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ETHAN GEORGE
ETHAN GEORGE is a 1940 towing vessel. The Coast Guard has recorded 15 inspections since 1994, most recently in April 2025, along with 34 deficiencies.
Records from 1994 to 2025. Most recent: inspection, 21 April 2025.
- Built
- 1940
- Last inspected
- 21 April 2025
- Documentation
- Valid · documentation file of 10 August 2026
- Deficiencies
- 34 recorded · 0 without a recorded resolution
- Controls
- None recorded without a removal date
Everything above is free. The detail below — the inspection history, the deficiency record, the tow units and the documentation record — is Professional, $39 a month. Sign in.
Coast Guard record current through 23 August 2026, retrieved 5 September 2026 from PSIX. Every field on this page was recorded by the Coast Guard. Records for the Towing Vessel class in Maury's sources begin in 1980.
Inspection record
Last inspected
21 April 2025
…with no type recorded1
Deficiencies
34 recorded · 0
without a recorded resolution
Operational controls
None recorded without a removal date
Years with a record
10 calendar years (1994–2025)
Every line above is a count of records the US Coast Guard wrote, or a date it recorded.
A blank resolution means none was recorded in this data; it does not establish that a
deficiency is outstanding. Years with a record are calendar years in which a record
exists, not years in service. What Maury does
not do.
Identity
294428
WDA4498
84020
Flag
UNITED STATES
Maury page id
psix-84020
Documentation record
Registered dimensions (L × B × D)42.5 ft × 12.8 ft × 6.6 ft
Registered tonnagegross 27 / net 14
ITC dimensions (L × B × D)Not recorded
ITC tonnageNot recorded
BuilderSTURGEON BAY SHIPBUILDING · STURGEON BAY, WI, UNITED STATES · built 1940
Hull materialSteel
PropulsionDiesel Reduction
Hull shapeUNSPECIFIED
Hull configurationUNSPECIFIED
Hailing portMUSKEGON, MI
Trade endorsementsCoastwise, unrestricted
DocumentationValid · issued 7 March 2026 · expires 30 April 2027
Service, as the file records itTowing Vessel
Hull formpowered (Maury's inference from propulsion, hull shape, material and length, rule hf-1; not a recorded fact)
Tonnage as PSIX records it27 - Regulatory (Subpart C or D), Gross Ton
14 - Regulatory (Subpart C or D), Net Ton
14 - Regulatory (Subpart C or D), Net Ton
Every line above is a field of the National Vessel Documentation Center's file as served by NOAA Fisheries, dated 10 August 2026, matched to this hull on its Official Number. Registered and ITC measurements are two systems and are never combined. One snapshot is held so far; documentation history begins with the next.
Professional
Detail on this page
15 inspections, each with its date, unit and type; 34 deficiencies with the resolution recorded against each; 1 vessel inspected with it, by name and date; the documentation record: dimensions, tonnage, builder, hailing port, endorsements, dates. The counts in the summary above are the same counts, and they are free.
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Vessel history report
Every record for this hull, in one document — $299
Every recorded inspection, 1980 to 2026 for this class, in one chronology · every deficiency, with system, dates and resolution · operational controls imposed and removed · every name this hull has been recorded under · the vessels it was inspected alongside, and when · how its record compares with hulls of similar age and size, as a fact about the population and never a judgement about this vessel.
Read one first, in full: a forty-year chronology · a hull that changed operators four times · the sparse case, shown as an example, not for sale.
This report is in development and is not for sale yet. There is no date, and nothing is charged. Leave an email and we will tell you when it exists, once.
Used only to tell you when the report exists. Not shared, not sold, and not added to a mailing list.
Inspected as a tow unit · 1
The Coast Guard recorded this vessel and the following in the same inspection activity — normally a tug and the barges in its tow. A recreational or unclassed hull in the same activity is held and not published, so it does not appear here: these lists are a floor, not a complete manifest.
HJL III Freight Barge · MISLE 130289 · 11 August 1994 · activity 144297Inspection history · 15
21 April 2025
Administrative Inspection
Administrative · Detached Duty Office Grand Haven · USCG Great Lakes District (CGD-GL) · Activity 8116513
11 March 2024
COI Inspection
Physical examination · Detached Duty Office Grand Haven · USCG Great Lakes District (CGD-GL) · Activity 7877277
26 October 2023
COI Inspection
Physical examination · Detached Duty Office Grand Haven · USCG Great Lakes District (CGD-GL) · Activity 7814641
31 August 2023
Drydock Exam · Administrative Inspection
Physical examination · Detached Duty Office Grand Haven · USCG Great Lakes District (CGD-GL) · Activity 7782621
10 February 2023
Deficiency Check
Physical examination · Detached Duty Office Grand Haven · USCG Great Lakes District (CGD-GL) · Activity 7635059
29 August 2022
Annual Inspection · Deficiency Check
Physical examination · Detached Duty Office Grand Haven · USCG Great Lakes District (CGD-GL) · Activity 7546006
23 February 2022
Liferaft Servicing
Physical examination · Marine Safety Unit Chicago · USCG Great Lakes District (CGD-GL) · Activity 7401017
1 February 2022
Deficiency Check
Physical examination · Detached Duty Office Grand Haven · USCG Great Lakes District (CGD-GL) · Activity 7388960
21 September 2021
Administrative Inspection
Administrative · Sector Lake Michigan · USCG Great Lakes District (CGD-GL) · Activity 7333544
31 August 2021
Annual Inspection · Deficiency Check
Physical examination · Detached Duty Office Grand Haven · USCG Great Lakes District (CGD-GL) · Activity 7301741
30 October 2020
Annual Inspection · DAPI Audit
Physical examination · Detached Duty Office Grand Haven · USCG Great Lakes District (CGD-GL) · Activity 7088358
9 December 2019
Annual Inspection
Physical examination · Detached Duty Office Grand Haven · USCG Great Lakes District (CGD-GL) · Activity 6870912
25 July 2018
Drydock Exam · Initial Certification
Physical examination · Sector Lake Michigan · USCG Great Lakes District (CGD-GL) · Activity 6518752
11 September 2014
Industry Initiated Exam
Physical examination · Detached Duty Office Grand Haven · USCG Great Lakes District (CGD-GL) · Activity 4980431
11 August 1994
Type not recorded
No type recorded · MSO SAULT STE MARIE · USCG Great Lakes District (CGD-GL) · Activity 144297
Deficiency record · 34
03 - Water/Weathertight Conditions › N/A - No Subsystem › Covers (hatchway-, portable-, tarpaulins, etc.)
Issued 21 March 2024
Resolved
FWD gasket deteriorated and not watertight. Corrected on-the-spot
11 - Life Saving Appliances › N/A - No Subsystem › Inflatable liferafts
Issued 21 March 2024
Resolved
LR just returned from servicing and was improperly secured. Corrected on-the-spot.
11 - Life Saving Appliances › N/A - No Subsystem › Inflatable liferafts
Issued 31 October 2023
Resolved
The master must ensure that all lifesaving equipment is properly maintained & ready for use at all times. Liferaft painter was not properly rigged for use; painter line was not attached. Properly rig liferaft prior to departure.
11 - Life Saving Appliances › N/A - No Subsystem › Immersion suits
Issued 31 October 2023
Resolved
Each towing vsl must carry at least one appropriate-size immersion suit for each person onboard. Immersion suits removed from vs. Provide onboard appropriate-size immersion suits for crew.
11 - Life Saving Appliances › N/A - No Subsystem › Distress flares
Issued 31 October 2023
Resolved
Towing vsls operating beyond 3 NM from shore of the Great Lakes must carry 06 day & 06 night visual distress signals. Vsl only had 04 day & night comb. signals onboard. Provide required number of visual distress signals prior to departure.
11 - Life Saving Appliances › N/A - No Subsystem › Lifebuoys incl. provision and disposition
Issued 31 October 2023
Resolved
Towing vsls 26 ft - 79 ft must carry 02 RLBs; 01 RLB must have a lifeline secured around the body of the RLB. Lifeline was attached to grab line and not secured around body of RLB. Attach lifeline as required.
10 - Safety of Navigation › N/A - No Subsystem › Lights, shapes, sound-signals
Issued 31 October 2023
Resolved
Vsls 39.4 ft - 65.5 ft shall be provided with a whistle (e.g., any sound signaling appliance capable of producing the prescribed blasts IAW 33 CFR 86). Installed horn inoperable; no other sound producing device onboard. Repair / replace sound producing devices required prior to departure.
13 - Propulsion and Auxiliary Machinery › N/A - No Subsystem › Operation of machinery
Issued 31 October 2023
Resolved
Propulsion machinery must have suitable controls to provide the operator full control at each operating station. Unable to stop M/E from op station. Provide means for operator to have full control of M/E at op station.
09 - Working and Living Conditions › 092 - Working Conditions › Other (accident prevention)
Issued 31 October 2023
Resolved
The crew of each towing vsl must demonstrate the ability to operate the machinery & electrical systems they are responsible for. Each crewmember must receive annual instruction in response to fires. Crewmembers present during inspection were unfamiliar w/ the vsl & duties required during emergencies (e.g., essential system alarms, portable fire pump, fuel e-shutdown). Provide training & prove crew competence. 46 CFR 140.420
01 - Certificates & Documentation › 011 - Ships Certificates › Certificate of Inspection (COI)
Issued 31 August 2023
Resolved
A vessel that is exposed to salt water LESS THAN 6 months in any 12-month period since the last examination must undergo a drydock and internal structure examination at least once every 5 years. Vessel did not complete a drydock and internal structure examination as required. Vsl is not authorized to operate as a towing vessel until drydock and internal structure examination is completed.
01 - Certificates & Documentation › 013 - Documents › Log-books/compulsory entries
Issued 29 August 2022
Resolved
Towing vsls are required to have an official logbook with the additional following entries: personnel records, safety orientation, records of drills & instruction, exams & tests, operative navigational safety equipment, navigation assessment, navigation safety training, oil residue discharges & disposals, inspection of towing gear, and fire-detection & fixed fire-extinguishing. Missing required entries and entries made were below standard of information required. O/O to conduct training with vsl Masters on proper recordkeeping.
05 - Radio Communications › N/A - No Subsystem › Other (radio communication)
Issued 29 August 2022
Resolved
Shipstation documents must be readily available. FCC shipstation license not onboard. 47 CFR 80.403
07 - Fire Safety › N/A - No Subsystem › Fire detection and alarm system
Issued 29 August 2022
Resolved
The fire-detection system and its installation must be certified and inspected by a registered PE or NICET IV. PE Letter not onboard.
05 - Radio Communications › N/A - No Subsystem › Satellite EPIRB 406MHz/1.6GHz
Issued 29 August 2022
Resolved
The name of the vsl must be clearly marked on each EPIRB and NOAA registration decal is to be affixed to the beacon. Both most be clearly visible. EPIRB not marked w/ vsl name and decal missing. Provide proof of correction.
10 - Safety of Navigation › N/A - No Subsystem › Magnetic compass
Issued 29 August 2022
Resolved
Towing vsls must be equipped with an illuminated magnetic compass. Compass light inoperable. Make permanent repairs.
11 - Life Saving Appliances › N/A - No Subsystem › Distress flares
Issued 29 August 2022
Resolved
Portable watertight containers for pyrotechnic distress signals must be clearly marked "DISTRESS SIGNALS." No marking present. Provide proof of correction.
11 - Life Saving Appliances › N/A - No Subsystem › Immersion suits
Issued 29 August 2022
Resolved
Each towing vsl operating in the GL must carry at least one appropriate-sized immersion suit for each person onboard. Vsl does not have enough regular-sized immersion suits for crew needs. O/O has ordered immersion suits to fill this need; they are on backorder. The vsl is not authorized cold water ops until an appropriate-sized immersion suit is onboard for each POB.
11 - Life Saving Appliances › N/A - No Subsystem › On board training and instructions
Issued 29 August 2022
Resolved
IAW 46 CFR 199 illustrated instructions for the donning of PFDs and immersion suits are required. No donning instructions posted.
07 - Fire Safety › N/A - No Subsystem › Fire fighting equipment and appliances
Issued 29 August 2022
Resolved
The frame or support of any semi-portable fire extinguisher fitted with wheels must be welded or otherwise permanently attached to a steel bulkhead or deck to prevent it from rolling under heavy sea conditions. The semi-portable fire extinguisher located outside of the engine room access was not secured by any means. Provide proof of semi-portable fire extinguisher being secured.
13 - Propulsion and Auxiliary Machinery › N/A - No Subsystem › Bilge pumping arrangements
Issued 29 August 2022
Resolved
Each towing vsl must have a high bilge level alarm. Alarm inoperable. Make permanent repairs.
07 - Fire Safety › N/A - No Subsystem › Oil accumulation in engine room
Issued 29 August 2022
Resolved
All bilges and void spaces are kept free from accumulation of combustible & flammable materials. Excessive amount of oil in bilge. Clean and remove prior to departure.
09 - Working and Living Conditions › 092 - Working Conditions › Lighting (Working spaces)
Issued 29 August 2022
Resolved
Each towing vsl must be equipped w/ at least 02 portable battery-powered lights; one in the pilothouse and the other at the ENG room access. No portable lights onboard.
05 - Radio Communications › N/A - No Subsystem › Satellite EPIRB 406MHz/1.6GHz
Issued 31 August 2021
Resolved
Each towing vessel operating beyond 3 NM from shore upon the Great Lakes must carry a Category 1 406 MHz satellite EPIRB stowed in a manner so that it will float free if the vessel sinks. The EPIRB battery and hydrostatic release are expired. Provide onboard an operational EPIRB stowed in a float free configuration.
11 - Life Saving Appliances › N/A - No Subsystem › Immersion suits
Issued 31 August 2021
Resolved
Each towing vessel in cold water regions must carry one immersion suit for each person onboard. No immersion suits onboard.
11 - Life Saving Appliances › N/A - No Subsystem › Lifejackets incl. provision and disposition
Issued 31 August 2021
Resolved
Each lifejacket must be marked in block capital letters with name of the vessel and have a lifejacket light and whistle securely attached with a cord. PFDs onboard are not marked and have no required attachments.
11 - Life Saving Appliances › N/A - No Subsystem › Lifebuoys incl. provision and disposition
Issued 31 August 2021
Resolved
Towing vessels at least 26' but less than 79' must carry a minimum of 2 RLBs (24" diameter) located on opposite
sides of the vessel where personnel are normally present. Only one RLB onboard.
20Oct2021: 2 RLBs onboard. 01 missing retro tape; 01 retro tape written over. Extension granted for def clearance.
09 - Working and Living Conditions › 091 - Living Conditions › Medical Equipment
Issued 31 August 2021
Resolved
Each towing vessel operating on Great Lakes routes must have a means to take blood pressure reading, splint broken bones, and apply large bandages for serious wounds. No equipment to fulfill this requirement is onboard.
20Oct2021: Blood pressure monitoring equipment onboard. Missing splint/large bandages.
01 - Certificates & Documentation › 013 - Documents › Log-books/compulsory entries
Issued 31 August 2021
Resolved
Inspections & tests of lifesaving equipment must be recorded in the TVR. No entries were made in the TVR.
01 - Certificates & Documentation › 013 - Documents › Log-books/compulsory entries
Issued 31 August 2021
Resolved
Records of inspections, tests, & maintenance of all fire-suppression equipment must be logged in the TVR. No entries were made in the TVR.
20Oct2021: Awaiting documentation from third party.
09 - Working and Living Conditions › 092 - Working Conditions › Machinery
Issued 31 August 2021
Resolved
Essential system alarms must be regularly tested and examined in accordance with 46 CFR 143.245(b) and logged in the TVR. No entries were made in the TVR. Provide proof of completed tests.
20Oct2021: Caretaker requested extension on def clearance. Awaiting return of vsl crew for assistance with this task.
08 - Alarms › N/A - No Subsystem › Other (alarms)
Issued 31 August 2021
Resolved
Each towing vessel must have an alarm provided for high bilge levels. Non-operational bilge alarms.
09 - Working and Living Conditions › 092 - Working Conditions › Guards - fencing around dangerous machinery parts
Issued 25 July 2018
Resolved
Engine exhaust shall be guarded or insulated to protect against personnel injury i.a.w. 46 CFR 144.830
07 - Fire Safety › N/A - No Subsystem › Division - decks, bulkheads and penetrations
Issued 25 July 2018
Resolved
Bulkhead penetrations in aft engineroom shall be water and fire tight i.a.w. 46 CFR 143.400
01 - Certificates & Documentation › 013 - Documents › Log-books/compulsory entries
Issued 25 July 2018
Resolved
Towing gear record and inspection must be recorded as per 46 CFR 140.820
Ownership record
The Coast Guard's documentation record for this hull -- the Abstract of Title,
with its owners and liens as filed -- is not in PSIX. Ask, and Maury buys it from the National
Vessel Documentation Center, files it here with its date, and every reader of this page gets it.