ANTHONY TAYLOR

46 CFR 137.200 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 went past their drop dead date for an annual inspection (24 FEB 24) without conducting an inspection. Vessel's COI has been invalidated. Vessel is prohibited from operating or moving prior to satisfactory completion of a COI renewal inspection by Coast Guard Sector Mobile.

A towing vessel must be maintained and operated so the watertight integrity and stability of the vessel are not compromised. Vessel had wastage and hole in the hull below the waterline with active flooding during inspection. Company to provide repair proposal prior to permanent repair.

Means must be provided for for closing, in case of fire, each doorway, ventilator, and annular space around funnels and other openings into such spaces. Ventilation closures to machinery space would not close.

Exposed hazards such as gears and rotating machinery must be protected by a cover, guard, or rail. Found exposed rotating machinery on Port and STBD engines. Provide protective cover for rotating machinery.

The master must ensure that all lifesaving equipment is properly maintained and ready for use at all times. EPIRB hydrostatic release is expired and lifejacket lights need to be replaced with approved lights.

Propulsion machinery, including main engines, reduction gears, shafting, bearings, and electrical equipment and systems, must be maintained to ensure proper operation. Vessel had active leak from hydraulic oil tank.

Each towing vessel must be equipped with a means to detect smoke in the berthing spaces and lounges that alerts individuals in those spaces. Smoke detectors are not functioning as intended.

Vessels must be manned in accordance with the COI. Manning requirements are contained in part 15 of this chapter. Vessel has been operating with manning levels less than required by COI. Prior to operating provide voyage plan vessel is manned in accordance with COI. 46 CFR 140.205(c)

If the master or officer in charge of a navigational watch believes it is unsafe for the vessel to proceed, that an operation endangers the vessel or crew, or that an unsafe condition exists, he or she must ensure that adequate corrective action is taken and must not proceed until it is safe to do so. Vessel got underway on 1/21/21 with logs documenting crew unsure if vessel could safely operate and respond to emergencies. Prior to operating provide master must ensure vessel can operate safely and respond to emergencies. 46 CFR 140.210(b)

The officer in charge of a navigational watch must conduct a navigation assessment for the intended route and operations prior to getting underway. Nav assessments not conducted for each voyage. Prior to operating nav assessment must be conducted. 46 CFR 140.635(a)

The master of a towing vessel must ensure that drills are conducted. MI's could only find records of one MOB drill over the past year and no records of fire drills. Drills required prior to operating 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. 46 CFR 140.420(a)

All portable fire extinguishers, semi-portable fire-extinguishing systems, fire-detection systems, and fixed fire-extinguishing systems, including ventilation, machinery shutdowns, and fixed fire-extinguishing system pressure-operated dampers on board the vessel, must be inspected or tested at least once every 12 months. No record of fire detection system had been serviced, additionally system was in fault. System to be serviced and functioning as intended. 46 CFR 142.240(a)

The portable fire pump must be self-priming and power-driven, with a nozzle made of corrosion-resistant material capable of providing a solid stream and a spray pattern. Vessel had no nozzle for pump. 46 CFR 142.325(e)(3)

Electrical systems and equipment must function properly and minimize system failures and fire and shock hazards. Light hanging from engine room with exposed wires. 46 CFR 143.400(a)

Supervisory personnel must receive at least 60 minutes of training (EAP). Master could not provide proof of training. 46 CFR 16.401(b)

Alarms must be visible and audible at each operating station. High bilge level alarm was audible but did not have visual indicator. 46 CFR 143.230(b)(1)

A towing vessel must carry adequate and up-to-date charts, maps, and nautical publications for the intended voyage. Vessel did not have up-to-date charts. Required for next voyage for areas of intended voyage. 46 CFR 140.705(b)

A towing vessel subject to this subchapter and choosing the Coast Guard inspection option must undergo an annual inspection within 3 months before or after the COI anniversary date. Vessel 3 month window from anniversary date was 24 Feb 22. Vessel prohibited from operating until annual inspection is completed by CG. 46 CFR 137.200

All portable fire extinguishers, semi-portable fire-extinguishing systems, and fixed fire-extinguishing systems required by this part must be approved. Portable extinguishers not with approved brackets, some missing and some zip tied. 46 CFR 142.215(a)

Failure to have a COI

Vessel must have either a fixed firefighting system or a semi-portable 160-B to protect the engine room. Vessel had no dedicated means of engine room fire protection. Provide acceptable engine room fire protection.

The vessel master must ensure that the vessel's lifesaving equipment is in good working order. Found life-float in a severely deteriorated condition.

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. Vessel could not provide documentation system meets requirements in 46 CFR 142.330.

Exposed hazards such as gears and rotating machinery must be protected by a cover, guard, or rail. Found port engine fly wheel, belts, and pulleys not covered and presenting a significant hazard to personnel. Provide protective cover for rotating machinery.

Vessels must have reliable high bilge alarms to notify in the event of an emergency situation. Found high water alarm float switch mounted on the deck plate significantly higher than bilge level. Relocate float switch to a location to provide early and reliable alarm in the event of flooding.

Each life float and rigid buoyant apparatus must be fitted with a lifeline, pendants, a painter, and a floating electric water light approved under series 161.010. Survival craft missing all required equipment. 46 CFR 141.325(c)

Each crew member that is required to hold a MMC must have the credential on board and available for examination at all times when the vessel is operating. Captain did not have MMC on board.

Each ship subject to bridge to bridge act must have on board a radio operator who holds a restricted radiotelephone operator permit or higher class license. Captain did not have proof of permit on board. 47 CFR 80.163

EAP training program - Supervisory personnel must receive at least 60 minutes of training. Captain could not provide document of training.

Each towing vessel must have a reliable means to provide notification when an emergency condition exist or an essential system develops problems that require attention. Vessel does not have alarms as required.

Each towing vessel must have a means to monitor and control the amount of thrust, rudder angle, and if applicable direction of thrust at each op station. Ruder angle indicator is not operating as intended.

Each towing vessel much be fitted with general alarm, and in high noise areas a visual and audible alarm. Visual alarm indicator was not tied into general alarm in machinery space.

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. Battery box covers missing, battery box has liquid/water at the bottom, wiring under wheelhouse had hydraulic fluid on wiring.

Each towing vessel must be operated in compliance with 46 CFR 140.655. Vessel has automatic bilge pump in engine room that can/will pump oily water overboard automatically when sensor detects high level.

Each towing vessel must be equipped with an industrial type first aid cabinet or kit, appropriate to the size of the creq and operating conditions. Vessel first aid kid does not meet standard.

Each exhaust pipe from an internal combustion engine which is within reach of personnel must be insulated or otherwise guarded to prevent burns.

A towing vessel must carry adequate and up to date charts, maps, and nautical publications for the intended voyage. Vessel did not have all required publications.

A towing vessel must be maintained and operated so the watertight integrity and stability of vessel are not compromised. Cable penetration in engine room goes through watertight boundary and is not watertight.

A towing vessel must be maintained and operated so the watertight integrity and stability of a vessel are not compromised. Shaft seal leak is exessive on STB shaft.

Towing vessel must carry a combination of day and night visual distress signals indicated in table 141.370 for specified areas where the vessel operates. Vessel needs 6 day and night flares.

Vessel did not have MMSI number associated with applicable equipment.

Pressure vessels over 5 cubic feet in volume and over 15 PSI max allowable working pressure must be equipped with an indicating pressure gauge and spring loaded relief valve. All pressure vessels must have MAWP indicated by a stamp, nameplate or other means. One pressure vessel is missing relief valves, one does not have name plate.

Vessel did not have emergency lighting for crew working and living areas.

At lest one lifebuoy must have a lifeline, secured around the body of the lifebuoy. If more than one is carried, at least one must not have a lifeline attached. Vessel had lifelines attached to each lifebuoy.

Each towing vessel must be equipped with at least one fire axe that is readily accessible for use from the exterior of the vessel. Axe was not readliy accessible.

Railing around perimiter of vessel was severely wasted posing a hazard to crew working. Repair as necessary. Railing does not affect WT integrity.

Master of towing vessel must ensure that the vessel's lifesaving and fire supression and detection equipment complies with regs. Portable fire pump was stowed in original box, unopened.

On September 26, 29 and October 2, 6 2020, the ANTHONY TAYLOR and MATTHEW NICOLE were underway despite failing to obtain a COI. The vessels previously failed Sub M COI in service inspection on September 24, 2020 and were instructed and provided documentation by marine inspectors at USCG Sector Mobile that the vessels cannot operate until they successfully obtain a COI.

On September 26, 29 and October 2, 6 2020, the ANTHONY TAYLOR was underway under the direction and control of an unlicensed master. The company was aware of his unlicensed status and admitted that he has been employed by the company for approximately 40 years serving in the master position.

Electrical systems and equipment must function properly and minimize system failures and fire and shock hazards. Electrical enclosure missing backing under stairwell. 46 CFR 143.400(a)

An existing towing vessel subject to this subchapter will remain subject to Coast Guard regulations applicable to the vessel on July 19, 2016 until either July 20, 2018 or the date the vessel obtains a COI, whichever date is earlier. Due to the company not meeting the requirements of 46 CFR 136.202(a)(2), Marine Inspectors attended vessel to ensure compliance with Subchapter M. Upon attendance attending MI's discovered objective evidence that the vessel is not in compliance with Subchapter M. Vessel is required to meet one of the following: either have the vessel surveyed in accordance with 46 CFR parts 137.215 and 137.220 by a qualified surveyor as stated in 46 CFR 139.130 OR an inspection completed by the CG. The vessel will be required to have a COI prior to operating. Objective Evidence to include but not limited to; - No Bilge Alarm - Excessive oily water in bilge - No ventilation covers - No record keeping - No Semi portable - General Electrical Safety 46 CFR 136.172