Information Continuity

A detailed approach to making a watch change is key to a safe operation.

It is said we live in the information age.  All around us we are being bombarded from unlimited information sources; radio, TV, Internet and especially our cell phones.  News, weather, company updates, safety information; they all keep coming at us. 

  

• The offgoing watchstander should observe that the oncoming watchstander is alert and fully informed.
• The oncoming watchstander should not relieve the offgoing watch until all pertinent information is passed and understood.
• The oncoming watchstander should be extra diligent during the first part of the watch to assure that he has all the information he needs and is fully aware of current situations.
• Use organizational tools such as the "Wheelhouse Watch Change Checklist" as found in Section 1, Part B of the Policy and Procedure Manual.  The checklist will help cover areas that could be forgotten in the exchange.

"I stand relieved" is a formal Navy saying that is used to indicate that all information has been passed on and the responsibility from the present watch now goes on the the next watch. 

Let's make sure all our watches follow this path to ensure information continuity. 

Tankerman Meetings

Have you signed up for one of the 2011 Meetings yet?

Throughout 2011, the mandatory Tankerman Meetings are scheduled once per month (except for December).  Most meetings are scheduled the day before major crew changes so those attending can then go on to their boats.  A full days pay is given to attendees.

Your presence is needed and required!

Topics discussed:

• Tankerman Refresher
• Engine Room Operations
• Higman Safety Ladder

Schedule your meeting today to get first choice on the date you want.  Meetings are limited to 15 tankermen per session.

Check the dates below in the "Dates to Remember" section.  Contact Kelly to set up your meeting date.

SIRE Inspections

The following observation was made on a recent SIRE inspection:

"As part of the company requirement located on the bottom of the voyage plan, a tow diagram should be available for review and there is none available."

From our Voyage Plan found on Higmanboats.com, at be bottom of the form please review the following:

• This plan should accompany the voyage instructions, completed checklists, MSDS sheets, emergency contact lists,TOW DIAGRAMS, weather forecasts and Notices to Mariners.

To fulfill this requirement, a simple tow diagrams can be sketched showing  typical arrangements.  Sketch a strung out tow, a doubled up tow and any other configuration you use.  These sketches can then be copied.  Add the copies to your Voyage Plan as needed. 

Write specific data on the copy such as cargo specifics/barge status and attached it to the voyage plan.  

Nav Zone 

For the Higman Vessels making the trip North to Chicago, once past Lockport Lock at Mile 291.1 on the Illinois Waterway, you will encounter the Aquatic Nuisance Dispersal Barrier (Fish Barrier) at mile 296.1 to 296.7.  From the boats recently up there and the USCG, please observe the following:

• The regulated navigation area for the Aquatic Nuisance Dispersal Barrier prohibits vessels from meeting or passing to prevent potential sparking between vessels.
• Use channel 16 above Lockport for your working channel.
• Broadcast your position prior to entering and when exiting the Fish Barrier on channel 16.
• An assist boat is required for up-bound and down-bound voyages on red flag barges.
• Observe all safety requirements before transiting the Fish Barrier.  Before transit a Job Task Analysis should be completed.
• To view the USACE warning flyer go to USACE Fish Barrier Warning.

USCG General Navigation Questions

 b.  are required to back down

 c.  may sound the danger signal
 d.  should sound one short blast to show that you are holding course and speeds.

2. INLAND ONLY....Which indicates 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 beamed from the towing vessel in the direction of the tow

d. All of the above

3. INLAND ONLY....Two vessels in a crossing situation have reached agreement by radiotelephone as to the intentions of the other. In this situation, whistle signals are __________.

a. required

b. not required, but may be sounded

c. required if crossing within half a mile

d. required when crossing within one mile

4. INLAND ONLY....At night, a barge moored in a slip used primarily for mooring purposes shall __________.

a. not be required to be lighted

b. show a white light at each corner

c. show a red light at the bow and stern

d. show a flashing yellow light at each corner

5. INLAND ONLY....A power-driven vessel, when leaving a dock or berth, is required to sound __________.

a. four short blasts

b. one long blast

c. one prolonged blast

d. No signal is required.

Stern Shots   

M/V TRINITY BAY arrives at the Channelview office for outfitting.  The boat was delivered at Hope Shipbuilding in Dulac, LA on MARCH 1, 2011.

 

Team building activities at the first Wheelmen's Seminar got all up and moving.

  

Capt. Dwayne Richardson (center) receives a 2011 Flag Captain Award at the first Wheelmen's meeting.

    

Capt. Arthur Willey(center) receives his second Flag Captain Award.

 

The first Wheelmen's Seminar off to a great start!

Nautical Trivia