higman
 VOL 3, ISSUE 4
FEBRUARY 24, 2010 
 
Higman Barge Lines Training E Newsletter

 

In This Issue
Incandescent Searchlight
CBT Updates
Three Phase Power Systems
Rules of the Road
Online Training Questions
Stern Shots!
Nautical Trivia
Quick Links
 
Join Our Mailing List
Quick Links
Up On the Wheelhouse Roof
 
Incandescent SearchlightPerko 19" searchlight
 
We discussed the Xeon Light several issues ago and now will look at the Incandescent light.
 
Most of our vessels have a 19" Perko or Carlisle Finch Incandescent Searchlight which is controlled from the wheelhouse steering station.  Most are 1500 watt, but there are some 1000 watt units in the fleet.
 
Searchlight Specifications for most vessels:
Operation Voltage....120 volts AC
Wattage..................1500 watts
Amperage................12.50 amps
Candlepower (max)....5,600,000
Rated bulb life............300 hours
 
Maintenance is minimal but there are inspections that need to be done and procedures to be completed on a routine basis.
 
Changing a bulb
 
Your critical spares box should contain a replacement bulb for your searchlight.   Changing the bulb includes careful inspection of the searchlight frame and gentle handling of the bulb.
 
  1. Make sure the power is certified off to the unit.  Lockout-Tagout procedures are to be observed
  2. If the unit has been operating, allow time for it to cool down.
    • The bulb should be cooled to outside temperature before attempting to remove.  
  3. Open the searchlight carefully by unlatching the quick release stainless steel latches. 
    • Inspect the latches....are they in good shape; are the springs intact?
    • Inspect the o-ring.  Is it in good shape?  If not, replace.
  4. Remove the bulb.  Downward pressure and a counterclockwise rotation will allow the bulb to be removed.
    • Protect your hands with clean gloves.
    • Do not put too much downward pressure on the bulb while removing. 
      • Too much pressure may cause the mogul prefocus socket to shift causing alignment problems.
  5. Inspect the interior of the searchlight housing.
    • Is the lens clean? 1500 watt bulb
    • Is the reflector clean?
    • Is there a build up of moisture inside the housing?
    • Clean with a soft clean cloth as needed.
  6. Installing a new bulb:
    • Inspect the mogul prefocus socket.
      • Is it in good shape?  The socket should not be cracked on the exterior.  Inside, the contacts should be bright and shiney.  Look for corrosion; clean as needed.
    • Carefully install the new bulb.
      • Make sure you are installing the right bulb for this unit.
      • Protect the bulb from abrasion, scratches and contamination.
      • Do not handle with bare fingers, as fingerprints and other contaminants can deteriorate the bulb.
      • If the bulb is accidentally touched, it may be cleaned with alcohol and dried with a clean cloth.
      • Wear clean gloves or use a soft cloth when installing bulb.
      • Do not put excessive downward pressure during installation to prevent socket distortion.
  7. Carefully close up the housing, ensuring that the o-ring is properly seated.
  8. Inspect the wiring to the unit. Make sure wiring in intact and gland nuts are tight.
With these simple  procedures, your searchlight should remain trouble free for years to come.
CBT Updates
 
Training Reports
 
Each quarter all boats and Port Captains will be emailed a CBT Training Report.  This report will be issued mid quarter and will show those who have not completed their training for that quarter.  The first training report will go out February 24th.  This report is to be utilized by crew members as a reminder of what training needs to be done. 
 
Personalize your training website
 
When you log onto the CBT you can see everyone else that is logged on.  Next to their name you will see a picture; most of you appear as smiley faces.  If you are tired of being a smiley face, then change it.  You can change your personal information by:
 
  1. Click on your name at the very top right hand corner where it says "you are logged on as "Name"".
  2. Click on the "Edit Profile" tab
  3. On this page you can add a picture, your email address, and anything else interesting about yourself.  Let's get to know each other!
Three Phase Power Systems
 
208/120 Volts, AC
 
Our towboats are outfitted with Split-Phase power systems that achieve high conductor efficiency and low safety risk by splitting up the total voltage into lesser parts.  They power multiple loads at lesser voltages, while drawing currents at levels typical of a full-voltage system. 

 voltmeter and ammeter
 What do you need to know about this system?
 
Voltage.....Your voltage meter should read 208 volts.  At no load, the line-to line or line to buss each should read the same - 208 volts. Use the Voltage meter selector switch to check the voltages of all lines.   If you are not reading the proper voltage, please contact the repair department.  Volt meter selector switch
 
Ammeter......At no load, the current readings should be zero.  With a load, the current readings should be about the same at each position of the ammeter selector switch.    As with the Voltage readings, check with the repair department if you see a significant discrepancy.
 
Frequency.....The generator frequency should be stable and reading about 60 - 62 Hz.  60 Hz indicates that the generator engine is running at 1800 rpm.  As equipment turns on or off, a momentary change in the frequency as the governor reacts to the load change is normal.
 
With more and more electronics on our vessels, it is important that our voltage be at the right setting and the the frequency is stable.
RULES of the ROAD
  
Test your knowledge.... email correct answer to Gordie 
 
Both International & Inland
RULE 27- Lights and Shapes Inland
 
Vessels engaged in dredging.
 
Vessels engaged in dredging, when restricted in her ability to maneuver shall exhibit the lights:
 
  • Three all-round lights in a vertical line where they can best be seen.  The top red, then white, then red.
  • Also when making way a masthead light (s), sidelights and a stern light.
  • Two all-round red light in a vertical line one the side of the obstruction.
  • Two all-round green lights in a vertical line on the side that other vessels may pass.
  • When at anchor the above lights should be displayed instead of the anchor lights.
     
A vessel engaged in dredging, when restricted in her in her ability to maneuver shall exhibit the day shapes:
 
  • Three shapes in a vertical line where they can best be seen.  The highest and lowest shall be a ball and the middle a diamond.
  • Two balls in a vertical line to indicate the side of the obstruction
  • Two diamonds in a vertical line to indicate the side which other vessels may pass.
  • When at anchor the above shapes should be displayed instead of anchor shapes.
  
The questions below are related RULE 27 - Lights and Shapes 
 
 
BOTH INTERNATIONAL & INLAND....Which display of lights shown indicates a dredge underway and not dredging?
 
a. A
b. B
c. C
d. D
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
BOTH INTERNATIONAL & INLAND....You see the display of lights shown. They could indicate a vessel
 
a. under sail and power
b. dredging while underway
c. fishing with nets extending more than 150 meters
d. power-driven and approaching head-on
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
BOTH INTERNATIONAL & INLAND....Which vessel, when anchored at night, is NOT required to show anchor lights?
 
a. A power-driven vessel
b. A vessel engaged on pilotage duty
c. A vessel dredging
d. A vessel restricted in her ability to maneuver
 
 
BOTH INTERNATIONAL & INLAND....A self-propelled dredge not engaged in dredging but proceeding to a dredging location at night would __________.
 
a. not be required to show any lights
b. be required to show the lights characteristic of a dredge
c. be required to show the lights of a stationary dredge
d. be required to show the lights of a power-driven vessel underway
 
 
BOTH INTERNATIONAL & INLAND....You are approaching a vessel dredging during the day and see two balls in a vertical line on the port side of the dredge. These shapes mean that __________.
 
a. you should pass on the port side of the dredge
b. there is an obstruction on the port side of the dredge
c. the dredge is not under command
d. the dredge is moored
 
 
BOTH INTERNATIONAL & INLAND....A vessel displaying the day-shapes shown is __________.
 
a. towing astern with a tow greater than 200 meters in length
b. not under command
c. dredging
d. carrying dangerous cargo
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
BOTH INTERNATIONAL & INLAND....Which vessel would exhibit sidelights when underway and not making way?
 
a. A vessel engaged in fishing
b. A vessel not under command
c. A vessel engaged in dredging
d. A power-driven vessel
Online Training Questions
 
We started a new series last week which discusses the towing gear on our vessels.  Our first addition to the series looks at the deck winches on our boats....the NABRICO 40 Ton Hydra-Electric Winch.
 
I was especially interested in the ability of the crew to quickly be able to go from Hydra-Electric operation to manual operation if needed.  That involves:
  • knowing where the circuit breaker is for the unit.
  • knowing where the manual wheel is located.
  • being able to find the "key" if not attached to the shaft.
  • safely disengaging the brake mechanism to go to manual.
 
Capt. Ray Sergent of the M/V FREEPORT offered this safety advice after reviewing the winch lesson:
 
"Anytime you do any adjusting, either tightening or loosening the brake spring, whoever is doing it, needs to stand clear.  Do not stand over or around the spring.
This nut is under a lot of pressure.  If the threads on the stud are damaged, rusted, etc., when you move them either way, they can strip off.  If this happens you do not want to be in the line of fire....
I have seen them come loose and go through a wheel house window....."
 
Towing Gear Series
Set Number 1
NABRICO 40 Ton Hydra Electric Winch 

To view this question set again, go to NABRICO 40 Ton Hydra Electric Winch.  Fleet average on this question set was 98%....Great Job! 
 
Question 1..... We have 40 ton winches.  What does this mean?
Answer....The winch can HOLD 40 tons40 ton winch

Question 2.... What type of mechanism do the boat winches operate?
Answer....Hydra-Electric

Question 3..... Where is the circuit breaker located for the winches? 
Answer
.... This answer depends on your boat.  Only you know he right answer after inspecting your system.

Question 4....The cover should be kept secured to ensure the safety of the crew....TRUE/FALSE
Answer....TRUE
 
Question 5......Before beginning manual operation, the first thing you should do is?
Answer....Lock out/tag out the power

Question 6.....In the manual mode turn the hand wheel clockwise to reel the line in.....TRUE/FALSE
Answer....FALSE  Counter-Clockwise to real in.
 
Question 7....The boat winches should be greased once ....
Answer....a week
 
Thanks for the good work!
Stern Shots  

Early morning crew change....

 

 

 
 Captain Robert Nealy on the M/V Miss Sarah
 
 
Captain Jasper Stephens on the M/V Arundel.
 
 
Tankerman Jake Jones and Cody Lindsey on the M/V Arundel.
 
 
Tankerman Roberty Ivy on the M/V Miss Sarah.
 
 
Steersman James Shankle and Jake Jones on the M/V Arundel.

Nautical Trivia
 
FLATBOAT 
 
Flatboats are a square, flat bottom boat used in the early 19th century to transport goods down river.  They were also called Broadhorn, Kentucky Boats, New Orleans boats, or a barge.  The boats started off small but quickly grew to length of 50+ feet, depending on what they hauled. Larger boats could carry 30 or 40 tons of cargo. They were constructed of green oak planks put together with pegs, no nails or irons were used for construction.  The seams were often caulked with tow (short fibers made from flax).  They had a shallow draft making river travel easier.  They had 2-3 foot sides and some had a house for the crew.
 
For navigation, flatboats had two large side oars called sweepers, a steering oar or rudder and a short front sweep called a "gouger".  These oars were used to keep the boat in the current and out of eddied and slack water.  Some had large ropes that could be tied to a tree and used to reel the boat to shore.
 
Flatboats were used to transport almost anything including crops, coal, animals, settlers, and more.  At that time steamboats were relatively new and were not abundant.  The boats would be built up river and then disassembled when they reached their destination.  There they would often be sold for lumber.  Many of the shotgun houses in New Orleans are known for being made out of flatboats.

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
 
Answers to this weeks RULES OF ROAD... B,D,C,D,B,C,B
  
CBT Certificates earned by Higman employees from JAN 1, 2010 to date........553
 
A career should not be looked at in terms of months.  For most of us, it is a term of years and then hopefully decades. 
 
Higman Barge Lines has the great distinction of having employees that have made this their working home for many years.  Out of two hundred and eighty Higman boatmen, there are twenty two that have over fifteen years longevity with our company.  Of that group, eight have over twenty five years.
 
Of course the longest of all is Captain Pete (Connie O'Neal Peters) at forty five years. 
 
How does this relate to the young Tankerman who is waiting to get accepted into the Steersman program?  Economic conditions in the industry have slowed down the dramatic need for Steersmen we saw just two years ago.  Patience is now a great virtue while waiting for a spot to open up.
 
My advice to them is to think of their careers in the long term.
 
The economy will get climb out of the current slump and get back to normal at some point.  It always has in the past so there is no reason to think otherwise.   Think of your career in terms of the long run and the wait for a steersman spot will not seem so bad. 
  
Have a great and safe week!
 
Sincerely,
GORDIE KEENAN
KELLY CLEAVER
HIGMAN MARINE SERVICES, Inc.