft gate as a weather tight gate. The holes present in the gate prevent it from being weather tight as water can freely communicate from the exterior of the vessel into the interior of the vessel. 74 SOLAS (2020) CH II-1 REG 17.2

Every second engineer office of a seaEvery Chief mate on a seagoing ship of between 500 and 3,00 gross tonnage shall hold a certificate of competency. While reviewing the chief mates certificate of competency the PSCO found that he was limited to vessels under 500 gross tonnage, the vessel, LADY SAMOA IV is 1,200 gross tonnage. STCW 2011 CH II REG II/2

Every officer in charge of a navigational watch serving on a seagoing ship of 500 gross tonnage or more shall hold a certificate of competency. While reviewing the second and third mates certificate of competencies the PSCO found that they were limited to vessels under 500 gross tonnage. The vessel, LADY SAMOA IV is 1,200 gross tonnage. STCW 2011 CH II REG II/1.1

Every seafarer holding a certificate issued under he previsions of this convention shall hold a valid medical certificate. During certificate review the PSCO discovered that none of the vessel's crew had their STCW Medical Certificates. STCW 2011 CH 1 REG I/9.3

At least two crews of each fast rescue boat shall be trained and drilled regularly having regard to the STCW Code. While conducting a review of crews' certificates of competencies the PSCO discovered that no crew member had received Fast Rescue Boat training nor held a fast rescue boat training certificate or endorsement. 74 SOLAS (2020) CH III REG 26.3.3

Any changes relating to the entries referred to in paragraphs 3.4 to 3.12 shall be recorded in the Continuous Synopsis Record. While conducting a review of documents, PSCO observed that the current CSR issued 14NOV2024 listed NKK as the class society. NKK reported that they stopped being the class society for the vessel in OCT of 2024, due to vessel missing required surveys. 74 SOLAS (2020) CH XI-I REG 5.4.1

A passenger ship shall be subject to the surveys specified... the surveys referred shall be carried out as follows: A complete inspection of the ship's structure, machinery, and equipment including those used in life-saving, fire fighting, and fire protections... the laws, decrees, orders, and regulations referred to in paragraph (b) of this regulation shall be in all respects such to ensure that the ship is fit for the service for which it is intended. During the cert and document review aboard the vessel, the PSCO discovered that the PSSC had been issued on 14NOV2024. However, the PSCOs found all six life rafts had been expired for the past five months, that the EPIRB hydrostatic releases had been expired for the last 5 months, and that fire doors in A boundaries, in passenger spaces, had been replaced with plywood doors that had a sliding bolt, and that the vessel had not been conducting or keeping records for weekly or year inspections of lifesaving or firefighting equipment, suggesting that a survey of lifesaving and fire protection equipment never took place. 74 SOLAS (2020) CH I REG 7 (a), (b), (c)

The company identification number shall be inserted on the certificates and certified copies thereof issued under regulation IX/4. While conducting a review of vessel documentations, PSCO's observed that the CSR, which was issued 14NOV2024, did not have the owner/operator/company's IMO number present. 74 SOLAS (2020) CH XI-1 REG 3-1.4

Every totally enclosed lifeboat shall be provided with a rigid watertight enclosure which will completely enclose the lifeboat. While conducting an examination of the port lifeboat, the PSCO observed water accumulating inside the lifeboat, measuring approximately an inch in depth. When asked, the second mate indicated that the port lifeboat had bad gaskets and that rain water was accumulating inside. 74 SOLAS (2020) CH III Reg 21.1.1.2 LSA Code CH IV Reg 4.6.2

All lifeboats except free-fall lifeboats shall be provided with at least one drain valve fitted near the lowest point in the hull, which shall automatically open to drain water from the hull when the lifeboat is not waterborne and shall automatically close to prevent entry of water when the lifeboat is waterborne. While in the stowed position the PSCO observed the port lifeboat had filled with an inch of water and it was not draining. LSA Code CH IV Reg 4.4.7.1 18 LSA Code CH IV

The following tests & inspections shall be carried out weekly and entered into a log book: All survival craft visual inspection. PSO found that the vessel had no weekly inspection records. 74 SOLAS (2020) CH III Reg 20.6.1-.4

The launching mechanism shall be so arranged that it may be actuated by one person from a position within the survival craft. While conducting a deck walk, the PSCO observed that the remote control wires for lowering the port and starboard lifeboat from inside the lifeboats, were missing their handles and hanging outside of the lifeboats, preventing them from being used to lower the lifeboats internally. LSA CH VI Reg 6.1.2.2

On all passenger ships each lifejacket shall be fitted with a light complying with the requirements of paragraph 2.2.3 of the code. While conducting an examination of lifejackets near the lifeboats the PSCO observed that 30 of the adult life jackets did not working water activated lights and none of the infant lifejackets had water activated lights attached. 74 SOLAS (2020) Chap III, Reg 22.3.1

Maintenance, testing and inspections of life-saving appliances shall be carried out in a manner having due regard to ensuring reliability of such appliances. While conducting a deck walk, PSCO observed that the EPIRB hydrostatic releases had expired back in July of 2024 and that the liferaft hydrostatic releases were marked to expire in 2027, despite being hammar model releases that must be replaced every two years, no one on the crew was sure of what date the hydrostatic releases were installed on the liferafts. 74 SOLAS (2020) CH III Reg 20.3.1

Maintenance, testing, and inspections shall be carried out based on the guidelines developed by the organization *MSC.1/Circ.1432 The vessel does not have records of weekly, tri-monthly, or yearly inspections requirements for firefighting systems. 74 SOLAS (2020) CH II-2 Reg 14.2.2.1

The company is responsible for ensuring adequate resources. While conducting an examination of smoke detectors, the vessel ran out of test spray after the third smoke detector. 74 SOLAS (2020) CH IX Reg 3.1 ISM Code 2010 Reg 3.3

The company should ensure that all personnel involved in the company's safety management system have an adequate understanding of relevant rules, regulations, codes, and guidelines. The PSCO observed that the chief mate and second mate were unfamiliar with ship security requirements, maintenance requirements for lifesaving appliances, maintenance requirements for firefighting equipment, and did not have certificates of competencies appropriate for the gross tonnage of the vessel. 74 SOLAS (2020) ISM Code 2011 Reg 6.4

The company should establish procedures, plans, and instructions for key shipboard operations. The PSCO observed that the vessel did not have procedures or equipment in place to test heat detectors. ISM Code 2011 Reg 7

Doors and door frames in “B” class divisions and means of securing them shall provide a method of closure which shall have resistance to fire equivalent to that of the division. PSCO found "B" class door was missing its door handle leaving a hole penetrating through it in the passenger restaurant area. 74 SOLAS (2020) CH II-2 Reg 9.4.1.2.1

The construction of doors and door frames in A class divisions shall provide resistance to fire as well as the passage of smoke and flames equivalent to the bulkhead. The PSO observed that the passenger seating area labeled restaurant had two exterior doors, one on port and one starboard, in an A class boundary that were faced with plywood, were not self closing, did not have a fire rating, and did not meet the specifications of the fire control plan. 74 SOLAS (2020) CH II-2 Reg 9.4.1.1.2

Escape doors from public spaces that are normally latched shall be fitted with a means of quick release. PSCO observed that the plywood faced fire doors and the B-15 door missing the handle could not be quickly opened once secured, trapping passengers inside the restaurant space. 74 SOLAS (2020) CH II-2 Reg 13.3.2.6.2

Fire extinguishers shall be situated in such a way that their serviceability is not impaired. PSCO observed galley fire extinguisher bracket was broken and the extinguishers was found laying on its side in dry stores. 74 SOLAS (2020) CH II-2 Reg 10.3.2.4

Before the ship leaves port and at all times during the voyage, all lifesaving appliances shall be in working order and ready for immediate use. Rescue boat found with canopy structure broken off. Vessel retains maneuverability and propulsion. 74SOLAS(22)III/20.2, CODE 50BC

Before the ship leaves port and at all times during the voyage, all lifesaving appliances shall be in working order and ready for immediate use. Port lifeboat found unable to start. Passenger count reduced by 50. Max persons onboard is 247. 74SOLAS(20)III/20.2, CODE 50BC

The fire integrity of the divisions shall be maintained at openings and penetrations. Following doors required to be self closing, did not close: 1. Bridge deck door to aft ladder well. 2. Boat deck port side ladder well door. 74 SOLAS(17)II-2/9.1.3, 50ac

Every ship shall be provided with an EPIRB which shall be capable of floating free if the ship sinks. Starboard side EPIRB found permanently affixed to bulkhead underneath overhang, not a float free arrangement. 74SOLAS(17)IV/7.1.6.4, 50ac

Electrical installations shall be such that the safety of passengers, crew, and ship from electrical hazards will be ensured. Two fixed "DAIKIN" air conditioners in deck four passenger accommodation space are not grounded. 74SOLAS(17)40.1.3, 50ac

A foreign-flag vessel of any size, using the waters...destined for a place subject to the jurisdiction of the United States shall have Certificate of Financial Responsibility, that is required by the Oil Pollution Act of 1990 (OPA 90). Vessel does not have a COFR. 33CFR138.15(a)

A self-propelled vessel that is 400 gross tons or more is required to have an oil spill response plans for nontank vessel Response Plan (NON-TK VRP). Vessel is 1,200 GT and does not have an approved NON-TK VRP. 33CFR155.5015(a)(4)

The master, owner, operator, agent, or person in charge of a vessel equipped with ballast tanks that operates in the waters of the United States must employ one of the following : 1.) a install and operate a ballast water management system (BWMS) that has been approved by the Coast Guard under 46 CFR part 162... Vessel has a ballast water system with no management plan or a BWMS. 33CFR151.2025

Ships engaged on international voyages shall be fitted with an electronic chart display and information system (ECDIS) for passenger ships of 500 gross tonnage (GT) and upwards constructed on or after 01JULY2012. Vessel's ECDIS has not been updated. 74SOLAS(20)V/19.2.10.1

A fixed fire detection and fire alarm system for passenger ships shall be capable of remotely and individually identifying each detector and manually operated call point, Vessel's manual call point (02213) is not functioning. 74SOLAS(20)II-2/7.2.4

Where necessary, non-conducting mats or gratings shall be provided at the front and rear of the switchboard. Vessel emergency switchboard does not have non-conducting mats or gratings around the switchboard. 74SOLAS(20)II-1/45.2