AMETHYST

Vital systems are those systems that are vital to a vessel's survivability and safety. For the purpose of this part the following are vital systems: Propulsion system and its necessary auxiliaries and controls; Piping used in a vital system must: be composed of ferrous materials. MI observed multiple unapproved soft patches and additional leaks in the raw water piping for each of the four main engines. Multiple soft patches were found on each engine’s piping from the sea strainer to the engine raw water pump and then leading from the jacket water cooler to the exhaust piping. 46 CFR182.710 (a)(6) 46 CFR 182.710(c)(1)

Vital systems are those systems that are vital to a vessel's survivability and safety. For the purpose of this part the following are vital systems: Steering system; Piping used in a vital system must: be composed of ferrous materials. MI observed multiple leaks in steering hydraulic system. The return line to the hydraulic tank for both steering pumps was found leaking and was repaired with an unapproved soft patch. Additionally, there was a leak found near the starboard steering gear located near an isolation valve. 46 CFR182.710 (a)(6) 46 CFR 182.710(c)(1)

Electrical equipment on a vessel must be installed and maintained to provide services necessary for safety under normal and emergency conditions. The steering gear is set up for remote and local operations. The crew however was unable to show how local operations would be performed. The alarm panel for alerting the crew of a power failure and other various alarms remained off during testing and then showed DC power failure upon activation, and the fuses for both steering pumps emergency operation were missing. 46 CFR 183.200(a)

A suitable metal marine type strainer, meeting the requirements of the engine manufacturer, must be fitted in the fuel supply line in the engine compartment. Strainers must be leak free. The port inboard main engine would not start initially. According to the crew this was due to an air leak in one of the port fuel strainers. The crew quickly installed a portable fuel jumper line from the starboard inboard engine’s high-pressure pump to the port inboard engine’s high-pressure fuel pump, bypassing the port fuel filters. Additionally, both port and starboard main engine fuel filter isolation valves were observed missing handles, not allowing the crew to isolate individual fuel filters when issues arise. 46 CFR 182.455 (b)(6)

Each item of lifesaving equipment determined by the marine inspector to not be in serviceable condition must be repaired or replaced. MI observed 6 man life float with a hole in the body of the buoyant apparatus that was apparent once the life float was flipped over and the straps holding the grab lines were significantly deteriorated and broke upon inspection. 46 CFR 176.810(b)

The construction and arrangement of a vessel must allow the safe operation of the vessel in accordance with the terms of its Certificate of Inspection giving consideration to provisions for a seaworthy hull. MI observed multiple holes in the hull above the waterline in aft steering room located in the starboard quarter of the space due to previous repair of retaining pad eyes on the exterior portion of the vessel for tire bumpers. Submit a repair proposal to the marine inspector and make permanent repairs. 46 CFR 177.100

A hatch exposed to the weather must be watertight. Three emergency escape hatches from the engine room, generator space, and steering compartments below deck had wasted through bolts and seals that were leaking at the time of inspection due to corrosion found near dissimilar metals and were previously repaired with silicone. 46 CFR 179.360(a)

Each watertight bulkhead must be of sufficient strength to be capable of remaining watertight with a head of water to the top of the bulkhead. Multiple cable penetrations in the watertight bulkheads below deck were found without proper watertight sealant. Each cable was free moving through the bulkhead not in keeping with the watertight boundary. 46 CFR 179.320

Piping, including valves, pipe fittings and flanges, conveying vapor, gas, or liquid, the temperature of which exceeds 65.5 °C (150 °F), must be suitably insulated where necessary to prevent injuries. MI observed deteriorated lagging on port inboard main engine in multiple locations, not offering full coverage of protection. 46 CFR 177.970

A suitable hull strainer must be installed in the circulating raw water intake line for the exhaust cooling system. The sea strainers on for each main engine appeared wasted and showed signs of potential leakage. Clean off each strainer to show material condition and replace as deemed necessary to the satisfaction of the attending marine inspector. 46 CFR 182.425 (b) (6).

Where nonferrous metallic material is permitted for use in piping systems by this subpart, the restrictions in this paragraph apply; provisions must be made to prevent or mitigate the effect of galvanic corrosion. MI observed excessive corrosion on the aluminum piping weld joint located behind the generator space leading from the lube oil tank fill line to the main deck. Additionally, the support piping for the lube oil tank was found cracked where the support meets the structural members in the bilge. Repair to MI satisfaction. 46 CFR 182.730(b)(2)

A vessel is inspected for compliance with the standards required by this subchapter. Machinery, equipment, materials, and arrangements not covered by standards in this subchapter may be inspected in accordance with standards acceptable to the cognizant OCMI as good marine practice. MI observed cracked hanger for exhaust on the port inboard main engine, replace or repair to MI satisfaction. 46 CFR 176.800

A vessel more than 19.8 meters (65 feet) in length must have at least one fire ax located in or adjacent to the primary operating station. MI observed the head of the fire ax was loose. 46 CFR 181.600

a vessel with a power driven main steering gear must be provided with an independent rudder angle indicator at the operating station. M.I. observed the rudder angle indicator at the main steering position innacurate by approximately 5 degrees, and the alternate aft facing steering position rudder angle indicator not synchronized and making erratic movements. Repair both sets of rudder angle indicators.

Complete but simple instructions for the operation of a fixed gas fire extinguishing system must be located in a conspicuous place at or near each pull box and stop valve control and in the space where the extinguishing agent cylinders are stored...the instructions must also include a schematic diagram of the system and instructions detailing alternate methods of releasing the extinguishing agent should the local manual release or stop valve controls fail to operate...The operating schematic posted to indicate operation of system improperly identified control valves for the engine room and generator room. Vessel shall provide adequate operating instructions to indicate proper spaces served by fixed CO2 system to the satisfaction of the marine inspector.

Each door, hatch, or scuttle, used as a means of escape, must be capable of being opened by one person, from either side, in both light and dark conditions. Emergency lighting in engine and generator room illuminating escape path was inadequate at time of inspection. Several lights did not operate. Vessel shall repair all emergency lighting prior to departure to the satisfaction of the marine inspector.

#1 MDE had a cracked exhaust hanger and the engine showed signs of an excessive exhaust leak. Exhaust gas not not leak from the piping or any connections. The piping must be properly supported by non-combustible hangers or blocks. 46 CFR 182.430(b)

Vessel did not have placard on aft WTD entering the steering gear space which stores their installed CO2 bottles. 46 CFR 185.612(g)(1)

The port and starboard ring buoys did not have a clearly legible vessel name on them. Vessel must ensure each ring buoy is marked in clearly legible block capital letters with the vessel's name. 46 CFR 185.604(b)

Vessel missing labels on motor controllers for Fire Pump, Ballast Pump, and Fuel Transfer Pump. 46 CFR 176.800

Cracked welds in forepeak. Grind & reweld. 46CFR176.600.

Missing drip shields in generator space & engine space on batteries. Replace IAW regs. 46CFR183.210

Missing lighting for rescue area. Install to meet requirements for standby endorsement. 33CFR143.405