THE BIG RIVERS

Navigational safety equipment such as radar, gyrocompass, echo depth-sounding or other sounding device, automatic dependent surveillance equipment, or navigational lighting that fails during a voyage must be repaired at the earliest practicable time. The owner, managing operator, or master must consider the state of the equipment (along with such factors as weather, visibility, traffic, and the dictates of good seamanship) when deciding whether it is safe for the vessel to proceed. Vessel is not equipped with a radar. Owner / Operator shall install equipment meeting the regulatory requirements along with crews certification.

Each towing vessel must be maintained and operated so as to minimize fire hazards and to ensure the following:(a) All bilges and void spaces are kept free from accumulation of combustible and flammable materials and liquids insofar as practicable.(b) Storage areas are kept free from accumulation of combustible and flammable materials insofar as practicable. Vessels engine room exhaust fan located above the stairs leading into the space was oil soaked and poses an increase risk of fire.

Each exhaust pipe from an internal combustion engine which is within reach of personnel must be insulated or otherwise guarded to prevent burns. On a new vessel, each pipe that contains vapor, gas, or liquid that has a temperature exceeding 150 °F (65.5 °C) which is within reach of personnel must be insulated where necessary or otherwise guarded to prevent injury. Oner / Operator shall insure ships generator exhaust is insulated or guarded.

The fuel valve must be installed in the fuel piping directly outside of the fuel oil supply tank. Vessels fuel valves were not directly outside the supply tank. During your next dry-dock fuel valves shall be installed to meet the requirements.

All portable fire extinguishers must be inspected or tested at least once every 12 months. Engine Room extinguisher past inspection date.

At least two lifebuoys on a towing vessel greater than 26 feet must be fitted with a floating electric water light approved under approval series 161.010 or 161.110. 01 float light not operational.

The fire-detection system installed must draw power from two sources. The batteries installed on the FDS were dead. Ensure the system has proper battery backup

Each towing vessel must have reliable means to provide notification of emergency conditions with essential systems, including main engine low lubricating oil pressure and high cooling water temperature. Low lube oil alarm would not function on either main engine, port engine had flashing lights indicating engine running while engine was off, and red light indicating fault or error with auxiliary system. Repair engine alarms and panel and prove proper operation of alarms in accordance with 46 CFR 143.230

Engine room bilge had excess oil in it. Clean engine room to eliminate risk of pollution.

All PFDs must have a whistle and light aproved under approval series 161.012 or 161.112. All 4 PFDs had neither light nor whistle.

Each towing vessel must have at least one properly operating radiotelephone on board capable of operation from its navigational bridge. Both radios onboard could not be verified of proper operation. Show proper operation via a radio check.

Each towing vessel must be equipped with at least two portable, battery-powered lights. One must be located in the pilothouse and the other at the access to the engine room. Vessel is not equipped with these lights.

At least one lifebuoy must have a lifeline, secured around the body of the lifebuoy. If more than one lifebuoy is carried, at least one must not have a lifeline attached. Each lifeline on a lifebuoy must: (i) Be buoyant; (ii) Be of at least 18.3 meters (60 feet) in length; (iii) Be non-kinking; (iv) Have a diameter of at least 7.9 millimeters ( 5/16 inch); (v) Have a breaking strength of at least 5 kilonewtons (1,124 pounds); and(vi) Be of a dark color if synthetic, or of a type certified to be resistant to deterioration from ultraviolet light. Lifelines on vessel are not in compliance w/ regulation.

Vessel;s Master and management were not familiar with reporting requirements for Marine Casualties; MI educated company and provided documentation on requirements.