GRETCHEN H

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. High bilge level alarm in the lazarette inoperable at time of inspection.

Any vessel of at least 5 net tons which engages in Coastwise Trade must have a Certificate of Documentation bearing valid endorsement. Vessel did not have official copy on-board. Obtain original copy on the vessel.

All U.S. Vessels engaged in domestic voyages by sea which are mechanically propelled and involved in Coastwise trade shall be subject to this part unless otherwise exempt. Vessels International Load-line line certificate was expired. Obtain new load-line Certificate.

Emergency lighting must be provided for all internal crew working and living areas to facilitate egress from each space and must be either: automatic, battery-operated with a duration of no less than 2 hours; or non-electric, phosphorescent adhesive lighting strips that are installed along escape routes and sufficiently visible to enable egress with no power. Vessel's emergency lighting was missing in internal living areas. 46 CFR 143.410

The officer in charge of a navigational watch must conduct a navigation assessment for the intended route and operations prior to getting underway. Vessel was only completing examination/tests as per 33 CFR 164.80 and not maintaining a navigation assessment as per 46 CFR 140.615. Completion of these assessments are also not be recorded in the towing vessel record, official logbook, or in accordance with the TSMS applicable to the vessel. 46 CFR 140.635

The fire main must have a sufficient number of fire hydrants with attached hose to allow a stream of water to reach any part of the machinery space using a single length of fire hose. Fire hose on the port and starboard side was chafed/damaged. 46 CFR 142.325

Each towing vessel operating in oceans and coastwise service must have a line throwing appliance approved under approval series 160.040. According to this approval series, there shall be four rocket projectiles, four primer-ejector cartridges, and four service lines. Vessel currently only has one of the four required and lacks the auxiliary line required by 46 CFR 141.385. 46 CFR 141.385

Each towing must have a fire detection system installed to detect engine room fires. Vessels fire detection system failed to actuate.

To stop the flow of fuel in the event of a fire or break in the fuel line, a remote fuel shutoff valve must be fitted on any fuel line that supplies fuel directly to a propulsion engine or generator prime mover. Vessel's (03) Main Engine Fuel shutoff's failed to actuate, additionally the vessel's generator engine fuel shutoff's failed to close completely.

Portable and semi-portable fire extinguishers must be inspected, maintained, and tested in accordance with the inspection, maintenance procedures, and hydrostatic pressure tests required by Chapters 7 and 8 of NFPA 10, Standard for Portable Fire Extinguishers (incorporated by reference, see §136.112 of this subchapter), with the frequency specified by NFPA 10. Vessel's 160-B semi-portable fire extinguisher located in the fidley had dry-rot on the flexible hose near the actuation valve. Vessel's 160-B semi-portable fire extinguisher located in the engine next to the stairs. had dry-rot on the flexible hose on the flexible hose near the actuation valve. Vessel's 10-B:C semi-portable fire extinguisher located in the engine room port side had dry-rot on the flexible hose near the actuation valve.

At least the minimum number of portable fire extinguishers set forth in table 142.230(b); and One 40-B portable fire extinguisher fitted in the engine room for each 1,000 brake horsepower of the main engines or fraction thereof. A towing vessel is not required to carry more than six additional 40-B portable fire extinguishers in the engine room for this purpose, regardless of horsepower. The vessel needs a total of five 40-B:C fire extinguishers. Currently the vessel only has a total of four, vessel requires one more 40-B:C portable fire extinguisher.

To stop the flow of fuel in the event of a fire or break in the fuel line, a remote fuel shutoff valve must be fitted on any fuel line that supplies fuel directly to a propulsion engine or generator prime mover. The valve must be installed in the fuel piping directly outside of the fuel oil supply tank. All of the vessels emergency fuel shutoff valves are located after each engine's fuel filter assembly (upstream of flex hoses/copper piping)

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:(5) High bilge levels. Vessel's bilge alarms are inoperable.

Pressure vessels over 5 cubic feet in volume and over 15 pounds per square inch maximum allowable working pressure (MAWP) must be equipped with an indicating pressure gauge (in a readily visible location) and with one or more spring-loaded relief valves. The total relieving capacity of such relief valves must prevent pressure from exceeding the MAWP. Currently the MAWP listed on the pressure receivers is 200psi, however the relief valves are 250psi.

Each towing vessel 79 feet or more in length operating on oceans and coastwise routes that does not have an installed fixed fire-extinguishing system must have at least 02 firefighters outfits that meet NFPA Code 1971 and Two self-contained breathing apparatus of the pressure demand, open circuit type, approved by the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH). Must have a minimum 30 minute air supply and full face piece.

Each towing vessel must be equipped with a means to detect smoke in the berthing spaces and lounges that alerts individuals in those spaces. This may be accomplished by an installed detection system, or by using individual battery-operated detectors meeting UL 217. All staterooms aboard the vessel were missing smoke detectors as well as the lounge.