BERNICE LIND

There must be an installed or portable bilge pump for emergency dewatering. Lazarette bilge suction did not have pumping capability due to unknown causes. Portable two inch pump was on-board, but hoses were ashore. Hoses were brought to the vessel and portable pump test was satisfactory. Deficiency cleared on the spot. 46 CFR 143.275

The emergency duties and duty stations required by this section must be posted at each operating station and in a conspicuous location in a space commonly visited by crewmembers. Personnel duties for man-overboard and abandon ship are not posted. Post personnel duties for man-overboard and abandon ship to the satisfaction of the Marine Inspector (MI). 46 CFR 140.405 (c)

Records of drills and instruction must be maintained and must include: (1) The date of the drill and instruction;(2) A description of the drill scenario and instruction topics;(3) The personnel involved. Drill records did not include description or personnel involved. Provide drill records that include description and personnel involved to the satisfaction of the MI. 46 CFR 140.420 (g)

Machinery and electrical systems must be designed and maintained to provide for safe operation of the towing vessel under normal and emergency conditions. The starboard engine solenoid valve bracket is broken. Repair solenoid valve bracket to the satisfaction of the MI. 46 CFR 143.205 (a)

A towing vessel must be maintained and operated so the watertight integrity and stability of the vessel are not compromised. Identified Excessive rust build-up and scaling under the engine room fire pump on the interior hull. Clean area to good metal and apply protective coating to the satisfaction of the MI. 46 CFR 140.605 (b)

Machinery systems must be designed and maintained to provide for safe operation of the towing vessel under normal and emergency conditions. Port and starboard exhaust penetrations to the second deck are wasted around the penetration welds. Submit repair proposal to repair the compromised welds to the satisfaction of the MI. 46 CFR 143.205 (a)

The owner or managing operator must implement procedures to identify and mitigate safety hazards. Railing on the second deck, starboard side, is wasted in two locations where the rail meets the deck. Repair railing to the satisfaction of the MI. 46 CFR 140.510 (a)

Machinery systems must be designed and maintained to provide for safe operation of the towing vessel under normal and emergency conditions. Identified several areas on the engine mounts where the "Chockfast" is cracked and wasted. Replace the wasted areas to the satisfaction of the MI. 46 CFR 143.205 (a)

The owner or managing operator must implement procedures to identify and mitigate safety hazards. Hot water heater in the engine room is not secured with an adequate securing device. Replace current securing device with one of adequate strength to the satisfaction of the MI. 46 CFR 140.510 (a)

The owner, managing operator, or master of a towing vessel must ensure that the vessel's lifesaving and fire suppression and detection equipment complies with the applicable requirements of parts 141 and 142 of this subchapter and is in good working order. The vessel has a fire pump that is not required due to its excepted status that is leaking from its gasket. 46 CFR 140.650

Each lifebuoy with a floating electric water light must have a lanyard of at least 3ft in length, but not more than 6ft securing the water light around the body of the life buoy. The vessel's life buoys did not have a lanyard securing the water light around the body of the lifebuoy. 46 CFR 141.360(c)(4)

Personnel dispatched from the vessel or that are working in an area on the exterior of the vessel without rails and guards may wear a work vest approved by the Commandant under 46 CFR 160.053. When worn at night, the work vest must be equipped with a light that is securely attached to the front shoulder area of the lifejacket. Multiple work vests were missing a light attached to the work vest. 46 CFR 140.430 (a)

Each window or portlight, and its means of attachment to the hull or the deckhouse, must be capable of withstanding the maximum expected load from wind. MI observed a cracked aft window on the bridge. 46 CFR 144.920 (a)

Each towing vessel must carry at least one appropriately-sized lifejacket, approved under approval series 160.002, 160.005, 160.055, 160.155, or 160.176, for each person on board. Vessel only had four Type I approved lifejackets on board, and was missing four lifejackets. Vessel restricted from carrying more than four persons. 46 CFR 141.340(a)

Electrical panels or other enclosures containing more than one source of power must be fitted with a sign warning persons of this condition and identifying where to secure all sources. Main electrical panel in the engineroom missing required signage noting where to secure power sources. 46 CFR 143.250(b)

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: auxiliary generator engine low lubricating oil pressure, auxiliary generator high cooling water temperature and low hydraulic steering fluid levels. No alarms for the generator or hydraulic steering fluid were available at the operating station. Provide a visible and audible means to notify when the essential systems develop a problem.

Each towing vessel must be fitted with a general alarm that is capable of notifying persons in the engine room. The bell failed to work in the engine room. Demonstrate the bell sounding to the attending marine inspector.

Electrical equipment and electrical cables must be suitably protected from wet and corrosive environments. Multiple holes located above the bridge console allowing for the intrusion of water. Seal with a material that provides a water barrier and will protect the electrical equipment.

Electrical systems and equipment must function properly and minimize system failures and fire and shock hazards. Burned wires located under the bridge console. Replace damaged wires.

Electrical conductors passing through watertight bulkheads must be installed so that the bulkhead remains watertight. Electrical equipment running through the bulkhead from the lazarette to the engine room failed to maintain watertight integrity. Seal using approved material.

Lifebuoys must have the following attachments and fittings: at least one lifebuoy must have a lifeline, secured around the body of the lifebuoy. If more than one is carried, at least one lifebuoy must not have a lifeline attached. At least two lifebuoys on a towing vessel greater than 26 ft must be fitting with a floating electric water light approved under 161.010 or 161.110. Each floating electric water light must have a lanyard of at least 3 ft but no more than 6 ft. Lifelines were not secured around the body of the lifebuoys and only one lifebuoy had a waterlight. The lanyard for the waterlight provided was well under 3 ft in length. Provide lifebuoys that are outfitted IAW 46 CFR 141.360.

Each vessel must be designed and constructed to minimize fire hazards insofar as reasonable and practicable. Multiple holes located in the bulkhead separating the engine room from accommodation spaces. Properly seal holes to ensure fire boundary.

A towing vessel must carry adequate and up-to-date charts, including electronic charts acceptable to the Coast Guard. The Coast Guard encourages the use of a back-up arrangement when using electronic charts. A secondary system may be an additional ENC display or currently corrected paper charts. Provide a back-up arrangement for your electronic charts.

Each towing vessel must perform the applicable tests in Table 143.245 (b). The tests required by this section must be recorded in accordance with part 140 of this subchapter. Pre-underway checklists covered most items in Table 143.245 (b), however some items are required to be tested on a less frequent basis. Provide a sufficient method of ensuring all tests are conducted IAW 46 CFR 143.245 to the attending marine inspector.

Records of drills and instruction must be maintained in the Towing Vessel Record or official logbook. The record must include: the date of the drill and instruction, a description of the drill scenario and instruction topics, and the personnel involved. Vessel has been out of service and no record of drill was available for review. Provide a means for recording drills to the attending marine inspector.

A record of the type, size, and service of each towline, face wire, and spring line, used to make the towing vessel fast to her tow, must be available to the Coast Guard for review. The following minimum information is required in the record: The dates when examinations were performed, the identification of each item of towing gear examined, and the name(s) of the person(s) conducting the examinations. Visual examinations of towing gear were not recorded. Provide a means for recording information required to the attending marine inspector.

Each VTS User shall carry on board and maintain for ready reference a copy of VTS rules. No VTS rules kept on board. Provide a current copy to the attending marine inspector.

Any towing vessel with alternating watches or overnight accommodations must identify the duties and duty stations of each person onboard during an emergency including: Responding to fires and flooding, emergencies that necessitate abandoning the vessel, taking action during heavy weather, taking action relative to the tow, taking action in the event of failure of propulsion, steering, or control system, managing individuals onboard who are not crewmembers, managing any other event or condition which poses a threat to life, property or the environment. The emergency duties and sttions must be posted at each operating station and in a conspicuous location in a space commonly visited by crewmembers. Provide updated emergency duties and stations to meet the requirements set forth in 46 CFR 140.405.

Each towing vessel must have either a self priming, power driven, fixed fire pump, a fire main, and hoses and nozzles or a portable pump. Crew could not energize fire pump. Prove proper operation of fire pump prior to conducting operations. 46 CFR 142.325

All seals and gaskets must be properly maintained to prevent leaks of flammable or combustible liquid into the machinery space. Fuel return line for the No. 1 diesel generator was leaking diesel from the valve near the port side forward bulkhead. 46 CFR 143.220(a)

Welding procedures and welder performance utilized in the fabrication of vessels and their various systems and components subject to Coast Guard inspection shall be qualified as required by the applicable subchapter. Pressure vessel located in the engine room has a pinhole where the mount connects the body of the pressure vessel. Replace or repair pressure vessel using properly qualified welder. 46 CFR 2.75-70(a)

All installed bilge piping must have a check/foot valve in each bilge suction that prevents unintended backflooding through bilge piping. Lazarette and engine room bilge suction do not have installed check valves. Install check/foot valve in lazarette and engine room bilge lines. 46 CFR 143.275

Each towing vessel must have a reliable means to provide notification when an emergency condition exists on an essential system develops problems that require attention. The following alarms must be provided: High bilge levels. Vessel is not outfitted with bilge alarms. Install bilge alarms in each compartment below the main deck. 46 CFR 143.230(a)(5)

Flammable and combustible products must not be stored in machinery spaces, unless they are stored in a suitable container that meets the requirements of 142.225 of this subchapter. There are approximately 20 gallons of engine oil stored next to the starboard engine. Relocate oil to a suitable location. 46 CFR 143.220(c)

Fuel systems for towing vessel main engines and generators must have a documented maintenance plan to ensure proper operation of the system. Crew could not provide documented maintenance plan for the fuel system. Implement a fuel system maintenance plan in accordance with Subchapter M regulations. 46 CFR 143.255(a)

All machinery and equipment that is not in proper working order (including missing or malfunctioning guards or safety devices) must be removed; made safe through marking, tagging, or covering; or otherwise made unusable. Starboard engine is missing guard around exposed belt. Install proper guard. 46 CFR 140.505(c)

Each vessel fitted with installed bulwarks around the exterior of the main deck must have sufficient freeing ports or scuppers or a combination of freeing ports and scuppers to allow water to run off the deck quickly without adversely affecting the stability of the vessel. Vessel recently installed bulwarks around the vessel and does not have sufficient drainage. Install proper drainage around the maindeck. 46 CFR 144.320(a)

AIS PLACEMENT NOT PROVIDED: incomplete dimension information (AIS Antenna Position “X” equals 0)

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 opening into such spaces. Current arrangement has two air intake vents on stern of main deck and two vents in the engine exhaust stack that do not have methods for closing in the event of fire. 46 CFR 144.605

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 using individual battery operated detectors meeting UL 217. Provide documentation for galley and berthing smoke detectors proving they meet UL 217. 46 CFR 142.330(b)

All vessel equipment must be used IAW the manufacturer’s recommended practice and in a manner that minimizes risk of injury or death. This includes machinery equipment. Air filters on both engines excessively covered in air debris. Clean or replace air filters. 46 CFR 140.505(b)

Each vessel must be designed and constructed to minimize fire hazards insofar as reasonable and practicable. Engine room has two small holes in the lower engine room bulkhead. Properly seal holes to ensure fire boundary. 46 CFR 144.405

Each watertight door and watertight hatch must be marked on both sides in clearly legible letters at least 1 in. high: WATER TIGHT DOOR-KEEP CLOSED or WATERTIGHT HATCH-KEEP CLOSED. Watertight doors and hatches not properly marked. 46 CFR 144.610(e)

Each escape hatch and emergency exit used as a means of escape must be marked on both sides in clearly legible letters at least 2 in. high: EMERGENCY EXIT, KEEP CLEAR. Emergency exits not properly marked. 46 CFR 144.610(f)

Electrical systems and equipment must function properly and minimize system failures and fire and shock hazards. Properly secure dead end wires on bridge near port radio. 46 CFR 143.400(a)

Towing vessels of 65 feet or less in the length must carry at least the minimum number of hand-portable fire extinguishers set forth in Table 142.230(d)(1). BII extinguisher is not mounted on proper bracket. 46 CFR 142.230(c)

Emergency lighting must be provided for all internal crew working and living areas. Emergency lighting not installed on internal working and living areas. 46 CFR 143.410

Each mattress must comply with either the consumer product safety commission standard for mattress flammability or IMO Resolution A.688(17). Provide documentation proving mattresses meet this part. 46 CFR 144.430

Chemical testing of personnel must be conducted as required by this subpart and in accordance with the procedures detailed in 49 CFR part 40. Vessel did not have paperwork onboard to prove compliance with DAPI program. 46 CFR 16.201

All non-recreational, non-military vessels less than 79 feet in length that are operating in a capacity as a means of transportation are eligible for coverage under this permit. Vessel does not have a sVGP onboard. 2014 sVGP 1.1