Resources

The other day I received a call asking for the phone number to the Galveston Causeway Railroad Bridge.  My first reaction was "Where would I find that?"

Just as the boat did, my first instinct was to call other boats that may transit that area frequently.  Of course every boat that we called didn't know the number.  However, one of the boats knew one of the assist boats for the bridge.  Of course the assist boat had the number so they were able to call back with the number.  At the same time another boat was in range for VHF contact and was able to relay the message.

But there are so many more options for you to use.  If you are on Higmanboats.com you can go to "Directory" under the miscellaneous section.  There you can find phone numbers, vhf channels and comments about docks, bridges, and locks.  Please add any information that might be helpful for our fleet.

The search of course also led to the internet.  Several sources that you also have access to; like the Army Corps of Engineers, The Houston VTS, and The USCG website.  If you have any internet resources that you would like to add, please let use know. 

Of course there are several people in the office that have a lot of experience and resources available.  Do not be afraid to call and ask.  You would be amazed at all the information that the Port Captains and Schedulers have to offer you.

Nav Questions

1)  INLAND ONLY...... A towing vessel pushing ahead on the Western Rivers above the Huey P. Long bridge must show __________.

a. sidelights only

b. sidelights and towing lights  

c. sidelights, towing lights, and two masthead lights

d. sidelights, towing lights, and three masthead lights

2)  INLAND ONLY......You are in charge of a power-driven vessel crossing a river on the Western Rivers. You must keep out of the way of a __________.

a. sail vessel descending the river

b. power-driven vessel ascending the river

c. sail vessel ascending the river

d. All of the above

3)  BOTH INTERNATIONAL & INLAND......What is used to show the presence of a partly submerged object being towed?

a. A diamond shape on the towed object

b. An all-round light at each end of the towed object

c. A searchlight from the towing vessel in the direction of the tow

d. All of the above

4)  BOTH INTERNATIONAL & INLAND......If it becomes necessary for a stand-on vessel to take action to avoid collision, she shall NOT, if possible, __________.

a. decrease speed

b. increase speed

c. turn to port for a vessel on her own port side

d. turn to starboard for a vessel on her own port side

5)  BOTH INTERNATIONAL & INLAND......Which statement is true concerning a towing light when a towing vessel is towing astern? 

a. When a towing light is shown, no stern light is necessary.

b. When a stern light is shown, no towing light is necessary.

c. The towing light is shown below the stern light.

d. The towing light is shown above the stern light.