Great Start to Annual Wheelman's Seminars!

Never a dull moment!

The 2014 annual Wheelman's Seminars got off to a great start March 17-18 at Cypress Bend Resort. We had good attendance and representation from the Wheelman in our fleet and from Higman office management, as well as the welcomed guests who also attended. 

The new meeting schedule, with teams rotating to different conference rooms to learn from various instructors, was a successful format. The schedule flowed well and each instructor did a great job presenting their topics.

Everyone enjoyed the tasty meals prepared by the resort's new chef, and wives and guests  even had their own  demonstration to learn how to make homemade tamales.  Everyone also enjoyed the free time for social interaction.  

Following this first successful seminar we look forward to two more:  March 27-28 and April 6-7.   Higman Wheelmen -- we will be seeing you soon  at Cypress Bend when you attend your own Wheelman's  Seminar!

San Jacinto Martime Youth Career Camp

Each camp session lasts three days, 8 am - 5 pm, with daily snacks provided.  

Topics and activities include:  Careers in the Maritime Industry, Cargo Handling, Simulations, Navigation Exercises, Texas A&M Ship Tour and a Houston Ship Channel Tour. 

During camp students will have the opportunity to meet Captains, Pilots, Tankermen, Able-Bodied Seamen and other Mariners. 

Camp dates and locations:

June 16-20  Central Campus 

July 7-11  North Campus 

July 21-25  South Campus 

Enrollment is limited to only 60 students.  A limited amount of scholarships are available.  

Call Jennifer Tran soon at 281-974-2200 for details and registration information.

Simulator session in progress at San Jac Maritime

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 Steersman Matt Pittman of the M/V KYLE A SHAW:

I created this chart to hang above the toilet in the bathroom to help crew members remember to stay hydrated. I have seen them before but I never could find any online or elsewhere so I created one. 

I thought other boats may like to use it being that the summer will be here before we know it.

 

Submitted by: Steersman Matthew Pittman

Stern Shots

Gordie and Andy instruct during the Tankerman Meeting at Higman Training Center

Dennis presents certificates to Tankerman Meeting Graduates

GORDIE KEENAN
KELLY CLEAVER

JANIS ANDERSON

DENNIS ZINK