In September 2009, BP, Texas City implemented a new policy requiring the Tankerman PIC to monitor all parties conducting work aboard the barge.  This requires the Tankerman PIC to be present while inspectors are sampling.  
 
In November, Higman Marine received an email from BP acknowledging the crew of the M/V Cumberland for their excellent job of complying with this new policy. British Petroleum and Higman Marine would like to congratulate the Captain and crew for a job well done!  Keep up the good work.

Shown on board from left:

RC Frank Nelson, Pilot Jeff Hughes, Tk4 Eric Bell, Sr, Tk4 Bobby Houston.

On Time off and not shown:

Capt Jesse Harris, Tk1 Darrell Turner, Tk4 John Esparza

 

 

When TWIC first came into effect, a lost, stolen or damaged TWIC was estimated to take 3-5 days to replace.  Thus the CFR's were written that a mariner that has a lost, stolen or damaged TWIC would be allowed unescorted access for 7 days.
 
After six months since the TWIC effective date, it is apparent that it takes longer than 7 days to replace a lost TWIC.  Some employees at Higman were experiencing wait periods of 2-3 weeks.  In response the USCG has implemented that mariners may have 30 days of unescorted access after discovering a lost TWIC.  This extension is to remain in effect indefinitely PAC 03-09a until the CFR's can be updated.
 
This is not an excuse to lose your TWIC.  This law gives you access to our vessels but you may not be able to get into facilities.  You may find it very hard to make a crew change if you lose your TWIC. 

 

The former M/V Jan Michael, the original M/V Preston N. Shuford, has been renamed the M/V Snipe. 

 

The boat was named for the Snipe, a small marsh bird.  They are found in Europe, Asia, Africa and one species in New Zealand.  They are characterized by their long bill which they use to eat small invertebrates from the marsh mud.
 
The hunting of snipes has led to some terminology that is commonly used here in America.  Snipes are a very hard bird to hunt and those that were good at hunting snipes were called a "Sniper".  Now used by the military to classify sharp shooters.  
 

  

Test your knowledge.... email correct answer to Gordie 

Rule 24....Lights and Shapes  -INLAND-

 

The Relief Captain on the M/V GREBE, Dennis Ridley had an interesting meeting situation the other night.

 

An on coming tow had an amber flashing light but no red/green sidelights on the barge being pushed.  Dennis contacted the tow by VHF and reported to the wheelman that his sidelights were out on the barge.  The wheelman reported back to Dennis that sidelights were not required because the barge being pushed was narrower than the towboat.   Is this right?

 

 

(e) Provided that any number of vessels being towed alongside or pushed in a group shall be lighted as one vessel, except as provided in paragraph (iii):

 As per the rule there is no exemption for lack of sidelights on a barge narrower than the towboat pushing it.

 

The questions below are based on RULE 24:

INLAND ONLY....Which lights are required for a barge, not part of a composite unit, being pushed ahead?

a. Sidelights and a stern light
b. Sidelights, a special flashing light, and a stern light
c. Sidelights and a special flashing light
d. Sidelights, a towing light, and a stern light
 
INLAND ONLY....Which is CORRECT regarding a "special flashing light"?

a. It must be yellow in color.
b. It must be placed as far forward as possible.
c. It must not show through an arc of more than 225°.
d. All of the above
 

INLAND ONLY....A special flashing light is used on a vessel(s) __________.

a. being pushed ahead
b. at anchor in a fairway
c. towed astern
d. All of the above
 

INLAND ONLY....What lights are required for a single barge being towed alongside?

a. Sidelights and a stern light
b. Sidelights, a special flashing light, and a stern light
c. Sidelights and a special flashing light
d. Sidelights, a towing light, and a stern light
 

INLAND ONLY....You are meeting "head on" a tug towing a barge alongside about a mile away. In addition to the white masthead lights which other lights do you see on the tug and tow combined?

a. One green and one red sidelight on the outside of the unit
b. One green and one red sidelight and a special flashing light
c. Only the green and red sidelights marking each vessel
d. The green and red sidelights marking each vessel and a special flashing light