AVIK

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. The starboard main engine is inoperable due to a faulty ECM.

Complete but simple instructions for the operation of the systems must be located in a conspicuous place at or near all pull boxes, stop valve controls and in the CO2 cylinder storage room. On systems in which the CO2 cylinders are not within the protected space, these instructions must also include a schematic diagram of the system and instructions detailing alternate methods of discharging the system should the manual release or stop valve controls fail to operate. There were no instructions in the CO2 cylinder storage room or schematic diagram detailing alternate methods of discharging the system.

All lifesaving equipment must be tested and maintained in accordance with the minimum requirements of § 199.190 of this chapter. Life ring buoy lights found with incorrect battery type.

The master must ensure that all lifesaving equipment is properly maintained and ready for use at all times. The port and starboard life raft painter lines were not connected to the weak link on the hydrostatic release unit inhibiting activation of the life raft.

Towing vessels are required to have a steering system that is operational. While operating, T/V AVIK reported having a non-operational steering system due to the loss of 03 out of 03 rudders. Vessel is required to re-install 03 operational rudders and have them inspected by a Coast Guard Marine Inspector prior to the carriage of cargo and prior to barge operations. To clear this 835 the following needs to occur during the welding process: 1. Show evidence of having qualified welders 2. Prior to welding, welding procedures and plan needs to be approved by Coast Guard Inspector 3. All welding prep work needs to be approved by CG Inspector before continuing to next step. 4. Fit-up needs to be approved by CG Inspector before continuing to next step. 5. Final weld and NDT needs to be inspected physically by CG Inspector. Additionally the vessel is required to undergo CG inspection of the propellers, propeller shaft and hull for possible damage that occurred during the event when the vessel touched bottom.

If Dedicated storage cabinet is provided, it must be secured to the vessel so that it does not move. Inspector observed cabinet outside of Captain's stateroom that was not secured to the bulkhead. 46CFR142.225(c)

There must be an installed bilge pump for emeregency dewatering. Bigle suction was inoperable in the lazarette due to having power supply disconnected. 46CFR143.275

A fixed fire pump must be capable of delivering water from hydrants. Inspector observed fire pump could not deliver any water because a valve was jammed shut and could not be opened for 45 minutes. 46CFR142.325

All installed bilge piping must have a check/foot valve in each bilge suction that prevents unintended backflooding through bilge piping. All installed bilge suction piping does not have check/foot valve.