TVIB News News and Updates

USCG: Certificate of Documentation Guidance During Application Processing Delays

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Originally published on USCG Maritime Commons

POSTED BY LT AMY MIDGETT ON JULY 15, 2019

The National Vessel Documentation Center (NVDC) is experiencing delays in the time necessary to issue a Certificate of Documentation (COD) due to performance issues associated with its Information Technology (IT) System. The Coast Guard recognizes the need to minimize the effect on the maritime community. The following guidance is provided: 

Vessels Engaged on Domestic Voyages Only (Coastwise/Fisheries): Vessel(s) with an expired COD may continue to operate domestically on the previously issued trade endorsements provided a renewal application has been submitted to the NVDC. Vessel owners should be prepared to present evidence, upon request, to the Officer in Charge, Marine Inspection (OCMI) or the Office of Commercial Vessel Compliance (CG-CVC), that a renewal application was submitted. 

New Construction/Initial Certification (All Trade Endorsements): In accordance with the Marine Safety Manual, Vol. II, an initial COI may be completed before the COD is issued provided the NVDC has received the application for documentation. Vessel representatives should be prepared to present evidence that the application was submitted to the NVDC to the OCMI. 

Engaged on International Voyage (Registry Endorsement): Vessel(s) with an expired COD that actively engage on international voyages and are subject to Port State Control may request a letter from CG-CVC for continued operation. Requests for a letter confirming vessel registry by the United States should be sent to FlagStateControl@uscg.mil and include objective evidence that a renewal application has been submitted to the NVDC. 

Recreational Vessels (Recreational Endorsement): Vessel(s) with an expired COD that actively engage in recreational use shall not be subject to COD related enforcement action, provided the vessel owner can present evidence that the renewal application was submitted to the NVDC. 

A list of cognizant OCMI / COTP contacts is available on the Office of Commercial Vessel Compliance website. 

In order to ensure NVDC can process the maximum number of applications possible, we ask that you submit any questions via electronic mail to nvdc.w.webmaster@uscg.mil while the IT System is operating at reduced capacity. Responses can be expected within 24-48 hours. We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause.

The latest NVDC Case Processing Report is available from the NVDC website here. 

Sign up to receive updates to the Case Processing Report via email.

NTSB: Report of Contact of Towing Vessel Steve Richoux with Mardi Gras World Pier

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The NTSB has published its report of the towing vessel Steve Richoux’s contact with the Mardi Gras World Pier in May of 2018. The report points to a steering failure as the cause of the incident.

Click here to download NTSB MAB-19/15

USCG: ‘Findings of Concern’ focuses on the hazards of corrosion

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Originally posted on the USCG Maritime Commons 07/25/2019

The Coast Guard recently published Findings of Concern 009-19, “Corrosion Caused Casualties,” in order to bring awareness to unsafe conditions discovered last year on a Louisiana towing vessel during a marine casualty investigation. 

The Incident.

An Inspected Towing Vessel (ITV) pushing a loaded tank barge experienced a loss of steering and subsequently ran aground, Sept. 25, 2018. The marine casualty investigation determined the initiating event to be the port shaft propeller nut wedged into the rudder, which prevented the free and full movement of the steering gear. (Figure 1)

Photo of propeller nut wedged into the rudder and photo of deteriorated propeller nut locking strap.

Contributing Factors and Analysis. 

The investigation identified the initiating event causal factors to be a material failure of the port shaft propeller nuts locking strap (missing), the lack of a secondary securing mechanism (second nut/cotter pin) on the port propeller nut, and an inadequate corrosion mitigation preventative maintenance program. Visual analysis of the starboard shaft locking strap noted significant deterioration of the locking mechanism (Figure 2), requiring immediate replacement. Based on the analysis of this casualty, marine inspectors inspected the locking nut straps of several other ITV’s during scheduled dry-dock exams, which showed similar corrosion issues.

The Coast Guard recommends the following preventative measures:

  • Review company corrosion prevention systems/programs. If necessary, engage with a corrosion specialist from the American Boat and Yacht Council and/or National Association of Corrosion Engineers. 
  • Ensure adequate primary and secondary propeller shaft securing devices (cotter pins, double nut, locking strap, etc.) are in place at all times, with consideration given to vessel operations and environmental conditions.
  • Inspect propeller fasteners routinely/during every dry-docking and replace in accordance with manufacturer’s instructions. 

The Coast Guard issues findings of concern to disseminate information related to unsafe conditions identified as causal factors in a marine casualty and that may cause a similar casualty on other vessels. Findings of concern are intended to educate the public, state, or local agencies about the conditions discovered so they may address the findings with an appropriate voluntary action or highlight existing applicable company policies or state/local regulations. 

These findings of concern are provided for informational purpose only and do not relieve any domestic or international safety, operational, or material requirements. For any questions or comments please contact Marine Safety Unit Lake Charles Investigations Division by phone at (337) 491-7811 or by email at msulcinv@uscg.mil.