ST LUCIE

A vessel must be operated in accordance with applicable laws and regulations and in such a manner as to afford protection against hazards to life, property, and the environment. The vessel master's CPR and First Aid certification expired in 2024. Provide objective evidence of completion for a Coast Guard-approved CPR and First Aid course to the CG Marine Inspector. 46CFR140.205

The employer shall provide an Employee Assistance Program (EAP) for all crewmembers. The employer may establish the EAP as a part of its internal personnel services or the employer may contract with an entity that will provide EAP services to a crewmember. Vessel was unable to provide evidence of a current Employee Assistance Program. Provide evidence of a current Employee Assistance Program to the USCG Marine Inspector. 46CFR16.401

Closure devices 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. The devices must be suitable for the expected route. Overhead of E/R superstructure has a plate that is not permanently welded to the existing steel and is not a hatch or access panel. Propose permanent repairs prior to work.

The cognizant OCMI may require of a vessel’s watertight and weathertight integrity. This review may be performed by an individual who meets the requirements of 144.140. The review may include an examination of a plan that shows the original placement of decks and bulkheads. 04 openings in E/R superstructure are covered with plexiglass material. Propose suitable repairs to OCMI, prior to repair or provide report proving this was from original design/construction.

To stop the flow of fuel in the event of a fire or break in the fuel line, a remote shutoff valve must be fitted on any fuel line that supplies fuel directly to a propulsion engine or generator prime move. (c) The valve must be installed in the piping directly outside of the fuel oil supply tank. Current remote valve is second to main valve and separated by a non-metallic piping/hose. Move shut off valve to closest valve or replace hose with hard pipe (metallic).

Electrical connections must be suitably installed to prevent them from coming loose through vibration or accidental contact. Permanent fixed blowers in E/R are not hard wired but plugged into an outlet. hard wire blowers.

Electrical connections must be suitably installed to prevent them from coming loose through vibration or accidental contact. E/R main lighting is not permanently hard wired but plugged into existing outlets, hard wire E/R lighting.

Except as provided by 164.01(b),each towing vessel must be equipped with the following navigational safety equipment: (b) each towing vessel must carry on board and maintain the following, charts or maps, (2) general publications (ii) Vessel is missing the following; Coast Pilot [name withheld] to Mariners Tide tables Current tables

A towing vessel subject to this subchapter and choosing the Coast Guard inspection option, or required to have the Coast guard inspection option, must undergo an annual inspection within 3 months before or after the COI anniversary date. Vessel was not ready for inspection nor had a valid crew onboard at the time of inspection and now has exceeded 3 months past its COI anniversary date. Vessel is prohibited from commercial service until a satisfactory annual inspection can be completed.

The fuel shutoff valve must be operable from a safe place outside the space where the valve is installed. Vessel's remote fuel shutoff cable was inoperable. 46 CFR 143.260(d)

Each towing vessel must carry the survival craft specified in Table 141.305 of this section, as appropriate for the towing vessel, in an aggregate capacity to accommodate the total number of individuals onboard. Vessel's liferaft was not onboard at time of the inspection. 46 CFR 141.305(d)(1)

Each cargo ship equipped with a radiotelephone station in accordance with Part II of Title III of the Communications Act must carry a radio operator who meets the following requirements: Where the station power does not exceed 1500 watts peak envelope power, the operator must hold a marine radio operator permit or higher class license. Provide evidence of a valid FCC Radio Operator Permit for vessel master(s). Vessel route is restricted to 1,000 feet from shore until rectified. 47 CFR 80.159(c)(1)

Emergency lighting must be provided for all internal crew working and living areas. Vessel did not have emergency lighting installed. l46 CFR 143.410(b)

Each towing vessel operating in oceans and coastwise service must have a line throwing appliance approved under approval series 160.040. Vessel's line throwing apparatus expiration date could not be determined. Provide proof of expiration or valid pyrotechnic charge for line throwing apparatus prior to operating in coastwise service. 46 CFR 141.385

Each towing vessel must be equipped with navigation lights, shapes, and sound signals in accordance with the International Regulations for Prevention of Collisions at Sea (COLREGS) or 33 CFR part 84 as appropriate to its area of operation. Vessel was not equipped with navigational day shapes. 46 CFR 140.720

The emergency duties and duty stations required by this section must be posted at each operating station and in a conspicuous location in a space commonly visited by crewmembers. Vessel does not have an emergency station bill posted for crewmembers. 46 CFR 140.405(c)

Towing vessels must be equipped with a fathometer. Vessel's fathometer was not installed (wired) at the time of the inspection. 46 CFR 140.725(a)

The following systems must be equipped with gauges at the machinery location: Main engine lubricating oil pressure and Auxiliary generator engine lubricating oil pressure. Vessel's oil pressure gauges for the starboard main engine and the starboard generator were inoperable at the machinery location. 46 CFR 143.230(c)

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 following alarms must be provided: Low hydraulic steering fluid levels, Auxiliary generator engine low lubricating oil pressure; Auxiliary generator engine high cooling water temperature. Alarms must be visible and audible at each operating station. Vessel is not equipped with indication at the operating station for required alarms listed above. 46 CFR 143.230(a)&(b)

Essential systems or equipment must be regularly tested, examined and recorded: Alarm setpoints - Twice every 5 years, with no more than 3 years elapsing since last test. Vessel has no record of required tests for alarms. 46 CFR 143.245(b)

Employers must maintain records of chemical tests. Drug and alcohol program information unavailable at time of inspection. Vessel owner/operator must provide current proof of consortium enrollment and random testing results for vessel crewmembers prior to those crewmembers operating on vessel. 46 CFR 16.260 46 CFR 16.230

Each towing vessel must undergo a drydock and internal structural examination at the following intervals: (1) A vessel that is exposed to salt water more than 6 months in any 12-month period since the last examination or initial certification must undergo a drydock and internal structural examination at least twice every 5 years, with not more than 36 months between examinations. Vessel was due for a drydock and internal structural examination on 31JAN24. 46 CFR 137.300(a)

A towing vessel must carry a combination of day (6) and night (6) visual distress signals indicated in Table 141.370, for a total of 12 distress signals. Vessel only had 1 day and 8 day/night signals. 46 CFR 141.375(a)

The EPIRB must be stowed in its float-free bracket with the controls set for automatic activation and be mounted in a manner so that it will float free if the towing vessel sinks. The hydrostatic release for the EPIRB was expired. 46 CFR 141.380(b)

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. The grease lines for the rudder posts were rusted and corroded and need to be replaced. 46 CFR 143.205(a)

A Towing vessels must meet the communications requirements of 33 CFR part 26. Each vessel must carry a certificate with a valid endorsement while subject to the Bridge-to-Bridge Act. Vessel did not have a certificate with Bridge-to-Bridge endorsement. 46CFR140.715(a) 33CFR26.03(a)(3) 47CFR80.1001

All fire-detection systems on board the vessel must be inspected or tested at least once every 12 months. The annual service for the vessel's fire-detection system was due in December 2021. 46 CFR 142.240(a)

Each distribution panel on a towing vessel must be totally enclosed to prevent shock hazards. The breaker panel in the pilothouse is missing its door. 46 CFR 143.560(a)(2)

Electrical systems and equipment must function properly and minimize system failures and fire and shock hazards. The refrigerator was powered by extension cords that were daisy chained and hanging above the stove in the galley creating a fire hazard. 46 CFR 143.400(a)

Towing vessels must be equipped with an illuminated magnetic compass. The magnetic compass on board was not illuminated. 46 CFR 140.725(d)

Each EPIRB must be tested monthly. Tests must be recorded in the TVR. The EPIRB has not been tested monthly and logged in the TVR. 46 CFR 141.235 & 46 CFR 199.190(e)(2)

Each lifesaving appliance must be inspected monthly. Inspections must be recorded in the TVR. Lifesaving appliances have not been inspected monthly or logged in the TVR. 46 CFR 141.235 & 46 CFR 199.190(e)(1)

Portable and semi-portable fire extinguishers must be inspected monthly as required by NFPA 10. The records of inspections must be logged in the TVR. Fire extinguishers have not been inspected monthly or logged in the TVR. 46 CFR 142.240(a)(1)&(c)(1)

AIS must be maintained in effective operating condition, which includes... the ability to reinitialize the AIS and the ability to access AIS information from the primary conning position of the vessel. The crew was unable to properly use AIS. 33 CFR 164.46 (d)(2)

Each towing vessel must test the general alarm weekly. The test must be recorded in the TVR. The general alarm has not been tested weekly or logged in the TVR. 46 CFR 143.245(b)

Each towing vessel must have the means to monitor the rudder angle at each operating station. Vessel has no rudder angle indicator. 46 CFR 143.225(a)

All pressure vessels must have the MAWP indicated by a stamp, nameplate, or other means visible to the crew. The pressure vessel data plate and relief valves were found covered with white paint. Remove paint to display MAWP of pressure vessel and relief valves. 46 CFR §143.300

The owner, master, or operator of each vessel towing alongside or pushing ahead shall ensure that the face wires, spring lines, and push gear used—(a) Are appropriate for the vessel's horsepower;(b) Are appropriate for the arrangement of the tow;(c) Are frequently inspected; and(d) Remain serviceable. Provide documentation for the inspection of the tow line and terminal gear for towing. 33 CFR §164.76

Prior to getting underway, the master or officer in charge of a navigational watch of the vessel must examine and test the steering gear, signaling whistle, propulsion control, towing gear, navigation lights, navigation equipment, and communication systems of the vessel. This examination and testing does not need to be conducted more than once in any 24-hour period. The results of the examination and testing must be recorded in the TVR, official logbook, or in accordance with the TSMS applicable to the vessel. The master has not documented this testing in the logbook. Provide documentation in the logbook prior to getting underway. 46 CFR §140.615

The following list of items must be recorded in the TVR, official logbook, or in accordance with the TSMS applicable to the vessel:(1) Personnel records, in accordance with §140.400;(2) Safety orientation, in accordance with §140.410;(3) Record of drills and instruction, in accordance with §140.420;(4) Examinations and tests, in accordance with §140.615;(5) Operative navigational safety equipment, in accordance with §140.620;(6) Navigation assessment, in accordance with §140.635;(7) Navigation safety training, in accordance with §140.645;(8) Oil residue discharges and disposals, in accordance with §140.655;(9) Record of inspection of towing gear, in accordance with §140.820; and(10) Fire-detection and fixed fire-extinguishing, in accordance with §142.240. 46 CFR §140.915

The master of a towing vessel must ensure that each crewmember participates in fire-fighting drills and receives instruction at least once each month. The instruction may coincide with the drills, but is not required to do so. All crewmembers must be familiar with their fire-fighting duties, and, specifically how to:Fight a fire in the engine room and elsewhere onboard the towing vessel, including how to: Operate all of the fire-extinguishing equipment onboard the towing vessel;Stop any mechanical ventilation system for the engine room and effectively seal all natural openings to the space to prevent leakage of the extinguishing agent; and operate the fuel shut-off(s) for the engine room, activate the general alarm, and report inoperative alarm systems and fire-detection systems. Complete a fire drill in the presence of a marine inspector. 46 CFR §142.245

A towing vessel less than 65 ft, must have navigagtion lights that meet requirement 33 CFR 183.810 or Underwriters Laboratories (UL) standard 1104. The stern light is blocked by the engine room door when opened restricting visibility of the light from the starboard side of the vessel. Move the stern light so that it is visible by the required arc of visibility. 46 CFR §143.415

Each towing vessel must have installed high bilge level alarms. Provide high bilge level alarms IAW 142.230.

Paints, coatings, or other flammable or combustible products onboard a towing vessel must be stored in a designated storage room or cabinet when not in use. A designated cabinet must comply with UL 1275, FM 6050, or suitable steel container. Found the gasoline canister for fueling the portable fire pump stored in a plastic container on the 02 deck. 46 CFR 142.225

A towing vessel that is certificated for limited coastwise routes, constructed prior to August 27, 2003 shall be equipped with an approved 160-B fire extinguisher. Found the 160-B fire extinguisher installed on the deck above the engine room. There is no ladder or rail to gain access to the location of the 160-B fire extinguisher in the event of a fire. The extinguisher is too heavy to move from its location. Provide access to the extinguisher or relocate the extinguisher for easier access to fight fires in the engine space. 46 CFR 142.315(a)

All owners and operators of an existing towing vessel must have a valid COI prior to the specified phase-in period. This vessel is one of the 25% of the vessels that has not obtained a valid COI. The vessel shall be made available for a Coast Guard COI inspection. 46 CFR §136.202(a)

Vsl is broadcasting: Invalid MMSI, invalid Call Sign, and no dimension information (AIS Antenna Position ABCD values equals 0).