THE PELICAN

Each floating waterlight installed after March 11, 1997, on a vessel carrying only one ring buoy, must be attached to the lanyard with a corrosion-resistant clip. The clip must have a strength of at least 22.7 kilograms (50 pounds), and allow the waterlight to be quickly disconnected from the ring life buoy. Waterlight was tied directly to the body of the life buoy. 46 CFR 180.70(d)

The marine employer must have a sufficient number of alcohol testing devices readily accessible on board the vessel to determine the presence of alcohol in the system of the individual who was directly involved in the SMI. MI observed alcohol testing swabs were not onboard. 46 CFR 4.06-15

At each inspection the operator shall be prepared to conduct operational tests of all valves in the fuel system. MI observed a fuel supply valve, in the STBD engine fuel system, had a corroded valve handle that was no longer operational. Replace valve handle to the satisfaction of the Coast Guard. 46 CFR 176.804

Vessels must comply with the applicable requirements for any radio installation as set forth in 47 CFR part 80 (FCC regulations). MI observed one VHF radio. For the vessel to operate past 20 miles offshore the vessel must also have a MF radio installation. Vessel is limited to operations within 20 miles of shore until an MF radio has been properly installed. 46 CFR 184.502

46 CFR 180.202 (b) (1) Each vessel certificated to operate on an oceans route in warm water must be provided with inflatable buoyant apparatus of an aggregate capacity that will accommodate at least 67% of the total number of persons permitted on board. Vessel reported that they lost a 30 person inflatable buoyant apparatus (IBA). Vessel still has one IBA of same capacity on board. CODE 705: Vessel can only carry a total of 44 persons until the life saving equipment COI requires is on board.

Vessels described by 46 CFR 175.110(c) must have an interconnected fire detection system in compliance with § 181.450 installed in all enclosed areas where passengers and crew have routine access, including accommodation spaces and machinery spaces. Vessel shall install system to the satisfaction of attending USCG Marine Inspector. 46 CFR 181.405(c)

Flammable items not otherwise covered by the regulations of this subchapter, such as rechargeable batteries, including lithium ion batteries utilized for commercial purposes, must be handled, stored, and operated in a way that mitigates the risk of hazardous conditions. Vessel shall develop plan to the satisfaction of attending USCG Marine Inspector. 46 CFR 185.364

Each survival craft must be secured to the vessel by a painter with a float-free link permanently attached to the vessel. MI observed painter on both IBAs that was not attached to link. Vessel is restricted to stay within three nautical miles of shore until painter is properly secured to float-free link. 46 CFR 180.130(a)(1)

By March 15 of the year following the collection of the data in paragraph (a) of this section, marine employers must submit the data on the form titled U.S Department of Transportation Drug and Alcohol Testing MIS Data Collection Form by mail to Commandant (CG-INV), or by internet. MI observed during DAPI audit, the vessel could not provide a copy of MIS report. 46 CFR 16.500(b)

Upon written request of an employer, Commandant (CG–INV) will review the employer's chemical testing program to determine compliance with the provisions of this part. MI observed during DAPI audit that vessel could not provide Letter of Regulatory Compliance for the Consortium. 46 CFR 16.205(b)

A pre-engineered fixed gas fire extinguishing system must: (3) Automatically shut down all power ventilation systems and all engines that draw intake air from within the protected space. MI identified starboard/port engine room pre-engineered systems with expired dates on 3rd party servicing placards. Reviewed 3rd party fire servicing documentation from Jan. 2023 finding stbd system doesn't meet CG requirements requiring new parts. No other documentation stating new parts installed bringing system into regulatory compliance. 46 CFR 181.420(a)(3)

On a vessel of at least 7.9 meters (26 feet) 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: (1) A space with a through-hull fitting below the deepest load waterline, such as a lazarette; (2) A machinery space bilge, bilge well, shaft alley bilge, or other spaces subject to flooding from sea water piping within the space. MI observed inoperable visual and audible alarms port and starboard high water bilge alarms for both engine rooms, and inoperable visual alarm starboard lazarette from the bridge. 46 CFR 182.530(a)(1)(2)

The marine employer must have a sufficient number of alcohol testing devices readily accessible on board the vessel to determine the presence of alcohol in the system of the individual who was directly involved in the SMI. MI observed alcohol testing swabs onboard were expired. 46 CFR 4.06-15(a)(1)

When a marine employer determines that a casualty or incident is, or is likely to become, a serious marine incident, the marine employer shall take all practicable steps to have each individual engaged or employed onboard the vessel who is directly involved in the incident chemically tested for evidence of drug and alcohol use as required in this part. MI observed newly hired Captain was not aware of process(es) to be done following a serious marine incident as per the drug consortium requirements/regulations. 46 CFR 4.06-1(b)

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. MI was unable to open escape door from engine room by hand and there was no assist tools to open latching devices. 46 CFR 177.500(h)

A hinged watertight bulkhead door must be fitted with a quick action closing device operable from both sides of the door. MI observed all vessel door were not watertight after vessel crew performed chalk test. 46 CFR 179.330(b)

Where flexible nonmetallic hose is permitted for use in piping systems by this section, it must meet SAE J-1942 (incorporated by reference; see 46 CFR 175.600) or be specifically approved by the Commandant. Flexible hose designed for use with hose clamps may be installed with two clamps, at both ends of the hose. MI observed both port/stbd main diesel engine strainers on the discharge side of strainer had non-metallic hoses that were severely dry-rotted. 46 CFR 182.720(e) & 46 CFR 182.720(e)(3)(v)(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 ball valve in stbd side hull in the steering compartment on bottom of the hull that had been used in previous equipment installation. Valve has opening that needs to be closed off completely. Captain discussed with MI and will be placing blind plug in valve. **705 C corrected within seven days.** 46 CFR 177.100

Each window, port hole, and its means of attachment to the hull or deck house, must be capable of withstanding the maximum load from wave and wind conditions expected due to its location on the vessel and the authorized route of the vessel. MI observed window located in main accommodation area port side all the way aft with multiple fractures from some previous type of impact. 46 CFR 177.1020

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. MI observed emergency fuel shutoff valve for stbd side fuel tank in steering compartment did not close close completely. Crew adjusted valve handle and showed proper operation of valve closing completely. **Corrected on the spot.** 46 CFR 182.455(b)(4)

The name of a vessel must be marked or painted in clearly legible letters and numbers: (c) The name of the vessel must be marked or painted in clearly legible letters on each Emergency Position Indicating Radiobeacon (EPIRB). MI observed vessel's EPIRB did not have vessel's name labeled or printed on device. Crew labeled properly with vessels name. **Corrected on the spot.** 46 CFR 185.604(c)

Rail courses or the equivalent must be installed between a top rail required by paragraph (a) of this section, and the deck so that no open space exists that is more than 305 millimeters (12 inches) high except: On passenger decks of a ferry or of a vessel on an excursion trip the following must be installed: Bars, slats, rail courses, or an equivalent spaced at intervals of not more than 100 millimeters (4 inches). Rail courses found to be more than 4 inches on-board. 46 CFR 177.900 (g)

Each survival craft must be stowed so that when the vessel sinks the survival craft floats free and, if inflatable, inflates automatically. The two IBA's attached to the top of the vessel do not have a float free device attached to them and will not deploy automatically if the vessel sinks. A hydrostatic release unit when used in a float-free arrangement must be approved under approval series 160.062 or 160.162 or other standard specified by the Commandant. 46 CFR 180.130

All vessels must have navigation lights that are in compliance with the applicable sections of the International and Inland Navigation Rules, except that a vessel of more than 19.8 meters (65 feet) in length must also have navigation lights that meet UL 1104, “Standards for Marine Navigation Lights,” or other standard specified by the Commandant. MI identified a fracture navigation light housing on the starboard running light and the mast light. The housing does not protect the navigation light to a weather tight integrity. 46 CFR 183.420

Paragraphs (c) through (g) of 46 CFR 185.602 apply to each vessel that does not demonstrate compliance in accordance with § 178.310(c) of this chapter. Each vessel must have permanent draft marks at each end of the vessel; or have permanent loading marks placed on each side of the vessel forward and aft to indicate the maximum allowable trim and amidships to indicate the maximum allowable draft. The vessel is missing appropriate markings to indicate draft or loading marks. 46 CFR 185.602

A vessel of not more than 19.8 meters (65 feet) in length is not required to carry a rescue boat unless: the vessel carries passengers on an open or partially enclosed deck and the cognizant OCMI determines that the vessel is designed, arranged, or involved in operations so that the vessel itself cannot serve as an adequate rescue craft. The rescue ladder does not conform to the OCMI specifications and does not meet the following: The platform landing shall be a minimum of 36 x 36 inches. The platform landing shall be constructed of expanded metal (mesh) to reduce the effect of wave action. The platform, when deployed, must be parallel to the water without breaking the surface. The platform must be of substantial construction and should be capable of supporting at least two persons (370 lbs) and must be able to withstand the effects of wave action. 46 CFR 180.210

The owner shall, prior to receiving a Certificate of Inspection, submit for approval to the cognizant OCMI, at least two copies of the following plans, manuals, analyses, and calculations that are applicable to the vessel as determined by the OCMI: Electrical installations and bilge piping systems. The owner made electrical modifications by adding an inverter on the bridge and made modifications to the bilge piping system. Submit amended plans to MSC for approval. 46 CFR 177.202

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. Identified a fractured/holed weld at the inboard side of the starboard bow measuring less than 1 inch in length, located approximately 1 ft. aft of the bow (frame 0) on the main deck. Make satisfactory repairs to the fractured weld and contact a USCG MI for a re-inspection. 46 CFR 176.700