OTTER

A towing vessel must carry adequate and up-to-date charts, maps, and nautical publications for the intended voyage. Vessels paper charts are outdated and means to verify latest electronic chart update is not available. Vessel also outdated coast pilot and light list. Provide evidence of updated electronic charts. 46 CFR 140.705

The master must ensure that all lifesaving equipment is properly maintained and ready for use at all times. The vessel's Category 1 406 MHz satellite Emergency Position Indicating Radio Beacon (EPIRB) was found to be expired. 46 CFR 141.230

When the towing vessel is underway, the EPIRB must be stowed in its float-free bracket with the controls set for automatic activation and be mounted in a manner so that it will float free if the towing vessel sinks. The hydrostatic release unit for the vessel's EPIRB was found to have expired, preventing guaranteed float-free operation. 46 CFR 141.380(b)

All workspaces must be kept free of slip, trip, and fall hazards, and emergency exits/access points must be maintained. The steering gear space was inaccessible due to a blocked hatch, severely impeding emergency access to an essential machinery space. 46 CFR 140.505

Lifesaving equipment must be properly maintained and ready for use at all times. The batteries for the floating water lights attached to both lifebuoys were found to be expired. 46 CFR 141.230

Each lifebuoy on a towing vessel must be properly equipped, maintained, and marked. The vessel name markings on the port side lifebuoy have faded and are no longer clearly legible. 46 CFR 141.360

When worn at night, the work vest must be equipped with a light that meets the requirements of 46 CFR 141.340(g)(1). The vessel's work vests designated for night operations do not have the required personal flotation device lights attached. 46 CFR 140.430(a)

All portable fire extinguishers on board the vessel must be inspected or tested at least once every 12 months. The inspection tag on the portable fire extinguisher at operating station did not reflect a current annuaL inspection. 46 CFR 142.240(a)

Survival craft must be properly stowed and arranged to float free in the event of the vessel sinking. The vessel's inflatable life raft was found to be incorrectly hooked up to its cradle/hydrostatic release mechanism, jeopardizing its ability to successfully float free. 46 CFR 141.310

Pressure vessel relief valves must be tested twice in 5 years, with no more than 3 years elapsing between tests.The pressure vessel relief valve is due for its required testing/inspection NLT June 16, 2026. The vessel's master or managing operator must ensure this inspection is completed and properly documented prior to the deadline to maintain compliance. 46 CFR 143.245(b)

(a) For vessels other than those covered in paragraphs (b) and (c) of this section, the name of the vessel must be marked on some clearly visible exterior part of the port and starboard bow and the stern of the vessel. The hailing port of the vessel must be marked on some clearly visible exterior part of the stern of the vessel. Vessel name not visible on port and starboard side bow. Name and hailing port from stern view is blocked by a freezer. 46 CFR 67.123

Each lifebuoy with a floating electric water light must have a lanyard of at least 910 millimeters (3 feet) in length, but not more than 1,830 millimeters (6 feet), securing the water light around the body of the lifebuoy. Lanyard is deteriorated and needs to be replaced. 46 CFR 141.360c4

Each towing vessel must be equipped with an industrial type first aid cabinet or kit, appropriate to the size of the crew and operating conditions. Pain medication in kit is expired. 46 CFR140.435

All pressure vessels must have the MAWP indicated by a stamp, nameplate, or other means visible to the crew. Pressure vessels (P/S Start Air reservoirs) on-board do not have MAWP indicated on the tank. 46 CFR 143.300C

All pressure vessels must have the MAWP indicated by a stamp, nameplate, or other means visible to the crew. Pressure vessels (P/S Start Air reservoirs) on-board do not have MAWP indicated on the tank. 46CFR140.705

Regardless of the option chosen to obtain a COI, upon obtaining a COI each towing vessel must then undergo a drydock (DDX) and internal structural examination (ISE) at the following intervals: A vessel that is exposed to salt water more than 6 months in any 12-month period since the last examination or initial certification must undergo a drydock and internal structural examination at least twice every 5 years, with not more than 36 months between examinations. A DDX and ISE examination was not conducted on or prior to 31DEC2023, as indicated on the issued COI and required per regulation. Vessel is restricted from operating in a commercial towing capacity (as of 01JAN2024) until a DDX & ISE inspection is scheduled by the operator and a satisfactory hull and structural examination is conducted in the presence of an attending Marine Inspector.

EPIRB must meet the requirements of 47 CFR Part 80. EPIRB hydrostatic release was expired. Renew hydro. 46 CFR 141.380

Master must ensure that all lifesaving equipment is properly maintained. 02 ring life buoy waterlight batteries were expired. Renew batteries. 46 CFR 141.230

Towing vessel must be equipped w/ an industrial type first aid cabinet or kit. First aid kit items were either missing or expired. Renew first aid kit. 46 CFR 140.435

Each towing vessel must carry onboard and maintain charts and tide tables. Paper charts were old and tide tables were missing. Provide charts/tide tables. 33 CFR 164.72

Towing vessel must be provided with an illuminated magnetic compass. Compass was not illuminated. Prove proper operation to attending MI. 46 CFR 140.725

The VHF-FM radio must be connected to a functioning battery backup. At time of inspection could not verify backup battery arrangement. Provide proof of backup battery to attending MI. 46 CFR 140.715

The emergency duties and duty stations must be posted at each operating station and in a conspicuous location in a space commonly visited by crew. Emergency duties were not posted. 46 CFR 140.405

Fire-detection system must be inspected or tested at least once every 12 months. Servicing tag was provided, however, records showing what was tested was not available for review. Provide servicing report. 46 CFR 142.240

All crewmembers must be provided with health and safety information training. Refresher training must be conducted annually. Required training was not logged for review. Complete training and provide records to CG.

Fuel systems for main engines and generators must have a documented maintenance plan. Fuel maintenance plan was missing. Draft and provide plan to CG. 46 CFR 143.255

No marine employer shall engage or employ any individual to serve as a crewmember unless the individual passess a chemical test for dangerous drugs for that employer. Company is enrolled with TSS Consortium, however a list of enrolled crewmembers could not be provided to the Coast Guard. Provide list prior to conducting operations.

The employer shall provide an Employee Assistance Program (EAP) for all crewmembers [name withheld] training program must be conducted for the employer's crewmembers and supervisory personnel. Supervisory personnel must receive at least 60 minutes of training. Only one crewmember had received EAP training. Provide training for rest of the crew and post EAP hotline in a known location for the crew.

Each towing vessel must perform pressure vessel relief valve testing twice every 5 years with no more than 3 years elapsing since the last test. Provide documentation showing when the pressure relief valves were installed or last tested. 46 CFR 143.245

All owners and operators of an existing towing vessel must have a valid COI prior to the specified phase-in period. This vessel is one of the 100% of the vessels that has not obtained a valid COI. The vessel shall be made available for a Coast Guard COI inspection within 90 days. If an inspection is not completed prior to this date, the action for this deficiency shall be changed to a 60 (Rectify deficiencies prior to movement) and the vessel may no long be permitted to operate.