Vapors and Summertime.

Keep cargo vapors inside the Barge.

Vapor pressure is defined as the pressure exerted by a vapor at a given temperature in a closed system. A substance with a high vapor pressure at normal temperatures is referred to as volatile.  The vapor pressure of a typical volatile cargo will increase as the outside temperature increases.

You have all experienced it; crack open a loaded cargo tank hatch on a hot day and hydrocarbon vapors will escape at an alarming rate.  Typical inland tank barges are designed to release some of this pressure when it reaches a design maximum pressure.  If the barge is designed for a maximum vapor pressure of 1.5 PSI, the vapors will vent until that set pressure is reached. 

High velocity P/V valves are typically found on Higman Barges.  With this type of P/V valve, a nozzle directs vapors upward disbursing them away from personnel.

How do we safely deal with vapors that might escape from the barge and expose personnel?  On a loaded voyage,

• Check all cargo hatches and ullages for proper dogging.
• Inspect reach rod packing glands for proper packing.  Is the rod loose in the packing gland?  If it is, tighten the gland nut.  Add additional packing if the nut is bottomed out but wait and do this when the barge is empty.
• Check for other sources of leaks around the cargo pump and header system.

Fix what you can, but contact the Repair Department if fugitive emissions cannot be stopped.  The barge may need to be pressure tested and then repaired.

Understanding the dangers of fugitive emissions.

During the pre evolution meeting on board, discuss the potential inhalation hazards related to the cargo scheduled to be loaded.  What are the dangers of inhaling vapors from the cargo?  As with any cargo, all crewmembers should be familiar with the MSDS of the product to be loaded.

Beyond your barge.

Your barge may be tight, but what about the dock where you are moored or a ship you are alongside and discharging to?  Sources of fugitive emissions may be from places beyond your control.

• All cargo tank openings and penetrations must be checked, properly maintained and positively sealed.
• All crew members must be aware of the hazards of the vapors exposure.

1. Identification of the product
2. Hazard(s) identification
3. Composition/information on Ingredients
4. First Aid measures
5. Firefighting measures
6. Accidental Release measures
7. Handling and storage
8. Exposure control/personal protection
9. Physical and chemical properties
10. Stability and reactivity
11. Toxicological information
12. Ecological information
13. Disposal considerations
14. Transport information
15. Regulatory information
16. Other information 

Section 9: PHYSICAL AND CHEMICAL PROPERTIES

Shut it down!

Understanding and Operating the Emergency Fuel Shutdown.

USCG Fire Safety Regulations require that towboats have systems that can stop the flow of fuel in the event of a break in the fuel line.  Higman boats:

• Have a positive, remote fuel-shut-off valve fitted on the main fuel line that supplies fuel directly to main engines and generators. 
• It is located near the fuel tanks and is operable from outside the engine room just forward of the port engine room door.

All crew members need to be familiar and ready to operate the Emergency Fuel Shutoff System.

"After we complete the monthly inventory of our critical spares, the box is sealed with a small wire tie.  With the wire tie unbroken, the crew can quickly determine that the inventory from the previous month has not changed.

Of course if a critical spare is used during the month, it is reordered and properly placed in the box once received."

We have reached 1000 certificates on the CBT website!  That means that over 200 employees have completed their CBT's for this quarter within a couple weeks!  Thank you for all your hard work!

The 1000th Certificate award goes to:  Currin Glover.

Text Weather Forecasts

Text weather forecasts are prepared by skilled meteorologist at the National Weather Service based on many different data sources. These forecasts are similar to the reports you hear on the NOAA weather radio service.

To access a text weather forecast, 

• click the right mouse button on the chart near the area you want the forecast for and select the weather forecast option from the menu. 
• Alternatively, use the Conditions browser tab and select the Text Forecast page.

An Internet connection is required for downloading the text weather forecast but once a forecast has been downloaded, you will be able to read it up until its expiration time even when you're not connected to the Internet.

New Docking Procedures for Valero Meraux

Any tow headed for Valero Meraux should follow the following procedures for docking

Valero-Meraux: When asked to dock on the lower inside barge dock at Valero-Meraux you should always use extreme caution. A wide berth of at least twenty-five feet should be maintained until you come abreast of the flat on the upper part of the dock. Once abreast of the flat work your way to the dock slow as the eddy working on the lower end will pull you to the dock. A safe speed should be utilized at all times depending on what the conditions may call for. Any questions about this procedure should be directed to your Port Captain.

BOTH INTERNATIONAL & INLAND Day-shapes must be displayed __________.

a. between sunset and sunrise
b. only between 8 AM and 4 PM
c. during daylight hours in any visibility
d. during daylight hours in unrestricted visibility only

BOTH INTERNATIONAL & INLAND What is NOT a vessel "restricted in her ability to maneuver"?

a. A vessel laying engaged in laying submarine cable
b. A vessel towing with limited maneuverability due to a large unwieldy tow
c. A deep-draft vessel that can only navigate in a dredged channel
d. A towing vessel underway with a fuel barge alongside and taking on fuel

BOTH INTERNATIONAL & INLAND Which vessel when anchored at night, would not be required to show anchor lights?

a. A vessel engaged in underwater operations
b. A vessel engaged in mine clearance
c. A vessel engaged on pilotage duty
d. A vessel engaged in survey operations

BOTH INTERNATIONAL & INLAND One of the signals, other than a distress signal, that can be used by a vessel to attract attention is a(n) __________.

a. red star shell
b. searchlight
c. burning barrel
d. orange smoke signal

BOTH INTERNATIONAL & INLAND You are approaching a narrow channel. Another vessel in the channel can only be navigated safely in that channel. You should __________.

a. hold your course and speed if he is on your port bow
b. sound three short blasts, and take all way off your vessel
c. not cross the channel if you might impede the other vessel
d. sound two prolonged blasts followed by one short blast

© 2014 HIGMAN MARINE SERVICES, Inc.