VOL 8, ISSUE 21
October 14, 2015
Higman Barge Lines Training Newsletter
S/S EL FARO AND THE GO-NO GO MATRIX
Assessing risk is an everyday job.

In a marine operation, risk is something we learn to deal with on a daily basis. As defined, risk is nothing more than the exposure to danger, harm or loss. As simple as it sounds, the concept of risk can cover a wide range of severity and can have a wide range of effects on an outcome of an operation.

How do we decide if a risk is worth it?
If we had the ability to see into the future, risk becomes a pointless concept.  Knowing the outcome of an operation using with our imagined foresight, it becomes easy to decide whether an effort is worth even starting.  

Since knowing the future is not possible for us, we can only make informed assessments of the risk ahead.

Go-No Go
There are many risk assessment tools available for managing outcomes of an operation.

The Go - No Go matrix is a risk management tool found in the Higman Safety Management System (SMS).  It may look simple, but it can be helpful in making an operational decision. 

Following some simple steps, the matrix can help you in your decision making process:
A). Define the task or job.
B). Assess the risk; use the matrix to score the task ahead:
>  3 - 4   Do not proceed.
>  5 - 7   Be cautious but you may proceed.
>  8 - 9   Proceed.
C). Execute the Decision- If there are any doubts or uncertainties concerning the job or task, stop and take no further action until you've discussed this with your port captain.
D). Monitor the Situation - take action where needed if it's not going as planned.

S/S El Faro
The sinking of the US flagged ship, S/S El Faro on October 1, 2015 while en route from Jacksonville, FL to San Juan, PR, can be considered the worst US cargo shipping disaster in over 30 years. The 790 foot roll-on/roll-off cargo ship lost power just north of the Bahamas Islands in the path of Hurricane Joaquin as it strengthened to a category 3 storm.

The ship was last heard from at 0700 on that morning and now has been declared lost with all 33 crewmembers; 28 Americans and 5 Polish nationals.

With what we know about the loss of the  S/S El Faro, could the Go- No Go Matrix have helped them?  

Though hind sight is 20/20 and any discussion we have on the loss of the ship is pure speculation at this point, we can still use the matrix to get an idea of the risk level ahead.

A). Define the task or job. - The job at hand was well known by the Captain and crew.  The route between Jacksonville and San Juan was for a long time, the regular run for this ship. There was plenty of weather data available at the time the ship departed. The storm was expected to strengthen and the path was considered difficult to predict by the NWS. Their voyage plan should have recorded all important information especially what was known at the time about the rapidly forming weather system. 

B). Assess the risk.- Use the matrix to score the task ahead:
Column 1 - Degree of Difficulty
I give this column a "2"; "Requires some extra degree of thought or skill". Since the crew did not know the exact path of the expected storm, they may have scored it this way.  
Column 2 - Have I done this before
I give this column a "1"; "Never done this before".  Though the crew most likely had experienced tough weather before, it is unlikely they been through an Atlantic Hurricane.  This score assumes that the crew included in their assessment the possibility of the storm path crossing the ship's route.
Column 3 - Possible consequences
I give this column a "1"; "If I fail, there will be serious consequences".  A hurricane is nothing to play with in the open ocean no matter how big the ship is. 
Matrix Score.....4   
With a score in this range, it may have been time to come up with a different voyage plan. With a new voyage plan, a new score is required.

C). Execute the Decision - If the new voyage plan gives a "Go" range score, then the voyage can get underway. 

D). Monitor the Situation - Keep the information coming in and adjust the voyage plan as needed.
We use this tragic loss to only illustrate a management of risk technique and in no way imply an ability to second guess the decisions of the crew.

We offer our prayers and condolences to the families of the men and women of the El Faro. 
 
The Seamen's Church Institute and TOTE have established the El Faro Family Relief Fund, wholly managed by SCI to provide support to the families affected by the El Faro tragedy. 100% of all donations made to this fund go directly to the families of the crew.
El Faro Family Relief Fund
ARE YOU PROTECTED AGAINST THE FLU?
The CDC recommends that everyone over the age of 6 months receive a yearly flu vaccination.  Flu season usually begins in October and lasts through May.  It is recommended to get the vaccination as early as possible.

You hear so many excuses as to why people don't get the flu shot:
  •  "It will give me the flu."  Flu shots cannot give you the flu.  The viruses in   the vaccination are inactive (killed). 
  • "I'm healthy.  I'm not young, sick, or old." Healthy adults can get the flu too.  The vaccination will also help prevent the spread of the virus to those around you (children or elderly).
  • "I don't like needles."  If you do not like big needles they now offer the Fluzone Intradermal.  The Intradermal version has a much smaller needle that is injected into the skin not into the muscle. 
Flu shots are available at most pharmacies and your doctor's office.  The cost is $20 to $50 per shot.  This cost is well worth not having the achy muscles, headaches, fever, chills, and severe fatigue that are commonly associated with the flu or missing work.

I will be getting mine done with my upcoming annual physical.  We want to see how many of our boats get them this year.  Email me when you get your flu shot!

Should you get the flu or other illness while off the vessel see your doctor ASAP and inform your Crew Change Logistics Coordinator.
CHEMICAL CORNER
For the next few months, the Higman Training Newsletter will highlight the products carried aboard Higman's barges. The information below is general and is not meant to replace the Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS). For detailed product safety and health information, be sure to read the most current MSDS for the product you are interested in.
 
Today's Chemical is:
  
Paraxylene
 
What is it?
Paraxylene
Paraxylene (PX) is used primarily as a feedstock for the manufacture of purified terephthalic acid (PTA), which is an acid formed by the oxidation of paraxylene (C 8 H 10), an aromatic hydrocarbon. Terephthalic acid is an important chemical in the production polyethylene terephthalate (PET), a strong yet lightweight plastic. PET is used to make many products, such as polyester fabric, cable wraps, films, transformer insulation, generator parts, and packaging.
 
The shirt you are wearing, unless it is pure cotton, was probably manufactured with polyester fiber that started with paraxylene as a raw material.
 
How is it shipped?
 
Paraxylene is a clear colorless liquid with a characteristic aromatic odor. It is shipped typically by tank barge or rail tank car.  Tanks must be clean, odor free and liquid free before loading. 
 
Since the freezing temperature of PX is 56°F, it is normally loaded above 70° F.  At discharge, if the tank temperature is below 70°F, steam coils in the barge are used to heat the PX to about 80°F.  Typically at the steaming plant, the cargo temperature will raise about 1°F per hour. At completion of discharge, internal tank valves are left open to prevent valve freeze up and line plugs.
 
When loaded at the BP Chemical, Decatur Marine Terminal, vapor recovery is used.
 
What are my concerns?
 
Although paraxylene can be handled with a low degree of hazard, exposure to this product should always be minimized.  wear all recommended PPE.
 
Eye contact:  Contact with eyes causes irritation.  First aid - Flush eyes with water immediately while holding eyelids open.  Remove contacts if worn and continue flushing.  Get medical attention if irritation persists.
 
Skin contact:  Irritating.  First aid - Flush with large amounts of water. Get attention if irritation persists.
 
Ingestion: If swallowed, considered practically non toxic to internal organs. Danger comes if it gets into lungs which can cause severe injury or death.  First aid - Do not induce vomiting, give person a glass of water or milk, get medical attention.
 
Inhalation:  May cause irritation to the respiratory tract.  May cause headaches and dizziness. May have central nervous system effects at concentrations above recommended exposure limits.  First aid - Move effected person to fresh air.  Give oxygen if breathing is difficult.  Perform artificial respiration if breathing has stopped.  Get prompt medical attention if symptoms continue..
 
Environmental concerns:  More than 99%of PX released to the environment is quickly evaporated into the atmosphere.  PX is readily biodegradable.
 
Fire Fighting:  Fires involving paraxylene can be safely extinguished with foam, dry chemical or carbon dioxide.  Use water  as a fog spray in flooding quantities; solid streams of water may be ineffective.  Cool exposed containers with water
HIGMAN CREW UNIFORM PANTS
Please Be Patient

We ask for your patience while we are in transition regarding uniform pants.  There will be a delay in ordering and distributing pants until the new process is in place.  

We will inform you when this process is complete and you are able to order uniform pants again.
LAST CALL FOR 2016 HIGMAN CALENDAR CONTEST
Friday, November 6 is the deadline for all photo submissions for the 2016 Higman Calendar Contest.  Now is your final opportunity to pick up your camera, get creative, and take pictures to send for consideration by the judging committee.  Photos we receive may also be chosen for use in additional Higman publications throughout the year.

Send your pictures to Janis (janisa@higman.com). With your picture you need to include your name, the vessel name, and the location where the picture was taken.

Please remember that we need landscape orientation photos for the calendar, not portrait orientation.  Landscape photos work better for the printing process.  See below for an illustration.


CORRECT landscape orientation
INCORRECT portrait orientation
SAFETY SPOTLIGHT
The Safety Zone

When working on our barges it is important to always be aware of your surroundings, from head to toe. We have many tools and resources to keep you safe here at Higman; one very important tool is literally right under your feet, known as "The Safety Zone." 

This Safety Zone is a white painted area that surrounds the outer perimeter of the barge and acts as a visual reference showing you the safe area where you can work. Staying within the Safety Zone reduces your chances of being injured by movement of the barge and from falling overboard.  It's a simple but effective way to stay out of harm's way.
 
NAV ZONE
FCC license for ALL Towboat Operators
 
Per 33CFR167.72 (a)(3):
 
"Each U.S. Towing vessel of 26 feet or more in length must hold a ship-radio-station license for radio transmitters AND EACH OPERTOR MUST HOLD A RESTRICTED OPERATOR'S LICENSE or higher."
This CRF also mandates that each towboat should maintain a VHF radio watch on:
  • Channel 13 (or 67 on the Lower Mississippi River)
  • AND on channel 16 (except when in a VTS or transmitting or receiving on another channel)
If there is a wheelman on your boat that does not have a FCC license please contact Patti in the Covington office.  The Restricted Radio Operator permit cost $60 and does not have an expiration.  
USCG RULES OF THE ROAD QUESTIONS
INLAND ONLY If a towing vessel and her tow are severely restricted in their ability to deviate from their course, lights in addition to the towing identification lights must be shown. These additional lights shall be shown if the tow is __________.
a. pushed ahead
b. towed alongside
c. towed astern
d. All of the above
 
INLAND ONLY You are on vessel "A" and hear vessel "B" sound a signal indicating his intentions to overtake you. You feel it is not safe for vessel "B" to overtake you at the present time. You should __________.
a. sound two short blasts
b. sound one prolonged followed by three short blasts
c. not answer the whistle signal from vessel "B"
d. None of the above
 
BOTH INTERNATIONAL & INLAND The lead vessel shown is a __________.
a. mineclearance vessel
b. survey vessel
c. power-driven vessel towing astern
d. None of the above
 
BOTH INTERNATIONAL & INLAND Which statement concerning an overtaking situation is correct?
a.  The overtaking vessel is the stand-on vessel.

b.  Neither vessel is the stand-on vessel.

c.  The overtaking vessel must maintain course and speed.

d.  The overtaking vessel must keep out of the way of the other.

 
BOTH INTERNATIONAL & INLAND Which signal may at some time be exhibited by a vessel trawling?
a. Two white lights in a vertical line
b. A white light over a red light in a vertical line
c. Two red lights in a vertical line
d. All of the above
NAUTICAL TRIVIA
Nautical Trivia will be back next issue.
  
STERN SHOTS

"Big Mike," Captain of M/V Karl G. Andren, helped train deckhands during a Job Corps event in Mobile.


Captain Walter Evans recently retired after 23 years with Higman.  We wish him and Ms. Nora the very best for their future.


Captain Roy Lunson retired after 24 years with Higman.  
Our best wishes go to Roy for his retirement years.


Gary Pugh of the Higman Decatur office was 
honored by BP for his years of dedicated service.
DATES TO REMEMBER
TANKERMAN SEMINARS
Fourth Session

October 1
Fifth Session

November 5
Sixth Session

January 26
Seventh Session

February 11
Eighth Session

March 1
Ninth Session

April 7
Tenth Session

May 31
Eleventh Session

June 21
2016 WHEELMAN SEMINARS
First Session

April 20-21
Second Session

May 2-3
Third Session

May 11-12
LEADERSHIP
First Session

Complete
Second Session

October 15-16
Third Session

October 26-27
STEERSMAN BOOT CAMP
Fourth Session

November 2-3
SIMULATOR
Complete for 2015
 



To schedule training please email Janis or Kelly.
Make sure crewmembers have access to the Training Newsletter
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Higman CBT Certificates earned year to date: 4,862
Answer to this weeks Nav Gen: D,D,C,D,D
 

 
Sincerely,

GORDIE KEENAN
KELLY CLEAVER
JANIS ANDERSON
DENNIS ZINK

© 2015 HIGMAN MARINE SERVICES, Inc.