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Due to some technical difficulties, the Training Department has changed the software used for the Friday Questions.
We have added many new features including a click-n-play presentation followed by a question set. This made a few changes to how the questions are to be completed. You will still receive an email from Gordie or Kelly with the Link:
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Open the email for that weeks Friday Questions.
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Read the instructions
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Click on "take this quiz". A new Internet window will appear with the presentation.
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After you have viewed the information from each slide click  the Play button to continue through the presentation. -
When you have completed the presentation a short quiz will automatically start.
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The last questions will ask for the names of the crew members that are participating.
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After completing the quiz your results will be displayed.
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Click "Email Results". This will email the results to Gordie for credit.  At any time you may download and/or print the presentation and the question sets by clicking on "attachments" at the top right. Then click on the file you wish to print/download.
You may also use the fast forward and rewind buttons at the bottom of the presentation to skip through the slides.
By clicking the button at the lower right hand side of the  presentation will allow you to view the screen in "full screen mode".
If you wish to view a step by step presentation on how to take the Friday Questions click here. If you have any technical difficulties with taking the Friday Questions please contact Gordie or Kelly.
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12 Volt Wheelhouse Back-ups
Where's Your Back-up One of the systems we the most take for granted, is the Wheelhouse 12 Volt Back-up. VHF radios, Loud Hailer and other essential wheelhouse communication equipment are powered with 12 volts dc and will go dead during a generator failure, unless your back-up is ready to go.  Is your vessel 12 Volt back-up ready?
Higman Boats are set up with 2 different types of systems.
The most recent setup, is an integrated 12 volt dc system which centrally supplies all wheelhouse needs though 2 independent busses. These busses can be paralleled to independent 12 volt dc power supplies that automatically revert to batteries if the generator fails. To review this system, go to
Many of our older vessels that have not yet been converted to the above system, have a direct battery connection to the VHF radios. It is important that crews inspect theses batteries to ensure that the:
- crew knows where the batteries are located and are making inspections as per the "On Board Maintenance Program".
- batteries are charged up.
- batteries are taking a charge.
- batteries have sufficient water (if lead/acid unsealed type).
- battery posts are clean and un-corroded.
- battery boxes are secured.
- correct type of battery is in place.
- wires attached to the battery in a neat, secure and a logical order.
THE PICTURE ABOVE IS AN EXAMPLE OF HOW A BATTERY BOX SHOULD NOT LOOK!
If you are unsure on how these systems are set up, or have maintenance issues, contact your Port Captain. |
 The back log of licensing at the National Maritime Center has been greatly reduced! During the month of July, the National Maritime Center processed 25 applications submitted by Higman Marine. That is up 200% from previous months.
We have also been getting more correspondence from the evaluators. When they require additional information, they now call or email our office directly.
Application times have also been reduced for Higman Employees from an average of 57 days (Jan-June) to an average of 19 days (July-August).
The TSA has also reduced turn over time on TWIC. They are averaging four weeks to process TWIC renewals.
Although the Coast Guard and TSA have been processing licenses faster you still need to apply about six months in advance. You never know if you are going to be the one that takes 180 days to process.
The National Maritime Center has been honoring deferred issuances. They will process the application through security, medical and evaluations but will not print until a later date. This will prevent you from loosing time on your license/MMD. If you have any questions or concerns about your license please contact Kelly. |
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Lights and Shapes
Rule 21.... Definitions.  The lights are specifically defined in the rules with a specific angle in which they can be viewed. A Masthead light is defined to have an arc of 225 degrees and so fixed as to show the light from ahead to 22.5 degrees abaft the bean on either side of the vessel. These lights are defined with these specific arcs so that when you come on a set of lights at night you can tell what type of vessel it is and what the situation is. If you see a special flashing light you know this a vessel being pushed ahead and you are seeing it forward the beam. It is important that the lights are in proper operation to help other mariners.
INLAND ONLY....The special light for a vessel engaged in public safety activities must __________.
a. be on top of the mast or highest structure of the vessel
b. not interfere with the visibility of the navigation lights
c. be as far forward as possible
d. not be visible more than 22 1/2 degrees abaft the beam
BOTH INTERNATIONAL & INLAND....The stern light shall be positioned such that it will show from dead astern to how many degrees on each side of the stern of the vessel? a. 135.0° b. 112.5° c. 67.5° d. 22.5° BOTH INTERNATIONAL & INLAND
You see the display of lights shown. This could indicate a __________.
A. dredge working at anchor
B. dredge restricted in its ability to maneuver
C. 55-meter tug towing astern, length of tow exceeds 200 meters
D. 65-meter tug towing astern, length of tow 150 meters
BOTH INTERNATIONAL & INLAND....In which situation would risk of collision definitely exist? a. A vessel is 22 degrees on your port bow, range increasing, bearing changing slightly to the right. b. A vessel is broad on your starboard beam, range decreasing, bearing changing rapidly to the right. c. A vessel is 22 degrees abaft your port beam, range increasing, bearing is constant. d. A vessel is on your starboard quarter, range decreasing, bearing is constant. |
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Online Training Questions
BASIC TANK BARGE SYSTEMS
Set Number 5
Barge Rigging.
Our question set on Barge Rigging looked at various deck parts and layouts along with running rigging. The CBT course can be accessed here for further viewing:
Most of the answers fleet wide were well done!
Question 1....Face wires are used as a maneuvering arm....True/false Answer....True. 100% got this question right. Question 2....Why do we use wire ropes with a wire core? Answer....Prevents rust. 100% got this question right. Question 3....Click on the spool.  Answer....see right.................................. 100% got this question right. Question 4....How many strands make up the wire ropes on Higman barges? Answer....6. 100% got this question right. Question 5....At Higman the slings used for hard rigging are made of: Answer.... Wire. 96% got this question right. Question 6....Click on the chaffing sleeve.  Answer....see right..................... 100% got this question right. Question 7....Why do we use jockey wires? Answer.... Keep the vessel from rolling. 96% got this question right. Question 8....A fairlead is used to.. Answer....All of the above -- Keep the wires from chaffing on the winch; Prevent fowling of the wires; Obtain a good angle to start the coupling. 100% got this question right.
Cargo Safety
Set Number 1
Hydrogen Sulfide
During the next few weeks we will discuss cargo safety. To view the H2S question set , go to:
Question 1.... If a crew member's eyes were exposed to H2S, your first aid response would be to
Answer.... wash eyes immediately with large amounts of water.
100% got this question right.
Question 2.... A "rotten egg" smell could indicate the presence of
Answer.... H2S be;low 200ppm, where the sense of smell is deadened
100% got this question right.
Question 3... Skin exposure to H2S requires
Answer.... remove the clothing and flush with copious amounts of water
100% got this question right.
Question 4... With cargoes expected to be over 300 ppm of Hydrogen Sulfide, a shore tankerman must always be used....TRUE/FALSE.1
Answer....TRUE
78% got this question right. I think the answer was poorly written...my fault!
Question 5....The most important first aid response with a victim who has breathed a high concentration of H2S is to
Answer.... get the victim to open, fresh air immediately
100% got this question right.
Question 6.... Match the ppm exposure concentration with the potential effect.
Answer.... most matches were correct!!
88% got this question right.
Question 7.... Hyrogen Sulfide is lighter than air...TRUE/FALSE
Answer.... False
92% got this question right.
Question 8.... Naphtha can be a cargo that contains H2S....TRUE/FALSE
Answer.... TRUE
100% got this question right.
Question 9.... Upon receiving orders loading a cargo that may contain H2S, the wheelman must
Answer.... consult with the company schedulers to determine the expected concentrations
100% got this question right
Question 10.... An MSDS sheet must always be obtained prior to loading cargo....TRUE/FALSE
Answer.... TRUE
100% got this question right
Thanks for the good work....... |
| Stern Shots
West bound M/V PIMLICO drives into the sunset. Picture by Capt Mike Maneely.....a view from his office!
Relief Capt. Frank Nelson appears ready for action on the M/V CUMBERLAND.
Tankerman Bobby Houston puts back the electronic room door under the Pilot House on the M/V CUMBERLAND. I guess he doesn't know his own strength! |
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Nautical Trivia
The Marlinspike is a tool used in ropework for tasks such as unlaying rope for splicing, untying knots, or forming a makeshift handle. A marlinspike is a polished cone tapered to a rounded or flattened point, usually 6 to 12 inches  long, although sometimes 26" or longer, depending on what ply and size of rope they are intended for. The marlinspike is a tool made from metal, usually iron or steel, differentiating it from the fid which is similar in shape and function but made from wood or bone. The marlinspike may be a separate tool or one item on a pocket knife.
Sailors who become quite proficient at knot tying, sewing, and use of the marlinspike can be known as marlin spikes, or marlin spike seamen. The body of knowledge that includes knotting and splicing is called marlinespike seamanship.
The word marlinspike comes from the verb "to marl", which refers to the practice of "marling", or winding small diameter twine called marline onto larger ropes.[1] The fish marlin is named after the marlinspike
Ok.....this was not a very interesting Nautical Trivia.....but maybe it will motivate some of you to send me your interesting nautical facts and stories!!!!
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Dates to Remember SEP/OCT 2009
Tankerman Class SEP 14 - SEP 17
Higman Pilot to RC OCT 13 - OCT 14
Leadership Class OCT 28 - OCT 29
Answers to this weeks RULES OF ROAD... B,C,C,D
CBT Certificates earned by Higman employees since FEB 1, 2009 to date..............2000!!! (the winner of our contest will be announced later this week.) |
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Unless you have had your head in the sand the last few months, it should not be news that Flu season is coming and this one should be a record breaker. The news is full of reports on the H1N1 virus and government officials are worried that widespread outbreaks are possible. The seasonal flu also returns every year and will sicken many of us.
From the CDC, "H1N1 (referred to as "swine flu" early on) is a new influenza virus causing illness in people. This new virus was first detected in people in the United States in April 2009. This virus is spreading from person-to-person worldwide, probably in much the same way that regular seasonal influenza viruses spread."
What does all this mean for Towboaters? Well to begin with, we live in close quarters on our boats and a flu virus can easily spread. The CDC says flu viruses are spread mainly from person to person through coughing or sneezing by people with influenza. Sometimes people may become infected by touching something - such as a surface or object - with flu viruses on it and then touching their mouth or nose.
So what can we do to protect ourselves? Common sense is the best defense.
From the CDC......
- Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. Throw the tissue in the trash after you use it.
- Wash your hands often with soap and water, especially after you cough or sneeze. Alcohol base hand cleaners are also effective. Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth. Germs spread this way.
- Try to avoid close contact with sick people. Keep away from others as much as possible to keep from making others sick.
There are vaccinations available now for the seasonal flu (most Walgreens have them available for $25.00) and a H1N1 vaccination should be available in October.
Let's keep vigilant with hygiene and try to stay healthy this flu season.
Have a great and safe week!
Sincerely, |
GORDIE KEENAN
KELLY CLEVER
HIGMAN MARINE SERVICES, Inc. | |
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