|
|
|
|
The Heat is Here
As you have noticed summer is upon us. Some areas along the Gulf Coast has been experiencing temperatures above 95˚, with heat indices' of greater than 105˚. With these extremely hot days precautions need to be taken to reduce the risk of heat related illnesses.
The human body holds an average internal body temperature of 98.6˚. When you are working in the sun or in areas of poor ventilation the internal body temperatures can begin to rise. The body has several mechanisms which help to maintain this temperature. One mechanism is for the capillaries, microscopic blood vessels, to move toward the surface of the skin so the heat will escape. Sweating is another natural cooling mechanism. The sweat on the skin is evaporated which cools the skin. The higher the humidity, the less evaporation of sweat, the lower the cooling effects.
With these extreme temperatures the body's mechanisms are not able to keep up. Heat can cause several different disorders including fainting, heat rash, heat cramps, heat exhaustion and heat stroke. Most of these conditions can be easily prevented by understanding what causes your body to react this way.
- Fainting is caused by an individual that stands erect and immobile in the heat, which causes the blood to pool in the legs. This can be prevented by moving around to keep the blood flowing to the brain.
- Heat rash is caused by the skin remaining moist and clogging the pores. Keeping the skin dry can prevent the development of a heat rash. Also make sure that you shower after watch to keep the pores from clogging
- Heat cramps are caused when the muscles are deficient of salt. This happens when there is profuse sweating accompanied with large quantities of water and no salt intake. This can be prevented with a little salt in your food intake.
- Heat Exhaustion is caused by dehydration by loss of water through sweating. Heat exhaustion is characterized by fatigue, nausea or headache, serious cases may exhibit vomiting. The skin will be clammy and moist, complexion pale or flushed and body temperatures slightly elevated. Heat exhaustion can be prevented in several ways. One is to continuously drink plenty of fluids; recommended 5 to 7 ounces of water (about half of a regular plastic water bottle) every 15 to 20 minutes. Another way to reduce heat exhaustion is to take several short breaks throughout the day. These breaks should be in an area of shade or air condition. Temperatures in the shade can be 10-20 degrees less than similar areas in the sun.
- Heat Stroke is the most serious heat related illness. It is a result of your body's natural temperature regulations failing. The body temperature is usually over 105˚, skin is hot, dry and red or spotted. The victim is mentally confused, convulsing or unconscious. IF ANY PERSON HAS SIGNS OF HEAT STROKE THEY SHOULD SEEK MEDICAL ATTENTION IMMEDIATELY!
Everyone on the boat should work together to prevent any of the above from happening. Wheelman should relieve the deck crew at least once an hour. Remind them to keep hydrated and to rest in a cooler environment. Should any of your crew show signs of any heat illness immediately move them inside. Slowly cool off their body temperature by sipping cool water (not cold), moisten the clothing and fan the body. Most heat stress victims will recover once the body temperature is back to normal.
|
Port Allen Lock to Close
July 06, 2009 to August 31, 2009
Port Allen Lock will be closed to navigation for dewatering and major repairs beginning at 6:00 a.m. on 6 July 2009. The lock is scheduled to reopen on 31 August 2009
|
| Capt Ed Authement
Capt Ed Authement continues to do well with his chemo treatments. He has lost some weight but looks great for a guy fighting leukemia. Next month, Ed is expecting to undergo a bone marrow transplant.
He visited the Channelview Office last week and is anxious to get back to work! Ed appreciates your email so he can keep in contact with the fleet. You can reach him at usertaz309@bellsouthnet.net. |
|
RULES of the ROAD
BOTH INTERNATIONAL & INLAND.....A vessel will NOT show  sidelights when _________.
a. underway but not making way
b. making way, not under command
c. not under command, not making way
d. trolling underway
BOTH INTERNATIONAL & INLAND....Which vessel MUST show two masthead lights in a vertical line?
a. A power-driven vessel less than 50 meters in length with a 20-meter tow
b. A sailing vessel towing a small vessel astern
c. A vessel not under command
d. A vessel engaged in dredging
BOTH INTERNATIONAL & INLAND....The duration of each blast of the whistle signals used in meeting and crossing situations is __________.
a. about 1 second
b. 2 or 4 seconds
c. 4 to 6 seconds
d. 8 to 10 seconds
BOTH INTERNATIONAL & INLAND....There are two classes of vessels which, to the extent necessary to carry out their work, do not have to comply with the rule regarding traffic separation schemes. One of these is a vessel __________.
a. engaged in fishing in a traffic lane
b. servicing a submarine cable
c. towing another
d. engaged on pilotage duty
|
|
Online Training Questions
BASIC TOWBOAT SYSTEMS
BILGE AND BALLAST SYSTEMS, SET 2, Part B
Basic Towboat Systems
Part B of the Bilge and Ballast questions set asked each crew to  sketch out the Bilge and Ballast System and fax or scan to Channelview. I am still waiting for some crews to complete them. Please get the sketches to Channelview.
If your crew is not completely familiar with the Bilge and Ballast System, trying to line it up during an emergency may not be quick and effective.
Set Number 3
Steering Systems
The goal of this question set was to be sure your crew is ready should a steering failure occur during a transit. On a whole, the responses were very good and indicate our crews could respond to the malfunction of the steering system.
Question 1... In most cases, the Wheelman's first response when steering becomes unresponsive with a Full Follow Up/Non Follow Up type system would be to ________.
Answer...switch to the Non Follow Up system.
100% got this question right.
Question 2... With a Full Follow Up only system, the Wheelman's first response may be to_____________
Answer...switch to the second pump..
100% got this question right
Question 3...If the oil level alarm light came on, the deck crew should first ________
Answer....check the aft deck for a leaking hose or ram.
100% got this question right.
Question 4...If no oil is found on deck, the next step would be to _____________
Answer...go to the engine room and check the oil level in the reservoir tank. Check for leaks around the system.
96.5% got this question right.
Question 5...Once the main breakers are checked and found not tripped, you would next check _______________
Answer...the pump motor controllers.. check alarm lights, reset controller.
87% got this question right.
|
| 2008 Devlin Awards
24 Higman Boats Take Home Awards
The 2008 Jones F. Devlin Awards, sponsored by the Chamber of Shipping of America went this year to 24 Higman boats. Awards were given to 57 companies including ACL, Kirby Inland, AET, Canal, Chevron, Bouchard, Keystone, Teekay, Ingram Barge, Tidewater, Moran Towing, etc. With the exception of only a few companies, we had the highest number of vessels receiving the award.
Jones F. Devlin Awards are awarded 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.
Here is a list of Higman recipients. Congratulations!!
- 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 DRUM POINT
- M/V SEVERN
- M/V ARUNDEL
- M/V DECATUR
- M/V CUMBERLAND
- M/V PIMLICO
- M/V MARRERO
- M/V MISS CYNTHIA
- M/V SANDY POINT
- M/V BOLIVAR POINT
- M/V ROCKFISH
- M/V FREEPORT
- M/V LOUISIANAN
- M/V BETHESDA
|
| Stern Shots
Gretchen Tharp visits RC Greg Christmas aboard the M/V GRETCHEN T.
Capt Lannie (Coon) Scott onboard the M/V ANNAPOLIS
Tankerman Deldrick Harrison, fresh from the ANNAPOLIS engine room, knows the value of good ear protection when the Captain is around.
Tankeman Robert Occhiogrosso make perfect fried chicken aboard the M/V ANNAPOLIS. |
Nautical Trivia
The Trans Alaskan Pipeline and the SS EXXON NEW ORLEANS
The Trans Alaska Pipeline System was designed and constructed to move oil from the North Slope of Alaska to the  northern most ice-free port of Valdez, Alaska. The pipeline construction began on March 27, 1975 and was completed on May 31, 1977. The first oil pumped through the pipeline was on June 20, 1977. Since then over 15 billion bbls of Alaskan Crude Oil have moved through it.
Pipeline Facts:
- Length: 800 miles.
- Diameter: 48 inches.
- Crosses three mountain ranges and over 800 rivers and streams.
- Cost to build: $8 billion in 1977, largest privately funded construction project at that time.
The first tanker to carry crude oil from Valdez was the SS ARCO JUNEAU, on August 1, 1977. The third tanker to load during the pipeline opening was the SS EXXON NEW ORLEANS (my first seagoing job as the 3rd Assistant Engineer ....gak).
|
Dates to Remember JUN/JUL 2009
Deckhand Class JUN 22 - JUN 26
Tankerman School JUN 15 - JUN 20
401k Enrollment
Deadline JUL 1
Simulator at SCI JULY 6 - JULY 8
Last day to turn in Annual Performance Evaluations
for vessel personnel JUNE 30
answers to this weeks RULES OF ROAD...C, A, A, B |
Why are some boat more successful than others? They have low incident rates, their crews are happy and each voyage is undertaken in a professional and efficient manner.
It is not a matter of luck.
It is a matter of always doing it the right way from the most difficult piloting situation in the wheelhouse to the preparation of lunch in the galley.
Doing it right is not just knowing the Policy and Procedures, but making them part of each job.
Doing it right is taking the time to plan, execute and then follow-up on all tasks.
Doing it right is evaluating the skills and talents of all crew and helping each other develop professionally.
Doing it right is using the training resources effectively to keep your crew thinking and ready to tackle new challenges.
This list can go on and on, but you get the point. Just going through the motions each day is not going to make the boat successful. The actions of all make the crew ready and able.
Have a safe and great week.
Sincerely, |
GORDIE KEENAN
HIGMAN MARINE SERVICES, Inc. | |
|
|
|
|
|
