LEATHERNECK

Whenever damage or deterioration to hull plating or structural members that may affect the seaworthiness of a vessel is discovered or suspected, the cognizant OCMI may conduct an internal structural examination in any affected space including fuel tanks, and may require the vessel to be drydocked or taken out of service to assess the extent of the damage, and to effect permanent repairs. During Typhoon Sinlaku, the vessel SUPER EMERALD broke free from its moorings and made direct collision contact with the port side of the LEATHERNECK. A post-typhoon hull examination was conducted by the [name withheld], revealing significant structural damage to multiple port-side void spaces and hull plating. The findings documented herein constitute formal deficiencies requiring immediate corrective action and a mandatory drydock examination. Visual examination of Port Void #2 revealed two (2) penetrating holes in the hull plate, located in the strake between the deck chine and the first upper longitudinal. Additionally, one (1) penetrating hole was identified in the main deck at the deck chine weld seam. Hull plate integrity in this area is compromised. Port Void Space #3, between the forward bulkhead and Transverse Frame #2. A vertical weld seam on the shell plate, located between the deck and first upper longitudinal, was found punctured. The longitudinal deck chine weld seam was found punctured on both the forward and aft sides of the first transverse frame. The upper longitudinal welded seam was found fractured and holed in the area directly behind transverse frame #2. LEATHERNECK will proceed to drydock at the earliest practicable opportunity for a complete out-of-water structural assessment and full repair of all collision-related damage identified by the MI. The LEATHERNECK is NOT authorized to carry passengers or operate under its Certificate of Inspection until all deficiencies identified herein are corrected to the satisfaction of the attending MI. 46 CFR 176.600 (d)

46 CFR 176.810(a)(2) requires "Inspection of piping, controls, and valves, and the inspection and testing of alarms and ventilation shutdowns, for each fixed gas fire extinguishing system and detection system to determine that the system is in operating condition." The fixed fire detection system was found inoperable with a low battery and could not be verified for an operational test. Prove operation of the fixed fire detection system installed in the engine room with alarms located at the operating station. 46 CFR 176.810(a)(2)

46 CFR 176.810(b)(2) requires the owner or managing operator to provide satisfactory evidence of the inspections and tests required by 46 CFR 147.65. 46 CFR 147.65(a)(1) requires that "cylinders must be retested at least every 12 years. If a cylinder is discharged and more than 5 years have elapsed since the last test, it must be retested before recharging." The time delay bottle did not have a pressure test date and is original to installation of the system, indicating the cylinder is overdue for hydrostatic retest by at least one full retest cycle with no documentary evidence of compliance. 46 CFR 176.810(b)(2)

Specific requirements for carbon dioxide systems. A custom engineered fixed gas fire extinguishing system, which uses carbon dioxide as the extinguishing agent, must meet the requirements of this paragraph. A pressure relief valve or equivalent set to relieve at between 16,550 and 19,300 kPa (2,400 and 2,800 psi) must be installed in the distribution manifold to protect the piping from over-pressurization. The current system does not have a pressure relief valve set to relieve at between 16,550 and 19,300 kPa (2,400 and 2,800 psi) installed to protect the piping from over-pressurization. 46 CFR 181.410(f)(2).

Each carbon dioxide extinguishing system installed or altered after July 9, 2013, must have an approved odorizing unit to produce the scent of wintergreen, the detection of which will serve as an indication that carbon dioxide gas is present in a protected area and any other area into which the carbon dioxide may migrate. “Altered” means modified or refurbished beyond the maintenance required by the manufacturer's design, installation, operation and maintenance manual. The refurbishment of piping to the system requires the new installation of an approved odorizing unit to produce the scent of wintergreen . 46 CFR 181.410(f)(8)

Installation test requirements for carbon dioxide systems. The distribution piping of a carbon dioxide fixed gas extinguishing system must be tested as required by this paragraph, upon completion of the piping installation, using only carbon dioxide, compressed air, or nitrogen gas. (i) Piping between a storage cylinder and a stop valve in the manifold must be subjected to a pressure of 6,894 kPa (1,000 psi), except as permitted in paragraph (d)(7)(iii) of this section. Without additional gas being introduced to the system, the pressure drop must not exceed 2,068 kPa (300 psi) after two minutes. (ii) A distribution line to a space protected by the system must be subjected to a test similar to that described in paragraph (d)(7)(i) of this section except the pressure used must be 4,136 kPa (600 psi). For the purpose of this test, the distribution piping must be capped within the space protected at the first joint between the nozzles and the storage cylinders. Arrange to test the new installation of distribution line to the machinery space. The test pressure used must be 4,136 kPa (600 psi) and the pressure drop must not exceed 2,068 kPa (300 psi) after two minutes. 46 CFR § 181.410 (d)(7)

A space containing propulsion machinery must be protected by a fixed gas extinguishing system. The vessel representative informed the Coast Guard MSU Saipan office that at approximately 1400 (local time) a technician from Tech Plus was testing the time delay on the fixed CO2 system and the CO2 piping fractured during the test. The technician was using an oxygen bottle to complete the third party test and completed the test as per NFPA standards. The piping was later found clogged with dirt and debris which created back pressure in the piping. No crew members or third party personnel were injured and no other damage was reported. The vessel does not have a CO2 system in service for protection of the machinery space. The operator will submit a repair proposal with pipe diameter and schedule. 46 CFR 181.400

A device must be provided to automatically shut down power ventilation serving the protected space and engines that draw intake air from the protected space prior to release of the extinguishing agent into the space. The power ventilation is not connected to the fixed CO2 pressure switch. The power ventilation for the protected space does not automatically shut down prior to release of the extinguishing agent into the space. 46 CFR 181.410(b)(10)

System design and installation must be in accordance with the Marine Design, Installation, Operation, and Maintenance Manual approved for the system by the Commandant. The approved system design for the CHEMETRON FIRE SYSTEMS CO2 system installed on-board requires the alarm to sound for at least 22 seconds so that personnel can escape from the space prior to the release of the extinguishing agent. The system was tested using an oxygen bottle and discharged agent into the space within 10 seconds. The marine inspector also identified kinked "flexible connector-discharge" hoses connected to the CO2 bottles and pilot operated head. The hoses are to be replaced with hoses meeting the manufacturer stock number 50260263 as per the manufacturer manual. 46 CFR 181.410(a)(3)

Flexible connections between cylinders and distribution piping of semi-portable or fixed carbon dioxide fire extinguishing systems and discharge hoses in semi-portable carbon dioxide fire extinguishing systems must be replaced or tested at a pressure of 6.9 MPa (1,000 psig). At test pressure, the pressure must not drop at a rate greater than 1.03 MPa (150 psi) per minute for a 2-minute period. The test must be performed when the cylinders are retested. Provide test records for the flexible hoses used between CO2 cylinders and distribution piping. 46 CFR 176.810(b)(2)

For fixed-gas fire extinguishing systems, the inspections and tests required by Table 176.810(b) of this section, in addition to the tests required by 46 CFR 147.60 and 147.65. The owner or managing operator must provide satisfactory evidence of the required servicing to the marine inspector. If any of the equipment or records have not been properly maintained, a qualified servicing facility may be required to perform the required inspections, maintenance procedures, and hydrostatic pressure tests. Carbon dioxide--Weigh cylinders. Recharge if weight loss exceeds 10 percent of weight of charge. Test time delays, alarms, and ventilation shutdowns with carbon dioxide, nitrogen, or other nonflammable gas as stated in the system manufacturer's instruction manual. Inspect hoses and nozzles to be sure they are clean. The operator does not have annual servicing records for the fixed CO2 system. Provide satisfactory evidence of the required servicing for the CO2 system by a qualified servicing facility. 46 CFR 176.810(b)(2)

A space containing diesel machinery must be fitted with at least two ducts to furnish natural or powered supply and exhaust ventilation. A duct must be of rigid permanent construction. The machinery space exhaust duct was found broken in half and not connected to the exhaust duct fan. 46 CFR 182.465(c)

At each inspection, the owner shall be prepared to conduct machinery tests and have the vessel ready for inspection. The hose clamps on the stbd shaft boot are clamped too tight. The shaft boot is cut and wasted under the clamp. 46 CFR 176.804

Repairs or alterations to the hull, machinery, or equipment that affect the safety of the vessel must not be made without the approval of the cognizant OCMI, except during an emergency. The owner or managing operator shall submit drawings, sketches, or written specifications describing the details of any proposed alterations to the cognizant [name withheld] alterations must be approved by the OCMI before work is started. The vessel's steering pump was replaced without notification to the [name withheld]/Operator shall provide relative documentation, drawings, or written specifications of electrical system for the new motor to the local OCMI for approval.

Materials used in piping systems must meet the requirements of this subpart and be otherwise acceptable to the cognizant OCMI. The generator coolant piping fractured while the vessel was underway. The piping was flexible and approved as per 46 CFR 182 Subpart G. Replace with approved piping and test the generator in the presence of the attending marine inspector. 46 CFR § 182.700

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. The port main engine oil level sensor failed, resulting in a low lube oil pressure alarm and engine shut down. 46 CFR § 182.200

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. The operator reported that the vessel lost propulsion due to a mechanical failure in the port transmission. 46 CFR § 182.200

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. The operator reported that the vessel lost propoulsion due to a mechanical failure in the port transmission. 46 CFR § 182.200

At each inspection the owner must check each cylinder containing compressed gas to ensure it has been tested and marked in accordance with 46 CFR 147.60. A third party visually inspected the CO2 bottles and determined that they are no longer fit for service. The company is purchasing new CO2 bottles from a manufacturer off island. The company intends to request throught the OCMI to use additional portable extinguishers in the interim. The vessel is not in service at this time. 46 CFR 176.810

Repairs or alterations to the hull, machinery, or equipment that affect the safety of the vessel must not be made without the approval of the cognizant OCMI, except during an emergency. The OCMI may require an inspection and testing whenever a repair or alteration is undertaken. The vessel's port shaft is damaged beyond repair due to it sheering at the key way under the engine coupling. The vessel shall complete a credit dry dock inspection prior to returning to service. 46 CFR 176.700

The owner or managing operator shall make a vessel available for drydock examinations, internal structural examinations, and underwater surveys (UWILD) required by this section. The vessel operated beyond the dry dock date and approved dry dock extension date. 46 CFR 176.600

New installations of electrical equipment and material, and the repair or replacement of wire and cable, on an existing vessel, which are completed to the satisfaction of the cognizant Officer in Charge, Marine Inspection (OCMI) on or after March 11, 1996, must comply with New Subchapter T regulations. Electrical equipment on a vessel must be installed and maintained to protect passengers, crew, other persons, and the vessel from electrical hazards, including fire, caused by or originating in electrical equipment. Overcurrent protection must be provided for each ungrounded conductor. Conductors must be protected in accordance with their current carrying capacities. Cable and wire for power and lighting circuits must: Meet Section 310-13 of NFPA 70; Be listed by Underwriters Laboratories (UL), as UL Boat or UL Marine cable; or Meet § 111.60-1 in subchapter J of this chapter for cable, and § 111.60-11 in subchapter J of this chapter for wire. Welding cable was found in place of approved marine grade conductors on the engine starting conductor, from the battery to the battery switch, and from the battery charger to the battery. Overcurrent protection was not found installed to protect the conductor from the battery charger to the batteries. The 15 amp double pole breaker used to protect the 10 AWG conductors from the battery switch to the main engine control panel is not rated for a DC circuit which resulted in the conductors overheating at the battery switch and a fire on board the vessel. Submit an electrical one-line diagram to MSC for review and include the battery chargers that were installed in 2015 or after, all DC conductors in the circuit after the battery chargers, the batteries, the battery switches, and all overcurrent protection required by regulation. There are no electrical plans on file with the Coast Guard that show the DC conductors, along with overcurrent protection, used to power the engine/transmission module and there are no plans on file for the new battery charger installation. The vessel is not permitted to operate until electrical plans are approved. Contact MSD Saipan inspectors once plans are approved to verify installation matches approved plans. 46 CFR 183.115

Portable fire extinguisher shall be in serviceable conditions. Found one of CO2 fire extinguisher with excessive corrosion on cylinder bottom.

Machinery spaces shall be fitted with exhaust duct for ventilation. Found damaged duct on mechanical exhaust blower.

All electrical installation shall be reasonably safe from electrical shock of person. Found death end wire with expose conductor forward engine room bulkhead.

mergency lighting must be automatically operated. Repair inoperable emergency light in engine room. 46 CFR 184.30-5 (b)

All electrical installation shall be to the satisfaction of the OCMI. Found unmarked fuse box starboard aft engine room with fuse that is by-passed with wire conductor. Repair and label the fuse box as originally intended.46 CFR 183.01-15

Each hatches and doors above VSL's margin line must be watertight. Found deteriorated polyethylene foam insulation installed on bridge weather tight doors and main cabin entrance door. Replace gaskets on weathertight doors with marine grade gaskets (Neoprene). 46 CFR 171.124

Vessel reported the loss of its stbd MDE while within Tanapaq Harbor Saipan, CNMI. Vessel must conduct permanent repairs to the stbd engine prior to carrying passengers.

Severely corroded and holed port bottom hull plate FWD of collision BULKHD at keel. Submit repair plan and coordinate repairs with MI.

Replace wasted and holed pipe nipple on fire main pipe port FWD engine room.

Replace inoperable pressure gauge on fire pump discharge pipe.

Demonstrate proper bilge pump operation. Pump was incapable of create suction.

Clean and remove debris under port and starboard propulsion engines.

Install chafing material on identified hydraulic hoses on steering hydraulic pump.

Repair damaged locking mechanism on port bridge weathertight door and demonstrate that the door is weathertight.

VSL lost port propulsion engine due to shaft failure (Broken).

11 adult life jackets with minor exterior damages.

2 life floats with minor exterior damage (cracks).

Crew unable to demonstrate proper operation of HF/MF Single Side Band radio.

Painted and non-pliable gaskets for forward hatch and engine room ventilation covers.

Propulsion machinery must be installed and capable of operating at the constant marine load. VSL lost port propulsion engine due to shaft failure (Broken). Replace port shaft with in-kind shaft and be prepared to conduct operational test to be attested by the attending MI.

Repair inoperable STBD engine RPM gauge with in-kind gauge in engine room.

Replace damaged pressure gauge on hydraulic pump for steering gear.

Trouble shoot the cause of overloaded generator when engine room exhaust blower is energized and repair as original.

Repair damaged inner seal on both life floats IAW manufacture instruction.

Vessel must have adequate steering gear - 46CFR182.610. Steering gear failed while underway. Conduct repairs IAW with manufacture procedures. Operational test to the satisfaction of the attending MI.

Repair inoperable start switch in bridge for port engine.

Unreadable vessel name on Life float. Re- stencil vessel name.

Damaged paddle on starboard life float.

Damaged flexible hose on port salt water system.

Remove clear plastic hose connected to generator jacket water head tank in engine room.

Remount lose support mount for mechanical exhaust blower. Starboard aft engine room.

Install missing cover on ceiling light fixture in bridge.

Install adequate length flexible hose on starboard day tank fill.

Remove oily rags and oily water from the bilge.

Post equipment names for each breaker switch in aft engine bulkhead panel.

Make proper wire connection in blower control switch aft engine room port bulkhead.

Repair anchor light with low emitted light.

Life float must be in good and serviceable conditions as required by 46 CFR 180.200(a)(2). Replace worn retro reflector tape with CG approved materials.

Fixed fire extinguisher must be serviced annually be qualitied individual as required by 46 CFR 181.410. Provide CG proof of annual service conducted on CO2 system.

Steering system must be in suitable condition and fit for service intended as required by 46 CFR 176.814. Repair or replace hydraulic ram with oil leaks.

Pump outlet must be fitted with a pressure gage as required by 46 CFR 181.300. Install missing pressure gage.

Master and crew must be able to recover person who have fallen overboard as required by 46 CFR 185.520. Rescue ladder is over 5 FT long, crew having difficulty lifting PIW to main deck. Demonstrate safer way to retrieve PIW to main deck.

Hull structural must be in satisfactory condition as required by 46 CFR 176.610. Found weld cracks in steering compartment where port side transom below main deck. Grind to good weld and re-weld.

Bilge must have no excessive oil accumulation as required by 46 CFR 176.830. Wasted and parted fill pipe for generator lube oil storage tank, leaking oil to engine room bilge. Repair damages fill pipe as original.

machinery and piping system must be in satisfactory conditions as required by 46 CFR 176.800. Found wasted and broke off exhaust pipe support bracket for generator exhaust pipe. Repair damaged support bracket.

All hazardous situations must be corrected as required by 46 CFR 176.830. Deck cover in main cabin are torn and exposed. Repair torn deck cover.

All hazardous situation must be corrected as required by 46 CFR 176.830. Found damaged master chair with torn cushion exposed sharp seat cover material and unstable support. Replace or repair master chair.

Repair salt water leaks on A/C salt water strainer.

Repair all identified hydraulic oil leaks on steering system.

Vessel sustained structural damage due to collision. Submit repair proposal to CG. No passenger carry until repairs are complete to the satisfaction of the attending CG marine inspector.

Propulsion machinery must be suitable to operate at constant marine load as required by 46 CFR 182.200. Vessel lost its port shaft, broken off from the base of the shaft coupling. Replace damaged shaft with in-kind shaft. No passenger carry until repairs are complete and test to the satisfaction of the attending C.G. Marine Inspector.

Worn out shaft key on port shaft cause shaft to moved forward and aft within shaft log causing salt water to leak into engine room thru shaft seal. Conduct repairs IAW manufacture recommendations. No passenger carry until final repairs and sea trial is complete to the satisfaction of the attending MI.

Found one A-II portable fire extinguisher with pressure below green zone on pressure gage. Portable fire extinguisher must be properly serviced and pressurized as required by 46 CFR 176.810 Service and re-pressurize A-II portable fire extinguisher.

Found port engine with fuel pressure error on engine diagnostic system. All propulsion engine safety devices must be in proper operation as required by 46 CFR 182.220. Repair and show proper safety device function.

Found cracked weld along frames on port and STBD engine room water tight hatches. Structure must meet the ABS, steel hull rules. Grind out weld cracks and re-weld as original.