OLD ABE

Drydock exam revealed that the hull has two plates; the vessel’s existing hull is covered by second hull plate. An existing vessel may be deemed by the OCMI, or TPO, to be in compliance with this subpart provided that the vessel has been both in satisfactory service insofar as structural adequacy is concerned and does not cause the structure of the vessel to be questioned by either the OCMI, or TPO, engaged to perform an audit or survey. To ensure structural adequacy and enable continued service with existing double hull plating, the vessel must undergo the following: a. Complete through level three non-destructive examination throughout the vessel’s hull to determine location of doublers, hull condition, and wastage of hull plating. b. Submit to our office a letter from a professional engineer or naval architect attesting that the hull’s condition and configuration is structurally sound.

No handrails or handgrabs on periphery of vessel. Rails or equivalent protection must be installed near the periphery of all decks accessible to crew. Equivalent protection may include lifelines, wire rope, chains, and bulwarks that provide strength and support equivalent to fixed rails. Make correction to the satisfaction of the attending Coast Guard marine inspector.

Vessels distress signals were out of date. A towing vessel must carry a combination of day and night visual distress signals. Place new flairs on board prior to movement to the satisfaction of the Coast Guard marine inspector.

General alarm light is obstructed from view in the lower engine room. Each towing vessel shall have installed in the engine room and other area where background noise makes it a general alarm hard to hear a supplemental flashing red light. Move or install new light to location that is visible to lower engine room.

Life ring floating electronic water light and lifeline were not attached properly. Floating water light and lifeline must be attached in accordance with 46 CFR 141.360 to the satisfaction of the attending coast Guard Marine Inspector.

Starboard main engine flywheel has no guard and poses a potential hazard to personnel during operation. Machinery and electrical systems must be designed and maintained to provide safe operations of towing vessel. Install guard to the satisfaction of the attending Coast Guard Marine Inspector.

During initial certification inspection an excessive hydraulic leak was found on the flanking rudder ram. Machinery must be designed and maintained to provide safe safe operation of the towing vessel and safety of persons onboard under normal and emergency conditions. Conduct repairs to the satisfaction of the attending Coast Guard marine inspector prior to departure.

Vessel does not have high bilge level alarms onboard. Each towing vessel must have a reliable means to provide notification when an emergency condition exist or an essential systems develops a problem requiring attention. High bilge level alarms must visible and audible at each operating station. Install high bilge level alarm at the operating station to the satisfaction of the attending Coast Guard marine inspector.

Steering rams is hitting rudder stop when rudder is trying to reach full starboard. Machinery must be designed and maintained to provide safe safe operation of the towing vessel and safety of persons onboard under normal and emergency conditions. Conduct proper adjustments so the steering gear hydrilic arms so the the rudder stops are not stopping or touching the rudder stops, to the satisfaction of the attending Coast Guard marine inspector.

Two lifebuoys did not have the required floating electric water lights. At least two lifebuoys on a towing vessel greater than 26 feet must be fitted with a floating electric water light approved under approval series 46 CFR 161.010 or 161.110. Provide electric water lights to both lifebouys to the satisfaction of the of the attending Coast Guard marine inspector. Vessel will not work or transit at night, vessel is limited to daytime operations only.

Vessel does not have installed alarms for monitoring emergency conditions. Each towing vessel must have a reliable means to provide notification when and emergency conditions exist or essential system develops a problem that requires attention. The following alarms must be provided. Main engine and auxiliary generator low lubricating oil pressure. Main engine and auxiliary generator high cooling water temperature. Low hydraulic steering fluid level. Alarms must be visible and audible at the operating station and may be a summary alarm. Install all alarms to the satisfaction of the attending Coast Guard marine inspector.

The Health and Safety requirements that was submitted was insufficient and not towing vessel specific. The owner, managing operator or master must ensure that all persons onboard a towing vessel comply with health and Safety requirements in 46 CFR 140.500 Subpart E. Provide Health and Safety plan that complies with Subpart E. 46 CFR 140.500.

Vessel did not have emergency lighting for EGRESS. Emergency lighting must be provided for all internal crew working and living areas. Emergency lighting sources must provide for sufficient illumination under emergency conditions to facilitate egress from each space and must be either Automatic, battery-operated with a duration of no less than 2 hours; or Non-electric, phosphorescent adhesive lighting strips that are installed along escape routes and sufficiently visible to enable egress with no power. Install emergency lighting for EGRESS. Install emergency lighting or phosphorescent adhesive lighting strips to the satisfaction of the attending Coast Guard marine inspection.

Vessel did not have required portable battery lights. Each towing vessel must be equipped with at least two portable, battery-powered lights. One must be located in located in the pilothouse and the other at the access to the engine room. Install portable battery lights in pilothouse and engine room.

Master could not provides logs a navigational assessment had occurred. The officer in charge of a navigational watch must conduct a navigation assessment for the intended route and operations prior to getting underway. A navigation assessment entry must be recorded in the TVR, official log. Provide TVR log entires of navigational assessments to the satisfaction of the attending Coast Guard inspector.