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MERLIN BANTA
MERLIN BANTA is a 1946 towing vessel. The Coast Guard has recorded 33 inspections since 1992, most recently in July 2026, along with 8 deficiencies, 1 operational control and 7 casualty investigations between 2007 and 2016.
Records from 1992 to 2026. Most recent: inspection, 1 July 2026.
- Built
- 1946
- Last inspected
- 1 July 2026
- Documentation
- Valid · documentation file of 10 September 2026
- Deficiencies
- 8 recorded · 0 without a recorded resolution
- Controls
- None recorded without a removal date
- Casualties
- 7 investigations · 2007–2016
Identity
249614
WDR2388
63204
Flag
UNITED STATES
368479640
Maury page id
psix-63204
Inspections, by type
…with no type recorded19
Years with a record
18 calendar years (1992–2026)
The 33 inspections in the strip above, split by the kind of activity the US
Coast Guard recorded. Years with a record are calendar years in which a record exists, not
years in service. What Maury does not do.
Coast Guard record current through 13 September 2026, retrieved 18 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.
Documentation record
Registered dimensions (L × B × D)119.7 ft × 29.0 ft × 8.0 ft
Registered tonnagegross 384 / net 261
ITC dimensions (L × B × D)Not recorded
ITC tonnageNot recorded
BuilderST LOUIS SHIPBUILDING & STEEL CO · ST LOUIS, MO, UNITED STATES · built 1946
Hull materialSteel
PropulsionDiesel Reduction
Hull shapeNot recorded
Hull configurationNot recorded
Hailing portBATON ROUGE, LA
Trade endorsementsCoastwise, unrestricted
DocumentationValid · issued 11 March 2026 · expires 30 April 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 it384 - Regulatory (Subpart C or D), Gross Ton
261 - Regulatory (Subpart C or D), Net Ton
261 - Regulatory (Subpart C or D), Net Ton
Every line above is a field of the National Vessel Documentation Center's file as served by NOAA Fisheries, dated 10 September 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.
Radio station licence
WDR2388MMSI 368479640 · active · compulsorily equipped · granted 10 June 2026, expires 10 June 2036
WDC9741MMSI 367106130 · expired · compulsorily equipped · granted 27 January 2016, cancelled 13 June 2026
WDC3401MMSI 367007340 · expired · compulsorily equipped · granted 4 January 2005, cancelled 7 March 2015
FCC Universal Licensing System ship-station file of 6 September 2026, matched to this hull on its
US Official Number. Status and dates are the file’s own. The licensee is not read from the file and is not shown.
A lapsed licence’s MMSI is still the number the vessel transmitted under while it was valid.
Inspected as a tow unit · 24
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.
RANDY ECKSTEIN Towing Vessel · MISLE 114590 · 11 November 2013 · activity 4751146AB 1 Industrial Vessel · MISLE 1271893 · 11 November 2013 · activity 4751146CITY OF MOBILE Freight Barge · MISLE 42627 · 4 October 2012 · activity 4457025MISS KORI Towing Vessel · MISLE 124430 · 4 October 2012 · activity 4457025ROBIN R Towing Vessel · MISLE 54685 · 7 February 2009 · activity 3417528NEA MONI Freight Ship · MISLE 226631 · 29 December 2007 · activity 3123544ROBERT J BANTA Towing Vessel · MISLE 66797 · 12 January 1998 · activity 147723OKALOOSA Towing Vessel · MISLE 131541 · 12 January 1998 · activity 147723KIRBY 20009 Tank Barge · MISLE 49133 · 21 January 1997 · activity 67147KIRBY 23001B Tank Barge · MISLE 49134 · 21 January 1997 · activity 67147KIRBY 21002T Tank Barge · MISLE 49136 · 21 January 1997 · activity 67147KIRBY 20009 Tank Barge · MISLE 49133 · 4 January 1995 · activity 106143KIRBY 21002T Tank Barge · MISLE 49136 · 28 October 1994 · activity 65134KIRBY 21002T Tank Barge · MISLE 49136 · 28 October 1994 · activity 126604EB-242 Tank Barge · MISLE 46192 · 22 December 1992 · activity 150443OR 4130 Freight Barge · MISLE 108337 · 22 December 1992 · activity 150443UBC 154 Freight Barge · MISLE 124390 · 22 December 1992 · activity 150443OR 2586 Freight Barge · MISLE 134710 · 22 December 1992 · activity 150443UBC 174 Freight Barge · MISLE 135603 · 22 December 1992 · activity 150443JAMES L HAMILTON Towing Vessel · MISLE 141012 · 22 December 1992 · activity 150443T 3043 Freight Barge · MISLE 161613 · 22 December 1992 · activity 150443OR 3700 Freight Barge · MISLE 167578 · 22 December 1992 · activity 150443OR 1249 Freight Barge · MISLE 185590 · 22 December 1992 · activity 150443T 13318B Freight Barge · MISLE 194369 · 22 December 1992 · activity 150443OR 9017 Freight Barge · MISLE 355620 · 22 December 1992 · activity 150443OR 9002 Freight Barge · MISLE 355682 · 22 December 1992 · activity 150443OR 9046 Freight Barge · MISLE 358412 · 22 December 1992 · activity 150443Inspection history · 33
1 July 2026
COI Inspection · Administrative Inspection · MTSA Verification · Vessel Attendance
Physical examination · Marine Safety Unit Baton Rouge · USCG Heartland District (CGD-H) · Activity 8421526
11 April 2024
Administrative Inspection
Administrative · Marine Safety Unit Baton Rouge · USCG Heartland District (CGD-H) · Activity 7893786
6 July 2021
COI Inspection · Administrative Inspection
Physical examination · Marine Safety Unit Baton Rouge · USCG Heartland District (CGD-H) · Activity 7247084
7 July 2016
Type not recorded
No type recorded · Marine Safety Unit Baton Rouge · USCG Heartland District (CGD-H) · Activity 5933066
27 March 2016
Type not recorded
No type recorded · Sector New Orleans · USCG Heartland District (CGD-H) · Activity 5894995
14 August 2015
Type not recorded
No type recorded · Marine Safety Unit Baton Rouge · USCG Heartland District (CGD-H) · Activity 5215978
11 November 2013
Type not recorded
No type recorded · Marine Safety Unit Baton Rouge · USCG Heartland District (CGD-H) · Activity 4751146
22 August 2013
Type not recorded
No type recorded · Marine Safety Unit Baton Rouge · USCG Heartland District (CGD-H) · Activity 4693491
29 October 2012
Marine Casualty Follow Up
Physical examination · Marine Safety Unit Lake Charles · USCG Heartland District (CGD-H) · Activity 4475974
9 October 2012
Damage Survey · Administrative Inspection
Physical examination · Marine Safety Unit Morgan City · USCG Heartland District (CGD-H) · Activity 4459774
4 October 2012
Type not recorded
No type recorded · Marine Safety Unit Morgan City · USCG Heartland District (CGD-H) · Activity 4457025
21 September 2012
DAPI Audit
Administrative · Marine Safety Unit Baton Rouge · USCG Heartland District (CGD-H) · Activity 4450624
15 June 2012
Industry Initiated Exam · Deficiency Check · MTSA Verification
Physical examination · Marine Safety Unit Baton Rouge · USCG Heartland District (CGD-H) · Activity 4344986
23 April 2012
Type not recorded
No type recorded · Sector New Orleans · USCG Heartland District (CGD-H) · Activity 4293594
17 December 2010
MTSA Verification · Industry Initiated Exam
Physical examination · Marine Safety Unit Baton Rouge · USCG Heartland District (CGD-H) · Activity 3916450
8 April 2009
Type not recorded
No type recorded · Sector New Orleans · USCG Heartland District (CGD-H) · Activity 3648122
7 February 2009
Type not recorded
No type recorded · Marine Safety Unit Baton Rouge · USCG Heartland District (CGD-H) · Activity 3417528
8 May 2008
Administrative Inspection
Administrative · Sector New Orleans · USCG Heartland District (CGD-H) · Activity 3201855
7 May 2008
Type not recorded
No type recorded · Sector New Orleans · USCG Heartland District (CGD-H) · Activity 3212701
29 December 2007
Type not recorded
No type recorded · Sector New Orleans · USCG Heartland District (CGD-H) · Activity 3122122
29 December 2007
Type not recorded
No type recorded · Sector New Orleans · USCG Heartland District (CGD-H) · Activity 3123544
26 October 2006
Annual Inspection · MTSA Verification
Physical examination · Marine Safety Unit Baton Rouge · USCG Heartland District (CGD-H) · Activity 2808739
6 April 2006
Administrative Inspection
Administrative · Marine Safety Center (MSC) · Activity 2618038
31 March 2006
Security Plan Review - VSP
Administrative · Marine Safety Center (MSC) · Activity 2613394
20 June 2005
Security Plan Amendment Review - ASP
Administrative · Marine Safety Center (MSC) · Activity 2396703
13 April 2005
Administrative Inspection
Administrative · MIDET EAST BANK DETAIL · USCG Heartland District (CGD-H) · Activity 2332833
12 January 1998
Type not recorded
No type recorded · Marine Safety Unit Baton Rouge · USCG Heartland District (CGD-H) · Activity 147723
16 February 1997
Type not recorded
No type recorded · MSO ST LOUIS · USCG Heartland District (CGD-H) · Activity 141877
21 January 1997
Type not recorded
No type recorded · MSO MEMPHIS · USCG Heartland District (CGD-H) · Activity 67147
4 January 1995
Type not recorded
No type recorded · MSO MEMPHIS · USCG Heartland District (CGD-H) · Activity 106143
28 October 1994
Type not recorded
No type recorded · MSD QUAD CITIES · USCG Heartland District (CGD-H) · Activity 65134
28 October 1994
Type not recorded
No type recorded · MSD QUAD CITIES · USCG Heartland District (CGD-H) · Activity 126604
22 December 1992
Type not recorded
No type recorded · MSO ST LOUIS · USCG Heartland District (CGD-H) · Activity 150443
Deficiency record · 8
13 - Propulsion and Auxiliary Machinery › N/A - No Subsystem › Other (machinery)
Issued 9 July 2026
Resolved
In addition to the requirements in paragraph (a) of this section, all fire suppression and detection equipment and systems on board a towing vessel must be maintained in accordance with the attached nameplate, manufacturer's approved design manual, or as otherwise provided in any TSMS applicable to the vessel. MI observed that the port and starboard cotter pins used to secure the blowers were missing.
07 - Fire Safety › N/A - No Subsystem › Oil accumulation in engine room
Issued 9 July 2026
Resolved
All bilges and void spaces are kept clean from the accumulation of combustible and flammable materials and liquids insofar as practicable. MI observed excessive diesel fuel in the bilge of the compressor room.
13 - Propulsion and Auxiliary Machinery › N/A - No Subsystem › Propulsion main engine
Issued 9 July 2026
Resolved
Machinery and electrical systems must be designed and maintained to provide for safe operation of the towing vessel and safety of persons onboard under normal and emergency conditions. MI observed an exhaust leak and crack from the port diesel engine's engine exhaust bellow.
Construction/Loadline › Structures › Superstructure
Issued 9 October 2012
Resolved
Stern push knees have been damaged due to collision. Stbd stern push knee has been indented and there has been a hole on deck due to damage. Port stern push knee has been indented and there has been an indentation on deck.
Operations/Management › Drug and Alcohol Testing › Recordkeeping
Issued 21 September 2012
Resolved
Company moved last November and had records of MIS reports and positive drug screens over three years old in a storage building on the owner's property. Company was given 30 days to present the records for inspection to District 8 DAPI.
Operations/Management › Drug and Alcohol Testing › Testing, Equipment
Issued 21 September 2012
Resolved
Company was using remainder urine collected for DOT drug screens to perform an instant or "rapid" test in situations where personnel shortages on vessels were going to shut down vessel opeations. In the same situations employer was not waiting for pre-empoyment DOT drug screen results to be received prior to placing newly hired personnel on board vessels.
Operations/Management › Drug and Alcohol Testing › Testing, Pre-employment
Issued 21 September 2012
Resolved
Employer has not waited for drug screen results when personnel shortages would prevent vessel operations.
Operations/Management › Drug and Alcohol Testing › EAP Training Requirements
Issued 21 September 2012
Resolved
Chem Carriers has been instructed by District 8 DAPI on specifically what training materials were needed in order to meet the supervisor training requriement. Chem Carriers was utilizing the wrong training video to complete this requirement.
Casualty record · 7
29 December 2007Routine · role: Involved in a Marine Casualty · activity 3123544
7 May 2008Routine · role: Involved in a Marine Casualty · activity 3212701
7 February 2009Routine · role: Involved in a Marine Investigation (non-casualty) · activity 3417528
8 April 2009Routine · role: Involved in a Marine Casualty · activity 3648122
4 October 2012Routine · role: Involved in a Marine Casualty · activity 4457025
11 November 2013Routine · role: Involved in a Marine Casualty · activity 4751146
27 March 2016Routine · role: Involved in a Marine Casualty · activity 5894995
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, and the bridge, lock or dam the investigation names where it names one. Involvement is not fault. The investigation narrative is not published. Source: IIR, through 2026.
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.