MEGAN J

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. Lifebuoys must be at least 610 millimeters (24 inches) in diameter. Vessels Aft life ring buoy was deteriorated and unserviceable.

Electrical components that pose an electrical hazard must be in an enclosure. Battery for generator was not in an enclosure.

The company has an SMS program in place but it doesn't address the elements of the Fuel Maintenance Plan required in §143.255. Develop and implement a fuel maintenance plan.

The vessel is required to have onboard two (2) 40-B:C portable extinguishers but only has one (1) 80-B:C. The regulations do not consider this as an equivilant level of protection since it specifically calls for two extinguishers. Install an additional 40-B:C extinguisher.

Closure devices must provide protection from the entry of water into the vessel. The forward deck hatch does not seal sufficiently to prevent the ingress of water. Reseat the hatch cover to the satisfaction of the Coast Guard Inspector. Deficiency should be corrected prior to departing [name withheld].

Marine employer must have sufficient number of alcohol testing devices readily accessible on board the vessel. Vessel did not have any alcohol testing swabs. Obtained sufficient amount of alcohol testing devices on the spot. CITE: 46 CFR 4.06-15(a)(1)

A towing vessel must carry adequate and up-to-date nautical publications for intended voyage. Vessel did not have a Coast Pilot and Light List was last updated in 2020. Obtain updated publications. CITE: 46 CFR 140.705(b)

The owner, managing operator, or master must ensure that all persons on board a towing vessel comply with the health and safety plan. Health & Safety Plan not updated to reflect changes in company and had multiple other errors. Submit updated Health & Safety Plan to local Marine Inspectors. CITE: 46 CFR 140.500(b)

Towing vessels must be equipped with the following equipment: Fathometer except on Western Rivers. Vessel does not have fathometer installed and vessel does not operate on the Western Rivers. Vessel is required to have fathometer installed no later than the vessel's next annual inspection. CITE:46 CFR 140.725(a)

Each lifebuoy with a floating electric water light must have a lanyard. Water light attached with parachute cord. Replace line on water lights for lifebuoys. CITE: 46 CFR 141.360(c)(4)

Stowage positions for lifejackets must be marked in block capital letters and numbers with the minimum quantity, identity, and, if sizes other than adult. Life jacket stowage not marked. Label life jacket stowage. CITE: 46 CFR 141.340(h)

Each storage container containing a work vest must be marked “WORK VEST”. Work vest stowage not marked. Label work vest stowage. CITE: 46 CFR 140.430(b)

Immersion suit container must be marked in block capital letters and numbers with the quantity, identity, and size of the equipment stowed. Immersion suit stowage not marked. Label immersion suit stowage. CITE: 46 CFR 141.350(b) 46 CFR 199.70(d)

All portable fire extinguishers systems required by this part must be approved. Portable extinguisher brackets not approved type. Install approved portable extinguisher brackets. CITE: 46 CFR 142.215

Decks and bulkheads designed to be watertight or weathertight must be maintained in that condition. Gaskets on watertight doors were installed backwards and aft and forward hatch gaskets were worn. Replace gaskets on watertight doors and hatches. CITE: 46 CFR 140.610(f)

Each escape hatch and emergency exit used as means of escape must be marked on both sides. Emergency escape from engine room was not labeled in the space. Item corrected on the spot. CITE: 46 CFR 144.160(f)

Machinery systems must be designed to provide for safe operation and safety of persons. Moving component of shaft is exposed. Place guards over shafts. CITE: 46 CFR 143.205(a)

Maintain the required navigational-safety equipment in a fully-functioning, operational condition. Magnetic compass installed does not have a deviation card. Obtain deviation card. CITE: 46 CFR 140.620

The owner or managing operator of an existing vessel not operating under a stability document must be able to show that the vessel's operation or a history of satisfactory service does not cause the stability of the vessel to be questioned by the Coast Guard. Vessel was built in 1967. Current owner added an unknown amount of weight in the form of a fling bridge in the last 4 years. Vessel owner uses external pump to fill aft void for ballast. Vessel has epoxy patches in fwd void below the waterline. Because of these factors, stability of the vessel is questioned by the Coast Guard. Perform satisfactory stability assessment by means of giving due consideration to each item that impacts the vessel's stability characteristics which include, but are not limited to, the form, arrangement, construction, number of decks, route, and operating restrictions of the vessel. Have information submitted to USCG Marine Safety Center (MSC) for review and approval. Obtain stability letter from MSC and provide proof of satisfactory stability to the attending US Coast Guard Marine Inspector. NO SAIL (CODE 60)

An existing vessel may be deemed by the OCMI to be in compliance with structural standards 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 the OCMI. 02 epoxy patches were found below the waterline in the forward void space. Vessel structure is questioned by this OCMI. Vessel must complete satisfactory full scope drydock examination as defined in 46 CFR 137.330. This must be done to the satisfaction of an attending US Coast Guard Marine Inspector. Rectify deficiency prior to movement. NO SAIL (CODE 60)

Correctly install inflatable life raft and provide expiration date of hydrostatic release.

Towing vessels must carry currently corrected editions of charts or maps for area of operation. Vessel did not have correct charts for area of operation on-board. Provide proof of correct chart for operating area to attending Marine Inspector.

Towing vessels 65 feet or less in length may meet the requirements listed in 33 CFR 183.810 or meet UL 1104 (incorporated by reference, in 46 CFR §136.112. Bulbs in navigational light tower failed. Replace/repair to satisfactory condition as per regulations. Provide proof of satisfactory operation to attending Marine Inspector.

If work vests are utilized to comply with 46 CFR 140.430 they must be approved under 46 CFR 160.053. Work vests on board were not in compliance with 46 CFR 160.053. Until such time that correct work vests are procured, Personnel dispatched from the vessel or that are working an area on the exterior of the vessel without rails and guards must wear a lifejacket meeting requirements in 46 CFR 141.340 or an immersion suit meeting requirements in 46 CFR 141.350. Provide proof of procurement of work vests in compliance with 46 CFR 160.053 to the attending US Coast Guard Marine Inspector. Current vests are of type 160.064.

All towing vessels must be equipped with an industrial type first aid kit that is appropriate to the vessel’s operational conditions and crew size. If the towing vessel is operating on the Great Lakes, it must also have a means to take blood pressure readings, splint broken bones, and apply large bandages for serious wounds. Vessel had no first aid kit. Provide proof of procurement of correct first aid kit to the attending US Coast Guard Marine Inspector.

Records of fire-fighting drills and monthly crew-member participation not recorded. Conduct fire-fighting drill with crew-member and properly record as per regulations. provide proof of satisfactory completion to the attending US Coast Guard Marine Inspector.

The Safety and Health Plan shall also contain specific training requirements associated with the plan. Safety and Health plan procedures shall address the reporting of unsafe conditions, proper use of equipment, ensuring equipment is in proper working order, availability of proper PPE, fall overboard prevention, and control measures for addressing identified safety issues. Safety and Health plan was not available for inspection. Obtain and train in accordance with Safety and Health plan requirements. Submit plan to attending Marine Inspector for review.

Safety orientations and other crew training must be documented. The entry must include: (1) The date of the safety orientation or training; (2) A general description of the safety orientation or training topics; (3) The name(s) and signature(s) of individual(s) providing the orientation or training; and (4) The name(s) of the individual(s) receiving the safety orientation or training. Safety orientation training was not documented. Document and perform training as required and provide proof to attending Marine Inspector.

Marine Radio Operator Permit required. No Marine Radio Operator Permit. Obtain valid Marine Radio Operator permit and provide to attending Marine Inspector. 47 CFR 80.161

Employee Assistance Program informational material not posted. Post EAP material in accordance with regulations Provide proof of EAP program informational material distribution to attending Marine Inspector.

Vessel must have an illuminated card type magnetic steering compass visible from vessel’s main steering station. Vessel does not have required compass on-board. Procure, install and swing (if applicable) correct compass and provide proof to attending Marine Inspector.

Submit repair proposal and make permanent repairs to port side aft bit.

Submit repair proposal and make permanent repair to wastage in overhead in the forward engine room compartment on starboard side.

Submit repair proposal and make permanent repairs to port lights in engine room.

Replace missing gasket on watertight door in engine room forward bulkhead.

Conduct a review of the vessels watertight and weathertight integrity and provide report with required repair proposals.

Make repairs to open electrical junction box in aft engine room and cover exposed wire nut connections above port main engine.

Install battery charger in engine room to prevent unintended separation from socket outlet.

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 50% of the vessels that has not obtained a valid COI by the specified phase in period of 20JULY2020. The vessel shall be made available for a Coast Guard COI inspection of within 90 days. If a inspection is not completed prior to this date (20OCT2020), the action for this deficiency shall be changed to a 60 (rectify deficiencies prior to movement) and the vessel may no longer be permitted to operate.