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Man Overboard Drill
Practice helps crew on the M/V CHESAPEAKE be prepared for the real thing should it ever happen! 
"This is a drill...this is a drill...this is a drill...Man Overboard starboard side." came the shout over the PA system.
Jay Frye performed a underway light boat Man Overboard(MOB) Drill on M/V Chesapeake in Carpenters Bayou last Friday.
The Captain(Rescue Randy Dummy) fell over on starboard side when departing the Carpenters Bayou heading to San Jack Fleet area. He was coming out of the galley door on starboard side, to look at another company tow passing by, and made a bad step falling towards the bulwarks falling over the side. The wheelman was only using clutch throttle and Captain floated past the stern. The deckhand on the mess deck heard the Captain call out and came on deck to see the Captain floating towards the stern, he grabbed a life ring and threw towards the Captain. The deckhand notified the wheelhouse by intercom from mess deck...grabbed his life jacket and radio went back on deck. The wheelman turned to starboard to avoid the running over the MOB once he was clear the Wheelman, sounded general alarm, hit his MOB button on GPS, sounded danger signal and notified boat at SBS Dock, and attempted to pick the MOB. The wheelman made his approach with stiff wind on his stern overshooting his first pick up attempt, and had to maneuver to get the MOB on the forward part of the vessel avoiding the wheels. Two crewmen did get him onboard with out incident.
This being a light boat MOB Drill is different than what you would normally encounter usually having a two barges attached. We did have a steersman onboard and had him run the boat for the drill. Good experience and also threw a little stress in with a tight situation trying maneuver for pickup. We also discussed MOB Prevention and other options(skiff retrieval, river MOB, dangers, a vessel in the area assisting, also do not kill yourself to save the MOB) If this incident actually happened it could of ended with MOB going in the wheels causing instant death. Please keep that in mind when sitting at a dock with the wheels turning and crew are being exposed to the edge.
Thanks for the crew participation and discussion:
Relief Captain Tony Bertrand
Pilot Kelvin Harley
Steersman Justin Wood
Deckhand Dustin Horton (in picture on left)
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Spectra Lines
Proper care means longer life 
To ensure the full life of spectra line, the line must be properly installed. Below are some key points to ensure the life of the spectra line:
- When installing the line, make sure the spool inside the winches are smoothed down from rust fragments and etc.
- Always check to see if the chaffing gear is protecting the spectra line from friction around roller chocks, kevels, bits and buttons.
- Don't put spectra on short buttons on barges as it will tear up the chaffing gear.
- If you have us suspicion of a weak spot:
- Place your hands on the outside of the weak spot and push your hands together causing the line to open up. Measure the inner core of the line with little finger. The measurement of the line should be comparable to the diameter of your little finger.
- The outer part of the spectra line may look worn. The outer part serves mainly as a protector for the core.
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401k
Time to sign up....JULY 1 deadline
 Enrollment into the MARYLAND MARINE 401k Plan is limited to twice a year, JAN 1 and JUL 1. The JUL 1, 2008 enrollment deadline is quickly approaching for those who have at least 6 months with the company. It is now time to fill out the enrollment packet if you plan to join this time. The 401 plan is voluntary, but is an important part of retirement planning for each one of us. Though retirement may seem far away, saving small amounts now, matched with company funds is an easy way to prepare for the future.
Check with your crew change office for a packet if you need one. |
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The Chamber of Shipping of America Jones F. Devlin Award
Twenty-one MMI Vessel receive Awards!
Jones F. Devlin Awards are given to all self-propelled merchant vessels that have operated for two full years or more without a crewmember losing a full turn at watch because of an occupational injury. Three levels of achievement are recognized: a basic two-year award; a three year award; and a four-year award. A special award is given annually to ships with five or more years of accident-free operation.
The Jones F. Devlin Award goes (2007 operations) to the following Maryland Marine vessels:
- M/V CECIL
- M/V ANNAPOLIS
- M/V PELICAN
- M/V BALTIMORE
- M/V SKIPJACK
- M/V ANTIETAM
- M/V CHESAPEAKE
- M/V COVE POINT
- M/V GROSBEC
- M/V ABERDEEN
- M/V MISS MARIANNE
- M/V DRUM POINT
- M/V SEVERN
- M/V ARUNDEL
- M/V DECATUR
- M/V CUMBERLAND
- M/V PIMLICO
- M/V JESSE B GUNSTREAM
- M/V MARERRO
- M/V MISS CYNTHIA
- M/V SANDY POINT
Congratulation to winning crews! |
Rules of the Road 
Test your knowledge!!.... email correct answer to Gordie...
BOTH INTERNATIONAL & INLAND Which vessel is to be regarded as a vessel "restricted in her ability to maneuver"? a.
a. vessel fishing with trawls
b. A vessel which has lost the use of her steering gear
c. A vessel with a draft of such depth that she cannot change her course
d. A vessel engaged in mineclearing
BOTH INTERNATIONAL & INLAND Which vessel would show 3 day-shapes in a vertical line, the highest and lowest being balls and the middle shape being a diamond?
a. Vessel not under command
b. Vessel constrained by her draft
c. Vessel minesweeping
d. Vessel restricted in her ability to maneuver
BOTH INTERNATIONAL & INLAND A power-driven vessel "not under command" at night must show which lights in a vertical line?
a. Three red
b. Two red
c. Two white
d. Three white
BOTH INTERNATIONAL & INLAND While underway at night, you sight a vessel ahead displaying the lights shown. How should the vessels pass? (DIAGRAM 71 )
a. Both vessels should alter course to starboard and pass port to port.
b. Both vessels should alter course to port and pass starboard to starboard.
c. Your vessel should hold course and speed and the other vessel should keep clear.
d. You should sound an appropriate overtaking signal.
d,d,b,a |
Stern Shots
Kelvin Harley, Dustin Horton and Justin Wood discuss "Man Overboard Drill aboard M/V CHESAPEAKE.
Kelley Clever and Kayla McAda paint their office a new color including stripes!
Terrance Adams gives a haircut to Shawn Williams aboard the M/V CUMBERLAND.....Who's next (I think that is David or Ronnie in the background)!
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Dates to Remember JUN/JUL 2008
Tankermen School- Two Rivers JUN 16 - JUN 21
Deckhand Orientation JUN 16 - JUN 19
Fork Lift Certification - CV office JUN 25
Simulator Training JUL 7 -JUL 9
Tankerman School - Two Rivers JUL 14 - JUL 19
Candidates for Simulator training for JUL session, please call or email Diana. The last session for 2008 is scheduled for SEP 24, - SEP 26 |
Team building is essential for every crew. Use everyday chores to help build your crew into a #1 team.
Let's see what we can accomplish when all are working toward the same goals.
Sincerely, | |
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GORDIE KEENAN
HIGMAN MARINE SERVICES, Inc. |
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