HOTC IV

On a vessel of at least 26 feet in length, a visual and audible alarm must be provided at the operating station to indicate a high water level in a space with a through-hull fitting below the deepest load waterline, such as a lazarette. The bilge high level alarm for the lazarette space was found to be inoperable.

Vessels which are not documented must be identified by numbers which may have been assigned in accordance with 33 CFR 173. No person may operate a vessel to which this part applies unless they have on board in hard copy or digital form a valid certificate of number for that vessel issued by the issuing authority in the State in which the vessel is principally operated. Registration certification could not be provided for the vessel.

A hatch cover must be attached to the hatch frame or coaming by hinges, captive chains, or other devices of substantial strength to prevent its loss. The securing device for the lazarette hatch cover was found to be separated.

Each crew member, upon first being employed and prior to getting underway for the first time on a particular vessel and at least once every three months, shall be instructed as to the expected duties to perform in an emergency. Abandon ship, man overboard, and fire fighting drills, conducted every three months, and training shall be logged or otherwise documented for review by the Coast Guard upon request. The last logged drill was noted to be 01JUN2025. Drills are logged quarterly as opposed to every three months and not all crew participate in drills the required frequency.

Each ring life buoy on a vessel must be approved in accordance with 46 CFR 160.050 (Subchapter Q). At least one ring life buoy must be fitted with a lifeline. Each ring life buoy with a floating waterlight must have a lanyard and, if the vessel only carries one ring buoy, the waterlight must be attached to the lanyard with a corrosion-resistant clip. The retro-reflective tape on the ring buoy, the 60 feet of lifeline, and the floating waterlight lanyard were all found to be deteriorated. The corrosion-resistant clip was found to be seized shut.

Immediately after the addressing of resultant safety concerns, the owner, agent, master, or person in charge of a vessel involved in a marine casualty shall notify the nearest Sector Office, Marine Inspection Office, or Coast Guard Group Office whenever a vessel is involved in a marine casualty consisting of loss of main propulsion or primary steering. The owner, master, agent, or person in charge shall, within five days, file a written report of any marine casualty. This written report is in addition to the immediate notice required by 185.202. This written report must be delivered to a Coast Guard Sector Office, or Marine Inspection Office. It must be provided on Form CG-2692. On or about 07NOV2025, the vessel experienced a steering casualty while operating with passengers. Vessel representatives did not report the loss of steering and a completed CG-2692 has not been provided at this time.

At each initial and subsequent inspection for certification, the owner or managing operator shall be prepared to test the steering systems of the vessel and make them available for inspection to the extent necessary to determine that they are in suitable condition and fit for the service intended. During an operational test of the steering system, the Marine Inspector witnessed an excessive amount water entering the lazarette through the rudder post.

All machinery and equipment must be installed and maintained in such a manner as to afford adequate protection from causing fire, explosion, machinery failure, and personnel injury. Defect in electrical harness resulted in failure to start engine. Repair to the satisfaction of Coast Guard Marine Inspector.

A vessel must comply with the applicable design, equipment, personnel, procedures, and record requirements of 33 CFR parts 151, 155, and 156. Vessel missing garbage placard. Install placard.

A vessel that is exposed to salt water more than three months in any 12 month period since the last examination must undergo a drydock examination and an internal structural at least once every two years. The vessel is overdue for its drydock and internal structural examinations.

Propulsion machinery must be suitable in type and design for propulsion requirements of the hull in which it is installed and capable of operating at constant marine load under such requirements without exceeding its designed limitations. Vessel must prove to marine inspector that cause has been repaired and repairs are satisfactory.

On a vessel of at least 7.9 meters in length, a visual and audible alarm must be provided at the operating station to indicate a high water level in each norally unmanned spaces. Repair high level alarm in steering compartment.

Gauges to indicate engine cooling water discharge temperature and lubricating oil pressure shall be provided for all propulsion engines and located so as to be in view of the operator. Repair gauges. 46 CFR 182.20-5

COLREGS Rule 21 Sidelights means a green light on the starboard side showing an unbroken light over an arc of the horizon of 112.5 degrees. Sternlight means a white light placed as nearly practicable at the stern showing an unbroken light over an arc of the horizon of 135 degrees. Repair both starboard side light and sternlight. Vessel limited to day light hours until repaired.

At each initial and subsequent inspection the marine inspector shall examine and test the main and aux. steering apparatus to the extent necessary to determine that its condition is satisfactory and its is fit for the dervice intended. Rudder packing gland is leaking and a constant stream of water is entering into vessel. Repair gland to working condition. 46 CFR 176.25-35

Batteries should be effectively screened by a cage or similar structure to minimize the danger of accidental spark through dropping a metal object across terminals. 46 CFR 183.05-20

Rails or equivalent protection shall be installed near the periphery of all weather decks accessible to passengers and crews. Repair railing on the AFT part of the vessel. 46 CFR 177.35-1

Rails or equivalent protection shall be installed near the periphery of all weather decks accessible to passengers and crews. Repair dilapidated section of cable in AFT of vessel.

Gages to indicate engine cooling water discharge temperature and lubricating oil pressure shall be provided for all propulsion engines. Repair/ replace oil pressure gage.

The discharge ends of vent pipes shall be fitted with removable flame screens or flame arresters. The flame screen shall consist of a single screen of corrosion resistant wire of at least 30 x 30 mesh. Replace missing vent screen.

A vessel must carry one floating water light, unless it is limited to day time operation. Water light does not work.

Each portable fire extinguisher on a vessel must be of an approved type. Missing a 2-A portable extinguisher.

The master and crew of a vessel will be familiar with the content of and have mounted at the operating station,emergency instructions containing actions to be taken in the event of fire,heavy weather, or man over board conditions.

On a vessel of at least 26ft. in length, a visual and audible alarm must be provided at the operating station to indicate a high water level . Engine compartment bilge alarm does not work.

Hatches on vessel need to be secured with wire.

The lazarette bilge alarm was inop.

The stern light was inop. Restricted to daytime operations only.

The water light needs to be attached to the body of the life ring with a quick release clip.

The shaft packing was leaking excessively.

The raw water hose was supported with string. There needs to be a fixed bracket.

Vessel must not have any twist on type wire connections.

Vessel was missing a permanently affixed pollution placard.

Vessels starboard side navigational light was inoperable. Vessel restricted to daytime operations only until light is in working condition.

Steering gear shaft was leaking excessively.

Items in the vessels first aid kit were expired.

Vessel did not have a valid means of randomly testing crew or have a valid drug and alcohol program.