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Fixed CO2 Systems
A fire starts in the lower engine room and it is soon burning out of control. Efforts to put it out with fire hoses and portable extinguishers have failed. It is now time for the big guns, the last resort.....the fixed CO2 system.
How does this system work? Are all crew members familiar with it and are able to operate it if ordered to by the Captain?
Let's look first on how CO2 puts out a fire. Carbon Dioxide or CO2 is a plentiful, non corrosive gas that does not support combustion or react with most substances. Upon release, it discharges under its own pressure and displaces the free oxygen in the space. As a result, the fire is extinguished. CO2 is 1.5 times heaver than air so it will find the bottom of the engine room. DO NOT ENTER A SPACE THAT HAS HAD A CO2 SYSTEM RELEASE UNLESS IT HAS BEEN VENTILATED AND CERTIFIED BY A MARINE CHEMIST OR COMPETENT PERSON AS "SAFE FOR ENTRY".
Though we have several types of CO2 systems in our fleet, the general  concept is similar on all. This week we will highlight the type of system found on the early Hope Shipyard boats as example....CHESAPEAKE, ANNAPOLIS, GREBE.......
The major components are...
- 5 -100LB CO2 Cylinders
- 2 - that are remotely or manually released to start the system operating.
- 3 - that are released from a back pressure from the first 2 cylinders
- Remote Release box located outside the engine room door containing 1 or 2 small cylinders
- Cylinder Release handle
- Isolation Valve Release handle (not all boats have this)
- CO2 siren in the engine room to warn all personnel that the system will release after a set time delay
- Time delay cylinder...when the system is set off, the time delay cylinder prevents the engine room from flooding with CO2 until the time delay is met, allowing personnel to evacuate. The actual time delay is stamped on the side of the cylinder and
 should be checked by your crew.
- Blower cut off switch...when the system is set off, this switch shuts off power to any ventilation blowers operating in the engine room. It will need to be reset after a discharge by pulling out the reset plunger before the blowers will operate.
- Engine room isolation valve....Some systems have an automatic valve that opens when the system is set off, allowing CO2 to flood the engine room after the time delay is complete. (not all boats have this)
All components that require activation of the system have manual ways to operate should the automatic controls fail...ie., pull a pin, lift a lever.
If the Fixed CO2 System activation is ever required, the following steps should be taken:
- The Captain/Relief Captain makes the decision to activate the system. Remember main engines and generators will shut down due to lack of oxygen once the system is activated.
- Ensure all personnel are out of the engine room.
- Close all engine room doors and ports.
- On Captain's/Relief Captain's command, activate the system through the remote release box.
- Do not re-enter the engine room until it has been well ventilated and certified "Safe for Entry" by a Marine Chemist or Competent Person.
- The potential for flash back is possible, so take all precautions when re-entering space after it is has been ventilated and approved safe.
In conclusion, are all crew members familiar with the concept and activation of the system? Can all crew members activate the system if given the order by the Captain or Relief Captain? Is your crew aware of the precautions necessary after activation of a system?
In the following weeks, we will discuss the details of other fixed CO2 systems on our vessels. If you have questions about your system, please contact Gordie or Jay. |
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Annual Performance Evaluations
June 30 Deadline Nearing
Higman Barge Lines requires that the Captain of each vessel submit an annual performance evaluation on each of his crew members. Evaluations must be completed and submitted to your Port Captain by June 30th.
The time should be taken to properly complete these evaluations. Performance evaluations are an essential component in developing a good crew. Performance evaluations determine employee's strengths and weaknesses. They enable crew members to know what they are doing right and what they need to improve.
If conducted properly performance evaluations should motivate your crew to become more productive. Performance evaluations are also used by the Personnel Department to assist with promotions, transfers, demotions or terminations.
Evaluation forms can be found on Skymira (form HMS 058 for Wheelman and form HMS 059 for Tankerman & Deckhands). Evaluations should be printed, discussed, and signed before submitting them to your Port Captain.
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First MMC
 Captain Scott Bryars was our first employee to receive a MMC, Merchant Mariner Credential. The MMC will be the only credentials issued. The Coast Guard will no longer be issuing paper licenses. The MMC is the same size as a passport. The color could be described as electric orange.
The first pages contain the address in which to return a found MMC. The second pages contain your personal information and a place for a signature. The MMC is invalid without the holders signature. The next few pages will contain your "capacities", which will include Tankerman, OS, Wiper, Mate, Master, and Apprentice Mate. Credential limitations are listed to the right of each capacity.
Each page contains a reference number for the mariner and a serial number of the document. Scott was issued the 244th MMC.
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RULES of the ROAD
BOTH INTERNATIONAL & INLAND....A vessel may enter a traffic separation zone __________. 
a. in an emergency
b. to engage in fishing within the zone
c. to cross the traffic separation scheme
d. All of the above
BOTH INTERNATIONAL & INLAND....In a traffic separation scheme, when joining a traffic lane from the side, a vessel shall do so __________.
a. at as small an angle as possible
b. as nearly as practical at right angles to the general direction of traffic flow
c. only in case of an emergency or to engage in fishing within the zone
d. never
BOTH INTERNATIONAL & INLAND....A vessel using a traffic separation scheme is forbidden to __________.
a. proceed through an inappropriate traffic lane
b. engaged in fishing in the separation zone
c. cross a traffic lane
d. enter the separation zone, even in a emergency
BOTH INTERNATIONAL & INLAND....A traffic separation zone is that part of a traffic separation scheme which __________.
a. is between the scheme and the nearest land
b. contains all the traffic moving in one direction
c. is designated as an anchorage area
d. separates traffic proceeding in one direction from traffic proceeding in the opposite direction |
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Online Training Questions
ALTERNATE SECURITY PROGRAM(ASP) NO. 3 PLAN GUIDANCE, Section 6 & 7
This group of questions concentrates on the Higman ASP or Company Security Plan. Each MARSEC Level has different plan actions and are highlighted by these questions.
Question 1...
Higman will advise changes in the MARSEC Levels to the ________ by the quickest means possible (fax, mail or telephone) to ensure all appropriate measures are taken for the specified MARSEC Level. Answer...VSO 93% got this question right Question 2...
If your vessel is at MARSEC Level 2, than actions specified at MARSEC Level 1 are not required.......TRUE/FALSE
Answer...FALSE
89% got this question right
Question 3...Actions to take under the cargo handling section of the MATRIX are primarily intended to apply to loaded barges. However, if an ___________ can be used as a weapon of mass destruction or cause serious damage to the infrastructure, all appropriate security actions shall be taken.
Answer....empty barge
98% got this question right
Question 4...Under which MARSEC Level would "Periodic searchlight scans of the water surrounding the vessel" begin?
Answer...MARSEC 2
89% got this question right
Question 5...Under which MARSEC Level does the following optional action begin:"When moored at a facility, consider creating turbulence around the towing vessel by turning propellers"
Answer...MARSEC 3
89% got this question right
Question 6...Under which MARSEC Level does the following action begin: "The VSO will notify the CSO if any unauthorized crewmembers arrive at the towing vessel"
Answer...MARSEC 1
87% got this question right
Question 7...Under which MARSEC Level does the following action begin: "At least once a watch, conduct a security patrol and monitor main weather deck access points in conjunction with routine watch duties. (fire watch, engine room monitoring)"
Answer...MARSEC 1
89% got this question right
Question 8...Towing vessels and barge(s) will comply within _______ hours with all measures specified in the Matrix for compliance with that higher MARSEC Level
Answer...12 hours
96% got this question right
Question 9...When interfacing with facilities and other vessels, the towing vessel VSO _____________________ with the facility operators in advance of its arrival. Answer...must establish radio or telephone communications 97% got this question right
ALTERNATE SECURITY PROGRAM(ASP) NO. 4
ACCESS CONTROL
Access Control is a key part of our ASP. Following your common sense makes this part easy.
Question 1...Access Points include, but are not limited to:
Answer...All of the above
96% got this question right
Question 2...The VSO or Vessel Security Officer can allow certain long term, frequent vendor representatives to be treated more as employees than as visitors....TRUE/FALSE Answer...TRUE 67% got this question right
This answer is true...regular visitors known by the crew can be treated more like employees....Be aware though, TWIC requirements still apply.
Question 3...Acceptable forms of personal identification must:
--- Be laminated or otherwise secure against tampering
--- Contain the individual's full name
--- _______________________________________
--- Bear the name of the issuing authority
Answer...Contains a photo that accurately depicts current facial appearance
97% got this question right
Question 4...Which of the following identification issuing organizations would not be an acceptable form of ID?
Answer...local Library card
97% got this question right
Question 5...Under the Higman ASP screening of crewmembers' personal effects by other crewmembers is not required. Screening of non-crewmembers, baggage and other personal effects starts at MARSEC Level (hint....See table 6.5)
Answer...MARSEC 1
83% got this question right
Question 6...The entire barge is considered a "Restricted Area"....TRUE/FALSE
Answer...TRUE
96% got this question right |
| Stern Shots
Pilot Reese Meeks, Capt James Campbell and Dkhd Milton Watson in serious thought.
Capt James Campbell will mark his 34th year with the company in July of this year! |
Nautical Trivia
The Jolly Roger "The Jolly Roger" is the term used for the pirate flag. The most widely known being a black flag with a skull and cross bones. Originally there were many variations to the pirate flag. From a plane black or red flag, to a black or red flag with skulls, bones, swords, bleeding hearts, hour glasses or any combination of these. Most pirate ships would disguise themselves by flying colors from another country. When they were in firing range of their victim they would raise the black flag to signify battle and the red flag to signify they would grant no quarters. The "Jolly Roger" would be raised to scare the victims into submission. In 1721 and in 1723 two different pirates were documented as naming their flag the "Jolly Roger". Many believe the term came from the French words jolie rouge, or pretty red. It is also believed to come from "Old Roger", a term given to the devil. There are many theories to where the term originated, but it still remains another pirate's tale.  
(Left: Henry Every's Flag 1670's; Right: Stede Bonnet's Flag 1717) |
Dates to Remember MAY/JUN 2009
SCI Simulator MAY 18 - MAY 20
Tankerman Class Two Rivers MAY 18 - MAY 23
Long Term/Short Term Disability Insurance
Enrollment Forms Deadline JUN 1
401k Enrollment Deadline JUL 1
answers to this weeks RULES OF ROAD...D, A, A, D |
I learned throughout much of my career that there is a very large group of people who can push a button to start a motor, or turn a valve to start a liquid flow, but have little knowledge of what is really happening to make it all work. They were taught to complete steps 1, 2 and 3 to get a process going, but are not sure what is happening behind the scenes and never ask that question.
As boat and barge operators, we should be thinking in systems. What makes up a system; how is it set up and how does everything work.
While looking at Fixed CO2 systems on our vessels this week, I asked questions of the crews. Some knew the basics of the CO2 system, some did not. Most knew that if you opened the Remote Release Box, the system could be started.
But what would happen during a fire emergency if step 1 did not work when actuated? Are you familiar enough with the process to know what to do next?
By tracing lines, looking at the piping, the wiring and knowing some basics of the operations, the next step is not something memorized, but a logical response.
This approach goes for bilge systems, main engine operation, generators and hydraulic systems, just to name a few. By spending some time going through a system, its operation steps become more second nature and your response will be the correct one.
Excellence in our operations is job 1 every day. Have a great week!
Sincerely, |
GORDIE KEENAN
HIGMAN MARINE SERVICES, Inc. | |
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