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The Spin on Filters
Check you vessel's Maintenance Manual.
Filters for Lube oil, filters for fuel, filters for air; filters keep our equipment running and are an important part of our operation. Let's talk about LUBE OIL spin-on type filters.
Even with proper lube and the best filter systems, problems can occur. Occasional inspection of your filters can detect the beginning of serious problems. - A deformed spin on filter is a sign of excessive lube pressure normally caused by a stuck pressure regulator valve.
- The gasket can be displaced by the excessive lube pressure. The filter will normally become deformed before the gasket is displaced.
Displaced Gasket |
- Insufficient gasket compression can also cause leaks.
- Inspection of the inner paper element can help detect engine/gear problems.
- Thick sludge on engine filters can indicate a wide range of problems.
- Coolant leaks will show up as wavy pleats in the filter element.
- Metal flakes indicate unusual engine wear.
Installations of a new filter requires following the Filter
"PICTOGRAM". | manufacture's instructions. Look for the " PICTOGRAM" on the side of the filter for detailed instructions. - Unscrew and remove the old filter.
- Make sure the old gasket is removed from the mounting base.
- Clean the mounting base to remove any contaminates.
- Remove the packaging from the new filter.
- Make sure there is a new gasket and that it is in place on the filter.
- INSPECT FOR DENTS. Even a filter with a small dent should not be used.
Apply a thin film of clean lube oil on the new filter gasket.
Screw on the new filter on to the mounting base until the gasket comes in contact with the mounting base.
- Be careful not to cross thread.
Use oil, no grease |
- Follow the manufacturer's instructions for the amount of turns for final tightening.
Use a filter strap wrench to tighten to the required torque.
- The filter strap wrench should be positioned close to the mounting base to prevent damage during installation.
- A Filter that is not properly tightened to the manufacture's recommended specification may leak or experience a gasket blow-out.
Make sure the engine or gear oil level is full.
- Start engine/engage clutch and check for leaks.
- Shut down and re-check oil level.
Inspect again for dents that may have occurred during installation.
- Replace any dented filter.
Follow filter disposal requirement found in the Higman Policy and Procedure Manual, Section 2, "Environmental Policy and Procedures". |
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New Forms on Higman Boats
 As most of you have noticed by now, there are two new forms under the Miscellaneous section; the "Transfer Log" and the "Tankerman PIC Renewal". These forms are to be used when applying for a Tankerman-PIC.
The "Transfer Log" is to be used for those that are obtaining an Original Tankerman-PIC. The Coast Guard requires that you have five loads, five discharges, two commencements of loads, two commencements of discharges, two completions of loads, and two competitions of discharges. If you will be applying for an Original Tankerman-PIC you need to complete this form, print it and have the supervising Tankerman-PIC sign off on your discharges. The signed log needs to be turned into Kelly at the Channelview office.
The "Tankerman PIC Renewal" form is for anyone that will be up for a Tankerman-PIC renewal within the next year. The Coast Guard requires that you participate in at least two transfers in order to renew your Tankerman-PIC. This form does not require signatures. Once the form is completed simply submit the form. This form will be added to your application for renewal. |
| Add a Foot Pump
A Critical Spares Update.
If your boat is equipped with Wartsila Mechanical Shaft Seals, the Critical Spares List has been updated.
TWO air pumps, instead of just one are required to be onboard. The next time you send in your Critical Spares Report, please indicate the need for an additional air pump.
Contact Janis at the Channelview Office if you need more information. 
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| Using Skymira Satellite Functions
In the event you are unable to pick up cellular connection for your wheelhouse computer there is always the option of connecting via satellite. The Satcom Client will allow you to connect to Skymira only. The Satcom Client will not allow you to fax, go to Higmanboats or any other Internet functions. The satellite function is only to be used after trying the cellular connection several times.
To connect to the Satcom Client follow these steps:
- Disconnect the Skycom Client (the Satcom will not work if the Skycom client is on)
- To open the Satcom Client
- Click on the "Start Menu"
- Select "All Programs"
- Select "Skymira"
- Select "Satcom Client"
- You will know when you are connected to the satellite when you see "Transceiver Online".
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Shearing affects caused by Bank Suction and Bank Cushion.
Bank Cushion is caused by a build up of water between the hull and the bank (or another ship) and results in the bow being pushed away from the bank.
Bank Suction is caused by the displacement of water from the ships potion. The void in water needs to be filled and will pull the stern of the ship toward the bank.
When two vessels are passing in a narrow channel these effects may cause a ship to shear across a channel. How bank suction and back cushion effect passing ships to shear is illustrated in the diagram below. As you can see the bow of vessel 1 is pushed away from the bank at the same time it is pulled toward the void behind vessel 2. The stern of vessel 1 has reverse effects; it is being pushed into the bank by vessel 2's bow wake and pulled into the bank by bank cushion. The overall result is that vessel 1 will tend to turn toward the opposite side of the channel with multiple factors pushing its direction.
This can be dangerous if you are near the passing ships...
INLAND ONLY .....Which statement is TRUE concerning narrow channels?
a. You should keep to that side of the channel which is on your port side.
b. You should avoid anchoring in a narrow channel.
c. A vessel having a following current will propose the manner of passage in any case where two vessels are meeting.
d. All of the above
INLAND ONLY.....You are overtaking a power-driven vessel in a narrow channel and wish to leave her on your starboard side. You may __________.
a. proceed to overtake her without sounding whistle signals
b. attempt to contact her on the radiotelephone to arrange for the passage
c. sound four short blasts
d. Any of the above
INLAND ONLY.....You are overtaking another power-driven vessel in a narrow channel. The other vessel will have to move to allow you to pass. You wish to overtake the other vessel and leave her on your starboard side. Your FIRST whistle signal should be __________.
a. one short blast
b. two short blasts
c. two prolonged blasts followed by one short blast
d. two prolonged blasts followed by two short blasts
INLAND ONLY.....Passing signals shall be sounded on inland waters by __________.
a. all vessels upon sighting another vessel rounding a bend in the channel
b. towing vessel when meeting another towing vessel on a clear day with a 0.6 mile CPA (Closest Point of Approach)
c. a power-driven vessel when crossing less than half a mile ahead of another power-driven vessel
d. All of the above
INLAND ONLY.....You are meeting another vessel head-on and sound one short blast as a passing signal. The other vessel answers with two short blasts. What should be your next action?
a. Pass on the other vessel's starboard side.
b. Sound the danger signal.
c. Pass astern of the other vessel.
d. Hold your course and speed.
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Online Training Questions
On May 21, 2010, we started the Wheelmen's Edition Series. Last week's presentation discussed Approaching Mooring Buoys.
In our business, Mooring Buoys are an important part of our  operation. During the past six months, we have had several incidents where barges and buoys have been damaged. Extra care is in order when approaching mooring buoy.
Here are answers to the questions that were presented.
How did your crew do?
Wheelmen's Edition
Set Number 4
Approaching Mooring Buoy's To view this question set again, go to
Question 1.....Mooring buoys are fixed with a Danforth Anchor.
TRUE/FALSE Answer....FALSE
Question 2....Before approaching a mooring you should always have a _______ _______.
Answer.... Safety Briefing
Question 3....A safe speed is considered to be:
Answer....(1), where you can avoid collision, (2), when you can take effective action
(3), determined by prevailing weather and traffic
Question 4..... When approaching mooring buoys the tow should be __________to the buoys.
Answer.... parallel
Question 5....Stopping along side the buoys is not recommended
TRUE/FALSE
Answer.... FALSE
Question 6....If you have a fair tide you should maneuver the ___________of the tow first.
Answer....stern
Thanks for the good work! |
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Stern Shots
The Channelview Dock was busy last week. |
The M/V GEORGE H. THOMAS tow is lightering the MSRC barge at Venice , LA as part of the Gulf Spill response.
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MSRC barge lightering continues for the
M/V GEORGE H.THOMAS tow in daylight.  |
The crew of the M/V MISS SARAH uses "Rescue Randy" for man overboard practice.  |
The M/V MISS SARAH crew prepares to pull "Rescue Randy" from the water. |
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| Nautical Trivia
The only Union Naval Ship Sunk in The Gulf of Mexico -
USS Hatteras.
During the Civil War, only one U.S. warship was sunk at sea in the Gulf of Mexico. The USS Hatteras today rests in 58 feet of water about 20 miles off Galveston. Her 210-foot long iron hull is completely buried under about three feet of sand. Only the remains of her 500-horsepower walking beam steam engine and her two iron paddle wheels remain exposed above the sea floor.
Constructed in 1861 for the Charles Morgan line of Gulf coast steamships, the vessel was originally known as the St. Mary. An iron-hulled steamer of 1450 tons, the side-wheel steamer was purchased by the U.S. Navy in September 1861 and converted into a gun boat during the same year. The vessel was armed with four 32-pounder cannon (a 20-pounder rifled cannon was added later) and renamed USS Hatteras.
Early in 1863, she was ordered to join the squadron under Rear Admiral David Farragut, who was attempting to retake the key Texas port of Galveston, Texas.
As the blockading squadron lay off the coast on the afternoon of January 11, 1863, a set of sails was sighted just over the horizon and the Hatteras was ordered to give pursuit. She chased the intruder for four hours, closer and closer into shore, and farther and farther from her supporting fleet. Finally, as dusk was falling, the Hatteras came within hailing distance of the square-rigged, black-hulled vessel.
Commander Homer C. Blake demanded to know the identity of the ship. "Her Britannic Majesty's Ship Vixen," came the reply. Blake ordered one of Hatteras' boats launched to inspect the "Britisher."
Almost as soon as the boat was piped away, a new reply came from the mystery ship, "We are the CSS Alabama!" A broadside from the Alabama's guns punctuated the reply. Within 13 minutes, the Hatteras, sinking rapidly, surrendered.
The ship's dramatic history, along with the fact that the remains of the vessel are virtually intact, make it one of the most important underwater archaeological sites in the United States. |
Dates to Remember
2010 Advanced Wheelhouse Management (Simulator)
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... B,B,B,C,B
CBT Certificates earned by Higman employees from JAN 1, 2010 to date........2991!
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What a difference five years makes.
When I joined Higman Marine five years ago this month, our abilities to communicate from the boat to the office were very much different. What we take for granted today, was only in the infant stages back then.
Those of you that were around five years ago know what I am talking about.
The cell phone was a great advance over the Marine Operator of the past, but coverage was still lacking. If a boat was going up the Tenn-Tom, you might as well forget about calling them until some time later. Today we have almost full coverage and very seldom cannot talk to a boat.
Payroll was done by hand and sent by fax machine; that is if you had cell coverage. What was received in the office was hard to read and often missing sections. There were many calls to the boats to get them to try and fax it again.
We started using laptop computers onboard my first year here. Four boats were chosen to test them out. These boats were selected because their Captains were considered to be computer savvy. The laptops were either connected to a Watercomm system or a Skymira system. On completion of testing, Skymira won out.
The next big step was to introduce computers to our Wheelmen. What we take for granted today was a big challenge for many of our Wheelmen back then.
Most arose to the challenge and now can keep up with any teenager on the keyboard.
Higmanboats.com today handles most of our day to day business ranging from payroll to inspection reports in a efficent and clear manner. The list of things that it can do gets bigger each month. HigmanBoats.com can be added to, changed or revised as needed with seamless ease.
The Higman CBT website presents courses, gives tests and documents much of the training undertaken by our Boatmen. This year alone, our crews have completed just under 3,000 courses!
As far as ease of communications goes, the good old days were not so great! The future is here and looks bright!
Have a great and very safe week!
Sincerely,
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GORDIE KEENAN
KELLY CLEAVER
HIGMAN MARINE SERVICES, Inc. | |
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