Ready to Sleep 

People, who say they sleep like a baby, usually do not have one.  The same analogy can be made about Towboaters.    Any Towboater that tells you he sleeps like a baby is most likely talking about his time off of the boat.  With our six hours on, six hours off watch schedule, sleep becomes a valuable and critical component when it comes to your health plus the safety of the vessel and crew. 

Getting restful sleep is as an important part of the job as anything else.  All the PPE in the world will not protect you from a lack of sleep.  Let's look at the mechanics of sleep and how knowing your sleep cycles can help you get proper rest.

The Basics of Sleep.

Any substantial meal during the day should be eaten before going on watch. 

Eating a small snack before turning in may help. There are no specific foods that help you sleep. But, it's a good idea to avoid certain foods before hitting the rack.   Here are a few things to keep in mind:

• Don't go to bed hungry. A light snack before bedtime can keep hunger pangs from waking you up. For example, have a bowl of oatmeal with milk.  If you have diabetes, discuss nighttime snacks with your doctor. 
•  Avoid large, high-fat meals after getting off watch.   Also avoid garlic-flavored and highly spiced foods. These foods can make you uncomfortable or cause heartburn. 
• Avoid caffeine late in your watch.  Keep in mind, it can take up to eight hours for the stimulating effects of caffeine to wear off.
•  Don't drink too much liquid.  Drinking lots of fluids before bed can cause you to wake up repeatedly to use the head.

 Sleep Disorders

The USCG considers a sleep disorder a "medical condition that requires further review" (see USCG licensing article below).  Sleep disorders involve any difficulties related to sleeping, including difficulty falling or staying asleep, falling asleep at inappropriate times, excessive total sleep time, or abnormal behaviors associated with sleep. If any of these problems are occurring, consult with your doctor.

Sleep is a base requirement for quality living.  Working and living on a boat can sometimes challenge that idea but with discipline and some simple techniques, we all can get proper rest onboard.

A Slow Down at the NMC 

Recently, we have seen a slow down in the processing of licensing at the National Maritime Center in West Virginia. One mariner applied in January and just now received it, 8 months later.

The majority of the slower processing times comes from the medical division. If you have any type of medical issue, including but not limited to: diabetes, high blood pressure, sleep apnea, poor vision, or are on any prescription medications; the Coast Guard will be asking for a letter from your treating physician.  The letter will ask for a complete evaluation of the condition, including prognosis, history of the condition, medications, side effects of medications and some conditions that will require extra testing.

It is recommended that all mariners apply 6 months in advance!  If you have any type of medical condition it is recommended that you apply at least 9 months in advance and be prepared to get additional information.

Since you will be applying early, you can avoid a licensing gap by asking the Coast Guard for a Delayed Issuance. With a Delayed Issuance, your license application will be processed. Once approved, the Coast Guard will hold your new license until the month preceding your original expiration date.  For example, if you expire in March 10, 2012, you need to apply in September 2011. Your application will be sent to the National Maritime Center. The National Maritime Center will process your security check, physical, sea time, etc. Once all of these are approved they will set it aside.  Come February 1, 2012 the Coast Guard will mail your renewed license.  It will be dated March 10, 2012 and will be valid five years from the date your old license expires.

If you have any questions regarding the license process or need to renew your license please contact Kelly.

Where Do You Keep Your MMD & TWIC? 

Many people keep their TWIC and their MMD (Tankerman ticket) in their wallet.  But is this the right place to keep it when you are on your time off?

Several employees who have had their wallet stolen or lost in the last few months may tell you it is not.  When you are out shopping or at a social event, you do not need your Tankerman license or your TWIC card.  Why not keep it at home? Get a pouch or keep it in a licensing file.  Several crew members use zippered pad folios.

This makes one centralized location for all your documents required for work.  When you get ready to head back to the boat, place the file in your bags.

Nav Zone: First Hurricane of 2011

Stern Shots 

Capt Bobby Espinosa knows he cannot escape from the camera on the M/V POTOMAC.

Jerry Williamson, Justin Wood, Cliff Breaux and Randy Lormand seem too relaxed on the M/V MARK E FLYNN.

Tankerman Michael Garcia knows his way around  the microwave on the M/V POTOMAC.

Pilot David Cox looks like he is ready for serious business on the M/V POINT ISABEL.

Nautical Trivia  

On this day one hundred and two years ago, the first concrete was 
poured in the construction of the Gatun Lock, as part of the Panama Canal. The year was 1909. 

It took four years to build all of the Canal's locks.  The amount of concrete needed in Panama was of a huge volume - such quantities were not required for any other project until the building of the Hoover Dam, in Nevada, in the 1930s.

Gatun Lock, 1909, re-creation

After more than 80 years of service, the concrete of the Panama Canal locks and spillways is still, in 2011, near perfect condition. It is a fine testament to the Canal's engineers and builders.

Today, we near the end of the Panama Canal Expansion Project.  The project will double the capacity of the Canal  by 2014 by allowing more and larger ships to transit.  

The official inaugural voyage on the Panama Canal was made by the "ANCON" in 1914.

What does it mean for Towboaters?  The volume of shipping is expected to dramatically increase in 2014, especially in Houston.  The Houston Ship Channel will see volume like never before which means more navigation challenges.