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| HURRICANE IKE
September 12 and 13, 2008
Hurricane Ike caused major damage along the TEXAS and LOUISIANA coastline after coming ashore on September 12, 2008 near Galveston, TX. The Channelview office sustained  major flooding damage and is in the process of rebuilding. The Orange office had some wind damage to the office building and lost the dock.
Fleet vessels had minor damage and survived the storm well.
The phone system for the Channelview office will be up and running possibly today. Crew Changes in Channelview are back to operating near normal. Though we expect to have the office phone number back up, use the 713-552-1171 main office number for crew change information during the next few days if you encounter difficulty. |
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RULES of the Road
BOTH INTERNATIONAL & INLAND While underway and in sight of another vessel, less than one half mile away, you put your engines on astern propulsion. Which statement concerning whistle signals is TRUE?  a. You need not sound any whistle signals.
b. You must sound one blast if backing to starboard.
c. You must sound whistle signals only if the vessels are meeting.
d. You must sound three short blasts on the whistle.
BOTH INTERNATIONAL & INLAND A vessel is considered to be "restricted in her ability to maneuver" under the Rules if she is __________.
a. at anchor
b. mineclearing
c. engaged in fishing
d. engaged in towing
BOTH INTERNATIONAL & INLAND Under the Rules, any vessel may slacken her speed, stop, or reverse her engines to __________.
a. create a crossing situation
b. allow more time to assess the situation
c. attract the attention of another vessel
d. All of the above
BOTH INTERNATIONAL & INLAND If two sailing vessels are running free with the wind on the same side, which one must keep clear of the other?
a. The one with the wind closest abeam
b. The one to windward
c. The one to leeward
d. The one that sounds the first whistle signal
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| Maryland Marine Vessel Names
M/V BOLIVAR POINT
Point Bolivar Light is an historic lighthouse in Port Bolivar, Texas, that was built in 1872. It served for 61 years before being retired in 1933, when its function was replaced by a  different light.
The current lighthouse is at least the second structure at the site. The first lighthouse was built in the mid 1850s and was pulled down during the Civil War so that Union warships could not use it as a navigational aid.
During the Galveston Hurricane of 1900, the lighthouse served as a shelter for at least 125 people, saving their lives. It also survived another hurricane, in 1915, where winds of 126 miles per hour were recorded. The first lighthouse keeper, H.C. Claiborne, retired in 1918, after witnessing those two storms, and was replaced by a Captain J. Brooks. In 1947 the lighthouse was sold and, although still standing, is not open to the public.
The lighthouse is adjacent to the Houston Audubon Society's Horseshoe Marsh Bird Sanctuary.
The lighthouse was reported to have been destroyed by Hurricane Ike in September 2008. However, later eyewitness investigation found the structure appeared, at least from the air, unharmed.
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| Stern Shots
Crew of the M/V MATAGORDA worked hard at the Channelview office in removing storm debris (from left...Tom Keenan, Pilot J.J. Connors, RC Brad Rogers and Tankerman James Siegfried)
Crews from the M/V ROCKFISH, M/V MATAGORDA and M/V KARL G ANDREN while waiting for terminals to reopen, were a great help in cleaning up the Channelview office and warehouse.
The porch at the Channelview office takes a different slant after IKE.
The Channelview warehouse gets a new entrance thanks to IKE. Four feet of water covered the floor.
Two feet of water covered the floor in the Channelview Office. |
| Nautical Trivia
Tyfon Signal Apparatus
A patented sound signaling apparatus used in lieu of a stream whistle. In it the sound producing medium, compressed air or steam, impinges against a bronze diaphragm comprising from 1 to 6 leaves secured by a screw ring and controlled by a  nonreturn, spring loaded valve. When the control valve is opened the compressed air or steam enters the pipe causing the diaphragm to vibrate at its natural frequency. As the diaphragm vibrates, it covers and uncovers the ends of the inlet pipe, so that at each vibration of the diaphragm the inlet pipe is opened and closed completely and consequently the whole of the driving power of the compressed air or steam is utilized in producing sound. The pitch of the note is determined by the end of the horn.
From the "International Marine Dictionary" by D. Van Nostrand...copyright 1948 |
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Dates to Remember SEP/OCT 2008
Tankerman School - Two Rivers cancelled
Last Simulator Class for 08 to be re-sched
Tankerman School - Two Rivers OCT 13 - OCT 18
(note: last Tankerman class for 2008)
Pilot to Relief CAPT Prep OCT 29 - OCT 31
Candidates for Simulator training ...SEP session...this session cancelled due to IKE and will be rescheduled....please watch for new dates.
answers to this weeks RULES OF ROAD...d, b, b, b. |
Hurricane IKE had and continues to have a great affect on all of us and our families. During the storm our crews worked tirelessly to keep all onboard safe and to keep the boats and barges intact. After the storm, we dealt with damaged infrastructure, a big clean up and limited communications.
We wish to thank all of you who went above and beyond the call to duty during this time to help us get quickly back to normal operations. I am reminded each day since the storm, that our Higman Marine Family is strong and willing to help where needed. I greatly appreciated all the calls of support and the offers of assistance we received from those not directly affected.
Thanks again for the help and support!
Sincerely, | |
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GORDIE KEENAN
HIGMAN MARINE SERVICES, Inc. |
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