BIG CAT EXPRESS

Vessel reported suffering a coolant leak on the forward starboard engine while departing Key West on 14 Mar 2026. Replace ruptured coolant line prior to using the forward starboard engine (aft starboard and both port engines are operational).

A fire control plan must be posted on the vessel in a location that is accessible and visible to all passengers. MI observed vessel's newest version of the fire control plan was not posted on board. 46 CFR 116.530

Each item of lifesaving equipment determined by the marine inspector to not be in serviceable condition must be repaired or replaced. MI observed several pieces of retro reflective material on vessel's life floats that were severely deteriorated. Renew and replace to satisfaction of marine inspector. 46 CFR 115.808(b)

The instructions supplied by the manufacturer must contain directions for each of the following: (17) a statement as follows: The EPA standards state that in freshwater lakes, freshwater reservoirs or other freshwater impoundments whose inlets or outlets are such as to prevent the ingress or egress by vessel traffic subject to this regulation, or in rivers not capable of navigation by interstate vessel traffic subject to this regulation, marine sanitation devices certified by the U.S. Coast Guard installed on all vessels shall be designed and operated to prevent the overboard discharge of sewage, treated or untreated, or of any waste derived from sewage... 33 CFR 159.59(b)(17) MI observed an instruction and warning placard near the vessel's sewage overboard discharge valve was missing.

The light must be a floating waterlight approved under approval series 161.010 or a standard specified by the Commandant. 46 CFR 117.175(f)(4) MI observed 01 floating waterlight was inoperable. The battery was replaced by an approved type and corrected on the spot.

Each paddle must be of at least 1,220 millimeters (4 feet) in length, lashed to the life float to which they belong, and buoyant. 46 CFR 117.175(f)(2) MI observed several life float oars were not secured to its respective life float. Each paddle was lased to its respective life float.

Placards containing instructions for the donning and use of the life jackets aboard the vessel must be posted in conspicuous places that are regularly accessible and visible to the crew and passengers. 46 CFR 122.516(a) MI observed 02 placards for donning life jackets were not current with the type of life jackets on board the vessel. MI observed vessel crew replace the placards.

Each vessel certified to operate on an oceans route in warm water must be provided with life floats of an aggregate capacity that will accommodate at least 100% of the total number of persons permitted on board. Inspection of the life floats revealed numerous UV affected lines and pennants. Spacers between each life float were cracked and broken. All life floats shall be serviced and inspected by the Coast Guard prior to the carriage of any passengers.

Each ring buoy on a vessel must be approved in accordance with 160.050 in subchapter Q of this chapter. The port and stbd ring buoys located on the stern of the vessel have UV affected grab lines. Replace the ring buoys or the grab lines prior to the carriage of passengers.

A means of escape that is not readily apparent to a person from both inside and outside the space must be adequately marked in accordance with § 122.606 of this subchapter. All escape hatches and other emergency exits used as means of escape must be marked on both sides in clearly legible letters at least 50 millimeters (2 inches) high: “EMERGENCY EXIT, KEEP CLEAR”, unless such markings are deemed unnecessary by the cognizant [name withheld] escape hatches in the engine room were not labeled, and must be labeled inside and out. 46CFR116.500(j) 46CFR122.606

A-Class bulkheads or decks must be so insulated with approved structural insulation. MI discovered missing insulation in both STBD/PORT engine room bulkheads adjacent to the waterline. Repair/replace missing insulation.

When used, flexible hose must meet the requirements of 46 CFR 56.60-25. Nonmetallic flexible hose must be in accordance with J1942. MI discovered lube oil pressure lines on both STBD/PORT generators are cotton lined and pose a fire hazard. Replace cotton lined lines.

The pendants must be as furnished by the manufacturer with the approved life float or buoant apparatus. Replacement pendants must meet the requirements in 46CFR160.010. Each pendant must be made up in a hank, and the hank secured by not more than two turns of light twine. MI discovered life float pendatns secured with line, other light twine, tied with multiple wraps preventing ability to break free.

The spring in relief valve in service up to and including 250 pounds per square inch shall not be reset 10 percent below that for which the relief valve is marked. The marine inspector found that the relief valve would not reset after being manually activated.

Electrical equipment on a vessel must be installed and maintained to protect crew or other persons and the vessel from electrical hazards. Including fire caused by or originating in electrical equipment. In all spaces below the main deck found numerous light fixtures where the packing for cable penetrations were loose or missing.

U T shot under 4 engines cooling system flexible hose and send report to Marine Inspector. 46 CFR 116.300

Grind back and make repairs to five cracked welds in port forward compartment.

Crop and renew wasted and holed aluminum deck plating in way of starboard and port heads (toilets) as identified. Repair proposal received.

Provide Coast Guard approved design verification test procedures.

Provide Coast Guard approved periodic safety tests procedures.

Provide carbon dioxide warning signs on both engine room entrances and entrance to CO2 storage space on each hull.

Renew emergency exit signage in jet rooms.