MATTHEW NICOLE

46 CFR 137.200 A towing vessel subject to this subchapter and choosing the Coast Guard inspection option, or required to have the Coast Guard inspection option, must undergo an annual inspection within 3 months before or after the COI anniversary date. Vessel went past their drop dead date for an annual inspection (24 FEB 24) without conducting an inspection. Vessel's COI has been invalidated. Vessel is prohibited from operating or moving prior to satisfactory completion of a COI renewal inspection by Coast Guard Sector Mobile.

Each towing vessel must carry at least one appropriately-sized life jacket, approved under approval series 160.002, 160.005, 160.055, 160.155, or 160.176 for each person on board. Life jackets on board were not of the approved type. Replace life-jackets with approved type.

Each towing vessel must be equipped with at least one fire axe. The fire axe on board was not serviceable. Replace fire axe.

A towing vessel of at least 26 feet, but less than 79 feet, in length must carry a minimum of two lifebuoys located on opposite sides of the vessel where personnel are normally present. Both lifebuoys were missing plugs. Replace plugs or lifebuoys. Plugs should be of the same type and material as the lifebuoys.

The name of the vessel must be marked on each rigid life-raft. The life-raft was labeled with the incorrect name. Switch life-rafts to correct vessels.

A sufficient amount of lined commercial fire hose 15 meters (50 feet) in length, at least 40mm (1.5 inches) in diameter shall be immediately available to attach to the portable fire pump so that a stream of water will reach any part of the vessel. The fire hose was not long enough. Replace with fire-hose of appropriate size and length.

The design of the fire-detection system and its installation on the towing vessel shall be certified and inspected by a registered professional engineer with experience in fire-detection system design. Provide proof system was inspected by a professional engineer.

Each towing vessel must be equipped with navigation lights in accordance with 33 CFR part 84 as appropriate to its area of operation. The mast head light and the white light for the Restricted in Ability to Maneuver light combination were extinguished. Replace/repair lights. Restricted to daytime/clear vis operations.

The EPIRB must be stowed in it's float-free bracket with the controls set for automatic activation and be mounted in a manner so that it will float free if the vessel sinks. Hydro-static release unit expired. Replace hydro-static release unit.

An exposed hazard such as rotating machinery, must be protected by a cover, guard or rail. The main engines need additional guards installed around rotating machinery.

Rails or equivalent protection must be installed near the periphery of all decks accessible to the crew. The port forward cat-walk for the bridge is missing a guard rail/chain. Install chain or guard rail.

Propulsion machinery, including main engines, reduction gears, shafting, bearings, and electrical equipment and systems, must be suitable for route and service. Vessel port throttle not functioning as intended due to inoperable valve in steering gear arrangement. Repair as necessary for proper function. 46 CFR 143.205(c)(3)

Vessels must have emergency duties and crew duty stations posted at the operating station. Vessel missing procedures. Two weeks given on initial COI but was not rectified so code changed to 17. 46 CFR 140.405

A towing vessel of at least 26 feet, but less than 79 feet, in length must carry a minimum of two lifebuoys located on opposite sides of the vessel where personnel are normally present. Vessel has both on same side 46 CFR 141.360(a)(2)

A vessel must be operated in accordance with applicable laws and regulations and in such a manner as to afford protection against hazards to life, property, and the environment. MI's noted that the company and vessel crew have failed to ensure requirements within Part 140 of this subchapter have been met. Prior to operating the vessel must have CG attendance to verify tests and inspections required both by Part 140 of this subchapter as well as the companies Health and Safety Plan are being conducted and logged. Additionally, CG will run drills with the crew to ensure crew members are capable of performing the duties expected of them during emergencies and vessel familiarization. 46 CFR 140.205(a)

The portable fire pump must be self-priming and power-driven. Fire pump not self priming. 46 CFR 142.325(e)(3)

Towing vessels 65 feet or less in length may meet the requirements listed in 33 CFR 183.810 or paragraph (a) of this section. A few of the vessels navigational lights would not energize / no longer functioned as intended. 46 CFR 143.415(b)

A towing vessel subject to this subchapter and choosing the Coast Guard inspection option must undergo an annual inspection within 3 months before or after the COI anniversary date. Vessel 3 month window from anniversary date was 14 Mar 22. Vessel prohibited from operating until annual inspection is completed by CG. 46 CFR 137.200

Vessels must have emergency duties and crew duty stations posted at the operating station. Vessel was missing procedures. Post emergency procedures.

Vessels operating on a limited coastwise route greater than 3 miles from shore are required to have a line throwing appliance. Vessel missing line throwing appliance. Procure approved type line throwing device.

Vessels must provide a means to safe guard hazardous areas and rotating machinery to protect personnel. Both main engines found with exposed belt and pulley accessories. Provide a suitable means of protection.

An existing towing vessel subject to this subchapter will remain subject to Coast Guard regulations applicable to the vessel on July 19, 2016 until either July 20, 2018 or the date the vessel obtains a COI, whichever date is earlier. Due to the company not meeting the requirements of 46 CFR 136.202(a)(2), Marine Inspectors attended vessel to ensure compliance with Subchapter M. Upon attendance attending MI's discovered objective evidence that the vessel is not in compliance with Subchapter M. Vessel is required to meet one of the following: either have the vessel surveyed in accordance with 46 CFR parts 137.215 and 137.220 by a qualified surveyor as stated in 46 CFR 139.130 OR an inspection completed by the CG. The vessel will be required to have a COI prior to operating. Objective Evidence to include but not limited to; - No Bilge Alarm - Oily water in bilge - No ventilation covers - No record keeping - No Semi portable - General Electrical Safety 46 CFR 136.172