TVIB News Safety Alerts

USCG: Sector New Orleans Issues Safety Alert 01/19 – Towing Vessel Safety Alert

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03/25/2019 USCG Sector New Orleans issued Safety Alert 01-19

Recently there were three marine casualties that resulted in the sinking of towing vessels on the Lower Mississippi River.  The high water conditions on the Mississippi River present numerous risks for towing vessels, including unusually strong river currents and dynamic eddies.  The Coast Guard has issued the referenced Towing Vessel Safety Alert that contains recommendations for towing vessel operators and other responsible parties.

Click here to download Safety Alert 01-19 dated 03/25/2019

SAFETY ALERT 10-17: Carbon Monoxide

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09/25/2017

Excerpt from U.S. Coast Guard Safety Alert 10-17

Recently along the Gulf Coast multiple passengers on board an uninspected passenger vessel (UPV) were hospitalized due to carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning. One of the persons had a 26% CO level (amount of CO bound to hemoglobin or red blood cells) in their blood stream. Additionally, it was discovered that one of the passengers became unconscious and the other four passengers experienced heavy fatigue and vomiting as a result of the CO exposure.

Coast Guard Marine Inspectors conducted an exam of the vessel and found it to be in compliance with the ventilation requirements set forth in 46 CFR Subchapter C as they pertain to UPVs. The Coast Guard team then requested that the master get underway in order to take readings with a personal four gas meter. While underway the meter indicated significantly high parts per million CO in the vessel’s fishing area, the flying bridge, and interior cabin spaces. The team directed the master to cease all operations until the causal factors behind the hazardous condition could be addressed and corrected.

Click here to download Safety Alert 10-17

SAFETY ALERT 09-17: Leaky LifeJacket Lights

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09/25/2017

Excerpt from U.S. Coast Guard Safety Alert 09-17

The Coast Guard has recently received a safety bulletin from Cruise Lines International Association that reported problems with life jacket lights. The bulletin relates to Alcares water activated flashing lifejacket lights models Jack A1 – A LK and Jack ARH – A LK (CG approval numbers 161.112/88 and 161.112/990). To date, inspections have discovered over 3,000 non-operational lights. All of the faulty lights discovered had leaky batteries, and some were identified as having incorrect battery expiration labels. All of the faulty lights were found to be non-operational before their expiration date.

The Coast Guard recommends that lifejackets with lights, especially those with automatic lights, be stored in temperature and humidity controlled, water-tight environments. Visual inspections and tests must be conducted in accordance with vessel carriage requirements and manufacturer manuals. Vessel owners/operators should check their lifejacket lights to verify that they are operational at the nearest opportunity.

Click here to download Safety Alert 09-17