DELTA

Vessel is required to have GE or PA System. MI observed PA system to be inoperable. Repair prior to 01 May 2026.

Vessel is required to have 30x30 Mesh in fuel vents. MI observed missing mesh. Repair prior to 01 May 2026.

Portable Fire extinguishers serviced per NFPA. Portable extinguishers had expired servicing.

Vessel is required to have charts and pubs for area. No charts or pubs onboard.

Remote fuel valve requires marking/label. MI observed no label or marking.

Vessel required to have fire drills done and logged monthly. MI observed crew does not drill on vessel or log.

Vessel required to have working fire detection sys for engine room. MI observed heat detector near stbd gen did not show visual alarm. Repair prior to 01 May 2026.

Vessel required to have garbage placard. MI observed placard to be deteriorated. Repair prior to 01 May 2026.

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 associated fleet 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.

A towing vessel that is certificated for rivers, lakes, bays, and sounds, less than 3 nautical miles from shore on the Great Lakes must be equipped with either an approved B–V semi-portable fire-extinguishing system to protect the engine room; or a fixed fire-extinguishing system installed to protect the engine room. Upon the in service exam in Harvey, LA, the semi-portable B-V fire extinguisher was missing, crew stated it was removed prior to departing Houma LA in route to Bayou La Batre AL. Substandard condition prevents the crew from having proper fire suppression capabilities in the engine room. Provide one of the two fire-extinguishing systems. 46 CFR 142.315(a)

All bilges and void spaces are kept free from accumulation of combustible and flammable materials and liquids insofar as practicable. Identified up to 5 inches of oily water throughout the engine room bilge, beneath the both port & stbd engines & the fuel manifold, posing an flammable hazard to the crew. Crew unaware that condition posed an unsafe condition to them and the vessel. Pump out the oily water and ensure the bilge is cleaned. 46 CFR 142.220(a)

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. The bilge alarm could not be found by the vessel crew and was also not alarming on the bridge since it was presumed submerged under the oily water in the bilge, this presents an unsafe condition for the crew and vessel in the event through hull piping/valves rupture allowing the vessel to take on water without crew alarm/knowledge. Provide or repair the high bilge alarm sensor, with audio/visual indicator at the bridge. 46 CFR 143.230(a)(5)

The officer in charge of a navigational watch must conduct a navigation assessment for the intended route and operations prior to getting underway. New crew were placed on the vessel on 5SEP2019, no record evidence of a navigation assessment was conducted, nor were the crew familiar with the required contents as they stated vessel equipment pre-departure checks was a navigation assessment. Conduct the navigation assessment & log it with the 13 required items per 46 CFR 140.635.

Prior to assuming duties related to the safe operation of a towing vessel, each crewmember must receive training to ensure that they are familiar with: Watchstanding terms & definitions; Duties of a lookout; Communication with other watchstanders; Change of watch procedures; Procedures for reporting other vessels or objects; Watchstanding safety. New crew were placed on the vessel on 5SEP2019, no record evidence of a navigation safety training was conducted, to ensure the safety of the crew and safe operation of the vessel. Conduct the safety training & properly log it. 46 CFR 140.645

Prior to getting underway for the first time on a particular towing vessel, each crewmember must receive a safety orientation. New crew were placed on the vessel on 5SEP2019, no record evidence of a safety orientation was conducted, to ensure the safety of the crew and safe operation of the vessel. Furthermore, a safety orientation was not provided to the USCG inspectors until asked. Conduct the safety orientation & properly log it. 46 CFR 140.410

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. On stbd main engine, repair air intake hosing, replace lagging, and tighten the exhaust flange bolts to ensure exhaust leaks are secured. 46 CFR 143.205(a)

Flammable or combustible products onboard a towing vessel must be stored in a designated storage room or cabinet when not in use. A plastic bucket reportedly containing cargo samples was left upon engine grating directly above MDE exhaust piping, which created a fire hazard. Excess heat from the piping melted the bucket and required the discharge of a portable fire extinguisher. Prior to movement of vessel , an attending USCG Marine inspector must conduct a damage survey of equipment / materials in the affected area.