Make sure your new crewmember is off to a good start!

 

Make a plan.

 

Before an orientation starts, there needs to be a training plan specific for the new person to make it efficient and effective.  The plan will include formal reports like for the "New Employee Security Orientation Report" and the "New Employee Fire Safety Orientation Report" found in section 5 of our Policy and Procedure Manual.  It should also include a custom made checklist to educate the new person on the specific operations of your boat.

 

Start with an interview.

 

Priorities

 

Operations dictate priorities in this business, as long as safety is at the top of that list.  With the pressures of getting the tow from point A to point B, loading, discharging and maintaining the equipment, how do we properly and practically orientate someone that comes aboard?  It may not be practical to complete it all on day one so what are our priorities?

 

Start with the information you got in the interview and then set up a training schedule for the new person based on these priorities.  Use all members of the crew to assist in the orientation.

 

Priority #1....Personal Safety

 

Emergency Station Bill - start with a discussion of the Emergency Station Bill. Every crewman needs to know their responsibility and reporting area when the general alarm goes off.  Sit down and discuss responsibilities with a copy of the Emergency Station Bill in hand.  A brand new deckhand needs to understand the significance of the general alarm.

 

Lifesaving equipment - show the location and operation of life rings, life jackets, fire fighting and first aid equipment.

 

PPE - assign and discuss usage of work vests, hearing protection, safety goggles, hard hats, etc.

 

Priority #2...Vessel Operations

 

Engine room systems and operations - A new Deckhand needs to be paired with an experienced Tankerman to learn the engine room from top to bottom.  This part of the orientation will last more than a few days but is extremely important in starting him off right.  As an assignment, have the new crewman trace out every system and every pipeline line in the ER.  Bilge system, fuel oil system, air lines; where do they start, where do they go?  Which valves are which and what is their function?  You might learn something yourself when you check on their work.  

 

A more experienced addition to the crew needs an engine room walk around also.  It may not have to be as thorough, but it is still important.

 

Casualty Control - Every crewmember needs to know the basics of causality control.  Bilge system, electrical distribution, and steering system all need to be discussed in the orientation process. 

 

Do all new crewmen know how to operate a CO2 fire extinguisher?  Can they operate the Fixed CO2 system for engine room fires when given the command by the Captain during a fire emergency?

 

Skiff Operations...Every new crewmember must understand all aspects of skiff operation.  Safe launching and retrieval require demonstration and practice.  You would be surprised how many boatmen that are new to the water are not proficient in driving a small boat, They are unfamiliar with navigation and proper communication techniques.  Use the Higman Personal Safety Manual for a guide in completing this part of the orientation.

 

 

 

Barge Operations - A tour of the barges with a discussion of the normal cargoes loaded on your tow is a good step forward.  Of course they are not going to learn it all in one or two days, so work on the functions that you think are important.

 

On-board Duties...Make sure a new crewmember know exactly what is expected of him.

 

Priority #3...Security

 

Alternate Security Plan - A complete orientation of our security plan is required.  Make sure they know the basics to start out.  Restricted areas, visitor policies, TWIC inspection and notification requirements are a good start.  Use our CBT system to ensure they know the details of our security system.  

 

Priority #4...All the rest

 

Make your orientation fit the experience level of the person coming aboard.   Make the orientation process a team effort to use all the talents you have on board.

 

An orientation is a start; make sure it is a good one!

 

These days, it seems as though the amount of paperwork that we have to complete, is never ending. However, one of the most important documents for all of us is the Daily Vessel Log.

 

Sometimes, it may seem as though the schedulers are being extremely picky about what needs to be on the log. So, it may help to understand why it is so important.

 

One of the primary uses of the Daily Vessel Log is for billing. The log is used to account for all of the hours in the day. Our clients receive a copy of the log either daily or with their invoice. Therefore, if there is something that is missing or incorrect on the log, then it directly affects the billing. It is possible that we may not get paid. It can also affect how our clients get paid. Sometimes, their contracts have clauses that allow for a certain amount of time at a dock or, are based on a specific date. More and more often, companies are looking for ways to save money. If they can find a reason to deduct money from an invoice, they will. Fortunately, our clients are very fair. But, they work with other companies that may not be as fair. Thus, it is important that the log be complete and accurate.

 

One of the most important things that goes on the log is when we "Tender notice of readiness" or, our tender time. Typically, we give a terminal several notices before our arrival, maybe 24 hours out, 12 hours out, and a four hour notice. Then, when we arrive at a terminal or a fleet, we "tender in". In many cases, when we give our four hour notice the dock tells us to go to the fleet and tender in when we get there. Please, put on your log your arrival time at the fleet (mudbank, etc.) and the words: "Tendered NOR, Waiting Terminal Readiness". Please make a note of the person's name and a tender number (if the dock provides this). This information is very important if there is a discrepancy.

 

When we tender in to a terminal, we are letting them know that we are ready to go to the dock. If they tell you that they cannot accept your tender for any reason, please still mark that as your tender time and make a note of the person's name. As always, let your scheduler know if they tell you they do not have orders.

 

When you are standing by for several days, we may know where you are, but it still needs to be on the log each day. Please do not submit a log that says "Same" all the way down the log. Please make sure that you put on the log where you are standing by, and that you are waiting terminal readiness.

 

Many of you have items that are specifically requested by the client that you work for. If you have any questions about that or other questions about the logs, please let your scheduler know. We are always happy to help.

 

Sarah Boucher

 

 

On April 6, 2013, the Houston Area Maritime Youth Expo was held. Each year the Maritime Youth Expo is held to inform high school age kids about the Maritime Industry. The Houston area Maritime Industry is quickly growing and will be in need rising students. This year there were 225 students present eager to learn about towboats.

 

 Some of the presentations including:

Helicopter landing

Harbor tug demonstration

Fire boat cannon demonstration

Tours of the Houston Pilot vessel

And a towboat shoving contest!

 

 

This year the Expo was held at the Bayport Cruise Terminal. This provided a great facility for our boat to moor. This year we were represent by the M/V Spindletop. Thank you to the crew: Sam Nelms, Arthur Barnes and Romeo Harriell. We would also like to thank Higman shore staff and Relief Captain Joe Mickey for spending your time off to help better the Maritime community.

 

Good ideas need to be shared, refined and become "Best Practices".

 

A "Best Practice" is defined as a method or technique which shows results superior to those achieved with other means, and that is used as a benchmark.  In addition, a "Best Practice" can evolve to become better as improvements are discovered.

 

This column is dedicated to sharing the best practices developed while operating your tow. Each issue we will outline a "Best Practice" sent in by the fleet.  Share your Best Practice by sending to Gordie

 

This week's "Best Practice" is sent by the crew of the M/V COVE POINT:

   

  

As part of our Alternate Security Program (ASP), our Company Security Officer (CSO) must conduct an audit of the plan every year.  The audit involves conducting random checks of our fleet and reporting back on the results. 

 

Higman crews can use the results to tune up the security effort on their vessel. Here are some observations from the audit:

• Several boats did not have "Restricted Area:" signs posted at the bow although they had proper signs at the galley entrances.
• All crewmembers knew who the company CSO and Alternate CSO were. All questioned knew where to get contact information from the ASP. Great job there!
• Some crew members had limited knowledge of the ASP.  These were mostly new crewmembers who were hired within the past year.  Let's make sure any new folks on-board are up to speed with the details of our plan.
• Visitor logs were being properly maintained. There was some inconsistency in the visitor screening frequency. Make sure you are up to speed on the level of screening needed at the current MARSEC level.
• Participation in the CBT Security Training during 2012 was excellent, with 433 certificates issued.

In all the audit results showed we were "in substantial compliance". Keep up the good work!