45.191—Pre-departure requirements.
Before beginning each voyage, the towing vessel master must conduct the following:
(a) Weather forecast.
Determine the marine weather forecast along the planned route, and contact the dock operator at the destination port to get an update on local weather conditions.
(3)
The deck and side shell plating are free of visible holes, fractures, or serious indentations, as well as damage that would be considered in excess of normal wear;
(c) Verifications.
On voyages north of St. Joseph, the towing vessel master must contact a mooring/docking facility in St. Joseph, Holland, Grand Haven, and Muskegon to verify that sufficient space is available to accommodate the tow. The tow cannot venture onto Lake Michigan without confirmed space available.
(d) Log entries.
Before getting underway, the towing vessel master must note in the logbook that the pre-departure barge inspections, verification of mooring/docking space availability, and weather forecast checks were performed, and record the freeboards of each barge.