FREEDOM II

Each towing vessel must have a fire-detection system installed to detect engine room fires. The owner or managing operator must ensure the following: (iii)Visual alarm alarms to identify the zone or zones of origin of the fire. MI observed the required engine room fire-detection system is fitted with a heat detector in the galley wired into the same zone. When the galley detector is activated, the control panel visually identifies the fire's origin as the "ENG RM," which fails to accurately identify the actual zone of origin and compromises emergency response. This deficiency resulted in 02 failed fire drills originating in the galley. Establish an additional clearly identified zone for the GALLEY on the fire-detection panel or revise SMS procedures for vessel firefighting response when heat-detection panel activates for any and all detectors to the satisfaction of the marine inspector prior to movement.46 CFR 142.330(a)(4)(iii) 60c

The cognizant OCMI may require additional examinations of the vessel whenever he or she discovers or suspects damage or deterioration to hull plating or structural members that may affect the seaworthiness or fitness for the route or service of a vessel. These examinations may include a drydock examination. An internal structural examination of any affected space of a vessel, including its fuel tanks; MI identified areas of damage such as cracked welds, distorted and/or fractured structural members, and holes in the hull above the waterline throughout every void calling into question the vessel's seaworthiness. MI also found unauthorized repairs to the STBD stern bottom and side shell plating and associated structural members due to an unreported Marine Casualty from June 18th, 2026. Repairs had no USCG oversight and were not appropriately non-destructively tested. The bottom plate of the PORT and STBD potable water tanks were wasted up to 1/4". Conduct ultrasonic testing of the wasted areas in the potable water tanks, make repairs to all identified issues and complete satisfactory internal structural exam to the satisfaction of the MI. 46 CFR 137.300(b)(1) 705c

Each towing vessel must be fitted with a general alarm that:(2) Is capable of notifying persons in any accommodation, work space, and the engine room. MI observed the general alarm bell in the upper engine room covered with masking tape. 46 CFR143.235(a)(2) 10c

Each towing vessel must be fitted with a general alarm that: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”. MI observed no general alarm red light or signage visible from lower engine room. Install/relocate red light and signage visible in lower engine room. 46 CFR 143.235(b)(3) 16c

All seals and gaskets must be properly maintained to prevent leaks of flammable or combustible liquid, as those terms are defined in 46 CFR subpart 30.10, into the machinery space. MI observed numerous lube oil leaks on STBD SSDG. Repair lube oil leaks and clean generator windings on both SSDGs to the satisfaction of attending marine inspector. 46 CFR 143.220(a) 30c

The master of a towing vessel must ensure that drills are conducted and instructions are given to ensure that all crewmembers are capable of performing the duties expected of them during emergencies. This includes abandoning the vessel, recovering persons from the water, responding to onboard fires and flooding, or responding to other threats to life, property, or the environment. MI observed crew fail to effectively fight a fire twice during drills. Conduct a fire drill to the satisfaction of the attending marine inspector. 46 CFR 140.420(a) 30c

An exposed hazard such as gears and rotating machinery. MI observed no guards on rotating machinery of both SSDGs. Install guards to the satisfaction of the MI. 46 CFR 144.820 16c

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. MI observed water intrusion to the engine the engine room from a pipe penetration to the weather deck above STBD SSDG. Repair penetration to the satisfaction of the MI. 46 CFR 144.320(b) 16c

Every towing vessel of at least 8 meters (26 feet) or more in length must be in command of a Master of Towing Vessels, or a mariner holding an MMC endorsed as Master of inspected, self-propelled vessels greater than 200 GRT holding a License or MMC endorsed for Master of Towing Vessels. MI observed MMC for the captain on board was not endorsed as a master of towing vessels. There must be an endorsed master of towing vessels onboard. 46 CFR 15.805(a)(5)(ii) 60c

Essential systems or equipment must be regularly tested and examined. Tests and examinations must verify that the system or equipment functions as designed. If a component is found unsatisfactory, it must be repaired or replaced. Test and examination procedures must be in accordance with manufacturer's instructions. When reviewing vessel logs, MI observed the vessel has not conducted an emergency bilge pump test within the past 3 months. 46 CFR 143.245 60c

Towing vessels must be equipped with the following equipment, as applicable to the area of operation: Search light, controllable from the vessel's operating station and capable of illuminating objects at a distance of at least two times the length of the tow. During inspection of the wheelhouse and navigation systems, the port-side searchlight was tested and found to be inoperable. 46 CFR 140.725(b) 16c

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. During inspection, the engine room natural ventilation closures (dampers) were found severely wasted, degraded, and incapable of proper operation. Additionally, the closures were found tied and held in the open position with rope, rendering them incapable of being rapidly closed from outside the machinery space in the event of an emergency. 46 CFR 144.605 60c

A ship of 100 gross tons or more constructed before July 1, 1974, and a ship of 100 or more but less than 300 gross tons constructed after June 30, 1974 must: (1) Meet paragraph (a)(1) of this section; or (2) Equip each fuel oil or bulk lubricating oil tank vent, overflow, and fill pipe during oil transfer operations with a portable container of at least a 5 U.S. gallon capacity; or (3) If the ship has a fill fitting for which containment is impractical, use an automatic back pressure shut-off nozzle. During inspection of the weather decks, the spill containment (cofferdam) surrounding the fuel tank vent gooseneck was found to be holed. In its current condition, the port fuel fill containment is not incapable of holding fuel overflow or discharges, presenting an imminent risk of oil pollution into navigable waters. 33 CFR 155.320(b) 60c

The master must ensure that all hatches, doors, and other openings designed to be watertight or weather-tight function properly. MI observed, the external weathertight doors leading into the deckhouse and the engine room were examined and found to have lost their weathertight integrity. Specifically, the rubber gaskets were not making contact with knife edge, and several locking dogs were wasted, preventing the doors from being tightly secured. 46 CFR 140.610(b) 60c

Each lifebuoy on a towing vessel must: Be marked in block capital letters with the name of the vessel MI observed, both required ring lifebuoys were found to have severe weathering and deterioration of the vessel's marked name. 46 CFR 141.360(b)(4) 60c

The hose must be a lined commercial fire hose 15 meters (50 feet) in length, at least 40 millimeters (1.5 inches) in diameter, and fitted with a nozzle made of corrosion-resistant material capable of providing a solid stream and a spray pattern. MI observed fire hose was leaking at nozzle end and the nozzle attached was unable to produce a spray pattern or turn off flow. Replace fire hose and nozzle to the satisfaction of the MI. 46 CFR 142.325(d) 30c

Each towing vessel must be maintained and operated so as to minimize fire hazards and to ensure the following: (a) All bilges and void spaces are kept free from accumulation of combustible and flammable materials and liquids insofar as practicable. MI observed excessive fuel oil and lube oil in engine room bilge. 46 CFR 142.220(a) 30c

Electrical equipment, piping for flammable or combustible liquid, seawater cooling, or fire-fighting systems must be provided with isolation devices and markings as follows: (c)Click to open paragraph tools Piping for flammable or combustible liquid, seawater cooling, or firefighting systems must be fitted with isolation valves that are clearly marked by labeling or color coding that enables the crew to identify its function. MI observed fire/bilge pump suction valves not labeled or color coded indicating functioning. bilge suction submerged in fuel oil and lube oil. 46 CFR 143.250(c) 30c

Lifejackets must have the following attachments and fittings: (1) Each lifejacket must have a lifejacket light approved under approval series 161.012 or 161.112 securely attached to the front shoulder area of the lifejacket. (2) Each lifejacket must have a whistle firmly secured by a cord to the lifejacket. MI observed master's lifejacket did not have a whistle or light attached. 46 CFR 141.340(g) 30c

The owner, managing operator, or master must ensure that all persons on board a towing vessel comply with the health and safety plan. MI observed vessel's head was severely lacking proper sanitation and potable water had a sewage smell and was unusable. 46 CFR 140.500(b) 30c

Immediately after addressing resultant safety concerns, the owner, agent, master, operator, or person in charge, must notify the nearest Coast Guard units, to include Sector, Marine Safety Unit, Coast Guard District or Area Offices whenever a vessel, floating OCS facility, or MODU to which this part applies is involved in a marine casualty consisting of— A loss of main propulsion, primary steering, or any associated component or control system that reduces the maneuverability of the vessel. Vessel failed to report loss of propulsion due to failure of PORT main engine to the Coast Guard. Company has since replaced main engine. 46 CFR 4.05-1(a)(3) 10c

Fire-detection systems. Except as provided in paragraph (a)(8) of this section, each towing vessel must have a fire-detection system installed to detect engine room fires. The owner or managing operator must ensure the following:(1) Each detector, control panel, remote indicator panel, and fire alarm are approved by the Commandant under approval series 161.002 or listed by a NRTL as set forth in 29 CFR 1910.7. MI observed heat detector in upper room was covered with masking tape. 46 CFR 142.330(a)(1) 10c

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 bow had substantial damage to the hull with major cracking and hull damage throughout.

Each towing vessel must carry at least one appropriately-sized lifejacket, for each person on board. For towing vessels with berthing aboard, a sufficient number of additional lifejackets must be carried so that a lifejacket is immediately available for persons at each normally manned watch station. The vessel was missing 1 spare life jacket, vessel manning is limited to 04 POB until it is onboard.

Emergency lighting sources must provide for sufficient illumination under emergency conditions to facilitate egress from each space. The upper E/R light was inop.

Machinery systems must be maintained to provide for safe operation of the towing vessel and safety of persons onboard under normal and emergency conditions. The stbd engine had a raw water leak.

Closure devices must be provided for the deckhouse or hull penetrations, which open to the exterior of the vessel and which may allow water to enter. Marine Inspector observed standing water in watertight void spaces leading to the main deck. Upon further examinaton, all main deck watertight hatches opening into fwd void and aft voids were not maintaining watertight integrity. Repair all watertight deck hatches to ensure the watertight integrity of the spaces served. Additionally, the H-bit on the stbd side main deck aft was observed to have a broken horn with expansion foam inside affected area. O/O must determine if the broken horn area communicates with the shell of the vessel compromising the watertight envelope of the hull.

A towing vessel that is: Certificated for rivers must be equipped with an approved B-V semi portable fire extinguishing system to protect the engine room. The vessels semi-portable extinguisher is not suitably located to reach all areas of the E/R in the event of a fire.

Personnel dispatched from the vessel or that are working in an area on the exterior of the vessel without rails and guards must wear a lifejacket meeting requirements in 46 CFR 141.340, an immersion suit meeting requirements in 46 CFR 141.350, or a work vest approved by the Commandant under 46 CFR subpart 160.053. Three (3) work vests were found to be deficient requiring replacement.

Each lifejacket must have a whistle firmly secured by a cord to the lifejacket. Lifejackets in various crew berthing areas were not equipped with whistles.

Closure devices must be provided for the deckhouse or hull penetrations, which open to the exterior of the vessel and which may allow water to enter. MIs observed electrical piping penetrations on the main deck stern leading into the E/R that were not weathertight.

An exposed hazard such as gears and rotating machinery, must be protected by a cover, guard or rail. A guard was missing from the stbd fwd winch.

Pressure vessels over 5 cubic feet in volume and over 15 pounds per square inch maximum allowable working pressure (MAWP) must be equipped with an indicating pressure gauge (in a readily visible location) and with one or more spring-loaded relief valves. The total relieving capacity of such relief valves must prevent pressure from exceeding the MAWP, as established by the manufacturer, by more than 10 percent. MIs observed the pressure relief valve not marked with the relief setting. O/O must provide evidence to support the installed relief valve setting or replace the relief valve.

Pressure vessels over 5 cubic feet in volume and over 15 pounds per square inch maximum allowable working pressure (MAWP) must be equipped with an indicating pressure gauge (in a readily visible location). Pressure gauge on the stbd air receiver was broken.

Closure devices must be provided for the deckhouse or hull penetrations, which open to the exterior of the vessel and which may allow water to enter. MIs observed the fwd WTD leading to the galley to have visible light penetrating thru the knife edge.

Towing vessels must be equipped with the following equipment, as applicable to the area of operation: Search light, controllable from the vessel's operating station and capable of illuminating objects at a distance of at least two times the length of the tow. MIs observed search lights non operational.

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. Lighting in the crew spaces was insufficient for emergency egress.

A non-oceangoing ship of 100 gross tons and above that is fitted with an engine room must have at least one pump installed to discharge oily mixtures to a reception facility. Pipe outlet must be accessible from weather deck, have a connection compatible with local facilities, and must have a stop valve at the outlet of the deck connection. Pump and piping system for oily mixtures was missing. Install system.

A towing vessel certificated for Rivers must have a 160-B extinguisher to protect the engine room. 160-B was onboard, but hose was unable to properly reach the engine room. Ensure 160-B is positioned to properly reach to the engine room.

Each towing vessel that operates solely on Rivers need not carry a survival craft of it carries a 406 MHz Cat 1 EPIRB. EPIRB was onboard, but was not installed or registered. Properly install and register EPIRB.

Each crew berthing must have smoke detectors meeting UL 217. Smoke detector in 2nd deck port side berthing was not operating. Repair detector.

All towing vessels must ensure that all hatches and other openings designed to be watertight or weathertight function properly. All circular void hatch covers on main deck were loose and could not be tightened. Repair hatch covers to ensure watertightness.

Pressure vessels over 5 cubic feet must have properly operating spring loaded relief valves meeting the requirements of 46 CFR 143.300. The relief valve for the starboard receiver was missing. Install relief valve.

Each towing vessel must have an alarm provided for low hydraulic steering fluid levels, when applicable. Alarms tests were unable to be witnessed by attending USCG Inspectors. Ensure alarms are tested and provide report of testing to USCG Marine Inspectors or test alarms in presence of USCG Marine Inspectors.

Portable emergency lights must be available in wheelhouse and near the engine room. Portable light for wheelhouse was missing. Place portable light in wheelhouse.

Handrails must be installed near periphery of all decks accessible to crew. Engine Room rails were cracked. Repair handrails.

Machinery must be maintained to provide safe operation of the towing vessel and safety of persons onboard under normal and emergency conditions. Hose on port air receiver was worn and needs to be replaced. Replace hose.

Lifebuoy lights must be approved under approval series 161.010 or 161.110, which includes proper mounting of lights in brackets. Floating lights on wheelhouse were missing brackets. Install proper brackets.

Provide proof that vessel's crew is participating in random drug testing in accordance with 46 CFR 16.

The owner or managing operator must implement a health and safety plan. Provide copy of health and safety plan in accordance with 46 CFR 140.500 through 46 CFR 140.515.

NO OILY WASTE/SLOP RETENTION SYSTEM & DISPOSAL. [33 C.F.R. 155.330]

NEEDS THE NAME AND HAILING PORT CLEARLY DISPLAYED ON THE STERN. WITH DURABLE MARKINGS AND LETTERING ,NOT LESS THAN, 4 INCHES IN HEIGHT. [46 C.F.R. 67.123(b)]

[withheld — contains personal information; the deficiency system, dates, and resolution status are shown above]

NO CURRENT EDITION OR CURRENTLY CORRECTED EDITION OF A MARINE CHART OF THE AREA TRANSITED. [33 C.F.R. 164.72(b)(1)]

DIDN'T HAVE A COAST GUARD LIGHT LIST ON BOARD TUG._x001C_ [33 C.F.R. 164.72(b)(3)(i)(A)]

NO COAST GUARD "NOTICE TO MARINERS" OR US ARMY CORPS OF ENGINEERS "NOTICE TO NAVIGATION" FOR TRANSITTING THE AREA. _x001C_ [33 C.F.R. 164.72(b)(3)(i)(B)]

NEEDS TO REPLACE BROKEN STARBOARD SIDE GREEN LENS. THE COVER WAS TEMPORARILY REPAIRED BY PLACING DUCT TAPE OVER THE TOP OF THE LENS.[33 C.F.R. 84.09]

TOP TOW LIGHT IS NOT OPERATIONAL. [33 U.S.C. 2024(i)]

MARINE SANITATION DEVICE O/B WAS MISSING POSTED PLACARD REQUIRED OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS, SAFETY PRECAUTIONS, AND WARNINGS PERTINENT TO THE DEVICE._x001C_ [33 C.F.R. 159.59]

NO B-II FIRE EXTINGUISHER HAS A METALLIC NAME PLATE.

NO 5"X 8"PROHIBIT DISCHARGE OF OIL PLACARD POSTED.

NO FIXED INTERNAL OILY WASTE/SLOP PUMPING SYSTEM INSTALLED ON BOARD VSL. DOCUMENTATION REVEALED THAT TOWBOAT IS MORE THAN 100 GT AND OPERATES IN NAVIGABLE WATER OF THE U.S.

NO OIL TRANSFER PROCEDURES ON BOARD THE VESSEL.

MISSING THE RECORDS FOR REQUIRED TESTS AND INSPECTIONS. _x001C_ [33 C.F.R. 164.78(b)]

ALL FIVE FIRE EXTINGUISHER O/B WERE NOT IN SERVICEABLE CONDITION. _x001C_[46 C.F.R. 25.30-20(a)(1)]

EMPLOYEE ASSISTANCE PROGRAM (EAP) EDUCATIONAL / HOTLINE INFORMATION IS NOT POSTED. [46 C.F.R. 16.401(a)]

VESSEL (OVER 40 FT) MUST OBTAIN A WASTE MANAGEMENT PLAN.

VESSEL HAS NO CAPACITY TO RETAIN OILY MIXYURES ONBOARD.

VESSEL IS NOT EQUIPPED TO DISCHARGE OILY MIXTURES TO A RECEPTION FACILITY

VESSEL MUST OBTAIN ENOUGH TYPE I PFD'S FOR THE ENTIRE CREW.

VESSEL IS TO OBTAIN A VALID FCC RADIOTELEPHONE CERTIFICATE.

VESSEL IS TO OBTAIN A COPY OF THE INLAND NAVIGATION RULES.

[withheld — contains personal information; the deficiency system, dates, and resolution status are shown above]

VESSEL MUST INSTALL MAGNETIC COMPASS.

VESSEL MUST INSTALL ECHO DEPTH SOUNDING DEVICE.

VESSEL MUST OBTAIN A CURRENT LIGHT LIST

VESSEL MUST OBTAIN AN UPDATED LIST OF NOTICE TO MARINERS

VESSEL MUST OBTAIN A CURRENT COPY OF RIVER CURRENT TABLES.

VESSEL MUST CONDUCT AND LOG TESTS AND INSPECTIONS AT LEAST 24 HOURS PRIOR TO VOYAGE OR WHEN A NEW MASTER ASSUMES COMMAND AS REQUIRED BY 33 CFR 164.80(a).

VESSEL MUST GENERATE OIL TRANSFER PROCEDURES PRIOR TO ITS NEXT FUEL TRANSFER.

VESSEL MUST OBTAIN A DISCHARGE OF PLASTICS OR GARBAGE PLACARD.