USCG Sector San Francisco Inspections Department ENS Keith Heine Marine Inspector

 What is the Ferry Vessel Audit program?  Has it changed lately?  How do I conduct an audit?  How do I participate in the program? What Will I Cover?

 Program has been in existence since 2001 here in San Francisco.  A force multiplier by putting more USCG eyes and ears on the water.  Keeps operators honest.  Has been supervised by the Inspections Branch since What is the Ferry Vessel Audit Program?

 Actions taken by auditors when problems are found must be reported to Domestic Inspections.  Interaction between auditor & vessel crew has changed.  New “840 form” concept. How has the Program Changed

 New Administrative Process (1 of 2):  Call Sector San Francisco Command Center and let them know you are starting an audit.  Follow instructions and checklist on 840 form.  Make comments in the notes section on the form.  Regulation citations are provided for informational use only. How Do I Conduct An Audit?

 New Administrative Process (2 of 2):  Call Sector Command Center when you are finished auditing.  For immediate problems, call Sector Command Center at (415) and also for any immediate safety concerns.  Submit your completed audit book to Domestic Inspections, ENS Keith Heine.  Feedback will be provided by Domestic Inspectors.

 Observe operations:  Security screening.  Sound signals.  Safe embarkation of passengers.  Attention to duty by crew.  Internal communications on vessel. How Do I Conduct An Audit?

 Observe vessel condition:  Lifesaving equipment.  Structural integrity.  Fire protection.  Proper documentation posted for passengers.  Pollution prevention. How Do I Conduct An Audit?

Complete the information on the name of the vessel and what date and time you did the audit. How Do I Use The New Form?

Ordinarily, your audit will just be a random visit. From time to time, the Sector may request auditors target specific vessels. The ‘other’ block is reserved for special circumstances and should be described. How Do I Use The New Form?

Auditors are required to pay for each transit unless the company insists on covering the costs. The USCG will NOT reimburse auditors for anything paid out of pocket in the pursuit of the program. How Do I Use The New Form?

You MUST list the names of all auditors on assignment; audits are not anonymous. Include contact numbers so the Inspectors can call you for details when questions arise about a report you have submitted. “Remember, you are our eyes and ears so we need to know who you are.” ~ How Do I Use The New Form?

This portion of the form is for Sector use only. We’ll keep track of what we did and give feedback to Abigail Wagg. How Do I Use The New Form?

This page provides important information. The red arrows let us know the tone of the audit. The green arrows tell us what info about the vessel was available to the auditor. Please remember to put comments in the notes section. How Do I Use The New Form?

Are all the lighting systems working? Do you see any loose wires? Any lights burned out? Are any parts of the vessel too dark to safely see in? If you find problems, record it in your notes. How Do I Use The New Form?

Take a quick look at the survival craft. Do not handle this equipment. You should be able to tell if it looks damaged, has an annual service sticker (only if inflatable) and it should be stowed to float free or have a hydrostatic release. Don’t worry if you aren’t familiar with this equipment. How Do I Use The New Form?

These are common sense housekeeping items. Is the vessel clean and well kept? Did you have a seat? Any boxes or cargo stored in the passenger areas? Anything that doesn’t seem right should be documented in your notes. Generally these are not immediate safety threats. How Do I Use The New Form?

Take a quick look at lifejacket storage. Is it marked so that you know where it is easily? Are they secured with security tags? Don’t handle the lifesaving gear and don’t remove security tags. Make notes if things don’t look right. How Do I Use The New Form?

Security Tags

Are the ring buoys in good condition? Did you see any? Were they ready for use or tied to the vessel? Please don’t handle these, particularly bridge wing smoke buoys if fitted onboard. How Do I Use The New Form?

Regulations on anchors and mooring lines are pretty sketchy, so just look to see if what they have appears to be in good condition. When they tied up at the dock, did they appear to have enough lines to hold the vessel? Let us know if there is major damage to this gear. How Do I Use The New Form?

Check any firefighting equipment that is visible to you. Don’t worry about compartments with security ties. Just note if you see any extinguishers or hoses that are in ill repair or are not ready for immediate use. How Do I Use The New Form?

Vessels underway are required to give certain sound signals. If you noticed these or noticed that they were not given, please note that in your comments. If you are not familiar with the required whistle signals, don’t worry about this block. How Do I Use The New Form?

All passenger vessels are required to make a safety announcement prior to getting underway. It is important that you let us know if this wasn’t done, was inadequate, or difficult to hear. How Do I Use The New Form?

We don’t intend to make you vessel structural experts. This whole category basically wants you to use common sense and report anything that looks like damage. Was there a section that looked newer than the rest? Any work being done? How Do I Use The New Form?

Make sure you don’t see any problems with watertight integrity. Did watertight doors close? Did they have jury-rigged door hold-backs? Were any emergency exits blocked or broken? Again, check for obvious damage or repair work. How Do I Use The New Form?

The requirements for deck railing is rather specific. Don’t worry too much about the specific size or spacing. Let us know if recent repairs were done or if the rail looks like it has lost structural integrity (either due to corrosion or damage). Does the rail start to pull out of the deck if you shake it? How Do I Use The New Form?

Look for general “No pollution” signs or placards. Some specific oil pollution placards may be in the engine room where you won’t see them. Just check to see if the vessel has put up signs reminding people not to pollute. How Do I Use The New Form?

Please let us know immediately if you actively witness water pollution or a spill. If you smell anything that seems like excessive oil or sewage, put that in your notes. This may help us get a better idea of the vessel’s maintenance program. How Do I Use The New Form?

You should be informed via a sign what level of security is in effect and that you may be subject to a search or screening. Did you see a sign anywhere on the vessel or at the pier about this? There is no standard format, so you may have to look around. How Do I Use The New Form?

Some areas are designated as crew only or restricted. These should be plainly marked. In general if a space is off limits, it should be marked as restricted. The wheelhouse should be restricted, as well as the engine room. Did you see these signs? Please note, you cannot ask the vessel for the lists of their restricted areas. How Do I Use The New Form?

Restricted Spaces

Restricted Areas

Restricted Spaces

Restricted Access

Restricted Areas

These rules are complex and subject to many policy decisions. Check to see if spaces are secured with a device that will easily show if they’ve been accessed or if they are swept by the crew. Don’t tell the crew to remove security devices. If you think a security measure is unsafe, please note that on the report. How Do I Use The New Form?

Locks

You may not see this because most sweeps will be done without passengers onboard. If you do see a security sweep, please let us know so we can track that they’re being done. Describe what was done during the sweep in your notes. How Do I Use The New Form?

Please let us know what sort of security screening you saw done. Was it handled professionally? Did the person doing it seem to be well trained? Did any passengers react negatively to the screening? How was that handled by the crew? Do not inquire about the vessel’s security plan. How Do I Use The New Form?

 Attend this formal training.  Sign up with Abigail Wagg & get a copy of the report form (paper & electronic versions available).  Auditors exceeding their authority or failing to check in with the Sector Command Center will be removed from the program.  Follow all the rules of the program.  Send in your reports and forms. How Do I Participate In The Program?

Telephone & discuss with inspector: (510) Fax your report: your report: In Person: Schedule an appointment with an inspector In Person: Schedule an appointment with an inspector How Do I Follow Up An Audit?

Mail your report to: Domestic Vessel Inspection Branch Sector San Francisco Coast Guard Island, Bldg. 14 Alameda, CA Attn. ENS Keith Heine Sector Command Center #: (415) Essential Contact Info

Any Questions?