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| USCG Towboat Inspections
Towing Vessel Bridging Program Underway
The USCG has started the "Towing Vessel Bridging Program" which is an initiative to ensure that the Coast Guard and the Towing industry are ready for the soon to be published requirements of "Subchapter M". "Subchapter M" is the upcoming regulation that requires USCG inspection and certification for all towing vessels traditionally classified as "Uninspected".
What does this mean for our Towboats and what can you expect during the next two years?
USCG Uninspected Towing Vessel (UTV) Inspections
During Phase I and Phase II of the Towing Vessel Bridging Program, the USCG will begin voluntary examinations of all towing vessels. These examinations are based on Subchapter C requirements that all should be familiar with and are typically checked in our Sire audits.
The on Monday, Dec. 14, 2009, the USCG started inspecting Higman boats with the M/V PELICAN.  The boat passed its' examination with flying colors thanks to the great work by Captain Greg Christmas and his crew!
Upon passing the examination, a Coast Guard Towing Vessel Exam Decal is issued and displayed on the wheelhouse window. The examination is good for three years.
Here are the "TOP TEN DEFICIENCIES" found by the Coast Guard during examinations at other companies:
- General Alarm - installations in the engine room are required to include both audible and visual indicators (i.e., warning bell/siren and light). A placard with the inscription: "Attention General Alarm - When Alarm Sounds or Flashes, Go to Your Station" is required to be posted in the vicinity of the general alarm. Missing placards and visual indicators as well as inoperable audible indicators are frequent deficiencies on towing vessels. (46 CFR 27.201)
- Navigation Lights - All navigation lights must be in accordance with the International and Inland Navigation Rules. The bulb's filament must be at the same height as the middle portion of the lens. Household bulbs are not acceptable.
- Remote Fuel Shut-Off Valves - Any fuel line that supplies fuel directly to a diesel engine must have a shut-off valve that can be remotely-operated from outside the space. All mechanical linkages for the valve must be kept clean and lubricated. The valve control must be labeled in one-inch letters. Owners/operators should ensure that the instructions are posted in the vicinity of the emergency fuel shut-off valve control. (46 CFR 27.207)
- Fire Control Detection Panel - All of the control panel's required features must function properly. Labels for all switches and indicators must be in place. Documentation that the system was certified (by either a registered professional engineer or a recognized classification society) should be on board. Owners/operators should be prepared to demonstrate proper operation during each examination or boarding. (46 CFR 27.203)
- Life buoys on UTV's are not required to be marked with the name of the vessel and the vessel's hailing port. However, the information on the manufacturer's label in waterproof lettering, required by 46 CFR 160.050-6, must not be faded to the point that it is unreadable.
- Fire Pumps - Towing vessel must be equipped with a self-priming fire pump. The pumps should be fitted with a remote start control and that the control is in working order. If fire-main valves have to be operated from this remote location, ensure that the valves open properly.
- Wiring - Wires must be properly installed and connected. The use of temporary wiring where equipment must be hard-wired is a common electrical deficiency. Missing junction-box or switch-plate covers and exposed dead-end wires account for 27% of the inspection deficiencies. Insufficient mounting of cables as they run along bulkheads is also a noted problem. All junction boxes should have their covers in place at all times.
- Vessel Response Plan - Make sure you have access to yours, ready to review with the CG inspector!
- Machinery Guards - Missing guards for moving machinery is the most common deficiency in this category.
- Vessel Security Plan - Make sure your crew is familiar with your VSP....know who the Company Security Officer is (hint - Kyle Shaw).
Jay Frye will be scheduling these examinations during the next few months to cover all Higman boats. If you have any questions on what to expect or you think you may have a deficiency, please contact Jay. |
| Wheelman's Seminar, 2010
Dates set for 2010
All Wheelmen have received a letter at home announcing the dates for the 2010 Wheelman's Seminars. This years we will be meeting once again at Cypress Bend Resort on:
- March 09, 2010 - March 10, 2010
- March 25, 2010 - March 26, 2010
- April 06, 2010 - April 07, 2010
Here are some changes this year you need to be aware of:
- All Captains, Relief Captains and Pilots are required to attend. This has always been company policy, but in the past out Pilots were given an option. This year, we expect all Pilots to attend. Our Pilots are an important part of the Wheelhouse team and need to be part of our discussions.
- Steersman will not attend this year. We have invited
 Steersmen the past few years, but feel we must concentrate our time with our primary Wheelmen.
- We will start the meeting at an earlier time this year. Please be ready to begin our program at 0930 on the first day. You are invited to check into Cypress Bend the previous night, especially if travel distance makes the earlier time impractical.
In the letter was a self addressed card for you to return with your date preferences. You can also register by logging onto your HigmanBoats.com website. Registration can be found on the right side. |
| Spill Drill
Annual Drill Completed in Channelview
 On Tuesday December 15, 2009, Higman Marine Services conducted their annual Spill Drill as required by the USCG. The drill is conducted to ensure that the shore staff is prepared in the event of a major spill aboard one of our vessels.
During the drill, the Higman Spill Response Team must make the appropriate notifications to the Coast Guard, State & Local Authorities, Customers, etc. They are responsible for planning and managing the incident with the guidance of our "Tank Vessel Spill Response Plan". A spill scenario was provided by the O'Brien's Response Management Group to put the Higman Team through all aspect of a spill response. |
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RULE 6....SAFE SPEED
-Inland-
Safe speed for vessels with operational radars:
- In addition to traffic and weather circumstances, vessels with operational radars must also take into account the following factors:
- The characteristics, efficiency and limitations of the radar.
- The range scale being used.
- How weather will effect the radar.
- Items that may not be picked up by the radar (small boats).
- Number, location and movement of targets.
- Using radar to assess visibility.
The questions below are based on RULE 6:
BOTH INTERNATIONAL & INLAND.... "safe speed" is defined as that speed where __________.
a. you can stop within your visibility range
b. the vessel is not subject to vibrations
c. you are traveling slower than surrounding vessels
d. you can take proper and effective action to avoid collision
BOTH INTERNATIONAL & INLAND....Which statement is TRUE concerning a vessel equipped with operational radar?
a. She must use this equipment to obtain early warning of risk of collision.
b. The radar equipment is only required to be used in restricted visibility.
c. The use of a radar excuses a vessel from the need of a look-out.
d. The safe speed of such a vessel will likely be greater than that of vessels without radar.
BOTH INTERNATIONAL & INLAND....A vessel must proceed at a safe speed __________.
a. in restricted visibility
b. in congested waters
c. during darkness
d. at all times
BOTH INTERNATIONAL & INLAND....Which factor is listed in the Rules as one which must be taken into account when determining safe speed?
a. The construction of the vessel
b. The maneuverability of the vessel
c. The experience of vessel personnel
d. All of the above must be taken into account.
BOTH INTERNATIONAL & INLAND....You are on watch in the fog. Your vessel is proceeding at a safe speed when you hear a fog signal ahead of you. The Rules require you to navigate with caution and, if danger of collision exists, __________.
a. slow to less than 2 knots
b. stop your engines
c. reduce to bare steerageway
d. begin a radar plot
BOTH INTERNATIONAL & INLAND....A vessel hearing a fog signal forward of her beam has not determined if risk of collision exists. She shall reduce speed to __________.
a. moderate speed
b. safe speed
c. half speed
d. bare steerageway |
Navigation Notes
Channel 12 is the new working channel for New Orleans VTS
The USCG has established channel 12 VHF-FM as the dedicated VTS working channel for the New Orleans Harbor area, effective Tuesday, Dec 15, 2009.
You are invited to call the New Orleans VTS Watch Supervisor, 24-7, with any questions or concerns on this switchover at 504-586-2780.
Vessels operating in this section of the river will be required to continuously monitor Channels 67 and 12.
All vessels subject to the Vessel Bridge-to-Bridge Radiotelephone Act are affected by this change. Vessels shall notify the VTS of the following:
(1) Marine Casualty as defined in 46 CFR; Part 4.05-1;
(2) Involvement in the ramming of a fixed or floating object;
(3) A pollution incident as defined in 33 CFR, Part 151.15;
(4) A defect or discrepancy in an aid to navigation;
(5) A hazardous condition as defined in 33 CFR, Part 160.203;
(6) Improper operation of vessel equipment required by 33 CFR,
Part 164; and,
(7) A hazardous vessel operating condition as defined in 33 CFR,
Part 161.2. |
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Online Training Questions
A discussion of Critical Spares and Company Vehicle Policy were the subjects discussed during the last two weeks of Friday Questions.
Each week we tally the scores and most boats are doing well. How did your crew do?
General Operations 
Set Number 6
Critical Spares
To view this question set again, go to Critical Spares Policy. Fleet average on this question set was 97%....so great job.
Question 1....A Critical Spare is an item that is vital to:
Answer....Continue safe operation of the vessel
Question 2.... What item is NOT a critical spare?
Answer.... Coffee maker
Question 3....The Captain is responsible for:
Answer.... Ensuring the entire crew knows the location spares, Inventories are completed, Critical spare are easily accessible ----All of the above
Question 4....Critical Spares inventory is to take place on
Answer....HigmanBoats.com
Question 5....How often does the critical spare inventory need to be completed?
Answer....Once every 30 days
General Operations 
Set Number 7
Company Vehicle Policy
To view this question set again, go to Company Vehicle Policy
Fleet average on this question set was 95%....another great job.
Question 1....While crew changing you experience mechanical problems. Who do you call?
Answer....Port Captain
Question 2....The key pouch for the crew trucks can be returned to...
Answer....The receptionist during business hours, the Port Captain in Mobile, the drop box after hours.....All of the above
Question 3....Who is authorized to drive company vehicles?
Answer....Employees
Question 4....In the event of an accident you should report the accident to the police, notify your Port Captain, and submit a company incident report....TRUE/FALSE
Answer....TRUE
Thanks for the good work! |
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SNOW DAY IN CHANNELVIEW!!! December 04, 2009
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Nautical Trivia
Every year over one hundred 30 foot plus tall bonfire structures are built of wood, firecrackers, and occasionally bamboo along the Mississippi River levee near the town of Lutcher, Louisiana. These bonfires are laced with kerosene or lighter fluid, then all are ignited simultaneously at 7 p.m. US Central Standard Time to welcome the arrival of Papa Noel on Christmas Eve.
The bonfires have been explained as long ago before the Levee's were built, to help friends of the family find the inlets or slips coming off the river to the homes of those they wanted to visit on Christmas Eve. But more likely a good way to encourage the children to help keep the inlet clear of the continuous build-up of washed up debris and driftwood.
Today, each family or street of families comes together and starts building usually the Thanksgiving break from school. They have limits now as to size and construction due to mishaps in the past. But Christmas Eve if its not a "Cajun Snowstorm" is enjoyed with a bonfire, pot of gumbo, fireworks, and a lawn-chair. All are welcome to join the merriment, now even special sternwheelers, paddleboats, or riverboats offer bonfire cruises down the Mississippi River.
It is a Christmas Eve tradition, unless it rains, then it is promptly changed to a New Years Eve tradition. You will always see the displayed pirogue with Papa Noel being pulled by his special alligators, lead by Alphonse". |
Dates to Remember
2010 Wheelman Seminars
First Session MAR 9 - MAR 10
Second Session MAR 25 - MAR 26
Third Session APR 6 - APR 7
2010 Advanced Wheelhouse Management (simulator)
First Session MAR 1 - MAR 3
Second Session MAY 24 - MAY 26
Third Session JUL 26 - JUL 28
Fourth Session OCT 4 - OCT 6
Fifth Session NOV 29 - DEC 1
To schedule Wheelman Seminar or Simulator please call Kelly 281-864-6011 or register online at HigmanBoats.com
Operation Dates:
Galveston Railroad Bridge Intermittent Closures during daylight hours for fenderworks repairs from December 21-31
Answers to this weeks RULES OF ROAD...D, A, D, B, C, D
CBT Certificates earned by Higman employees since FEB 1, 2009 to date..............2880!!! |
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Christmas Bells at Sea
by Charles Lamb Kenney
Still the night and calm the ocean,
Dazzling bright each wintry star;
Scarcely felt the vessel's motion,
When we heard from out afar
Softly pealing,
Gently stealing,
Silv'ry bells in volleys ringing.
Ringing out in holy glee;
E'en to us glad tidings bringing,
E'en to us glad tidings bringing,
Christmas bells at sea.
Wrapt in awe around them gazing,
Mute the crew in wonder stand,
Whence could come those sounds amazing,
Far from sight or sound of land?
Rising, falling,
Home recalling,
Thoughts of home and heaven bringing,
Sure a silent mystery
'Twas to hear their silv'ry ringing,
'Twas to hear their silv'ry ringing,
Christmas Bells at sea.
Vain Thy ways, O Heaven, to measure:
Who thy secrets can divine?
In our hearts enough to treasure
Tokens of Thy love benign
Where no steeple
Calls its people
Tidings of a Saviour bringing,
Angel hands are set by Thee
From a cloud-built belfry ringing
From a cloud-built belfry ringing
Christmas Bells at sea.
Published by Novello & Co., 1875.
Wishing all a very Merry Christmas!
Sincerely
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GORDIE KEENAN
KELLY CLEAVER
HIGMAN MARINE SERVICES, Inc. | |
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