VOL 4, ISSUE 10
May 18, 2011
 
Higman Barge Lines Training E Newsletter

 
In This Issue
Beyond the DOI
Full Face Respirator Reminder
Take Our Poll
2000 for 2011
Build a Training Course
Nav Zone...Update on High Water
Stern Shots!
Nautical Trivia - National Maritime Day
Quick Links

Join Our Mailing List
Quick Links

Beyond the DOI

 

The Pre-Transfer Conference is more than just filling out a check off list.

 
Most Pre-Transfer Conferences are routine.  The Dock PIC and the Barge PIC sit down and go through the required check list.  Hook-ups, flow rates and topping off procedures are all discussed.  The DOI (Declaration of Inspection) is filled out, line by line and then signed by both parties at the end.
  Pre-Transfer Conference
Not only is this the time to establish the details of the transfer, but it is also the time to build a rapport with your shoreside partner, the Dock PIC.  There is a great value in making the dockman comfortable with your professionalism and with your knowledge of the operation and equipment. 
  
For the next few hours, that relationship between the Dockman and the Tankerman is the most important one in the operation of the tow.  The relationship is critical to a successful transfer.  A breakdown in that relationship can open the door to a disaster; a spill, a potential barge structural failure or worst yet, an injury.
  
What is critical to making this relationship work?  Let's look.
  
Communications
It all starts with communications.  Clear, accurate and uninhibited communications are needed with your shore partner. 
  
How does it start?  Your appearance to the Dockman communicates much.  A neatly dressed barge representative with the proper PPE, tells the Dockman he is working with a professional.   Tell me, how would you feel if you went a doctor and he was dressed in an old stained tee shirt with a ragged pair of jeans.  You might think twice about staying in the examination room. 
  
Your first impression to the dockman is a form of communication.   
  
After that initial encounter, next comes your verbal communications.  All your discussions with the Dockman should be professional, to the point and undistracted by non-relevant chit chat. 
  
Are your communication tools up to the task?  Is your radio working properly and securely attached to your work vest?  Are your discussions with the Dockman clear and accurate?  Does the Dockman understand you and do you understand him?  In simple terms, are you both on the same page?
  
I used the term uninhibited communications above.  By that I mean that you are not afraid to speak up to the Dockman if something does not look right.  You are in charge of the barge.  The dockman is in charge of his dock, but both of you need to work in a partnership to safely transfer that product.  
  
Honesty and Integrity  
There have been cases where the Dockman shows up to the Pre-Transfer Conference with a pre-filled out DOI.  The Tankerman questions the Dockman about it who then says,"Don't worry, just sign it".   
  
Is this acceptable?  Of course not, but the Tankerman may feel pressured by the Dockman to sign at the bottom.  At this point, as  Tankerman, you may want to get your Wheelman involved.  Once you have signed a DOI which was not properly executed, you are party to a fraudulent situation.  If anything happens during that transfer, your PIC ticket could be on the line.
  
If during your inspection, you notice something is wrong, a hose is out of it's inspection date or your orders are slightly different than the dock's orders. It is then time to test your integrity.  Let the Dockman know. 
  
If you get the brush off and cannot resolve it yourself, then it is time to get your Wheelman involved.  
Cargo Transfer Procedures

The updated "Cargo Transfer Procedures, Volume 3" of the Higman Safety Management System is now being delivered to all boats.

  
Follow-up
As the transfer progresses, your job as Barge PIC is to keep that communication line open.  A continuing follow-up with the Dockman will ensure that you both understand the status of the transfer. 
  
Contingencies
Beyond the meat and potatoes of the Pre-Transfer Conference, there should be a discussion of the terminal's emergency procedures.  What happens if there is an emergency either on the barge or in the plant?  What is your next step?  How will you know about a  plant emergency? 
  
These all need to be discussed prior to transfer.
  
In the end, we sign the official statement on the DOI form that says "I do certify that I have personally inspected this facility or vessel with reference to the requirements set forth in section 35.35-30 and that opposite each of them I have indicated that the regulations have been complied with."  Completing the requirements is great but let's make sure we will go beyond these bare bones essentials.
  
And one more reminder...
Do not forget to add the "Time Completed" at the bottom of the DOI when the transfer is finished.

Full Face Respirator Reminder

 

Make sure you are protected.

 

If you are going to load or discharge a product that has more than 0.5% BENZENE and less than 6.0% BENZENE, anyone involved in on deck cargo operations must have a full face cartridge respirator, wear flame resistant coveralls plus chemical resistant gloves. What actions do you take for respiratory protection?
  full face cartridge respirator
  • While using the Vapor Recovery system:
    • Wear the full-face cartridge respirator during the connection and disconnection of hoses, during sampling and any other function where there could be an exposure to vapors.
  • While open loading:
    • A full face respirator must be worn during the entire operation.  Load the barge closed hatch, with the forward vent stack open.
  • While open discharging:
    • Wear the full-face cartridge respirator during the connection and disconnection of hoses, any time a hatch or ullage tube is open, in the vicinity of the cargo pumps,during sampling and any other function where there could be exposure to vapors.
    • Discharge the barge with the forward vent stack open.
  • Stripping Products:
    • Final stripping using a fixed stripping system must be done closed hatch and the full face respirator must be worn.
    • Stripping using an over the top method, crews must wear a full face cartridge respirator or a supplied air respirator.  They must also wear slicker suit, rubber gloves and rubber boots.

If the product is has a Bfull face respiratorenzene concentration of 6.0% or more, then;

  • Stripping will be done by a shore facility, by a shore tankerman or by a cargo tank cleaning facility.  This operation required use of a supplied air respirator and other PPE. 

Cartridge for full face respirators must be changed whichever comes first:

  • after each watch. 
  • whenever the wearer experiences "Break through".
  • whenever it becomes difficult to breath.
Facial hair reduces the effectiveness of the full face respirator seal.  Company policy requires that personnel must be groomed in such a manner that facial hair is not covered by the face piece seal.  Discipline including the reduction in pay grades will be considered for disregard of the facial hair policy.
 
If you are unsure of your requirements for respiratory protection, go to the Higman Management System, Volume 2 - Personal Safety Manual for full details.  

Take Our Poll going upriver in high water

  
  
Poll results are updated as they are entered.  Check back often to see how your answer compares with the rest of the fleet. 

2000 for 2011 

  

What a great job everyone is doing!  We are half way through the Second Quarter of CBT and have over 2000 certificates. 

 

The 2000th winner is Gerald Gower, Tankerman on the M/V Severn.  The lucky winner gets a $150 gift certificate. 

 

Keep up the good work, you never know who will be next.

Build a Training Course 

 

ALL BOATS by now should have received their Higman Barge Lines 2011 TRAINING INITIATIVE packages.

 

Have you come up with an idea for a training presentation yet?  If you are waiting for the river to go down or just waiting on dock, now is the time to get started!

 

Here are some ideas.....

  • How to splice wire...step by step
  • Proper surface preparation for towboat painting
  • How to properly throw a line 
  • Deckhand primer....basic safety rules and operation techniques  
  • How to splice a bumper 
  • Effective MOB drills

You get the idea.  Who knows better than you on what training is important and useful for our crews!

Nav Zone

 

 

Update on High Water

 

Spillways:

 

The Bonnet Carre Spillway was partially opened on Monday, May 9, 2011 in order to keep the volume of the Mississippi River flows at New Orleans from exceeding 1.25 million cubic feet per second (cfs). Currently a total of 330 bays of the 350 are open moving approximately 316,000 cfs of water through the structure.

 

The Morganza Floodway was opened on Saturday, May 14th with two gates to start, and as of Monday, May 16th, a total of 15 of 125 gates were opened.

 

Click here to see video on the opening of the Morganza Floodway.

 

River Gages:

 

Baton Rouge: Currently 44.6, expect to crest at 45.0 on May 18th

Morgan City: Currently 7.7, expected to crest at 11-13 on May 25th

Reserve: Currently 23.8 and cresting

New Orleans (Carrollton): Currently 17.0 and cresting

 

Waterway Report:

 

The Coast Guard said it closed the Mississippi River at the port in Natchez, Miss., because barge traffic could increase pressure on the levees.  Several barges were idled at Natchez at the time of the closure, and many more could back up along the lower Mississippi

 

Atchafalaya River:  North of Mile Mark 117AR (Morgan City Railroad Bridge) to Mile Mark OAR (Simmesport, LA) on the Atchafalaya River is closed to all commercial traffic.

 

The Morgan City - Port Allen Alternate Route is closed to all commercial traffic.

 

Bayou Chene:  The Bayou Chene waterway from Bayou Penchant north to the GIWW is closed to all vessel traffic.

 

Algiers, IHNC and Harvey will have to close when gage at Carrollton reaches 17.5 feet, thought it is expected to stay below this stage due to the opening of the Bonnet Carre Spillway and the Morganza Floodway.

 

GIWW MM 99WHL: the intersection between the Atchafalaya River and the GIWW will be subject to additional traffic restrictions when the current reaches 3.5 knots.  The restrictions will include: a max tow length of 600 feet, hp will be three times the length of the tow, all red flag barges are required to have an assist tug regardless of length.

 

Wax Lake Outlet:  for currents greater than 3.5 knots the following restrictions will be in place: max tow length of 600 feet, will be three times the length of the tow, all tows of 400-600 feet will have an assist tug of at least 900 hp, red flag barges are required to have an assist tug regardless of length.

 

GIWW MM57WHL to MM62WHL: Durlarge Bridge and Houma Navigation Canal intersection will be restricted when the river reach 3 feet or 3 knots.  Restrictions will be: max tow of 600 feet, will be three times the length of the tow,

 

 

 

USCG Navigation General Questions

 

A current perpendicular to a vessel's track has the greatest effect on the vessel's course made good _________.

A: at high vessel speeds
B: at low vessel speeds
C: in shallow water
D: in deep water

 

In addition to the National Weather Service, what agency provides plain-language radio weather advisories for the coastal waters of the United States?

A: National Imagery and Mapping Agency
B: U.S. Hydrological Survey
C: U.S. Coast Guard
D: American Meteorological Service

 

The four standard light colors used for lighted aids to navigation are red, green, white, and _____________.

A: purple
B: orange
C: blue
D: yellow

 

When daylight savings time is kept, the time of tide and current calculations must be adjusted. One way of doing this is to _____________.

A: add one hour to the times listed under the reference stations
B: subtract one hour from the time differences listed for the subordinate stations
C: apply no correction as the times in the reference stations are adjusted for daylight savings time
D: add 15ø to the standard meridian when calculating the time

 

You are running parallel to the coast and plotting running fixes using bearings of the same object. You are making more speed than assumed for the running fix. In relation to the position indicated by the fix you will be _____.

A: closer to the coast
B: farther from the coast
C: on the track line ahead of the fix
D: on the track line behind the fix

 

Stern Shots  

 

Mandrako Jackson in painting season M/V POTOMAC
Painting Season Underway!!  Mandrako Jackson on the M/V POTOMAC cleaning brushes.

   

Mike Rack painting on the M/V KYLE A SHAW
Mike Rack painting away on the M/V KYLE A SHAW.

 

Phillip Criswell painting on M/V ARUNDEL

Phillip Criswell applying paint on the M/V ARUNDEL.

 

Nautical Trivia

 

National Maritime Day
 

National Maritime Day was designated by Congress in 1933 to recognize the American maritime industry. It is observed each May 22, the anniversary of the day that the American steamship Savannah set sail from Savannah, GA on the first ever transoceanic voyage under steam power. 

 

If your boat planning to commemorate National Maritime Day on Sunday, May 22, 2011, let me know.

 

The 73d Congress, Session I, 1933
S. J. Res No.7

 

JOINT RESOLUTION Designating May 22 as National Maritime Day.

 

"Whereas on May 22, 1819, the steamship The Savannah set sail from Savannah, Georgia, on the first successful transoceanic voyage under steam propulsion, thus making a material contribution to the advancement of ocean transportation: Therefore be it

 The Savannah

Resolved by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States of America in Congress assembled, That May 22 of each year shall hereafter be designated and known as National Maritime Day, and the President is authorized and requested annually to issue a proclamation calling upon the people of the United States to observe such National Maritime Day by displaying the flag at their homes or other suitable places and Government officials to display the flag on all Government buildings on May 22 of each year."

 

Approved, May 20, 1933 

Dates to Remember
  


2011 Tankerman's Seminar 

        Fifth Session               MAY 23
        Sixth Session              JUN 8
        Seventh Session          JUL 11
        Eight Session              AUG 15
        Ninth Session              SEP 20
        Tenth Session             OCT 11
        Eleventh Session          NOV 3

2011 Advanced Wheelhouse Management (Simulator)
       Third Session              AUG 1 - AUG 3
       Fourth Session            OCT 17 - OCT 19
       Fifth Session               DEC 12 - DEC 14
  
2011 Higman Management & Leadership
       First Session               SEP 22 - SEP 23
       Second Session           OCT 6 - OCT 7
  
To schedule training please email Kelly or call at 281-864-6011.

CBT Certificates earned by Higman employees from JAN 1, 2011 to date........2,220!

 
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Answer to this weeks Navigation General ....B,C,D,A,B

 

Back in my days as a Boy Scout, the simple motto we learned and that has always stuck with me was "Be Prepared".

 

This happened last Thursday evening. 

 

My wife and I were invited by a business associate to a private dinner club located at the top of one of Houston's downtown office buildings.  The evening went great; the dinner was fine and on the dance floor, club members were learning dance steps from an instructor.  The group was small, maybe fifteen or twenty. 

 

As the music played, an elderly dancer fall backwards.  She landed flat on her back and did not move.  The club staff and a couple of the men picked her up and placed her in a chair.  I walked over and observed that she was unresponsive and possibly not breathing.  At that point I asked the club staff to call 911, got her off the chair and onto the floor.  Instincts kicked in from years of sporadic CPR training.

 

Can you hear me?....Are you awake?....nothing.

 

No breath could be felt.  No pulse was apparent.  Of course there were  doubts in my mind; do I feel a pulse?  No, I do not think so.

 

Time to start CPR.  Another lady came over and helped.  Of course it seemed like an hour before the paramedic team showed up.  Maybe it was just ten minutes or so.  I do not know. 

 

The paramedics worked hard to revive the patient.  Eventually they left with her on a stretcher.  It was apparent that she was not conscious and they continued the effort on route to the hospital.

 

I do not know the outcome of our efforts.  About all I learned was her first name.  I am glad though that we were able to respond until the paramedics arrived.

 

So "Be Prepared" to respond.  It may happen to you when least expected.  It could happen onboard, it could happen at home.

 

Have a great and very safe week!   

 

Sincerely,

 

GORDIE KEENAN
KELLY CLEAVER
HIGMAN MARINE SERVICES, Inc.