BIG JOHN is a 1997 towing vessel. The Coast Guard has recorded 54 inspections since 1998, most recently in January 2026, along with 13 deficiencies and 28 casualty investigations between 2002 and 2025.
Records from 1998 to 2026. Most recent: inspection, 16 January 2026.
Coast Guard record current through 23 August 2026, retrieved 5 September 2026 from PSIX. Every field on this page was recorded by the Coast Guard. Records for the Towing Vessel class in Maury's sources begin in 1980.
Every line above is a count of records the US Coast Guard wrote, or a date it recorded.
The counts in the strip above are the same counts; this table splits the inspections by
the kind of activity recorded. A blank resolution means none was recorded in this data; it
does not establish that a deficiency is outstanding. Years with a record are calendar
years in which a record exists, not years in service.
What Maury does not do.
Documentation record
Registered dimensions (L × B × D)66.0 ft × 26.0 ft × 10.0 ft
Registered tonnagegross 114 / net 91
ITC dimensions (L × B × D)Not recorded
ITC tonnageNot recorded
BuilderJOHNSON SHIPBUILDING & REPAIR CO INC · BAYOU LA BATRE, AL, UNITED STATES · built 1997
Hull materialSteel
PropulsionDiesel Reduction
Hull shapeShip
Hull configurationMonohull
Hailing portNEW ORLEANS, LA
Trade endorsementsCoastwise, unrestricted
DocumentationValid · issued 15 January 2026 · expires 31 January 2027
Service, as the file records itTowing Vessel
Hull formpowered (Maury's inference from propulsion, hull shape, material and length, rule hf-1; not a recorded fact)
Tonnage as PSIX records it114 - Simplified, Gross Ton 91 - Simplified, Net Ton
Every line above is a field of the National Vessel Documentation Center's file as served by NOAA Fisheries, dated 10 August 2026, matched to this hull on its Official Number. Registered and ITC measurements are two systems and are never combined. One snapshot is held so far; documentation history begins with the next.
Vessel history report
Every record for this hull, in one document — $299
What it gives that this page does not: the whole record in one
dated, citable document — every line with its Coast Guard activity id, the retrieval
date on the cover, built to print to PDF with its page breaks — that a surveyor can
attach and a lender can file. The same facts as this page, complete and in one file.
Every recorded inspection, 1980 to
2026 for this class, in one chronology · every deficiency, with system, dates
and resolution · operational controls imposed and removed · every name this
hull has been recorded under · the vessels it was inspected alongside, and when
· how its record compares with hulls of similar age and size, as a fact about the
population and never a judgement about this vessel.
A request, not a checkout: leave an email and Maury replies once, with
the dated document for this hull and a Stripe invoice for $299. Nothing is charged before
the document is in your hands.
Used only to answer this request.
Not shared, not sold, and not added to a mailing list.
The Coast Guard recorded this vessel and the following in the same
inspection activity — normally a tug and the barges in its tow. A recreational or
unclassed hull in the same activity is held and not published, so it does not appear
here: these lists are a floor, not a complete manifest.
07 - Fire Safety › N/A - No Subsystem › Fire detection and alarm system
Issued 16 February 2024Resolved
The system is arranged and installed so a fire in the engine room automatically sets off alarms on a fire detection control panel at the operating station. On vessels with more than one operating station, only one of them must be outfitted with a fire detection control panel. Any other operating station must be outfitted with either a fire detection control panel or a remote indicator panel. MI discovered fault on Fire Detection Panel in zone 2, Engine Room.
46 CFR 142.330 (a) 3
Condition: Improper/Lack of Maintenance
Action required: 60 - Rectify deficiencies prior to movement
Due 16 February 2024
Resolved 16 February 2024
Resolution: objective evidence in the form of servicing tech report provided proving repairs made to system and operational tests complete.
13 - Propulsion and Auxiliary Machinery › N/A - No Subsystem › Other (machinery)
Issued 16 February 2024Resolved
Individual circuit breakers on switchboards and distribution panels must be labeled with a description of the loads they serve. MI discovered breaker panels in engine room and bridge with spare breakers not labeled.
46 CFR 143.400 (d)
Condition: Improper/Lack of Maintenance
Action required: 10 - Deficiency Rectified
Due 1 March 2024
Resolved 29 February 2024
Resolution: Recieved pics of labeled CB panels
07 - Fire Safety › N/A - No Subsystem › Remote Means of control (opening,pumps,ventilation,etc.) Machinery spaces
Issued 16 February 2024Resolved
Means must be provided for stopping each fan in a ventilation system serving machinery spaces and for closing, in case of fire, each doorway, ventilator, and annular space around funnels and other openings into such spaces. MI discovered Wingnut missing on port side dampener, preventing it from being able to be closed properly.
46 CFR 144.605
Condition: Improper/Lack of Maintenance
Action required: 16 - Rectify deficiencies w/in 14 days
Due 1 March 2024
Resolved 16 February 2024
Resolution: picture of repair made to wing nut to secure venilation.
09 - Working and Living Conditions › 091 - Living Conditions › Pipes, wires (insulation)
Issued 16 February 2024Resolved
All vessel equipment must be used in accordance with the manufacturer's recommended practice and in a manner that minimizes risk of injury or death. This includes machinery, deck machinery, towing gear, ladders, embarkation devices, cranes, portable tools, and safety equipment. MI discovered hot water safety relief valve in a position that poses a hazard to the work space environment and not piped to bilge.
46 CFR 140.505
Condition: Improper/Lack of Maintenance
Action required: 16 - Rectify deficiencies w/in 14 days
Due 1 March 2024
Resolved 16 February 2024
Resolution: picture of repair proving the water heaterrelief valve piping was added to direct overflow away from workspace and into the bilge.
11 - Life Saving Appliances › N/A - No Subsystem › Maintenance of Life Saving Appliances
Issued 16 February 2024Resolved
Survival craft and stowage locations must be marked in accordance with the requirements of §§ 199.176 and 199.178 of this chapter. MI discovered survival craft max POB illegible.
46 CFR 141.315
Condition: Damaged By Earlier Event
Action required: 10 - Deficiency Rectified
Due 1 March 2024
Resolved 29 February 2024
Resolution: Recieved picture of life float with legible writing.
09 - Working and Living Conditions › 092 - Working Conditions › Other (accident prevention)
Issued 16 February 2024Resolved
(a) Marine employers shall establish programs for the chemical testing for dangerous drugs on a random basis of crewmembers on inspected vessels. MI discovered vessel could not provide proof of participating in drug testing consortium.
46 CFR 16.230 (a)
Condition: Invalid
Action required: 10 - Deficiency Rectified
Due 1 March 2024
Resolved 29 February 2024
Resolution: Recieved proof of DAPI program enrollment.
05 - Radio Communications › N/A - No Subsystem › VHF radio installation
Issued 6 February 2023Resolved
Towing vessels not subject to the provisions of 33 CFR part 26 or 33 CFR 164.72 must have a Very High Frequency-Frequency Modulated (VHF-FM) radio installed and capable of monitoring VHF-FM Channels 13 and 16, except when transmitting or receiving traffic on other VHF-FM channels, when participating in a Vessel Traffic Service (VTS), or when monitoring a channel of a VTS. The VHF-FM radio must be installed at each operating station and connected to a functioning battery backup. The VHF Radio was not connected to a battery backup. 46 CFR 140.715(b)
Condition: Improper Installation
Action required: 60 - Rectify deficiencies prior to movement
Resolved 6 February 2023
Resolution: Vessel rerouted wiring to ensure VHF radio functions on battery backup.
07 - Fire Safety › N/A - No Subsystem › Fire detection and alarm system
Issued 6 February 2023Resolved
Fire-detection systems. Except as provided in paragraph (a)(8) of this section, each towing vessel must have a fire-detection system installed to detect engine room fires. The owner or managing operator must ensure the following: The system is installed, tested, and maintained in accordance with the manufacturer's design manual. Inspector discovered a recurring fault in the system. 46 CFR 142.330(a)(2)
Condition: Improper/Lack of Maintenance
Action required: 60 - Rectify deficiencies prior to movement
Resolved 6 February 2023
Resolution: Vessel had Eagle Control repair the alarm panel fault.
11 - Life Saving Appliances › N/A - No Subsystem › Lifebuoys incl. provision and disposition
Issued 6 February 2023Resolved
Each lifebuoy on a towing vessel must: Be marked in block capital letters with the name of the vessel. Inspector discovered no names on the lifebuoys. 46 CFR 141.360(b)(4)
Condition: Improper/Lack of Maintenance
Action required: 16 - Rectify deficiencies w/in 14 days
Due 20 February 2023
Resolved 6 February 2023
Resolution: Vessel painted all lifebuoys with name of the vessel.
07 - Fire Safety › N/A - No Subsystem › Fire pumps and its pipes
Issued 6 February 2023Resolved
Piping and tanks exposed to the outside of the hull must be made of metal and maintained in a leak free condition. The fire pump was found to be leaking due to a worn down packing gland. 46 CFR 143.270
Condition: Improper/Lack of Maintenance
Action required: 16 - Rectify deficiencies w/in 14 days
Due 20 February 2023
Resolved 6 February 2023
Resolution: Vessel replaced packing gland.
07 - Fire Safety › N/A - No Subsystem › Other (fire safety)
Issued 6 February 2023Resolved
Piping and tanks exposed to the outside of the hull must be made of metal and maintained in a leak free condition. The fire pump was found to be leaking due to a worn down packing gland. 46 CFR 143.270
Condition: Improper/Lack of Maintenance
Action required: 16 - Rectify deficiencies w/in 14 days
Due 20 February 2023
Resolved 6 February 2023
Resolution: Vessel cleaned the grease buildup.
09 - Working and Living Conditions › 092 - Working Conditions › Ropes and wires
Issued 6 February 2023Resolved
The owner, managing operator, master or officer in charge of a navigational watch of a towing vessel must ensure the following: The strength of each component used for securing the towing vessel to the tow and for making up the tow is adequate for its intended service. Inspector discovered fraying wire on the towline. 46 CFR 140.801
Condition: Damaged By Earlier Event
Action required: 16 - Rectify deficiencies w/in 14 days
Due 20 February 2023
Resolved 6 February 2023
Resolution: Vessel replaced towline altogether.
Closure devices must be provided for deckhouse or hull penetrations, which open to the exterior of the vessel and which may allow water to enter the vessel. These devices must be suitable for the expected route. Inspector found port watertight door for the engine room allowed light to pass through at the top of the door frame. 46 CFR 144.320(b)
Condition: Improper/Lack of Maintenance
Action required: 16 - Rectify deficiencies w/in 14 days
Due 20 February 2023
Resolved 27 February 2023
Resolution: Ships crew adjusted dogs on the WTD door. .
6 February 2002Routine · role: Involved in a Marine Casualty · activity 1484451
19 April 2002Routine · role: Involved in a Marine Casualty · activity 1636029
12 June 2002Routine · role: Involved in a Marine Casualty · activity 1629813
27 February 2004Routine · role: Involved in a Marine Casualty · activity 2112017
25 February 2007Routine · role: Sighted in Area · activity 2897594
12 February 2008Routine · role: Involved in a Marine Investigation (non-casualty) · activity 3151083
14 January 2009Routine · role: Involved in a Marine Casualty · serious marine incident, as classified · activity 3393931
25 May 2010Routine · role: Involved in a Marine Casualty · activity 3775385
14 December 2010Routine · role: Involved in a Marine Casualty · activity 3926689
7 March 2011Routine · role: Involved in a Marine Casualty · activity 3960488
7 March 2011Routine · role: Involved in a Marine Casualty · activity 3979205
13 April 2011Routine · role: Involved in a Marine Casualty · activity 3986280
13 June 2011Routine · role: Involved in a Marine Casualty · activity 4054181
13 July 2011Routine · role: Involved in a Marine Casualty · serious marine incident, as classified · 1 injured · activity 4080014
14 February 2012Routine · role: Involved in a Marine Casualty · activity 4252494
3 March 2012Routine · role: Moored/Anchored in Vicinity of Primary Subject · activity 4263744
23 May 2012Routine · role: Involved in a Marine Casualty · 1 injured · activity 4319902
15 November 2012Routine · role: Involved in a Marine Casualty · activity 4821964
18 December 2012Routine · role: Involved in a Marine Casualty · activity 4504579
3 September 2013Routine · role: Involved in a Marine Casualty · activity 4706041
14 September 2013Routine · role: Involved in a Marine Casualty · activity 4721033
11 October 2013Routine · role: Involved in a Marine Casualty · activity 4744762
22 August 2015Routine · role: Involved in a Marine Casualty · 1 injured · activity 5227706
22 April 2016Routine · role: Involved in a Marine Casualty · activity 5869197
5 October 2016Routine · role: Involved in a Marine Investigation (non-casualty) · serious marine incident, as classified · 1 injured · activity 6016530
27 November 2018Routine · role: Involved in a Marine Casualty · activity 6592992
7 March 2019Major Marine Casualty · role: Involved in a Marine Casualty · serious marine incident, as classified · activity 6639056
21 April 2025Routine · role: Involved in a Marine Casualty · activity 8116527
Each line is an incident investigation the Coast Guard recorded with this hull among the vessels involved, with the date and the classification the Coast Guard gave it. Involvement is not fault. The investigation narrative is not published. Source: IIR, through 2026.
Recorded names · 1
ST. RITA (2002–2019). Names as the Coast Guard recorded them in incident records, with the years they appear; some are renames and some are spelling variants.
Ownership record
The Coast Guard's documentation record for this hull -- the Abstract of Title,
with its owners and liens as filed -- is not in PSIX. Ask, and Maury buys it from the National
Vessel Documentation Center, files it here with its date, and every reader of this page gets it.