LARIAT

A towing vessel must carry adequate and up-to-date charts for the intended voyage, including electronic charts acceptable to the Coast Guard, of appropriate scale to make safe navigation possible. No current edition or currently corrected edition of navigation charts, paper or electronic were onboard. 46 CFR 140.705(b)(1)

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. No stern light installed, anchor light inoperable, and masthead light blocked by RADAR. 46 CFR 140.720

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, or a work vest approved by the Commandant under 46 CFR subpart 160.053. When worn at night, the work vest must be equipped with a light that meets the requirements of 46 CFR 141.340(g)(1). Work vests worn by crew are not approved by referenced cite nor equipped with lights. 46 CFR 140.430(a)

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. These devices must be suitable for the expected route. Hatch for machinery space entry from deck did not properly close therefore was not watertight. 46 CFR 144.320(b)

Each watertight door and watertight hatch must be marked on both sides in clearly legible letters at least 25 millimeters (1 inch) high: “WATERTIGHT DOOR—KEEP CLOSED” or “WATERTIGHT HATCH—KEEP CLOSED”. Machinery space access hatch was not properly marked. 46 CFR 144.160(e)

Fuel systems for towing vessel main engines and generators must have a documented maintenance plan to ensure proper operation of the system. The operator was unable to provide evidence of a documented maintenance plan. 46 CFR 143.255(a)

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. Fuel lines and hydraulic steering lines were found chaffed and unsuitable for service. 46 CFR 143.205(a)

Each towing vessel must perform the applicable tests in Table 143.245(b) of this section. The tests required by this section must be recorded in accordance with part 140 of this subchapter. Alarm setpoints - Twice every 5 years, with no more than 3 years elapsing since last test. No evidence of testing machinery alarm setpoints was provided. 46 CFR 143.245(b)

At least one lifebuoy must have a lifeline, secured around the body of the lifebuoy. Each lifebuoy with a floating electric water light must have a lanyard securing the water light around the body of the lifebuoy. Lifebuoys were found with lifelines and water lights secured around the grabline and not the body of each lifebuoy. 46 CFR 141.360(c)(1) 46 CFR 141.360(c)(4)

A towing vessel must carry a combination of day and night visual distress signals indicated in Table 141.370 of § 141.370 for specified areas where the vessel operates. Vessel missing 02 type approved distress signals. 46 CFR 141.375

There must be an installed or portable bilge pump for emergency dewatering. Submersible bilge pump in engine room was not secured to prevent rising in the event of flooding. Secure pump to the bilge area. 46 CFR 143.275

The owner, managing operator, or master must ensure the following: the strength of each component used for securing the towing vessel to the tow and for making up the tow is adequate for its intended service. Port aft wire found with two strands broken near mooring button. Replace wire. 46 CFR 140.801

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 failed to undergo annual inspection by 18JAN25 deadline. Complete inspection prior to conducting commercial operations. 46 CFR 137.200

The Coast Guard inspector or surveyor conducting this examination must: Examine the exterior of the hull, including bottom, sides, headlog, and stern, and examine all appendages for damage, fractures, wastage, pitting, or improper repairs. Identified hole in starboard corner of lazarette, 3” below the main deck. 46 CFR 137.330

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. Vent closure devices were seized in open position so that securing ventilation in case of fire would not be easily achieved. 46 CFR 144.605

Each towing vessel must be equipped with navigation lights, shapes and sound signals IAW the COLREGS. Identified fracture in triangular bracket supporting the three navigation lights on top of pilothouse.

Each towing vessel must be equipped with navigation lights, shapes and sound signals IAW the COLREGS. Anchor light housing was not properly secured. 46 CFR 140.720

Windows and other openings at the operating station must be of sufficient size and properly located to provide a clear field of vision for safe operation in any condition. Starboard pilot house window fractured and sealed with duct tape. 46 CFR 144.905(a)

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. These devices must be suitable for the expected route. MI noted missing gasket on pilot house door. 46 CFR 144.320

Electrical equipment and electrical cables must be suitably protected from wet and corrosive environments. Identified several dead end wires on cable box on top of pilothouse and old cable penetrations in pilothouse.46 CFR 143.400(f)

Unless other means are provided to ensure that a potential waste receptacle fire would be limited to the receptacle, waste receptacles must be constructed of noncombustible materials with no openings in the sides or bottom. Identified plastic trash cans onboard. 46 CFR 144.425

All seals and gaskets must be properly maintained to prevent leaks of flammable or combustible liquid... into the machinery space. Hydraulic system has leak and deteriorated hose. Repair systems to the satisfaction of the marine inspector. 46 CFR 143.220(a)

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. Fuel shut off valve is not labeled and an unsecured bolt was being utilized as a handle. Install permanent fuel shut off handle and label with sign stating it is the fuel shut off valve. 46 CFR 143.250(c)

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... Each towing vessel must perform the applicable tests in Table 143.245(b) of this section. Vessel is currently not completing required testing. Develop procedures to complete testing on schedule. 46 CFR 143.245

Towing vessels must be equipped with the following equipment, as applicable to the area of operation: Illuminated magnetic compass... The compass or swing-meter must be readable from each operating station. Magnetic compass was not illuminated. Illuminate the magnetic compass. 46 CFR 140.725(d)

A towing vessel must be maintained and operated so the watertight integrity and stability of the vessel are not compromised. Engine room has opening around fuel shut off line and wheelhouse has openings in deck on starboard, forward side. Make holes watertight. 46 CFR 140.605(b)

The master must ensure that all lifesaving equipment is properly maintained and ready for use at all times. One of the ring life buoys was cracked in multiple locations. Replace or repair ring life buoy to the satisfaction of the marine inspector. 46 CFR 141.230

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. Piping is not properly labeled. Add labels or color coding. 46 CFR 143.250(c)

A towing vessel must be maintained and operated so the watertight integrity and stability of the vessel are not compromised. Vessel has broken/disconnected frames in forward void space. Repair frames and structural components prior to completion of next credit drydock. 46 CFR 140.605(b)

There must be an installed or portable bilge pump for emergency dewatering. Any portable pump must have sufficient hose length and pumping capability. All installed bilge piping must have a check/foot valve in each bilge suction that prevents unintended backflooding through bilge piping. Bilge pump did not work. Operator was able to repair pump during inspection and satisfactorily pump bilge. 46 CFR 143.275

Annual inspections will be similar to the inspection for certification but will cover less detail unless the marine inspector finds deficiencies or determines that a major change has occurred since the last inspection. If the marine inspector finds deficiencies or finds that a major change to the vessel has occurred, he or she will conduct a more detailed inspection to ensure that the vessel is in satisfactory condition and fit for the service for which it is intended. If the vessel passes the annual inspection, the Coast Guard will endorse the vessel's current Certificate of Inspection (COI). Vessel had multiple documents missing, so inspectors did not complete rest of the exam. Prepare vessel for inspection, reschedule new annual exam, and complete inspection/drills. 46 CFR 137.200(b)

No vessel subject to inspection under 46 U.S.C. 3301 will be navigated unless it is under the direction and control of an individual who holds an appropriate license or officer endorsement on his or her MMC. Operator did not have MMC available. Provide proof of MMC to inspectors. 46 CFR 15.515(c)

Marine employers shall establish programs for the chemical testing for dangerous drugs on a random basis of crewmembers on inspected vessels. Vessel was unable to show documents on Drug and Alcohol Program. Provide documentation to inspector. 46 CFR 16.230(a)

Each vessel must be designed and constructed to minimize fire hazards insofar as reasonable and practicable. Racor fuel filters are not fitted with bowls to protect against shatter. Install filter bowls to the satisfaction of the MI. 46 CFR 144.405

Drug testing programs required by 46 CFR Part 16 must be conducted in accordance with 49 CFR 40, Procedures for Transportation Workplace Drug and Alcohol Testing Programs. The company’s drug and alcohol testing program is non-existent. Provide proof of Drug and Alcohol testing program. 46 CFR 16.113(a)

Each towing vessel must be equipped with an industrial type first aid cabinet or kit, appropriate to the size of the crew and operating conditions. Each towing vessel operating on oceans, coastwise, or Great Lakes routes must have a means to take blood pressure readings, splint broken bones, and apply large bandages for serious wounds. First Aid kits and contents are expired. 46 CFR 140.435

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 failed to complete annual exam. 46 CFR 137.200

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: high bilge levels. Bilge alarm not present in engine room.

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. These devices must be suitable for the expected route. Engine room hatch is not watertight. Ensure watertight integrity by 2NOV21.

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. 3" exhaust fracture found on starboard exhaust where pipe size increases near overhead. Repair by 2NOV21.

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: main engine lubricating oil pressure, high cooling water temperature, low hydraulic steering fluid levels. Ensure proper labeling of alarms by 2NOV21.

The vessel was not made available for a Coast Guard COI inspection within 90 days. As such, the action for this deficiency is changed to a Code 60 (Rectify deficiencies prior to movement) and the vessel is issued an operational control (no-sail).

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 within 90 days. If an inspection is not completed prior to this date, the action for this deficiency shall be changed to a 60 (Rectify deficiencies prior to movement) and the vessel may no long be permitted to operate. 46 CFR §136.202(a)