Inland Mariners are now being issued USCG "Medical Certificates". A Medical Certificate is a new document issued by the Coast Guard that serves as proof that a mariner is medically and physically fit per the CFR requirements. This will basically be a "fit for duty" card. By January 2019 all mariners must have a valid Medical Certificate to accompany their Merchant Mariner Credential, MMC (the orange passport like book). If you receive a medical certificate you must carry this with your MMC and provide the office with a copy! We will place it in your personnel file with your MMC copies. If we have a copy we will also be able to help you keep up with the expiration date.

Getting a Medical Certificate

Anyone who is renewing, upgrading or applying for a new license will receive a medical certificate during their application process. Some mariners (like those that have STCW) may receive a medical certificate even if they have not applied for a license. All mariners will have to renew their MMC before 2019 (five years from now), so all Higman employees will receive the certificate by the deadline.

The Coast Guard will review the physical is submitted with your application to determine your fitness for duty. These are the items the USCG medical evaluators will be considering:

Demonstrate adequate hearing and speech to communicate effectively and detect any audible alarms;
Have no medical condition, disorder or impairment that will prevent the effective and safe conduct of the seafarer's routine and emergency duties;
Are not suffering from any medical condition likely to be aggravated by service at sea or to render the seafarer unfit for service or to endanger the health and safety of other personnel on board;
Are not taking medication that has side effects that will impair judgment, balance or any other requirements for effective and safe performance of routine and emergency duties on board.
Have the physical capability to fulfill all the requirements of basic training as required by Section A-VI/1 of STCW; (Only if you hold and STCW)

Waivers

If a mariner does not meet all the requirements of the CFR's then they may be granted a waiver along with their medical certificate. The waiver will detail any restrictions/limitations and guidelines the mariner must meet. Mariners with a waiver may receive a Time Restricted Medical Certificate that will expire in 1 or 2 years. The Medical Certificate must be renewed for your MMC to remain valid!

Expiration

There are three expiration dates on the Medical Certificate;

for mariners that sail on vessels that require STCW (international voyages);
for First Class Pilots (Ship pilots license)
for National Mariners (This will apply to Higman Employees)

The date may or may not match your MMC (orange book). Both the dates of the MMC and the Medical Certificate must be current to operate under your license.

What to do if you get a Medical Certificate

The certificate is designed to be folded in half and fit inside the plastic pocket in the back of your MMC.
Do not separate the pages!!!
Sign the waiver in blue or black ball point pen.
If you have a waiver this must be carried with you while operating under your license. You must comply with the conditions of this waiver for your MMC to maintain validity.
Give a copy to the office

You can view an example explained by the Coast Guard here:

http://www.uscg.mil/nmc/medical/medical_cert.asp

If you have any questions about a Medical Certificate contact Patti via email or at (985) 893-3337.

Take Charge of Your Training

Opportunities abound for building your knowledge base.

It is time to head home after 20 days on the boat and here is a question; what did you learn during those 20 days on board?

As a tankerman maybe you picked up some pointers on stripping out a certain cargo from the barge. It may have been learned while talking to a seasoned tankerman or you may have discovered it on your own through trial and error.

As a wheelman, maybe you learned a better way to negotiate a certain bend on the Tombigbee. The Captain may have suggested making a different approach or maybe you observed the tow ahead of you setting up a different way than you were used to.

All in all during those 20 days, you undoubtedly picked up important information informally on your own, which in the end helps you do a better job.

The common term for this informal learning is "gaining experience". We all do this on a regular basis and it is an important part of our training process. Though this is informal training as described, can we better direct this type of learning so the gaps are filled in?

It's up to you to determine what important skills are missing from your personal experience, or which ones you need to get better at, and then find ways to get training and experience in those skills.

Filling in the gaps.

The first part on filling in the gaps is to come up with a personal training plan. What can you learn in the next 20 days that will further your career?

If your goal is to become a member of the wheelhouse team, come up with a plan to be ready for your steersman interview. Knowing the basics of the Rules of the Road and understanding the ins and outs of the Higman Policy and Procedure Manual will go a long way toward a successful interview. These are attainable goals for a 20 day hitch.

As a tankerman there is always something more that can be learned onboard the boat and the barges. What about the barge cargo system? Do you really know it from one end to the other? Are the piping diagrams easy for you to read and understand? Spending 30 minutes each day concentrating on learning a system adds up to 10 hours of expertise on a defined topic at the end of a hitch.

Tankerman Brandon Bliss works on one of the

Higman SMS books...M/V THREE RIVERS .

There are plenty of resources to be found in the boat's onboard documentation and within the HigmanBoats.com system that can give you important information and help you with a personal training goal.

Start with some short term goals. A short term training goal is one that can be accomplished in one or two hitches. What do I want to master this hitch? _________________________________
Identify and gather resources that can complete and supplement the hands on learning process. The Higman Training Department can help find the information you need.
Find a "training guru" who can advise you and answer your questions. Look beyond the usual sources; for example, a Captain needing better computer skills may find the new deckhand is a wiz and can make the learning easy.
Dedicate a reasonable amount of time each day to work toward your goal. Work with your Captain if it may interfere with your on watch responsibilities.
At the end of your hitch, ask yourself the question; did I meet my short term goal? Have I mastered the topic? Come up with a self assessment process.

Here are examples of short term topics that can be mastered:

Wheelhouse:

12volt system (wheelhouse and Engine Room),
Radars - beyond setting gain,
Rose Point - ins and outs of system including wiring,
Rules of the Road refresher - think like a lawyer,
Designated Examiners - how to be an effective trainer,
Wheelhouse wiring - power, antenna, etc....where does everything go and how does it work,

Boat Operations:

Meal preparation - become the best onboard chef in the fleet
Engine room details - understanding from the bilge to the overhead,
CO2 fire suppression system - learn all details,
Beyond basic First Aid - learn to be effective during a onboard medical emergen,
Steering hydraulics - trace out all the lines and understand how they work.

These are just a few examples. There are almost unlimited topics. With a little self assessment, you can decide what you want learn and what you need to master it.

Resources:

These days learning resources are all around us. You just have to look for them:

Onboard - There should be manuals for just about every piece of equipment on the boat. Though some of them are a bit challenging to read, the basics are there.
Online - A few keystrokes bring up a wealth of information:
- HigmanBoats.com - boat specific info, navigation references, Higman Training Newsletter archive....tons of information
- Higmantraining.com - home of the Higman Computer Based Training system...CBT's. New courses and older courses are available.
Higman Training department - call us and we can help you find the resource you need.

What is your personal training plan? Let Gordie know.

You Have The Right To Know

You're Key To Safety - MSDS (Material Data Safety Sheet)

In 1983, the Federal Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) enacted a program known as the Hazard Communication Standard (HCS), this is commonly referred to as HAZCOM. What HAZCOM does is give you "The Right to Know" what hazardous chemicals are and provides information on the safe handling, stowage, and transportation of these chemicals. The MSDS is the "backbone of this program. What is a MSDS? It is a document that requires chemical manufacturers and suppliers to provide information on the potential hazards and how to work safely with a chemical product. A MSDS is used for products from Clorox Bleach to Naphtha to WD-40 and gasoline. OSHA requires 8 major sections on a MSDS, but there is also the ANSI (American National Standard Institute) version of a MSDS which has 16 sections. In June 2015, OSHA will change the MSDS to the SDS (Safety Data Sheet). The SDS will contain 16 sections all in a uniform format that will include section numbering and section identification by headings and associated information.

One of the major elements of Higman Marine's HAZCOM Program is the use of a MSDS. In part the program states that:

Substances being transported, utilized, or consumed which are regulated by OSHA in a specific standard or EPA shall have a MSDS on file in the wheelhouse of the vessel. This applies to all substances which may be aboard any barges made up to a towboat as well as substances on the towboat itself.

Prior to receiving any substance which may be deemed to be hazardous, a MSDS shall be obtained and reviewed by personnel who may come in contact with the substance. Individuals will be informed of potential hazards, emergency procedures, and required protective measures.

Supervisory personnel shall review the information on the MSDS to ensure safe handling of hazardous products transported and used in the workplace. It is the supervisor's responsibility to be knowledgeable of known hazards and require compliance with safe practices outlined in the MSDS.

Do you read and understand the MSDS before loading a barge? Fueling the boat? When you receive paint, oil, or cleaning products that may contain hazardous substances? You should, it is required and it could keep you from serious harm or injury. We recently had an incident where a tankerman did not have on the proper PPE as required by the MSDS. He was burned by a chemical dripping out of a hose onto his pant leg and it soaked through to the skin. Why didn't he have on the proper PPE? He didn't read the MSDS prior to discharging a barge.

In the next few issues of our Training Newsletter we will be discussing the MSDS. We will review and highlight each section by subject and the information provided.

At the end of each section we will have a short quiz.

2014 Wheelman's Seminars:

Coming Very Soon to a Resort Just for You!

Check this out! The first of our three 2014 Wheelman's Seminars is already less than two weeks away! As mentioned earlier, this year you will enjoy an updated meeting format with interesting changes on both days.

Come prepared to be "on-the-move" for a variety of Team Sessions.

Look forward to participating in your choice of fun outdoor activities.

Gather for meals, relaxation and conversation.

Guests/Spouses will have several activities offered to them including the opportunity to enter their name to win a Spa Raffle. Each guest will also receive their own personal Higman Gift. These items and the activities listed below are available to guests on Day One.

Special Note: For guests, please be aware of this important change and spread the word. Guests will join the meeting portion of the Seminar on Day Two.

Day 1, Guest Activities:

0800 - Enter name for Spa Raffle (OR enter at check in Sunday night)

0915 - Spa Raffle Drawing - Must be present to win

0930 - Guided Hike

1300 - Golf Lessons

0330 - Dining-related class (to be determined)

As you see, the format this year has been revised and "shaken-up" a bit. But, no worries for you, as all this information and any changes mentioned will be noted on your Welcome Sheet and also in your Portfolio Agenda.

The Seminars will be held at Cypress Bend Resort located at 2000 Cypress Bend Dr, Many, LA 71449, phone: 318-590-1500.

See you Soon at a Wheelman's Seminar Planned Just for You!

Best Practices

Every boat has good ideas.

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 HIGH ISLAND

Throwing a ring buoy.

Throwing a ring buoy to a crewmember in distress during a MOB emergency is not as easy as it looks. Take time with your crew to get out and practice on a regular basis.

To conduct an MOB/life ring skills drill:

Have drill when boat is moored in a safe area, - protected, calm waters.
Crew must wear proper PPE - life jacket, properly fit and secured.
Make up a target using an empty sealed 5 gallon bucket attached to a lanyard. Secure lanyard to boat and throw target out into water. If there is a current, let it drift from the boat about 20 feet.
All crewmembers should take turns throwing the ring buoy and retrieving line.

Throwing Skills:

Secure the bottom of the line holding bag so the ring buoy can be retrieved after throwing.
Experiment with different throwing styles. Find what works best for you. An overhand, side-arm throw works best for me.
The buoy should be thrown beyond the victim so it can be grabbed as it is retrieved.
If there is a man overboard strobe light permanently attached to the buoy, think about making it removable. Use a snap shackle instead of a line splice will allow for quick removal. The light can make it very awkward to throw the buoy accurately.

Submitted by Capt. Ray Sergent

Nav Zone

What do the nav lights say?

Trawler less than 50 meters, hauling nets-making way

ANNEX II

Dayshape displayed while fishing or trawling.

USCG Rules of the Road

BOTH INTERNATIONAL & INLAND....Which procedure(s) shall be used to determine risk of collision?

a. Watching the compass bearing of an approaching vessel
b. Systematic observation of objects detected by radar
c. Long-range radar scanning
d. All of the above

BOTH INTERNATIONAL & INLAND....You are in restricted visibility and hear a fog signal forward of the beam. Nothing appears on your radar screen. You must __________.

a. stop your engines
b. sound two prolonged blasts of the whistle
c. sound the danger signal
d. slow to bare steerageway

BOTH INTERNATIONAL & INLAND....The white masthead light required for a power-driven vessel under the Rules is visible over how many degrees of the horizon?

a. 022.5�
b. 112.5�
c. 225.0�
d. 360.0�

BOTH INTERNATIONAL & INLAND....By day, when it is impracticable for a small vessel engaged in diving operations to display the shapes for a vessel engaged in underwater operations, she shall display __________.

a. three black balls in a vertical line
b. two red balls in a vertical line
c. a black cylinder
d. a rigid replica of the International Code flag "A"

BOTH INTERNATIONAL & INLAND....In a crossing situation, a stand-on vessel which is forced to take action in order to avoid collision with a vessel on her own port side shall, if possible, avoid __________.

a. turning to port
b. turning to starboard
c. decreasing speed
d. increasing speed

Nautical Trivia

Fog and Cathode Rays

Fog has always been an aggravating, if not a dangerous challenge of marine navigation.

In the late 1800's, the only method of determining another vessels' approximate position was with sound signals, fog horns. Radar would not be a practical tool until the 1940's.

But in the late 1800's, the early days of electrical experimentation and development, there was much speculation in the maritime world that an electrical device could be used to prevent collisions at sea. One of the concepts envisioned was the use of cathode rays emitted from a "Crookes tube". A Crookes tube is an early experimental electrical discharge tube, with partial vacuum, invented by English physicist William Crookes around 1869-1875.

The Galveston Daily News on Monday, March 16, 1896 ran an article about the practicality of using Cathode Rays to determine the proximity of other vessel around a ship in the fog. Here is an excerpt from that article:

A Sailors Foe...Fog is the Chief cause of disaster in mid ocean and ashore.

How Can Danger Be Averted - Cathode Ray Useless, But Old Salts Hint That Caution Isn't.

"A little while later I asked Sec. Westover of the General Electric Company if the new cathode ray process wouldn't furnish some hint for seeing through the fog.

"Well" said he, a trifle sarcastically, "perhaps it might if you could get a Crookes tube as big as all out doors and then bring your sand bank up to within a foot of it to be photographed."

Louis Cassier, editor of Cassier's Magazine sums up the case from the scientific rather than practical viewpoint as follows:

"There have been a number of devices produced for the purpose of preventing collisions in a fog but I cannot recollect any one which in its full sense can be considered a success. There seems to me however to be no reason why some apparatus where electricity plays a part should not be perfect both for determining a ships proximity to other craft as well as to land."

If a good electrical apparatus were devised it would always be very difficult with a powerful vessel under even very little headway to avoid collisions if many ships were scattered about.

Though accidents through fog at sea are comparatively few and any device for locating proximity of ships to each other will probably always be more satisfactory for use on the ocean then near land."

Crookes Tube.

Stern Shots

Tankerman Tony Glenn is better off inside the boat today....34 degrees and raining at the Peninsula office dock....M/V THREE RIVERS

Pilot Ben Hoffman at home on the M/V THREE RIVERS.

The M/V TIMOTHY L. LAQUAY tow finds some snow.

Photo by Capt Arthur Willey

Dates to Remember

2014 Advanced Pilothouse Management at SCI

First Session	May 12-14
Second Session	JUN 16-18
Third Session	JUL 21-23
Fourth Session	AUG 18-20
Fifth Session	SEP 29-OCT 1

2014 Tankermen Seminars

Third Session	MAR 11
Fourth Session	APR 28
Fifth Session	MAY 21
Sixth Session	JUN 5
Seventh Session	JUL 29
Eighth Session	AUG 6
Ninth Session	SEP 23
Tenth Session	OCT 15
Eleventh Session	NOV 20

2014 Wheelmen's Seminar

First Session	MAR 17-18
Second Session	MAR 27-28
Third Session	APR 7-8

2014 Steersman Boot Camp

Second Session	APR 21-22
Third Session	JUL 24-25
Fourth Session	OCT 20-21

To schedule training please email Kelly or Janis or call at 281-864-6010.

Answers to this weeks Rules of the Road Questions: D,D,C,D,A

CBT ......the 2014 site will be up in about 1 week. We will keep you informed.

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!

Have a great and safe week!.

Sincerely, Gordie, Kelly, Dennis and Janis

GORDIE KEENAN
KELLY CLEAVER

JANIS ANDERSON

DENNIS ZINK

� 2014 HIGMAN MARINE SERVICES, Inc.