MELANIE SUE

46CFR180.137(b)(1) 46CFR160.073-1(a): The float-free link required by 180.130(a)(1) in subchapter Q of this chapter. This subchapter contains requirements for a float-free link used for connecting a life float painter to a vessel. The float-free link is designed to be broken by the buoyant force of the life float so that the float breaks free of a vessel that sinks in water deeper than the length of the painter. Vessels float-free link is arranged where the life float would be unable to float freely.

46 CFR 181.400(b)(5): Where the amount of carbon dioxide gas required in a fixed fire extinguishing system can be supplied by one portable extinguisher or a semi-portable extinguisher. Space containing propulsion machinery is currently supplied by two 15 lb portable extinguishers; whereas the regulations require one portable extinguisher to cover the enter space. Provide a plan proposal for fire extinguishing system for main propulsion space.

46CFR184.420(a)(3): The quantity of carbon dioxide in kilograms (pounds) that the system must be capable of providing to a space must not be less than the gross volume of the space divided by the appropriate factor given in Table 181.410(f)(4)(i). If fuel can drain from a space being protected to an adjacent space or if the spaces are not entirely separate, the volume of both spaces must be use to determine the quantity of carbon dioxide to be provided. MI observed 02 wire run penetrations on the fwd engineering compartment bulkhead and 01 wire drop on on the stbd side penetrating the main deck increasing increasing gross volume of space needing CO2 protection. MI completed gross volume calculations for all compartments connected to the E/R determining the total volume for CO2 protection requires more CO2 lbs based on table 181.410(f)(4)(i). Provide plan proposal for fire protection to be in compliance with 46CFR 181.400.

46 CFR 185.516(a): Placards containing instructions for the donning and use of the life jackets aboard the vessel must be posted in conspicuous places that are regularly accessible and visible to the crew and passengers. Vessel did not have donning instructions for all types of life jackets on board.

46CFR182.530(a)(1): On a vessel of at least 26" in length, a visual and audible alarm must be provided at the operating station to indicate a high water level in each of the following normally unmanned spaces: a space with a through-hull fitting below the deepest load waterline, such as a lazarette. Vessel's lazarette high water alarm was inoperable.

46CFR181.610: A vessel not required to have a power driven fire pump by 181.300 must have at least three 2.5 gallon buckets, with an attached lanyard satisfactory to the cognizant OCMI, placed so as to be easily available during an emergency. The words "FIRE BUCKET" must be stenciled in a contrasting color on each bucket. Vessel's fire buckets were not labeled.

46 CFR 184.420(a)(3): As appropriate for the intended voyage, a vessel must carry adequate and up-to-date: Coast Guard Light Lists. Vessel had light lists from 2021.

46 CFR 185.524(d): Fire drill entries shall include date, training, and general description of the scenario/training topics.

46 CFR 185.520(f): Man overboard drill entries shall include date, training, and general description of the scenario/training topics. Training log lacked information.

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. Vessel operator informed Coast Guard of damages to vessel after hitting an object in the water while underway. Vessel is not allowed to carry passengers prior to a damage assessment conducted by an attending Coast Guard Marine Inspector. 46 CFR 176.700(a)

Strong and effective rudder stops must be provided to prevent jamming and damage to the rudder and its fittings. These stops may be structural or internal to the main steering gear. During inspection, the Marine Inspectors noticed the lack of rudder stops for main steering gear.

A vessel must be fitted with ground tackle and mooring lines necessary for the vessel to be safely anchored or moored. Vessel's ground tackle switch was inoperable and prevented the proper operation of the anchor in case of emergency. 46 CFR 184.300

A hatch cover must: (1) Have securing devices; and (2) Be attached to the hatch frame or coaming by hinges, captive chains, or other devices of substantial strength to prevent its loss. All three deck hatches exposed to weather did not have any securing devices.

The official number of the vessel, preceded by the abbreviation “NO.” must be marked in not less than 3 in in height on some clearly visible interior structural part of the hull. The number must be permanently affixed to the vessel so that alteration, removal, or replacement would be obvious. Vessel did not have its ON permanently affixed to the interior of the hull. 46 CFR 67.121

The float-free link required by § 180.130(a)(1) must be of proper strength for the size of the life float or buoyant apparatus as indicated on its identification tag. During inspection, the tag for the float-free link specific for the vessel's required life float capacity was not on-board.