GAIL FORCE

Combustibles insulated from heated surfaces. Internal combustion engine exhausts, boiler and galley uptakes, and similar sources of ignition must be kept clear of and suitably insulated from combustible material. Cardboard boxes and open jerry can of diesel fuel were found in the lazarette space with an internal combustion engine (generator). Remove items from space/vessel.

Flexible nonmetallic hose may be used in lube oil, fuel oil and fluid power systems, subject to the following requirements: Flexible hose runs must be visible, easily accessible, protected from mechanical damage, and must not penetrate watertight decks or bulkheads. Flexible fuel hose for generator is transiting through the bulkhead.

When the flexible section of a diesel fuel fill pipe is a nonconductor of electricity, the metallic sections of the filling pipe separated thereby shall be joined by a conductor for protection against static spark when filling. Fuel fills had bonding wires but were not installed properly to make electrically continuous.

Shutoff valves, installed so as to close against the fuel flow, must be fitted in the fuel supply lines, one at the tank connection and one at the engine end of the fuel line to stop fuel flow when servicing accessories. The shutoff valve at the tank must be manually operable from outside the compartment in which the valve is located, preferably from an accessible position on the weather deck. If the handle to the shutoff valve at the tank is located inside the machinery space, it must be located so that the operator does not have to reach more than 300 millimeters (12 inches) into the machinery space and the valve handle must be shielded from flames by the same material the hull is constructed of, or some noncombustible material. Shutoff valves were not properly shielded as the piece of steel does not fully protect the vicinity of the valve handle.

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, and electrical shock. Multiple shock hazards identified; E/R light switch missing cover plate, E/R distribution panel missing breaker filler plate, E/R light pulled from junction box and hanging from wires.

Each hatch cover exposed to the weather must be attached to the hatch frame or coamings by hinges, captive chains, or other device to prevent its loss. Lazarette hatch cover had no means to retain on board, provide means to secure hatch to vessel.

Cables entering boxes or fittings shall be protected from abrasion, and shall conform with the following requirements: The cable armor shall be secured to the box or fitting. Bait pump electrical A/C cable entering motor box was found with chaffed armor and missing stuffing tube.

All electrical equipment and circuits must be clearly marked and identified. Properly identify all switches on distribution panel labeled "120/230 VAC 10", multiple breakers not identified for what equipment they supply power to.

Suitable covers, guards, or rails shall be installed in way of all exposed and hazardous places such as gears, machinery, etc. Rotating machinery in E/R is not guarded to prevent accidental contact. Port and STBD engines have expose pulleys and belts

The number and identification of the items stowed inside, and their sizes, must be marked in clearly legible letters and numbers on each container for life jackets. The containers for life jackets on the upper deck were not labeled with the life jacket storage capacity and size.

On a vessel on which the number of passengers on upper decks is limited by stability criteria, as indicated by the vessel's stability letter, the maximum number of passengers allowed on an upper deck must be indicated by a durable marking of at least 1 inch numbers and letters at the entranceway to that deck. The upper deck maximum passenger allowance marking was missing.

Shutoff valves, installed so as to close against the fuel flow, must be fitted in the fuel supply lines, one at the tank connection and one at the engine end to stop fuel flow. Port side fuel valve did not close all the way, the valve hit the fuel tank. Vessel owner fixed the valve handle in order for it to close.

Where liquid level indicating gages are installed, they must be of heat resistant materials, adequately protected from mechanical damage & provided at the tank connections w/devices which automatically close in the event of rupture of the gage or gage lines. Vessel to replace/renew fuel tank sight glass w/one that is of heat resistant material and which is adequately protected, as indicated.

A lifejacket must be provided for each person carried on board a vessel. Vessel's COI calls for 53 lifejackets, but vessel only provided 51. Provide 02 lifejackets. 46 CFR 180.71(a) 10c

Each item of lifesaving equipment determined by the marine inspector to not be in serviceable condition must be repaired or replaced. Ring life buoy was found to be unserviceable. Replace ring life buoy. 46 CFR 176.808(b) 10c

As appropriate for the intended voyage, a vessel must carry adequate and up-to-date charts of large enough scale to make safe navigation possible. Charts onboard vessel did not have chart corrections annotated and Broadcast Notice to Mariners were not onboard the vessel or maintained by the Master.

Prove proper operation of primary propulsion machniery to the satisfaction of the attending marine inspector.

Repair stair base as identified during hull exam, prior to allowing passengers on upper deck.

Install covers over exposed shafts on both MDE's in the engine room.

Replace damaged ventillation cover on port side engine room exhaust.

Install flame shields for fuel shutoff valves in engine room.