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| Depth Finder Quick Check
The depth finders used on our vessels very in make and model but the basic functions are the same.
A depth sounder determines the distance between its  transducer and the sea bottom and displays the results on a the screen. It does this by transmitting an ultrasonic wave through the water that travels at a nearly constant speed of 4800 feet (1500 meters) per second. When a sound wave strikes an underwater object such as fish or the bottom, part of the sound wave is reflected back toward the source. Thus by calculating the time difference between the transmission of a sound wave and the reception of the reflected sound wave, the depth to the object can be determined.
There are two distinct parts of the unit, the Display and the Transducer.
The display controls the on/off functions and shows the depth and on some units, the bottom contour.
The transducer acts as the transmitter of the ultrasonic wave  and the receiver for the reflected wave.
Here is a quick guide to troubleshooting your depth sounder if problems should occur.
With the depth sounder turned on, check for a display. With no display:
- check for a blown fuse, check that the power source is operation....12Volts.
With no depth reading but a range scale showing, check the transducer and cabling:
- Look at the transducer. The black center should be firm and undamaged. It should not be soft. It should be
 clean. There should be no holes or cracks in it.
- Has the transducer been dropped recently?
- Plug the transducer into the closest outlet at the towknee. Put the transducer to your ear. You should hear a ticking noise.
- No ticking noise, check the plug; is the wire intact and properly connected? There are typically 3 wires, black white and an un-insulated ground wire. Around the wires should be a shielding foil. Are all wires intact and properly connected to the plug?
- If the transducer is ticking at the boat, trace the cable and repeat the test at each cable connection. If the transducer stops ticking, do a detailed inspection of the wire and plug just connected to.
- Test the transducer finally at the head of the tow.
If there is much interference or "noise" in the display picture, check specifically the ground wire on the unit.
With these simple tests, most depth sounder problems can be isolated and repaired. |
Great Vessel Security on M/V John T. McMahan
 We would like to thank Lorenzo McKnight for upholding Higman Barge Line's Vessel Security Policies.
On June 16, 2009 the M/V John T. McMahan called the inspectors two hours prior to arriving at dock in Texas City. Upon arriving at dock the tankerman, Lorenzo McKnight, waited at the gangway that had been set up at the end of the barge. A short time later, the inspector showed up with a trainee. As the inspector and trainee came up the gangway Lorenzo stood at the top of the gangway and asked to see their TWIC cards. The trainee provided a government issued photo ID and his proof that he had enrolled for his TWIC. The inspector claimed he did not have his TWIC.
Lorenzo insisted that if the two of them were to come onboard, they needed to provide their TWIC. The inspector then claimed that he had left his TWIC with the guard at the front gate. Lorenzo knew that the guard would not hold the inspector's TWIC, so he asked for the TWIC again. The inspector pressed Lorenzo to let him on the vessel, but Lorenzo stood at the top of the gangway. After 5-10 minutes the inspector gave in and retrieved his TWIC card from his vehicle. Lorenzo then inspected the TWIC and had the inspector and the trainee signed in. |
Alternate I.D.
What happens when you loose your wallet?
Many people have been storing their TWIC card in their wallet. So what happens when you loose your wallet?
If your TWIC is lost/stolen/damaged, you have to call the TWIC hotline, pay  $60 by VISA or Master Card. A receipt will then be emailed to you. This will allow you to stay on the vessel for 7 days as long as you have your receipt and a valid government issued photo ID.
The problem with this is that if you lost your wallet most likely you also lost your Driver's License and MMD card. This can be prevented by keeping an alternate ID in a safe location. So, if you have any other government issued photo ID that you are not required to have on the vessel (ie, Passport, state issued ID, or Military ID) it is a good idea to keep it separate from your wallet. |
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In April 2007, Daniel Winegeart left the M/V Rockfish as a steersman to help shore side at the BP Decatur dock. We are please to announce Daniel will be rejoining the Higman Fleet.
Daniel, his wife, Heather and two girls are now living in Leesville, LA. We appreciate all the work that Daniel has done for us in Decatur. When you see Daniel on the M/V Gretchen T make sure to thank him for all his hard work and wish him luck in his Steersman Training.
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RULES of the ROAD
BOTH INTERNATIONAL & INLAND....You are approaching a narrow channel. Another vessel in the channel can only be  navigated safely in that channel. You should __________.
a. sound two prolonged blasts followed by one short blast
b. not cross the channel if you might impede the other vessel
c. sound three short blasts, and take all way off your vessel
d. hold your course and speed if he is on your port bow
BOTH INTERNATIONAL & INLAND.... You are the stand-on vessel in a crossing situation. If you think the give-way vessel is NOT taking sufficient action to avoid collision, you should sound __________.
a. one short blast and maintain course
b. two short blasts, alter to port, and pass astern
c. the danger signal
d. no signal and maneuver at will
BOTH INTERNATIONAL & INLAND....While underway in fog, you hear a vessel ahead sound two prolonged blasts on the whistle. You should __________.
a. sound only fog signals until the other vessel is sighted
b. not sound any whistle signals until the other vessel is sighted
c. sound two blasts and change course to the left
d. sound whistle signals only if you change course
BOTH INTERNATIONAL & INLAND....Lighting requirements in inland waters are different from those for international waters for __________.
a. barges being towed astern
b. vessels not under command
c. vessels pushing ahead
d. All of the above
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Online Training Questions
BASIC TOWBOAT SYSTEMS
Set Number 4
Generator Basics
Generator Basics discussed simple electrical generation theory  and how electricity is distributed on a typical towboat. Most questions were correctly answered!
If you would like additional information on how your system works, please contact Gordie.
Question 1... A diesel generator produces electricity by Answer... rotating a magnetic field through a series of fine wire coils
98% got this question right.
Question 2... The term 60Hz describes
Answer...the frequency in which the alternating current change direction every second.
98% got this question right
Question 3...Voltage output from a generator is directly proportional to
Answer....the strength of the magnetic field in the rotor
96% got this question right.
Question 4...If switching on the main circuit breaker for generator #1, the main circuit breaker for generator #2 must be
Answer...off.
100% got this question right.
Question 5...It is important to notify the wheelhouse that generators will be switched because
Answer...the boat will lose electrical power momentarily.
100% got this question right.
Basic Towboat Systems
Set Number 5
Shaft Packing and Water Lubricated Mechanical Shaft Seals
Higman towing vessels have two types of propulsion shaft  seals; the traditional packed shaft seal and the water lubricated mechanical shaft seals. Crews should be familiar with both types. Question set number 5 discusses both types.
Question 1...Teflon Impregnated Shaft Packing is installed in rings
Answer...and cut to size so there is no gap in the outer diameter of the ring when fitted
94% got this question right.
Question 2...The packing can be cut with a square "butt joint"
Answer...or a 45 degree skive joint.
100% got this question right.
Question 3...After installing the last ring of packing, tighten the gland nuts
Answer...snuggly to allow for an acceptable flow.
100% got this question right.
Question 4...If leakage is stopped entirely, the shaft packing will
Answer...overheat and glaze over.
100% got this question right.
Question 5...If a water lubricated shaft seal begins to drip,
Answer...contact the repair department since leakage indicates a problem.
90.5% got this question right. A leak in a water lubricated MECHANICAL seal always indicates a problem. I may have asked this question wrong in that I did not specify "Mechanical"...gak
Question 6...The rotating and the stationary parts of the shaft seal are made of
Answer...silicon carbon
100% got this question right.
Question 7...If the shaft is allowed to freely turn after the emergency inflatable seal is used, then
Answer...the seal may overheat due to friction and fail.
100% got this question right.
Question 8...The emergency inflatable seal should be inflated with the foot pump to a pressure of
Answer...20 to 30 psi.
100% got this question right.
Good job on both questions set. This Fridays' set really stinks, in that we will discuss our vessel's sewage systems. Thanks for the good work!
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Stern Shots
Tankerman Norman "Tiny" Clemons takes the heat in stride aboard the M/V SABINE PASS
Pilot Harley Smith stays cool in the M/V SABINE PASS wheelhouse.
Steersman Douglas Dunn and Pilot Harley Smith visit with Diana at the Channelview office.
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Nautical Trivia
The International Date Line sits on the 180º line of longitude in the middle of the Pacific Ocean, and is the imaginary line that separates two consecutive calendar days. It is not a perfectly straight line and has been moved slightly  over the years to accommodate needs of varied countries in the Pacific Ocean. Note how it bends to include all of Kiribati in the Eastern Hemisphere. Immediately to the left of the International Date Line (the date) is always one day ahead of the date (or day) immediately to the right of the International Date Line in the Western Hemisphere. On the time and date codes shown below, note that Tonga and Samoa have the same time but are (1) day apart, as Samoa is in the Western Hemisphere, on the opposite side of the International Dateline from Tonga. A global Earth view is here. As you travel further west, note that the time in Fiji is (1) hour earlier than Tonga. You will also notice that Hawaii, further to the east of Samoa, is (1) hour later in time. So, travel east across the International Date Line results in a day, or 24 hours being subtracted. Travel west across the International Date Line results in a day being added. |
Dates to Remember JUL 2009
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...B,C,A,C |
Once again it has been a very hot week. A record high temperature of 103 degrees was set at Houston yesterday. This breaks the old record of 100 set in 1980.
Yesterday was the seventh consecutive day with 100 degree heat which ties the longest stretch of consecutive 100 degree days in June for Houston. Seven consecutive 100 degree days also occurred in 1902 between June 16 and June 22.
Let's watch each out for each other on deck with these temperatures. These are not temperatures we can take lightly. Take heat precautions seriously.
Work sensibly in this heat.
Have a great and safe week!
Sincerely, |
GORDIE KEENAN
HIGMAN MARINE SERVICES, Inc. | |
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