What does your compass do for you?

Ask anyone to name the most basic instrument used in marine navigation and you will most likely get the magnetic compass as the answer.  The magnetic compass has been used for centuries and is a still a fundamental tool for navigators.

A magnetic compass works by aligning its needle to the flux lines of the earth's magnetic field.  The magnetized "needle" of the compass will swing into a north-south position indicating a relative heading position of the vessel to the earth's magnetic North Pole.  The magnetic North Pole differs slightly from true North which centers on the earth's axis, not magnetic north.  This variation is measured by the angle between true north and magnetic north when plotted on the chart.

What is required by the USCG?

Found in 33 CFR 164.72(a)(4), Uninspected Towing Vessels (UTV's) of 39.4 feet or more must have an illuminated card-type magnetic steering compass readable from the main steering station on routes other than Western Rivers.

UTVs engaging in towing exclusively on the Western Rivers may have either an illuminated swing-meter or an illuminated card-type magnetic steering compass readable from the main steering station.

Since Higman boats operate on both Inland and Western River routes, all our boats must be equipped with a magnetic compass.

Notice the word "Illuminated".  The steering station magnetic compass must have light for nighttime operations.  Make sure your compass light works.  It should be 12 volt powered from the wheelhouse 12 volt system.

Compass Deviation Tables

During a SIRE inspection, some of the inspectors will ask for a "Deviation Table".   

A deviation table is made uniquely for each boat to record minor deviations from magnetic North that may be caused by the steel construction of the boat.  The deviation can also be caused by inductive currents produced by electrical circuits that are in the proximity of the compass.  A deviation table is produced by "swinging" the boat through 360 degrees to record these errors in the compass headings.  

When a deviation table is created for an inland towing vessel, it may only be correct during a light boat operation.  Add two loaded barges and the deviations may change because the "magnetic signature" of the unit has also changed.  Face up behind two empty barges and the deviations around the face of the compass can change again.

Due to a regulatory oversight, the requirement for a magnetic compass deviation table found in 33CFR 164.35, was not amended to exempt towing vessels less than 1600GT.  The USCG has exempted inland towboats from this requirement. Preparation and posting of a compass deviation table is not required on Higman vessels.

Is a magnetic compass relevant to an inland towboat operation?

Every towboat in the Higman fleet is outfitted with a magnetic compass mounted in the center of the wheelhouse console, forward of the steering sticks.   With an onboard satellite compass tied into both the chart plotter and the radar, is there a need for the magnetic compass?

Most wheelmen have different answers to this question.  Here are a few comments from our folks:

• "When pushed into the bank on a foggy night, the compass give me quick reassurance that the tow is not swinging out into the channel".
• "The compass helps me line up on the buoys when crossing Mississippi sound".
• "When dealing with set and drift, the compass will help keep the tow in the buoy line when there is a lot of current and wind".

How do you get value out of your compass?  Let Gordie know and we will pass it on to the fleet.

First  Quarter Courses up and Running.

First Quarter CBT's are now available. The first quarter courses are required for all current employees and all new employees hired before April 1st.

Some areas where vessels transit may not have the most reliable internet signal. Areas that have frequent issues with dropping signal are: Corpus Christi, TX and Carpenter's Bayou. Should you lose signal and you are unable to complete a course please attempt resetting the internet history/cookies. 

If this does not work please email Kelly with your name, the name of the course and details of the issue you are experiencing.

The Houston Ship Channel Pilots will be holding a Brownwater-Bluewater Mariner Coordination Course March 26-27. The goal of this course is to improve communication and coordination between ship pilots and tug/tow operators in the Houston area. The two day course will allow mariners (blue and brownwater) to review incidents, relate experiences and share strategies. The course will consists of about 25-30 attendees, with classroom and group break-outs. There will be presentations on technology for the different types of vessels.

There are still spots available for license mariners, preferably those working in the Houston area. Please contact Gordie if you might be interested in representing the Company at this event.

INLAND ONLY You have made your vessel up to a tow and are moving from a pier out into the main channel. Your engines are turning ahead. What whistle signal should you sound?

a. One prolonged and two short blasts
b. Three long blasts
c. One prolonged blast
d. Five or more short rapid blasts

INLAND ONLY For the purpose of the Inland Navigation Rules, the term "inland waters" includes __________.

a. the Great Lakes on the United States side of the International Boundary
b. the water surrounding any islands of the United States
c. the coastline of the United States, out to one mile offshore
d. any lakes within state boundaries

INLAND ONLY Which statement is TRUE concerning the Inland Navigation Rules?

a. They list requirements for Traffic Separation Schemes.
b. They define moderate speed.
c. They require communication by radiotelephone to reach a passing agreement.
d. All of the above

INLAND ONLY Which term is NOT used in the Inland Navigation Rules?

a. A vessel engaged in mineclearing operations
b. A vessel constrained by her draft
c. A vessel towing
d. A vessel engaged in fishing

INLAND ONLY A power-driven vessel pushing ahead or towing alongside on the Mississippi River, below the Huey P. Long Bridge, shall carry __________.

a. two masthead lights, sidelights and stern light
b. two masthead lights, sidelights and two towing lights
c. sidelights and two towing lights
d. one masthead light, sidelights and stern light

The holy grail of Cajun cooking!

Is there any one dish that has so many different variations? Almost everyone you talk to has their own way of making it. Be it from the roux to the ingredients and spices used, every gumbo seems to have its own unique style and flavor. In keeping with our lighter and healthier cooking theme we offer a version of a seafood gumbo compared to  the classic chicken and sausage gumbo.

1/2 lb. lump crabmeat

1 small bag of frozen okra (if you like okra, if not leave it out)

1 cup chopped onion

1 16 ounce can diced tomatoes

2 large celery stalks

1 green pepper seeded and chopped

3 cups fat free chicken broth or seafood stock

3 bay leaves

4 garlic cloves, minced

1 tbsp. lemon juice

2 tbsp. flour

2 tbsp. light butter

1 tsp salt

1/2 tsp pepper

1 tsp thyme (fresh if possible, if not dried)

Cayenne pepper or Cajun seasoning (Tony Chachere's) to taste

Instructions:

1. Spray a large non-stick skillet with non-fat cooking spray and set over medium high heat. Add bell pepper, onions, and celery. Cook 3-4 minutes then add the garlic. Cook until vegetables are soft. Transfer to a bowl and set aside.

2. Make the roux by adding butter to the skillet and then add the flour; stir until blended. Continue to cook until the mixture is well browned but not burned, about 8-10 minutes. Slowly pour in the broth/stock into the skillet, continuously stirring to remove any lumps. Add the thyme, bay leaves, salt, pepper, lemon juice, and tomatoes. Add cayenne pepper or Cajun seasoning to taste. Add the vegetables to the skillet.

3. Stir in the shrimp and crabmeat and simmer until shrimp are cooked, about 3-5 minutes.

Nutritional Information per serving (Serving size is 2 cups).

Before:                       After:

Calories: 890              Calories: 186

Fat: 14.8g                  Fat: 3g

Sodium: 2500g           Sodium: 539g