LAGUNA

Towing vessels must be equipped with the following equipment, as applicable to the area of operation: Illuminated magnetic compass. The compass must be readable from each operating station. Magnetic compass displayed a heading of 180 degrees when facing 270 degrees. 46 CFR 140.725(d)

A towing vessel must carry adequate and up-to-date charts for the intended voyage, including electronic charts acceptable to the Coast Guard, of appropriate scale to make safe navigation possible. No current edition or currently corrected edition of navigation charts, paper or electronic were onboard. 46 CFR 140.705(b)(1)

Fuel systems for towing vessel main engines and generators must have a documented maintenance plan to ensure proper operation of the system. The operator was unable to provide evidence of a documented maintenance plan. 46 CFR 143.255(a)

Each towing vessel must perform the applicable tests in Table 143.245(b) of this section. The tests required by this section must be recorded in accordance with part 140 of this subchapter. Alarm setpoints - Twice every 5 years, with no more than 3 years elapsing since last test. No evidence of testing machinery alarm setpoints was provided. 46 CFR 143.245(b)

Closure devices must be provided for deckhouse or hull penetrations, which open to the exterior of the vessel, and which may allow water to enter the vessel. These devices must be suitable for the expected route. 3 Port side main deck port holes missing gaskets. 46 CFR 144.320(b)

The VHF-FM radio must be installed at each operating station and connected to a functioning battery backup. Radios were all connected to only a house battery and no backup battery. 46 CFR 140.715(b)

Machinery and fuel tank spaces must be separated from accommodation spaces by bulkheads. Overhead of fwd E/R space found holed leading into cabin above. 46 CFR 144.410

A towing vessel must carry a combination of day and night visual distress signals indicated in Table 141.370 of § 141.370 for specified areas where the vessel operates. Vessel missing 02 type approved distress signals. 46 CFR 141.375

At least one lifebuoy must have a lifeline, secured around the body of the lifebuoy. Each lifebuoy with a floating electric water light must have a lanyard securing the water light around the body of the lifebuoy. Lifebuoys were found with lifelines and water lights secured around the grabline and not the body of each lifebuoy. 46 CFR 141.360(c)(1) 46 CFR 141.360(c)(4)

All crewmembers must be provided with health and safety information and training. All training required in this section must be documented in owner or managing operator's records. No record available that current master was given health and safety training. Provide record that crew has received training covered in health and safety plan. 46 CFR 140.505

Closure devices must be provided for deckhouse or hull penetrations, which open to the exterior of the vessel and which may allow water to enter the vessel. Seal around fuel hose reel that penetrates weatherdeck aft of pilot house into engine room is failing and allows a small weep when water tested. Bring failing deck pass through back to watertight standard. 46 CFR 144.320

Each towing vessel must have a reliable means to provide notification when an emergency condition exists...the following alarms must be provided: high bilge levels. High level alarm in area forward of machinery space is not secured and would not operate as designed as the unit could rise with a water increase and never alarm. Secure high water alarm to lowest portion of bilge. 46 CFR 143.230

Electrical components that pose an electrical hazard must be in an enclosre. Large electrical cables for previously installed 30 KW generator were found coming out of engine room distribution panel with cables bundled near the overhead and electrical tape on the ends. Completely remove cables from distribution panel. 46 CFR 143.400

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 failed to undergo annual inspection by 18JAN25 deadline. Complete inspection prior to conducting commercial operations. 46 CFR 137.200

Machinery and electrical systems must be designed and maintained to provide for safe operation of the towing vessel and safety of persons on board under normal and emergency conditions. Operator installed 40KW portable generator on cabin weather deck with deck penetrations through the engine room without providing notice or plan review information to local OCMI. 46 CFR 143.205

The Coast Guard inspector conducting this examination must: open and examine all sea chests, through-hull fittings, and strainers for damage, deterioration, or fouling. Two gate valves in engine room penetrating starboard side shell did not pass inspection and require replacement. 46 CFR 137.330

The surveyor must determine whether any defect, deterioration, damage, or modifications of the hull and related structure and components may adversely affect the vessel's seaworthiness or fitness or suitability for its route or service. Vessel was found with hole in the forward tow bit that is allowing water into the void below the weather deck. 46 CFR 137.325(a)

The Coast Guard inspector conducting this examination must: Examine the exterior of the hull, including bottom, sides, headlog, and stern, and examine all appendages for damage, fractures, wastage, pitting, or improper repairs. Identified hole and potential crack in forward bulwark. 46 CFR 137.330

The surveyor must determine whether any defect, deterioration, damage, or modifications of the hull and related structure and components may adversely affect the vessel's seaworthiness or fitness or suitability for its route or service. The forward centerline stringer plate was found deteriorated and its weld was fractured. 46 CFR 137.325(a)

A vessel must be operated IAW applicable laws and regulations and in such a manner as to afford protection against hazards to life, property, and the environment. Number two void found with two holed rungs on ladder for gaining access. 46 CFR 140.205

Closure devices must be provided for deckhouse or hull penetrations, which open to the exterior of the vessel and which may allow water to enter the vessel. Starboard port light in previous shower space found missing a dog and making the enclosure not secure. 46 CFR 144.320

Closure devices mut be provided for deckhouse or hull penetrations, which open to the exterior of the vessel and which may allow water to enter the vessel. These devices must be suitable for the expected route. Gasket for pilot house door found insufficient and requires replacement. 46 CFR 144.320

Windows and other openings at the operating station must be of sufficient size and properly located to provide a clear field of vision for safe operation in any condition. There is a cracked window on the stbd side of the vessel that requires replacement. 46 CFR 144.905(a)

Electrical systems and equipment must function properly and minimize system failures and fire and shock hazards. Identified several dead end wires throughout vessel. 46 CFR 143.400(a)

Electrical equipment and electrical cables must be suitably protected from wet and corrosive environments. Identified electrical penetrations on the aft portion of the pilot house that are not properly sealed. 46 CFR 143.400(f)

Electrical systems and equipment must function properly and minimize system failures and fire and shock hazards. Exposed wires wrapped in duct tape found in 3 of 4 battery boxes in between the main engines. 46 CFR 143.400

Machinery and electrical systems must be designed and maintained to provide for safe operation of the towing vessel and safety of persons onboard. Hydraulic line coming off tank forward and outboard of port main engine had closure valve that could be operated 360 degrees preventing its closure. 46 CFR 143.205

Electrical equipment and electrical cables must be suitably protected from wet and corrosive environments. The cover of a cable box on top of the pilot house was found with a screw missing and loosened allowing water to penetrate the box. 46 CFR 143.400(f)

Electrical equipment and electrical cables must be suitably protected from wet and corrosive environments. There is a cable penetration point on top of the pilot house that has been ripped open, creating a hazard and reducing protection of the electrical equipment inside. 46 CFR 143.400 (f)

Electrical systems and equipment must function properly and minimize system failures and fire and shock hazards. Vessel’s port forward deck light was found broken from its position and hanging by its wires. 46 CFR 143.400(a)

Portable fire extinguishers must be inspected, maintained IAW NFPA 10. Fire extinguishers installed under conditions where they are subject to dislodgement shall be installed in manufacture's strap-type brackets specifically designed for this problem. Pilothouse extinguisher bracket was improper type and did not allow for securing the bottle. 46 CFR 142.240 NFPA 10

Electrical systems and equipment must function properly and minimize system failures and fire and shock hazards. Identified two lights missing guards in areas subject to damage: one in engine room and one on port side of forward deck. 46 CFR 143.400(a)

Repairs and minor alterations to existing towing vessels must be made in accordance with this part. New installations that are not replacements in kind must comply with the requirements of subpart C of this part, if applicable. Operator installed large generator on cabin weather deck and new piping for the steering system without providing notice to the local OCMI. 46 CFR 143.205

Pressure vessels over 5 cubic feet in volume and over 15 pounds per square inch maximum allowable working pressure (MAWP) must be equipped with an indicating pressure gauge (in a readily visible location) and with one or more spring-loaded relief valves. The total relieving capacity of such relief valves must prevent pressure from exceeding the MAWP, as established by the manufacturer, by more than 10 percent. Relief valve was the same pressure as the MAWP. Replace pressure relief valve to correct standards. 46 CFR 143.300(a)

Piping and tanks exposed to the outside of the hull must be made of metal and maintained in a leak free condition. Valve for bilge system was leaking. Repair valve to the satisfaction of the attending marine inspector. 46 CFR 143.270

Essential systems or equipment must be regularly tested and examined. Tests and examinations must verify that the system or equipment functions as designed. If a component is found unsatisfactory, it must be repaired or replaced. Test and examination procedures must be in accordance with manufacturer's instructions... Each towing vessel must perform the applicable tests in Table 143.245(b) of this section. Vessel is currently not completing required testing. Develop procedures to complete testing on schedule. 46 CFR 143.245

Piping for flammable or combustible liquid, seawater cooling, or firefighting systems must be fitted with isolation valves that are clearly marked by labeling or color coding that enables the crew to identify its function. Fuel shut off valve is not labeled. Label shut off valve. 46 CFR 143.250(c)

Towing vessels must be equipped with the following equipment, as applicable to the area of operation: Illuminated magnetic compass... The compass or swing-meter must be readable from each operating station. Magnetic compass was not illuminated. Illuminate the magnetic compass, to the satisfaction of the attending marine inspector. 46 CFR 140.725(d)

The owner or managing operator must provide satisfactory evidence of the required servicing to the marine inspector or TPO, as applicable. Semi portable fire extinguisher was missing 2024 inspection tag. Provide satisfactory proof of testing. 46 CFR 142.240(a)(1)(iv)

Each owner or managing operator must develop procedures to routinely examine, maintain, and replace capstans, winches, and other machinery used to connect the towing vessel to the tow. Operator does not have a procedure to examine capstan, winches, etc. Develop procedure to operate and maintain equipment, to the satisfaction of the marine inspector. 46 CFR 143.460(e)

Piping and tanks exposed to the outside of the hull must be made of metal and maintained in a leak free condition. Pipe for bilge system was leaking. Operator repaired coupling and fixed leak. 46 CFR 143.270

Annual inspections will be similar to the inspection for certification but will cover less detail unless the marine inspector finds deficiencies or determines that a major change has occurred since the last inspection. If the marine inspector finds deficiencies or finds that a major change to the vessel has occurred, he or she will conduct a more detailed inspection to ensure that the vessel is in satisfactory condition and fit for the service for which it is intended. If the vessel passes the annual inspection, the Coast Guard will endorse the vessel's current Certificate of Inspection (COI). Vessel had multiple documents missing, engineering problems, and was not prepared for inspection. Inspectors did not finish the exam due to the state of the vessel. Prepare vessel for inspection, reschedule new annual exam, and complete inspection/drills. 46 CFR 137.200(b)

No vessel subject to inspection under 46 U.S.C. 3301 will be navigated unless it is under the direction and control of an individual who holds an appropriate license or officer endorsement on his or her MMC. Operator did not have MMC available. Provide proof of MMC to inspectors. 46 CFR 15.515(c)

Any piping system that penetrates the hull below the waterline must be fitted with an accessible valve, located as close to the hull penetration as is practicable, for preventing the accidental admission of water into the vessel either through such pipes or in the event of a fracture of such pipe. The valve must be clearly marked by labeling or color coding that enables the crew to identify its function.... Piping and tanks exposed to the outside of the hull must be made of metal and maintained in a leak free condition. Vessel had multiple through-hull pipes with hoses and no valves, below waterline. Ensure piping below the waterline is suitable, has a valve, and is properly labeled. 46 CFR 143.250 46 CFR 143.270

Marine employers shall establish programs for the chemical testing for dangerous drugs on a random basis of crewmembers on inspected vessels. Vessel was unable to show documents on Drug and Alcohol Program. Provide documentation to inspector. 46 CFR 16.230(a)

Machinery and electrical systems must be designed and maintained to provide for safe operation of the towing vessel... Vessel had multiple unused pipes below waterline that were not capped. Cap unused piping that leads outside the hull or between watertight spaces. 46 CFR 143.205(a)

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. Semi portable extinguisher and other fire extinguishers were not properly mounted. Properly affix extinguishers. 46 CFR 142.230(c)

Electrical equipment and electrical cables must be suitably protected from wet and corrosive environments. Electrical components that pose an electrical hazard must be in an enclosure. Batteries in bilge were wet. Ensure batteries are protected from wet environments and properly enclosed. 46 CFR 143.400(f) 46 CFR 143.400(g)

Individual circuit breakers on switchboards and distribution panels must be labeled with a description of the loads they serve. Some breakers on switchboard were not labeled. Properly label breakers. 46 CFR 143.400(d)

Each accommodation space on a vessel must be ventilated in a manner suitable for the purpose of the space. Engine room had high levels of exhaust and door did not properly shut between engine room and accommodation space. Repair door and reduce exhaust levels to provide safe conditions. 46 CFR 144.600

Each watertight door and watertight hatch must be marked on both sides in clearly legible letters at least 25 millimeters (1 inch) high: “WATERTIGHT DOOR—KEEP CLOSED” or “WATERTIGHT HATCH—KEEP CLOSED”. Multiple doors had painted over markings. Ensure all markings are readable. 46 CFR 144.160(e)

Electrical systems and equipment must function properly and minimize system failures and fire and shock hazards. Multiple electrical safety hazards were found including unused wires with no termination in the indoor accommodation space and wheelhouse, water inside an outdoor light on the starboard side, and a terminal box outside the pilot house that is not properly attached. Repair electrical safety hazards. 46 CFR 143.400(a)

A crew accommodation space and a work space must be of sufficient size, adequate construction, and with suitable equipment to provide for the safe operation of the vessel and the protection and accommodation of the crew in a manner practicable for the size, facilities, service, route, and modes of operation of the vessel. Hole remains from where toilet was removed with direct access to sewage pipe. Seal off old sewage piping. 46 CFR 144.700(a)

A record of the type, size, and service of each towline, face wire, and spring line, used to make the towing vessel fast to her tow, must be available to the Coast Guard or third-party auditor for review. The following minimum information is required in the record: The dates when examinations were performed, the identification of each item of towing gear examined, and the name(s) of the person(s) conducting the examinations. Vessel was unable to produce records regarding service length, type, size, and service of face wires. Provide proper documentation to inspectors. 46 CFR 140.820(b)

Propulsion machinery, including main engines, reduction gears, shafting, bearings, and electrical equipment and systems, must: Be maintained to ensure proper operation; Exhaust piping was missing multiple nuts/bolts. Ensure exhaust system is intact, to the satisfaction of the marine inspector. 46 CFR 143.205(c)(1)

All bilges and void spaces are kept free from accumulation of combustible and flammable materials and liquids insofar as practicable. Bilge in engine room had excessive liquid. Remove accumulation of liquids from bilge. 46 CFR 142.220(a)

Each vessel must be designed and constructed to minimize fire hazards insofar as reasonable and practicable. Racor fuel filters are not fitted with bowls to protect against shatter. Install filter bowls to the satisfaction of the MI. 46 CFR 144.405

Drug testing programs required by 46 CFR Part 16 must be conducted in accordance with 49 CFR 40, Procedures for Transportation Workplace Drug and Alcohol Testing Programs. The company’s drug and alcohol testing program is non-existent. Provide proof of Drug and Alcohol testing program. 46 CFR 16.113(a)

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. Each towing vessel operating on oceans, coastwise, or Great Lakes routes must have a means to take blood pressure readings, splint broken bones, and apply large bandages for serious wounds. First Aid kits and contents are expired. 46 CFR 140.435

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 failed to complete annual exam. 46 CFR 137.200

Each vessel must be designed and constructed to minimize fire hazards insofar as reasonable and practicable. Engine room access door is not sealed to prevent passage of smoke in the event of engine room fire. Repair door by 2NOV21 and stow fire pump, fire hose, and semi portable extinguisher outside main cabin until corrected.

Each towing vessel must have a reliable means to provide notification when an emergency condition exists or an essential system develops problems that require attention. The following alarms must be provided: auxiliary generator engine low lube oil pressure and high cooling water temperature, high bilge levels, low hydraulic steering fluid levels. Vessel not outfitted with low lube oil and high cooling water temp for generator, high bilge level, and low hydraulic steering fluid levels. Install labels on bridge console for specific alarm indication and install low hydraulic steering fluid sensor by 2NOV21.

Individual circuit breakers on switchboards and distribution panels must be labeled with a description of the loads they serve. Engine room breaker box had several spare locations in the on position. Ensure breaker labeling in engine room is accurate.

Towing vessels must be equipped with the following equipment, as applicable to the area of operation: Fathometer. Vessel did not have operable fathometer onboard.

Each towing vessel must have either a self-priming, power-driven, fixed fire pump, a fire main, and hoses and nozzles in accordance with paragraphs (a) through (d) of this section; or a portable pump and hoses and nozzles, in accordance with paragraphs (e) and (f) of this section. Portable pump, hoses and nozzle not ready for operational test.

Vessels must be manned in accordance with the COI. Full crew (1 master 1 deckhand) not available to conduct underway drills.

Closure devices must be provided for deckhouse or hull penetrations, which open to the exterior of the vessel and which may allow water to enter the vessel. These devices must be suitable for the expected route. Watertight doors on port and starboard main deck not fully watertight. Port door has several inch fracture beneath lower aft dog. Engine room outfitted with large hatch spanning width of the deck is not watertight.

A record of the type, size, and service of each towline, face wire, and spring line used to make the towing vessel fast to her tow must be available to the Coast Guard. The following minimum information is required in the record: dates when examinations were performed, identification of each item of towing gear examined, and names of persons conducting exams. Records not available for inspection.

Prior to getting underway for the first time on a particular towing vessel, each crewmember must receive safety orientation detailed in this part. Safety orientations and other crew training must be documented in the TVR or official logbook. The entry must include the details in this part. Safety orientation for crew not available for inspection.

Each vessel must be designed and constructed to minimize fire hazards insofar as reasonable and practicable. Forward maindeck bunkhouse room has a trunk leading from engine room to pilot house console with an opening in bunkhouse room which would allow free communication of smoke in the event of engine room fire to main deck lounge and pilot house. Engine room access door has 2” gap along the bottom. Install vapor boundary in trunk and engine room door to prevent passage of smoke.

Each towing vessel must have a reliable means to provide notification when an emergency condition exists or an essential system develops problems that require attention. The following alarms must be provided: auxiliary generator engine low lube oil pressure and high cooling water temperature, high bilge levels, low hydraulic steering fluid levels. Vessel not outfitted with low lube oil and high cooling water temp for generator, high bilge level, and low hydraulic steering fluid levels.

The following vessel must have on board a properly installed, operational Coast Guard type approved AIS Class A device: Towing vessel of 26 feet or more in length and more than 600 horsepower, engaged in commercial service. Call sign not displayed on AIS and static data indicated vessel underway while moored.

An exposed hazard such as gears and rotating machinery, must be protected by a cover, guard, or rail. Both engines missing guards over rotating belts.

Alarms must be visible and audible at each operating station. The alarm at the operating station may be a summary alarm; if the alarm at the operating station is a summary alarm, the specific alarm condition must be indicated at the machinery or bilge location. Machinery alarms in pilot house have symbols and should be labeled with their specific function. Port main engine indicated low lube oil pressure.

Electrical systems and equipment must function properly and minimize system failures and fire and shock hazards. Dead end wires present on bridge on aft bridge deck (shore power cable).

Each towing vessel must be equipped with navigation lights, shapes, and sound signals in accordance with the COLREGS or 33 CFR part 84. Navigation lights and sound signal not operable. Vessel restricted to daytime operations only with full visibility.

At least two lifebuoys on a towing vessel greater than 26 feet must be fitted with a floating electric water light, unless the towing vessel is limited to daytime operation, in which case no floating electric water light is required. Lifebuoy light inoperable.

Personnel dispatched from the vessel or that are working in an area on the exterior of the vessel without rails and guards must wear a lifejacket meeting the requirements in 141.340, or a work vest approved by the Commandant under 46 CFR 160.053. Owner indicated crew wears work vests while operating onboard. Work vests not available for inspection.

Each watertight door must be marked on both sides clearly legible letters at least 1 inch high: WATERTIGHT DOOR – KEEP CLOSED. Port and starboard watertight doors missing markings on both sides.

Sufficient lighting suitable for the marine environment must be provided within crew working and living areas. No guard around light in forward main deck bunkhouse room, forward engine room hold area has disconnected light with exposed wires, port side main weather deck receptacle has exposed wires.

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’s name was the same color as the hull material and not readily visible.

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 25% of the vessels that has not obtained a valid COI. The vessel shall be made available for a Coast Guard COI inspection within 90 days5. 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. 46 CFR 136.202(a)