Training News from HIGMAN BARGE LINES, Inc.

Cracks in the Flexible Elastomatic Seal or "rubber boot" have occurred. The "boot" surrounds the ceramic plates and seals the outside water from entering the boat. Several boots have developed deep cracks in the boot leading to leaking. The cause of these cracks may have been caused by manufacturing defects but is presently undetermined.
- Visually inspect the boot for the appearance of deep cracks on a regular basis. Report cracks to the repair department.
Leaks in the Emergency Inflatable Seal have occurred in one installation. Inside the stationary flange, is an emergency inflatable seal which when filled with air (30psi max), clamps around the shaft to seal off incoming water. Located on the upper left hand (facing aft) side of the stationary flange is a small bayonet fitting that is used to connect a foot operated air pump.
- Look for water leaking from the bayonet fitting in normal operating conditions. Any water coming from the fitting would indicate the inflatable seal has a hole in it. Report water leaking form the bayonet to repairs. (note: make sure the dust cap is on the bayonet fitting for keep dirt and water out of the emergency inflatable seal)
  Cooling Water Stainer
Inspect cooling water strainers on a regular basis and clean out debris and mud. The repair department is presently relocating some strainers that were originally installed in difficult to reach spots.
Check your critical spares. Parts for the Wartsila Water Cooled Shaft seal should include:
- Air Pump w/gauge
- small air hose with tire fitting to install on bayonet
- 8mm allen wrench and seal adjustment clips used when setting up the seal alignment.

If your crew needs additional training on seal operation and emergency actions, please contact the Training Department. For more detailed instructions on sealing the shaft if leaking, go to Emergency Inflatable Seal Operations.

Engine Room Rounds

Good ideas from our crews...

In the last Newsletter, I asked for ideas from our crews to enhance your daily engine room inspections. Air Compressor

Making the rounds of the engine room is an important task throughout the day to ensure all is running smoothly and there are no surprises.

Here are some ideas from the fleet..........

M/V FREEPORT

Even though half of our fleet are outfitted with water lubricated mechanical shaft seals, the bilge areas below still have the sump pumps. Salt water and corrosion will lock up these pumps, so they should be tested on a regular basis. Use the engine room wash hose to fill the sump area and observe pump operation.

M/V COVE POINT

Another engine room inspection that the COVE POINT does is to keep track of compressor cut/on and cut/off times and checking compressor temperature for excessive heat by hand on motor. Short startups or prolong running may be due to air lose somewhere.

Thanks to the crews of the M/V FREEPORT and M/V COVE POINT. Other ideas??....send to Gordie.

Missing Training Report

Half way through the second quarter....

We are currently half way through the second quarter. Each vessel will be receiving an email that contains the Missing Training Report for their vessel. The report will contain the crew members name and the courses they have not completed from the 1st and 2nd quarter. If crew members have completed the post test but their name is on the Missing Training Report, please open the certificate.

Congratulations to the M/V SANDY POINT! All crew members have completed first and second quarter training.

Safety Corner

Year Long Goals...

During the 2010 Wheelman Seminars, we discussed year long safety goals for the Fleet in four different categories. Those categories were (1) Mooring/Docking Incidents (2) Locking Damage, (3) Spills (does not include mechanical failure), and (4) Recordable Injury Frequency Rate (RIFR).

We presented last year's numbers in these categories and, as a group you felt the Fleet could reduce those numbers.

As promised, I am reporting the 2010 First Quarter numbers in these categories. The first column represents the number suggested by you, vessel management, as a realistic goal for the year. The second column is where we stand through the first quarter. As you can see, we have very little margin remaining.

                                    2010 Goal             First Quarter

Mooring/Docking              25                               6
Locking Damage                 4                               2
Spills                                   5                               2
RIFR                                     1.2                            1.3

Please remember to hold the small safety meetings before every critical evolution. We have noticed a significant reduction in the cost of our incidents and the number of injuries requiring medical attention this year. We believe this is directly attributable to your efforts to slow down and put everyone on the same page before a critical evolution.

Keep up the good work folks....and stay safe.

John Costello

We need your help!

You have ideas!

Several of our boats have participated in Friday Questions, Computer Based Training and the Newsletter.

If you would like to help with our online training, please email ideas, suggestions, and pictures to Kelly Cleaver.

RULES of the ROAD

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

Rule 9

Narrow Channels

Inland-

(b) Vessels less than 20 meters (65 feet) in length or a sailing vessel are not to impede the passage of a vessel that can safely navigate only within a narrow channel or fairway.

(c) A vessel engaged in fishing shall not impede the passage of any other vessel navigating within a narrow channel or fairway.

(d) Vessels shall not cross a narrow channel or fairway if such crossing impedes the passage of a vessel which can safely navigate only within that channel or fairway.

Impede is defined as "to interfere with or slow the progress of". So vessels under 65 feet, sailing vessels, vessels engaged in fishing and vessels crossing a narrow channel are not to interfere with the progress of vessels that only navigating within the channel.

The questions below are related to narrow channels

BOTH INTERNATIONAL & INLAND Which vessel is directed not to impede the passage of a vessel which can only navigate inside a narrow channel?
a. A vessel of less than 20 meters in length
b. A vessel not under command
c. A vessel engaged in surveying
d. All of the above

BOTH INTERNATIONAL & INLAND Which vessel shall NOT impede the passage of a vessel which can safely navigate only within a narrow channel or fairway?
a. A vessel of less than 20 meters in length
b. A vessel sailing
c. A vessel fishing
d. All of the above

BOTH INTERNATIONAL & INLAND You are crossing a narrow channel in an 18-meter tug when you sight a loaded tankship off your port bow coming up the channel. Which statement is correct?
a. Neither vessel is the stand-on vessel because the tankship is crossing.
b. You cannot impede the safe passage of the tankship.
c. The tankship is the stand-on vessel because it is in the channel.
d. The tankship is the stand-on vessel because it is the larger of the two vessels.

BOTH INTERNATIONAL & INLAND A sailing vessel is proceeding along a narrow channel and can safely navigate ONLY inside the channel. The sailing vessel approaches a vessel engaged in fishing. Which statement is TRUE?
a. The fishing vessel is directed not to impede the passage of the sailing vessel.
b. The sailing vessel must keep out of the way of the fishing vessel.
c. Each vessel should move to the edge of the channel on her port side.
d. Each vessel should be displaying signals for a vessel constrained by her draft.

BOTH INTERNATIONAL & INLAND You are approaching a narrow channel. You see a vessel that can only be navigated safely within the channel. You MUST __________.
a. hold your course and speed
b. sound the danger signal
c. not cross the channel if you might impede the other vessel
d. initiate an exchange of passing signals

Online Training Questions

Last week completed our Deck Safety Series.

How do you feel about your crew's dedication to working safely on deck? Are they totally dedicated to idea that all jobs can and should be done with safety as the primary goal. Do you and the rest of the crew take a few minutes to complete a JHA before heading out on deck for the day's activities?

All it takes is a few minutes of discussion to focus the crew on doing the job ahead in a safe and efficient manner.

Last week we looked at Hazard Analysis and completing a JHA.

How did your crew do?

Deck Safety Series
Set Number 4
On Board - Hazard Analysis

To view this question set again, go to

On Board - Hazard Analysis. Fleet average on this question set was 94%....Let's make sure we all understand what a JHA is and how to complete.

Question 1....What does JHA stand for?

Answer....Job Hazard Analysis

Question 2....JHA is not needed for experienced tankerman. TRUE/FALSE

Answer....TRUE

Question 3....What form JHA's are completed on the barge? Check all that apply.
Answer....DOI, Pre-Docking preparation Checklist, Pre Transfer Conference.

Question 4....A JHA must be formally written to be correct.TRUE/FALSE

Answer....FALSE

Question 5....The first step of a JHA is to identify the job or task. Next you should...
Answer.... Break the job into key components.

Question 6....The best method for dealing with a hazard is to....
Answer....Control the hazard

Thanks for the good work!

Stern Shots

The Sabine Pass Crew (from left): Gordie Keenan (office), Cliff Cooper, Capt. Jules George, Norman "Tiny" Clemons, Mike Hammett (Seamen's Church), Ernest Hayes .

Nautical Trivia

NATIONAL MARITIME DAY

May 22, 2010

May 22 is National Maritime Day in the United States each year. This day reflects the gratitude that Americans have for the maritime industry and the benefits it brings to the country. It also recognizes ships and seafarers who have held a special place in the nation's history.

Let's look at what Towboaters bring to the success of our industry.

Today's fleet of nearly 4,000 modern tugboats and towboats and more than 27,000 barges moves over 800 million tons each year of raw materials and finished goods.
The industry allows the United States to take advantage of one of its greatest natural resources - the 25,000 mile waterway system - and adds $5 billion a year to the U.S. economy.
Waterways transportation is the most economical mode of commercial freight transportation.
Waterways transportation is the most environmentally-friendly mode of commercial transportation. The greater fuel efficiency of tugboats and towboats results in cleaner air.

Dates to Remember

2010 Advanced Wheelhouse Management (Simulator)

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 a Simulator session, please email Kelly or call at 281-864-6011.

Answers to this weeks RULES OF ROAD...A, D, B, A, C

CBT Certificates earned by Higman employees from JAN 1, 2010 to date........2342!

Once again Situational Awareness seems like an appropriate topic.

In the first place, what is situational awareness?

Situation awareness involves being aware of what is happening around you to understand how information, events, and your own actions will impact operations, both now and in the near future.