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TWIC READINESS
Is your Crew ready?
We may sound like a broken record, but the TWIC deadline of APRIL 15, 2009 will soon be here. After that date only TWIC holders may be aboard our vessels (except for registered new  hires).
TWIC NOTES and QUESTIONS:
On November 17, the TSA announced that TWIC activation resumed for all enrollment centers nationwide. A delay was caused by an October 21 power outage at the government facility that houses the TWIC system.
Question....What will happen to my License/MMD if my TWIC is lost after APRIL 15, 2009?
Answer.... If a mariner's TWIC is lost, stolen or damaged, unescorted access on board may be granted for seven consecutive calendar days while the individual awaits a replacement. The mariner's CG-issued credential along with a valid photo identification will still be valid and can act as the mariner's replacement TWIC for the seven consecutive days while the mariner's replacement TWIC is being produced and activated.
Question....The Coast Guard has announced compliance dates for each Captain of the Port (COTP) zone and mariners have until April 15, 2009. However, facilities within the port are beginning mandatory TWIC compliance before the announced compliance date. Are facilities authorized to do that? Answer....Facility owners/operators must be operating in accordance with the TWIC provisions by the date set by the Coast Guard. Beginning on the compliance date, Coast Guard personnel will begin to enforce the TWIC requirements. Since mariners have been vetted using a comparable security threat assessment, it is the intent for facilities to authorize access for mariners with an active U.S. Coast Guard license. Although mariners may not have a TWIC, they may be authorized access, per 33 CFR 101.514 (e), if they are able to show one of the following:
1. A valid Merchant Mariner Document (MMD);
2. A valid Merchant Mariner License and a valid photo identification
If you have not given a copy of your TWIC to one of our crew change offices, DO SO AS SOON AS POSSIBLE!!
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Galveston Causeway Bridge
GALVESTON CAUSEWAY CURRENT AND WIND NOW AVAILABLE ON INTERNET
Real time current and wind data useful in planning transits of the Galveston Causeway Bridge are now available.  Click on Current and Wind Data for a direct link.
If there is no other method for the mariner to obtain this data, Vessel Traffic Service, Houston has volunteered to provide it via VHF radio on channel 12. This link will also be posted on the GICA website under traffic. |
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USCG LICENSE/MMD RENEWALS
Think 6 months ahead for your renewal
This is the first part of a two part series on USCG CREDENTIAL RENEWAL.
With the USCG transfer of all licensing from the  local REC's to the National Maritime Center in Martinsburg, WV, the time needed to renew a license or MMD has greatly increased. Todays discussion.... MMD's
How do I renew my tankerman ticket?
Step 2....we need the following information that is not in the MMI Personnel database to complete your CG-719B Application. Email preferred:
- height, weight, eye color, hair color
- where were you born
- next of kin with address and phone number....we may not have some of these details in out database especially if your next of kin is not your spouse
- If you recently joined MMI, contact your former employer for a seatime letter. 240 -12 hour or 360 - 8 hour days in the last 5 years are needed for renewal
Step 3...Set up an appointment at Channelview to complete your application:
- You will need a CG Physical (CG-719k) completed within a year.
- Two passport style photos needed...CV office can do these.
- Two forms of identification are required, and at least one must have a photo. (unexpired MMD, Drivers License).
- If you have any former convictions, no matter how old, be prepared to write a conviction statement for submittal with your application.
- Please note that the USCG Houston REC is closed on Fridays. Applications taken on Monday - Thursday only.
Plan on a full day at Channelview/Houston. The morning will be used to complete your physical and afternoon to bring your application to the Houston REC for fingerprinting, etc.
Good luck, start early and get it done! |
| Online Training Question Sets
CREW SAFETY NUMBER 1 SKIFF SAFETY
Skiff Safety # 1 went out on Friday, NOV 21, 2008 All questions and answers were directly from the Personal Safety  Manual. Some boats reported that they had older issues of the PSM which did not have a skiff safety section. If you need current editions, email Jay Here are the answers. Did your crew get them all right?
Question 1....The Wheelman on watch shall conduct a face to face briefing with the skiff operator to address the _______________________, skiff loading and off-loading, communications, location, marine traffic, weather and other concerns.
Answer.....launching and recovery procedures(page x-1)
87% got this right
Question 2...The Wheelman on watch and the Operator of the skiff must ensure that the _______________ of the skiff is not exceeded. It may be necessary to make two or three trips during crew change and supply deliveries to avoid overloading.
Answer... rated capacity or the weight limit(x-2) 100% got this question right.
Question 3...The Operator of the skiff must be qualified and _____________________ . The Captain/Relief Captain will ensure that the crew members assigned to operate the skiff are qualified.
Answer....familiar with navigation rules(page x-2)
93% got this question right.
Question 4 .... The outboard motor must be securely fastened to the skiff and there should be sufficient fuel in the fuel tank for the expected duration of the trip. It should be equipped with at least __________________________________. Answer....two mooring lines, two paddles or oars and an extra floatation device (life ring or life jacket)(page x-2)
100% got this question right.
Question 5....A portable VHF radio must be aboard the skiff while underway. Prior to leaving the towboat, the Operator of the skiff shall coordinate with the Wheelman on watch to __________________________. A radio check should be conducted to ensure the communication equipment is in working order before getting underway in the skiff.
Answer 5.....identify the preferable radio channel to monitor( page x-2)
95% got this question right.
Question 6....Using a skiff on crew change on rivers should be considered as a last resort when no other options are available. Crew changing in skiffs in _____________________except when the Tow is stopped close to the shore and in the proximity of the crew change vehicle.
Answer...strong currents (high water conditions) or at night is prohibited(page x-3)
95% got this question right.
The answers to Skiff Safety Set #1 were good.
I gave everyone a break last week but will hit it hard this week with questions again from the Personal Safety Manual. This weeks' topic will be on DROWNING PROTECTION. |
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RULES of the Road
BOTH INTERNATIONAL & INLAND.....Your vessel is aground in fog. In addition to the regular anchor signals, you will be  sounding __________.
a. three strokes of the gong before and after the rapid ringing of the gong
b. a blast on the whistle
c. three strokes of the bell before and after the rapid ringing of the bell
d. no additional signals
BOTH INTERNATIONAL & INLAND.....In a crossing situation, the vessel which has the other on her own starboard side shall __________.
a. if the circumstances of the case admit, avoid crossing ahead of the other
b. change course to port to keep out of the way
c. reduce her speed
d. All of the above
BOTH INTERNATIONAL & INLAND.....Which vessel sounds the same fog signal when underway or at anchor?
a. A sailing vessel
b. A vessel restricted in her ability to maneuver
c. A vessel constrained by her draft
d. A vessel not under command
BOTH INTERNATIONAL & INLAND.....You are approaching a bend in a river where, due to the bank, you cannot see around the other side. A vessel on the other side of the bend sounds one prolonged blast. You should __________.
a. sound passing signals
b. not sound any signal until you sight the other vessel
c. sound a prolonged blast
d. sound the danger signal
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| Company Id Cards
We need your picture!!
We are in the process of implementing a company photo ID  system. These will be incorporated into our new e-payroll system. We need to take your picture.
Please stop in and see Kayla and Samantha at the CV office during crew change or if your boat is at the CV dock.
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Please Welcome......
Samantha Arriens
 Samantha has joined the Channelview office staff as our Logistics Coordinator in the Afloat Personnel Department.
Samantha grew up in Houston and graduated from Texas A&M, Galveston. She is an avid poker player which will come in handy working in CV.
Samantha looks forward to working with all on our boats!
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| Stern Shots
Port Capt David Devall (LSU fan) lost a bet with Capt Mike Taylor (Alabama fan) after Alabama beat LSU 27 to 21 on Nov 8, 2008. David had to fly the Alabama flag for a week.
Tankerman Jonathan Flanigan aboard the M/V ABERDEEN
Tankerman Cliff Cooper and Tankerman Norman "Tiny" Clemons aboard the M/V SABINE PASS
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Nautical Trivia
The Night Sky
If you wondered what you were seeing in the western sky early on the front watch, monday evening (DEC 1), read below:
The month begins with Venus, Jupiter, and a waxing crescent moon hanging gloriously close over the western  horizon. The evening of the 1st, all three will fit in a binocular field. The moon won't stick around, though; by the next night it will have moved on, leaving the two planets to themselves. Over the rest of the month, however, they will drift apart, with brilliant Venus climbing higher and Jupiter dropping. On the 16th, the gap will have opened to 15 degrees, and on New Year's Eve the darkening sky will again find Venus in the company of a crescent moon, with Jupiter all but lost in the murky depths near the horizon.
In between these two pairings with Venus, the moon waxes to a high and bright full moon, known to Algonquin Indians as the cold moon or the long nights moon. It happens on the 12th, at 10:37 a.m. CST, but you'll have to look three hours earlier to catch the moon before it sets. This is the nearest full moon of the year, falling less than six hours before the moon reaches perigee, its closest approach to Earth in its orbit. At this perigee the moon swoops to a mere 221,560 miles from Earth.
From the Department of Astronomy, University of Minnesota, 12/1/08
As an ex-blue water mariner, I learned early on my stars and planets during navigation classes. If you are interested in what planets and stars you are seeing at night go to the Weather Underground Astronomy link and enter a local zip code....gak |
Dates to Remember NOV/DEC 2008
Tankerman Class Two Rivers DEC 08 - DEC 13
2009 Wheelman Meetings at Cypress Bend Resort
MAR 10 - MAR 11
MAR 26 - MAR 27
APR 07 - APR 08
Start making your plans...... answers to this weeks RULES OF ROAD...C, A, B, C |
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The Holiday Season has begun with the passing of Thanksgiving. There are now four weeks to go until Christmas, the height of the season. This is a good time to stop and review your safety management practices aboard your boat.
Statistically, more incidents occur during the holiday season than during any other part of the year.
Why does this happen? Being away from home during the holidays may be part of the reason. Not only are the weather condition some of the worst we see all year, but our attention may not be clearly on the task at hand.
Let's emphasize to each other our commitments to safety. Coming home safe and ready to enjoy our families is the best Christmas gift we can give them.
Sincerely, | |
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GORDIE KEENAN
HIGMAN MARINE SERVICES, Inc. |
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