MARTIN EXPRESS

Vessel discoved 1-1/2" hole in the lower/bow slope of the barge impairing the water tight intergrity.

Machinery and electrical systems must be designed and maintained to provide for safe operation of the towing vessel and safety of persons on board under normal and emergency conditions. Vessel reported a reduction of propulsion to the port engine in the vacinity of Bayport, TX while transiting south through Houston Ship Channel bound for Galveston, TX. Vessel secured engine and will return to La Porte, TX to be attended by TPO for repairs. Vessel will provide the technician's report attesting to proper repair and cuase of the reduction in propulsion to the port engine. Vessel shall rectify deficiency listed aboce to the satisfaction of the U.S. Coast Guard or TPO report prior to returning vessel back to operations. // 466 CFR 143.205(a)

RECOMMEND THAT THE NAME AND HAILING PORT BE PERMANENTLY AFFIXED TO THE STERN OF THE VESSEL.

PLACE MACHINERY GUARDS ON ALL ROTATING MACHINERY IN THE ENGINE ROOM.

RECOMMENDED THAT THE NAME OF THE VESSEL BE STENCILED ON THE BOTH LIFEBOUYS.

NAME OF VESSEL NOT ON BOW.

NAME AND HAILING PORT NOT ON STERN.

VESSELS MARINE SANITATION DEVICE'S OVERBOARD DISCHARGE VALVE WAS LEFT OPEN THUS BY-PASSING THE MSD AND DISCHARGING RAW SEWAGE, ISSUED NOV #TK00099806.

OPERATOR DOES NOT HAVE A RESTRICTED RADIO OPERATOR LICENSE.

LIFE RING BOUYS ON BOARD ARE WORN AND NOT SERVICEABLE.