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PPE Power Rankings
Your PPE should rank high on your list.
Every football season, writers that follow the sport, come out with their "Power Rankings". In the college football world, typically the top 25 teams are listed based on the writer's opinion of where they belong in the standings. This is especially important in the college football world where there is no national playoff system. Each ranking usually comes with a narrative of why the team is positioned where it is on the list. This season, Alabama is on the top of everyone's list without much dissent. In fact I heard the other day that someone ranked Alabama's fist string as #1, second string as #2 and the third string as #4. Oregon got in there at #3.
Crazy as this may seem, it brought to my mind our Personal Protective Equipment or PPE. Yes I am going to give the PPE we use in our marine operations a "Power Ranking". Though all PPE is important in our operation, some PPE provides greater protection to your welfare than others.
The PPE we use each day acts as a barrier between us and the hazards of the workplace. In the marine environment, we encounter many hazards that must be controlled either by engineered solutions (ie, handrails, vapor recovery systems, fixed fire fighting systems) and Personal Protective Equipment. With the PPE, we have direct control over its application and use.
My power rankings are based on the consequences of exposure and the frequency of exposure. This is not scientific, but is based on observation and statistical review.
Ok, here is my PPE Power Ranking for 2012:
1 -Work Vest
In my opinion, this is your most important piece of gear on the boat. Is there ever a day when onboard that your work vest is not used? Probably not. The greatest exposure a mariner has to injury and possible fatality is the fall overboard. According to the American Waterway Operator Association statistics, there have been 9 fall overboards during the first half of 2012 in the Inland tank barge segment of the industry.
A work vest must be worn anytime there is a chance of falling overboard. That covers most operations except when inside the boat. Wear it snugly and ensure it is in good shape.
2 - Safety Boots
Uneven surfaces abound on a towboat, barge combination. Narrow steep stairs, spill rails, barge framing all are unavoidable hazards on a tow. Footwear must be chosen based on the hazards that are present. Our company policy requires lace up boots. This selection is based on the frequency of uneven surfaces we encounter. A properly laced up, high-cut boot will provide support against ankle injury. Boots should fit snugly around the heel and ankle when laced.
Make sure your boots are in good shape. Non skid decks are tough on the soles.
3 - Full Face Cartridge Respirators
In many cases where there is a possible exposure to organic solvents such as benzene, a full face cartridge respirator is required. During hose hook-up for cargoes requiring vapor recovery, there is often a possibility of exposure to liquid cargo containing these organic solvents. Opening tank or ullage hatches can create exposures. Cargoes like crude oil, heavy/light aromatics, untreated gasoline and of course benzene all have the possibility for a benzene exposure.
Make sure your full face respirator fits properly and is regularly serviced. Are the seals tight, has the canister been changed as directed?
4 - Hearing Protection 
Go into the engine room whenever the boat is operating, generator on line and you know why hearing protection is needed.
When we are exposed to harmful noise, sounds that are too loud or loud sounds that last a long time, sensitive structures in our inner ear can be damaged, causing noise-induced hearing loss. These sensitive structures, called hair cells, are small sensory cells that convert sound energy into electrical signals that travel to the brain. Once damaged, our hair cells cannot grow back. Ear plugs or ear muff not only make it more comfortable to work in the engine room, but also prevent permanent hearing loss. Don't forget hearing protection when chipping that deck.
5 - Safety Glasses 
Each day about 2000 U.S. workers have a job-related eye injury that requires medical treatment. The majority of these injuries result from small particles or objects striking or abrading the eye. Think of the different onboard operations where small particles or chemicals can get into your eyes: chipping, painting, cleaning decks, hooking up hoses, using any type of electric or air powered hand tool. There are many possibilities.
On deck, there is usually plenty of wind. Windblown particles account for many eye injuries.
Find a good pair of safety glasses you like and get used to wearing them.
6- Hard Hat
Over head hazards are possible when hooking up a hose or lowering the skiff. Though theses dangers seem remote, they have happened on our vessels.
Hard hats protect you by providing the following features:
- A rigid shell that resists and deflects blows to the head.
- A suspension system inside the hat that acts as a shock absorber.
- Some hats serve as an insulator against electrical shocks.
- Shields your scalp, face, neck, and shoulders against splashes, spills, and drips.
- Some hard hats can be modified so you can add face shields, goggles, hoods, or hearing protection to them.
7 - Skin protection/hand protection 
Cargo transfers and barge/boat maintenance can expose your skin to chemicals. Some chemicals, such as harsh cleaning agents can do immediate damage you your skin. Other chemicals such as benzene can also lead to long term damage.
Don't forget all kinds of other damage to the skin....pinches, abrasions, sunburn and even insect bites.
8 - Safety Harness
I am not sure this should be at the bottom of the list, but we may not do many jobs where fall protection is needed.
Or do we?
Under our policies and procedures, any job where there is a potential fall of over 6 feet, fall protection is required. Think about this the next time you use a step ladder. Will you be higher than 6 ft?
When required to use a safety harness for fall protection, make sure the harness in good condition and is fit properly to the user. Make sure the attachment point is substantial enough support the load and to properly secure the lanyard. A handrail is typically not a good attachment point.
Wrap up
Did we talk about it all of our PPE? No we missed a few, but you get the picture. All our PPE is important to a safe operation and to your wellbeing. |
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Algae-X Fuel Conditioner
They are not always maintenance free.
From the crew of the M/V PELICAN:
Some vessels are fitted with a magnetic fuel conditioner. This is a silver disc shaped container that consists of the main body housing with two openings, the face plate, two O-rings, and a large magnet.
The primary function of this apparatus is to stabilize and condition the fuel before it enters the RACOR canisters and it is installed between the main fuel supply valve and the RACOR canister of each main engine and both generators.
Although the inspection and cleaning of this device is not part of our scheduled maintenance, accumulated algae on the internal magnet can restrict fuel flow to the engine and in some instances become plugged enough to shut down the engine or generator altogether.
Periodic inspection and cleaning of the magnetic fuel conditioner is a simple process that can be done while fuel supply is off during normal servicing of equipment.
While fuel supply is turned off and RACOR canister is empty or blocked in, remove face plate from magnetic fuel conditioner body housing. Be careful not to damage large O-ring. (pic 2, 3)
Use large metal object to extract magnet from its post. (pic 4) Clean magnet with dry rag.
Open fuel supply valve to flush out any algae in fuel supply line and wipe out housing with dry rag. Wipe down O-rings and face plate.
Place magnet back on mounting post. (pic 5)
Install O-rings back on face plate. Match the bottom of the plate to the bottom of the housing to insure proper flow of fuel around magnet. (pic 6)
Tighten screws in a crossing pattern to insure that face plate seals to housing and continue with fuel filter service. |
Pictures from the Fleet 
Calendar Time
We will be accepting pictures for the 2013 Higman Calendar until November 2, 2012.
Please submit your pictures to Kayla. Submit pictures with the name of the boat/barge, the photographer, the name(s) of anyone in the picture and where the picture was taken. |
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Keeping the Office up to Date
New License?
Any time you get a new/renew your Driver's License, get a copy of it to the office. We need to keep a current copy on file.
Your driver's license is needed for use of company vehicles and this is also required when booking a flight or rental car in your name. |
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Goal Zero Hero
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Mr. George Thomas, Captain Michael Maneely, Jerry Crooks (Marine Technical Advisor, Shell Trading) |
Shell Trading Company acknowledges Higman Captain.
Captain Michael Maneely on the M/V Baffin Bay was recognized by Shell Trading (US) Company as a "Goal Zero Hero".
On September 14, 2012, Captain Maneely was called to a Houston terminal to discharge. There he noticed many of the cleats in the fender wall were in poor condition. Recognizing the unsafe condition he took several photos and submitted a detailed report, which was forwarded to Shell.
It turned out that the terminal had already hired a contractor to repair the cleats. Still Shell commended Captain Maneely for the extra effort he took to "do the right thing".
Shell's "Goal Zero Hero's" are explained here:
A "Goal Zero Hero" is someone who epitomizes Shell's three HSSE Golden Rules:
- Comply with the law, standards and procedures
- Intervene in unsafe or non-compliant situations
- Respect our neighbors
The rules emphasis our individual responsibility, while encouraging us to help our colleagues and respect our neighbors. For example, they encourage us to get involved if we see someone breaking the rules. And they help us to understand why others step in to help if we are failing to comply. They are there to motivate us all to do the right thing, from the most senior to the most junior member of staff. Golden rules in their own right achieve nothing. It's vital that we put them into practice. We must apply the rules to everything we do, every day, and in every activity.
No matter what pressure we are under, the Golden Rules come first." |
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Rose Point ECS
Navigation Tip of the Week.
With the ongoing installations of ROSE POINT ECS on Higman vessels, the TNL will highlight operational tips to help you use the software. Consult with your RP ECS manual and the training video to round out your knowledge.
If you have a software tip or shortcut you find useful, let us know!
Importing Navigation Objects.
Rose Point ECS can import routes, waypoints and other navigation objects from other sources such as Coastal Explorer.
Charting program File formats that are supported are:
- Coastal Explorer with the .NOB extension
- Captn 5.0 and later
- Jeppesen Marine - Nobeitec
- Maptech navigator
To import navigation objects from a file:
- Click on "Marks" and then on "Import"
- Select "Some other file on My Computer" and then click on "Select file".
- Navigate to the file you want to import such as on a travel drive.
- Follow any additional instructions on the screen.
Passing Point Predictors
Passing Point Predictors indicate where you will meet other vessels in confined waterways. The predictor takes into account river miles so passing times are accurate even around bends in a river. The Passing Point Predictor shows as a yellow line at the passing point on the chart. Alongside the line is the name of the boat to be passed and the time to the actual passing.
 | | My boat will meet the "MARY PARKER" near mile 364 in 8 minutes. |
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| Nav Zone- Sailboats on the Ditch
 October 25-27, 2012 will be the 26th Annual Harvest Moon Regatta. This is the largest offshore sailboat race in the United States.
This will result in increased sailboat traffic.
Thursday many of these boats will leave the Clear Lake area, heading down the HSC for Galveston, offshore, where the race starts. From there, 200 plus sailboats race offshore to Aransas Pass.
Then on Sunday and Monday, many will be on the ICW heading east, back to Galveston Bay. Be prepared for the extra traffic.
USCG Rules of the Road
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
INLAND ONLY....Which statement is TRUE concerning the fog signal of a sailing vessel 25 meters in length, anchored in a "special anchorage area" approved by the Secretary?
a. The vessel is not required to sound a fog signal.
b. The vessel shall ring a bell for 5 seconds every minute.
c. The vessel shall sound one blast of the whistle every 2 minutes.
d. The vessel shall sound three blasts on the whistle every 2 minutes.
BOTH INTERNATIONAL & INLAND....Two vessels are meeting as shown in a narrow channel. Vessel "A" is a sailing vessel. Vessel "B" is a power-driven vessel which can safely navigate only within the channel. Vessel "B" sounds the danger signal. Vessel "A" shall __________. (DIAGRAM 37 )
a. maintain course and speed
b. not impede the passage of vessel "B"
c. sound one prolonged followed by two short blasts
d. have the right of way
BOTH INTERNATIONAL & INLAND....A sailing vessel is NOT required to keep out of the way of a __________.
a. power-driven vessel
b. vessel not under command
c. vessel restricted in her ability to maneuver
d. vessel engaged in fishing
BOTH INTERNATIONAL & INLAND....A vessel is being propelled both by sail and by engines. Under the Rules, the vessel is __________.
a. a "special circumstance" vessel
b. not covered under any category
c. a sail vessel
d. a power-driven vessel
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Stern Shots
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Corey Hopson, Randy Hopson and Jarrett Hopson |
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Apollo Edwards ties up the M/V Grosbec |
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Alexis Anderson gets the bow |
 | | Big Mike Taylor |
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Jonathan Hughes on the M/V ABERDEEN |
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Nautical Trivia
The Illinois and Michigan Canal, 1848 to 1933
With Higman tows working on the Illinois River and up into the Chicago Sanitary and Ship Canal there is much history to discuss. With the completion of the Chicago Sanitary and Ship Canal in 1900, a dependable route from Lake Michigan to the Gulf of Mexico was open. But prior to 1900, there was another route in used, the Illinois and Michigan Canal.
Running just north of the Illinois River from LaSalle almost to Chicago is the historic Illinois and Michigan Canal. Built in 1848, it provided the final link between the Atlantic Ocean and Gulf of Mexico, piercing Illinois' wilderness and opening the way for Chicago's westward expansion. That Chicago became the most important inland port of North America owes much to the construction of this canal. Abraham Lincoln recognized its value and fought diligently for its construction.
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The Illinois and Michigan canal opened in 1848 |
In its day, the canal was a marvel of engineering that was often compared in scope and impact with the Erie Canal. The I&M, as it came to be called, was 60 feet wide and six feet deep. It included 15 locks, three dams, four aqueducts, and a 15-foot-wide towpath for the horses and mules that towed the barges. Portions of it passed through areas of solid limestone and other obstructions, which required innovations in engineering and construction.
The canal offered a cheaper, faster alternative to hauling freight with horse and buggy. Its business boomed, but only for a short time. By the 1870s, railroads were diverting most of its traffic. In 1900, the I&M was replaced between Chicago and Lockport by the larger Chicago Sanitary and Ship Canal. The Illinois River was then dredged from Joliet to LaSalle so that it was navigable. The I&M was completely abandoned for navigation in 1933.
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The Illinois and Michigan Canal as seen from the Lemont Road bridge, 2010. |
From the Illinois State Historical Library |
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Dates to Remember
2012 Advanced Pilothouse Management at SCI
Complete for 2012
2012 Higman Leadership and Management Course
Second Session OCT 25 - OCT 26
2012/2013 Tankermen Seminars
Fourth Session October 24, 2012
Fifth Session November 15, 2012
Sixth Session January 22, 2013
Seventh Session February 6, 2013
Eighth Session March 25, 2013
Ninth Session April 11, 2013
Tenth Session May 14, 2013
Eleventh Session June 5, 2013
2013 Wheelmen's Seminar
First Session FEB 20 - FEB 21
Second Session MAR 4 - MAR 5
Third Session MAR 13 - MAR 14
To schedule training please email Kelly or call at 281-864-6011.
CBT Certificates earned by Higman employees from JAN 17, 2012 to date............3741 DO ALL CREWMEMBERS HAVE ACCESS TO THE HIGMAN TRAINING NEWSLETTER? - PLEASE 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 Navigation General .....D,B,B,A,D |
Unless you live under a rock, you know that Election Day is coming up soon. The 2012 General Election Day is on November 6th this year and there are plenty of races to be interested in.
But you say, "I work on a boat and will not be home that day".
Not a good excuse in my opinion. There are plenty of opportunities to vote either early or with an absentee ballot. As a taxpayer in this country, it is your duty to vote.
Let's look at the facts:
Texas - Early voting starts on October 22nd and ends on November 2nd. If you were sharp enough to get an absentee ballot, it has to be received by your local elecion office by October 30th.
Louisiana - Early voting starts on October 23rd and ends on October 30th. You can request an absentee ballot anytime before 4:30 p.m. on the 4th day before Election Day. It must be returned by 4:30 p.m. on the day before Election Day.
Mississippi - No early voting. Absentee voting - Contact your County Voter Information Center or Municipal Clerk at least two weeks before the election.
Alabama - No early voting. Absentee voting - request a ballot at least 5 days before the election. It must be returned at least 1 day before the election.
The rest of you are on your own, but go to My time to Vote to get the details for your state.
Franklin D. Roosevelt once said "Nobody will ever deprive the American people of the right to vote except the American people themselves and the only way they could do this is by not voting".
Have a great and safe week!
Sincerely, |
GORDIE KEENAN
KELLY CLEAVER
TEDDY CHERAMIE
© 2011 HIGMAN MARINE SERVICES, Inc. |
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