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Effective Emergency Drills
Are your drills doing the job?
Each month our boats conduct emergency drills. These cover a full range of situations that could occur during vessel operations; fire, sinking, man overboard, security, etc. During these drills we discuss and demonstrate emergency response and practice effective actions.
While these drills cover our monthly company and Coast Guard requirements, are there ways to make these drills more effective? Can we improve our drills to truly make the crew ready to respond to an emergency?
Drill Planning - An effective drill should be planned in detail before it is conducted by the crew. Once the Captain has decided which drill will be held, the planning can begin. The Captain can designate a member of the crew, who is familiar with the vessel, to plan the drill. Include not just the wheelhouse crew, but also the deck crew. They will have important insight to help construct an effective drill.
The Drill Plan should include:
- Safety Briefing or JTA - before conducting the drill, a safety briefing should be conducted. The plan should detail safety concerns for the emergency scenario selected. Include PPE requirements and any other special safety details that should be discussed before starting the drill. With any drill, never put crew member in danger.
- Emergency Station Bill Review - All crew members should be familiar with their assigned roles as documented on the station bill. A review of the Station Bill will reinforce assigned roles so crew responsibilities will be well known in the real situation.
- Review of the Higman Policy and Procedure Manual - Section 3 - Vessel Response Procedures: Review the response procedures for the emergency scenario planned. This will prepare all crew members for the drill to follow.
- Emergency Drill Scenario - Develop a script for your drill in detail.
- What is the emergency? Include in the description the time of day, weather conditions, and the operational situation. How does the emergency start; who finds it?
- The script can throw in some curve balls to see how the crew reacts.
- Include use of operational documentation such as piping diagrams if the drill includes engine room flooding.
- The scenario may have more than one part such as a loss of power that then turns into a bilge fire.
- Communications problems can be part of the drill scenario.
- Where on the boat is the emergency? Determine in the plan where the emergency situation is happening. It may include multiple parts of the boat or barge.
- Set an amount of time to conduct the drill. A reasonable amount of time should be assigned to the drill to allow for actions to take place. Set a finish time so the actions completed can then be assessed. The drill may not be totally complete, but a finish time will help the crew assess how real time actions play out.
- Lessons learned - As important as the drill action itself, is the post drill critique. The drill planner should lead a discussion on lessons learned from the drill action. How did the drill go? What went right? What went wrong? What can we improve in a real emergency?
- Are there any lessons learned that might be of value to the rest of the fleet?
When the general alarm rings for the real thing, a well trained and drilled crew can jump into action with great effectiveness. As with any action aboard, proper planning will lead your crew to that point. |
Are You Ready for Flu season?
To ward off the virus, get a flu shot now.
If you have ever had the Flu, you know the last place you want to have it is on the boat and far from home. After all the hype last year, there seems to be very little discussion in the media about the flu season ready to start up. Though it may not be getting as much attention this year, the flu will make an appearance. Let's make sure we are all prepared to keep our families and crews flu free.
From the CDC, here are some question and answers about the upcoming season:
When will flu activity begin and when will it peak?
The timing of flu is very unpredictable and can vary from season to season. Flu activity most commonly peaks in the U.S. in January or February. However, seasonal flu activity can occur as late as May.
What should I do to prepare for this flu season?
CDC recommends a yearly flu vaccine for everyone as the first and most important step in protecting against this serious disease. Getting the flu vaccine soon after it becomes available each year is always a good idea, and the protection you get from vaccination will last throughout the flu season.
In addition, you can take everyday preventive steps like staying away from sick people and washing your hands to reduce the spread of germs. If you are sick with flu, stay home from work to prevent spreading influenza to others (remember to call your Port Captain if you think you will miss crew change as soon as possible).
Flu shots are readily available from your doctor and from many other sources such as:
Prices range from $20 to $30.
Let's all stay healthy this flu season! |
Tankerman Meetings - 2011
Starting in January, we will be reviving the Tankerman Meetings. These meetings will be used to update deck crews on changes in policy and procedures and will complete required training that can not be accomplished onboard. All Tankerman and Steersman are required to attend.
Crew members will receive one days pay for attending. Accommodations for the evening before will be provided if you live more than 100 miles. Please call or email Kelly to schedule a meeting.
 | | Seamen's Church Institute, Houston |
The Dates for 2011 are:
Thursday February 10th
Thursday March 17th
Thursday April 21st
Monday May 23rd
Wednesday June 8th
Monday July 11th
Monday August 15th
Tuesday September 20th
Tuesday October 11th
Thursday November 3rd |
Parking at Channelview
In the recent weeks we have found that there is not enough parking at the Channelview office. The problem seems to be that there are too many non-Higman employees parking in our lot.
To remedy our parking problem we need to identify those cars that are not from our employees. All employees parking at the Channelview office for crew change will need a Higman Parking Pass.
In the past we have tried to use a window sticker, however we have too many employees that drive more than one vehicle. Now we will be providing a tag that can be displayed from the rear view mirror. (Remember you need to remove to tag from your mirror before driving)
If you still need a parking pass, please contact Diana in the Channelview office. |
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Uninspected Towing Vessel Examinations
Report Card
As we reported in the last issue, Higman has initiated with the USCG - Uninspected Towing Vessel Examinations (UTVE). These exams are part of the Towing Vessel Bridging Program (TVBP) that will help our industry during the transition to the future Subchapter M requirements.
So far 22 Higman boats have been through their UTV Examinations.
Though flagged items have been few, here are some issues that have appeared during these inspections:
- Fuel Transfer Hoses must be marked with words "OIL SERVICE", the max allowable working pressure, date of manufacture and date of latest test. Make sure your hose is in compliance. If not, contact your Port Captain.
- Emergency Lighting - Make sure all emergency lights operate and are ready to illuminate in a power failure. Make sure the red General Alarm lights in the engine room light up and revolve.
- FCC License - All Wheelmen should have their Restricted Radiotelephone Operator Permit on board. At least one crewman with their permit must be onboard for the vessel to operate. If you do not have an FCC license, contact the Training Dept. or go to How to get an FCC License.
The Examination Checklist and Examination Guidebook can be found on the following links:
UTV Checklist
UTVGuidebook
Please contact Jay Frye if you have questions on the inspection. |
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M/V FREEPORT Does It Right!
The crew of the M/V FREEPORT received the following comments from USCG Inspectors after conducting an Uninspected Towing Vessel Exam:
"On 15NOV10 UTV Inspectors conducted an industry initiated exam, 33&46 CFR resulting in 0 deficiencies and 0 recommendations. The M/V FREEPORT is the best Higman boat we have inspected to date. Keep up the great work!"
 | | Capt Ray Sergent. |
M/V FREEPORT Crew - On Board during UTVE:
Capt Ray Sergent
Relief Capt Josh Williams
Mate Pilot Robert Wilson
Tankerman Mike Ash
Tankerman Terry Brittain
Deckhand Cory Colson
Congratulations for an outstanding job to Capt. Ray and his crew!
 | | Relief Capt Josh Williams |
 | | Tkmn Mike Ash, Terry Brittain and Pilot Robert Wilson |
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Low Water
A couple of boats have report some possible shoaling in the Matagorda Ship channel on the green side around 13 & 13A about 80' out.
We have also had reports of a partly submerged object at Brazo Locks (pictured right)
With winter upon us we have been experiencing more low water obstructions. Most storms during winter are out of the North causing lower water than normal. Several boats have reported navigation hazards that have been exposed due to this low water. These reports provide a very good resource to the fleet. The Safety Department and Port Captains rely on this information for Fleet Alerts. So if you see anything that is a hazard to navigation please notify your Port Captain ASAP. Your knowledge may prevent another boat from having an incident.
Fleet Alerts and Local Notice to Mariners should be checked on a regular basis.
NAV QUESTIONS
BOTH INTERNATIONAL & INLAND
A vessel may enter a traffic separation zone __________.
a. in an emergency
b. to engage in fishing within the zone
c. to cross the traffic separation scheme
d. All of the above
BOTH INTERNATIONAL & INLAND
Lighting requirements in inland waters are different from those for international waters for __________.
a. barges being towed astern
b. vessels not under command
c. vessels pushing ahead
d. All of the above
BOTH INTERNATIONAL & INLAND
You are underway in thick fog. You have not determined if risk of collision exists. Which statement is TRUE
a. Your speed must be reduced to bare steerageway.
b. A look-out is not required if the radar is on.
c. Fog signals are only required when a vessel is detected by radar.
d. The radar should always be kept on a short-range scale.
BOTH INTERNATIONAL & INLAND
a. instead of the masthead lights
b. which mean that other vessels should not approach within 1000 meters
c. that are 225° green lights
d. All of the above
BOTH INTERNATIONAL & INLAND
A fishing boat is approaching a vessel not under command. Which statement is true?
a. The fishing vessel must keep clear of the vessel not under command.
b. If the vessel not under command is a power-driven vessel, she must keep clear of the fishing vessel.
c. They must exchange whistle signals.
d. Both vessels are required to take action to stay clear of each other. |
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Online Training Questions
Engine Room Topics, No. 6
Emergency Fuel Shutoff System
All crew members need to be familiar and ready to operate the Emergency Fuel Shutoff System. Engine Room Topics, No. 6 looked at this system in detail and reviewed operations.
To view this training topic again, go to Emergency Fuel Shutoff System
Fleet average on this group of questions was 94.3%. Question #6 was poorly written, so I will give you a pass on that one. Great work in all!
Question 1.... The Emergency Fuel Shutoff Actuator Valve may operate more than one Emergency Fuel Shutoff Valves.....TRUE/FALSE
Answer... TRUE
Question 2...To rest the Emergency Fuel Shutoff Valve use hand pressure only. Do not use a wrench......TRUE/FALSE
Answer... TRUE
Question 3...The Emergency Fuel Shutoff Actuator valve is a vented ball Valve. A vented ball valve
Answer...vents pressure on the down stream side when closed.
Question 4...The Emergency Fuel Shutoff Valves when pressurized from the actuator valve
Answer...snaps shut and closes off the fuel supply to the engine.
Question 5...The Emergency Fuel Shutoff Valve must be,
Answer.... reset by hand when ready to re-supply the engines.
Question 6....The Emergency Fuel Shutoff Actuator Valve automatically shuts off..... TRUE/FALSE
Answer.... FALSE.
Question 7....If the Emergency Fuel Shutoff valve will not reset by hand after closing the Actuator Valve
Answer....contact the Maintenance Department.
Question 8....The Emergency Fuel Shutoff Actuator valve is located outside the engine compartment and must be clearly labeled.....TRUE/FALSE
Answer....TRUE
Question 9....While troubleshooting an unexpected main engine or generator engine shutdown
Answer....check the Emergency Fuel Shutdown Valve for that fuel supply in case it has shut down.
Question 10..... On the Emergency Fuel Shutdown Valves with the RED valve bodies,
Answer.....the handle is in line with the fuel flow when open. |
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Stern Shots
 | | Pilot James Bellett and Capt George Rook of the M/V MISS CYNTHIA show off their USCG UTVE Sticker |
 | | Tankerman Travis Cheramie cooking up fajitas on the M/V SNIPE |
| The M/V JOHN T MCMAHAN to heads into the mist. |
 | | The M/V BAFFIN BAY leaves the shipyard. |
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Nautical Trivia
Morgan's Point
Any vessel transiting the Houston Ship Channel into or out of Houston has passed Morgan's Point. Located at the intersection of the top part of Galveston Bay and the mouth of the San Jacinto River, this point had a prominent role in early days of the Republic of Texas.
 | | Col. James Morgan |
Morgan's Point, Texas, was founded by Colonel James Morgan, the owner of Morgan's Point Plantation. Colonel Morgan owned a schooner, the S/V EXERT, that brought supplies and passengers from the East Coast.
On April 18, 1836, Emily West, an indentured servant of Colonel Morgan's, was helping to load a flatboat when Santa Anna's army arrived. Emily, a comely young woman, was captured by the Mexican Army and made a personal servant of General Santa Anna.
William Bollaert, a British writer who documented early life in the Republic of Texas said that Emily was with General Santa Anna at the start of the Battle of San Jacinto.
 | | Morgan's Point on the chart - 1916. |
Bollaert's information indicated that the Battle of San Jacinto was probably lost by the Mexicans owing to the influence of a mulatto girl, Emily West. She was closeted in the tent at 4:30 pm, April 21, 1836, with General Santa Anna at the time the cry went up: "The enemy! They come!" She detained Santa Anna long enough that order could not readily be restored. General Sam Houston's Texan army charged the surprised and unprepared Mexican army, killing or capturing most of them.
Legend says that Emily West was the inspiration for the unofficial Texas Anthem "Yellow Rose of Texas".
After the Revolution, Colonel James Morgan was active in promoting the improvement of what later became the Houston Ship Channel. |
Dates to Remember
2010 Advanced Wheelhouse Management (Simulator)
Fifth Session NOV 29 - DEC 1
San Jacinto Maritime
Tankerman (PIC) NOV 8 - NOV 17
Tankerman (PIC) DEC 13 - DEC22
2011 Wheelman's Seminar
First Session MAR 8 - MAR 9
Second Session MAR 24 - MAR 25
Third Session APR 5 - APR 6
To schedule training please email Kelly or call at 281-864-6011.
CBT Certificates earned by Higman employees from JAN 1, 2010 to date........5600!
DO ALL CREWMEMBERS HAVE ACCESS TO THE HIGMAN TRAINING NEWSLETTER?
- PEASE MAKE SURE A HARD COPY IS PRINTED AND MADE AVAILABLE FOR THE CREW.
- Add your email address with the "Join our Mailing List" button (above, page 1, left side) to get your own copy!
Answer to this weeks NAV Questions....A,D,C,A,B
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This may seem like a broken record because we tend to give the same message every year. I know you have heard it before, but I am going to give it again. Yes, it is an important reminder, so here goes:
The Holiday Season is ready to start with Thanksgiving just a week away. It is the time of the year when we reflect on our family and friends with our thoughts often with those at home. It is a time when we reflect on our accomplishments and successes from the past year.
It is also a time of year when the most incidents happen in our industry. Maybe our thoughts are sometimes distracted and not where they should be with the job at hand.
Let's make sure we stay safe this Holiday Season so when the time comes, there is a trip home to that family. Keep our minds focused and determind to do all jobs safely.
Have a great and very safe week! Happy Thanksgiving!
Sincerely,
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GORDIE KEENAN
KELLY CLEAVER
HIGMAN MARINE SERVICES, Inc. | |
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