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STEP BY STEP TO A MARINE INCIDENT
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The National Transportation Board Marine Accident Investigation Reports give good insight on how small missteps may lead to an accident.
Digging deeply into the details of a marine incident to find a root cause does not always uncover an obvious "smoking gun." More typically, what is found in an investigation are a series of oversights, distractions, poor training and disregard for policy that build up and lead to the incident.
Serious marine accidents are investigated by the National Transportation Safety Board. The NTSB is an independent federal agency charged by Congress to investigate significant transportation accidents. The NTSB determines the probable cause of accidents and issues safety recommendations aimed at preventing future accidents.
Last year the NTSB published "Safer Seas 2014." This report highlighted twenty-three marine accidents that were investigated in 2014 and ended with a "Summary of Lessons Learned from Accident Investigations." Of the 23 reports completed in 2014, towing vessels were the most common type of marine operation that had serious accidents. Nine towing vessels, six THAT were "inland," had major incidents that could have been prevented. Here are some of the lessons learned from these accident investigations (2014): Control System Understanding: As pilot house systems become increasingly technologically advanced, it is important that operators have a thorough under-standing of the systems. In two casualties reported in 2014, the lack of understanding vessel control systems led to the accidents. How does this apply to Higman boat operations? Here are some examples. - Steering system.....Do all Wheelmen assigned to your boat understand the operation and controls of a Full Follow-up/Non Follow-up system? Do all Tankermen and Deckhands know how to support the Wheelman during a steering failure?
- When did you conduct the last steering casualty drill? Was the drill realistic enough to ensure all crewmembers know what to do if a steering failure ever happens?
- When was the last time you practiced using Non Follow-up steering or steering with throttles only?
- Throttles and gearboxes.....Are all wheelhouse crewmembers aware of and comfortable with the maneuvering characteristics of the boat? How does the boat respond behind a loaded tow, a light tow or as a light boat? Every boat responds a bit differently when put through these paces.
- Navigation systems.....Are all licensed Wheelmen and steersmen proficient in the operation of the radar system, chart plotters, AIS, satellite compass, VHF radios and wheelhouse 12-volt power systems?
- All critical equipment has onboard manuals. There are plenty of resource materials available onboard. The Training Newsletter archive has instructive articles for the majority of the navigation equipment onboard.
- Do all new crewmembers on the boat get a full orientation of the onboard equipment?
Crew Training: Several accidents from this publication highlight the importance of training. Know your vessel and its systems. Use realistic drills. Inadequate response to a fire on the Marguerite L. Terral and flooding on the Ricky B led to the loss of both vessels. How does this apply to Higman boat operations? Here are some examples. - Can every member of the crew operate the engine room CO2 flooding system without having to figure it out in a moment of crisis?
- The towing vessel Marguerite L. Terral was pushing 12 empty barges when the vessel's port engine caught fire. The captain, who was making a round of the vessel before taking his watch, saw flames through an open engine room door about the same time as an alarm sounded in the wheelhouse. The vessel was equipped with a fixed CO2 fire suppression system for the engine room, but flames prevented the crew from releasing the CO2 from one of the remote release stations near the engine room door. The crew could have activated the fire suppression system from the steering gear room; however, no evidence indicates that the crew attempted to do so.
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- Does every crewmember know how to operate the CO2 system at the bottles if the main release station fails to work?
- Does every crewmember understand the importance of securing the engine room doors before discharging the CO2 system?
- Can every crewmember operate the bilge system in case of serious engine room flooding due to a hull breach? Do all crewmembers understand and know how to properly maintain the shaft seal or packing glands? In the NTSB report, the supply boat "Ricky B sank due to the crew's failure to adequately assess the severity of the flooding rate through the starboard shaft seal gland and take prudent action to mitigate the situation. Three of the four nuts that secured the packing gland faceplate to the shaft sealing system were loose. In addition, the faceplate was offset 3-4 inches, allowing water to ingress freely into the vessel."
Communications: Several of the incidents investigated found a lack of effective communication among the vessel crews or with shore/lock/dock personnel. - Communication that seems be clear and elementary to the Captain may be garbled and unclear to the new deck hand. Is everyone on the same page?
- Very little is more important than the communication with the Tankerman and the dock operator during cargo operation. Is everyone involved in cargo ops communicating and clear on what the plan is?
These are just a few lessons that stand out in the report. To go into further detail, the Safer Seas 2014 report can be found at Safer Seas 2014.
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| LICENSE RESPONSIBILITY/RENEWAL |
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Employees' licenses are the individual's responsibility.
Every employee shall report to crew change ready to operate a vessel. Licenses are not valid if they are left at home or in a vehicle. Licenses are not valid if expired. A Merchant Mariner Credential (MMC/orange book) is not valid without a valid TWIC card.
It is recommended employees renew TWIC cards 60-90 days in advance of the expiration date. Remember, you need time to go to a TWIC center and receive the TWIC before getting back on the boat.
The TWIC costs $128.
When you go to the TWIC center to renew, you need to take a certified copy of your birth certificate or U.S. passport. If you do not have a birth certificate or passport, you may be eligible for the "Birth Certify" program. It costs an extra $24 that you will pay the TWIC office. You will not be eligible if you were born in Texas, North Carolina, South Carolina, Oregon, Virginia, Wisconsin, Nebraska or Washington state.
Employees are responsible for renewing their licenses during their scheduled time off the boat. New licenses should be copied and sent to Patti in the Covington office to update the office files.
Please don't wait to get your TWIC renewed. If an employee reports to the vessel without the proper license, they will be sent home at their own expense. This is considered a personal responsibility and the employee will only receive a half-day's pay. There may be disciplinary actions for any employee that reports to the vessel without the proper licensing.
The monthly cost of a TWIC is $2.13. Allowing yours to expire is not worth the days of work you may miss if you don't receive your TWIC in time to return to the vessel.
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WARNING SIGNS OF SUDDEN ILLNESS
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Recognizing a Medical Emergency
Medical conditions and illnesses can suddenly trigger an unexpected medical emergency. Suspect a serious illness when, without warning, a person suddenly appears weak, ill, or in severe pain. The first step in getting the necessary treatment and care is being able to recognize the warning signs of a medical emergency. In the next few issues of the newsletter we will discuss common serious illnesses that you may encounter.
Stroke
A stroke, or brain attack, occurs when the blood supply to a portion of the brain is suddenly interrupted. This most commonly occurs when a blood clot gets caught in a blood vessel. A stroke can also occur when a weak spot in the wall of the blood vessel known as an aneurysm, bursts open into the surrounding brain tissue. In both cases brain cells die.
A stroke is a true medical emergency. Activate EMS (Emergency Medical Services) immediately. Rapid treatment in a hospital is critical to limiting the damage that can occur.
Signs of a stroke vary and tend to show up suddenly. Below are signs of a possible stroke.
- Numbness or weakness of the face, arm, and leg. Especially on one side of the body.
- A person may appear confused.
- A change in ability to speak or understand.
- Sight and balance may be affected.
- A severe and sudden headache may be described.
Stroke Assessment
A quick method to determine if someone could be suffering from a stroke is to ask the person to:
- Smile
- Hold up both arms
- Speak a simple sentence
If a person has trouble with any of these tasks, a stroke may have occurred. Calm, comfort, and reassure the person until EMS takes over. Do not give anything to eat or drink.
Diabetes is a disease in which the body cannot effectively use sugar for energy. A diabetic emergency can occur when the amount of sugar in the blood become very high or very low.
- Suspect the possibility of a diabetic emergency with anyone who has a gradual change in mental status. The skin may be pale, cool, and sweaty. You may also notice a sweet or fruity smell in the person's breath.
- If a person is diabetic, there may be evidence of the condition. Ask others about the person's medical history or medications they are taking. Look for a medical bracelet or necklace identifying the condition.
- If you know a person is diabetic, determine their level of response and ability to swallow. If the person has a diminished level of responsiveness and has difficulty swallowing, activate EMS. Do not give anything to eat or drink.
- If the person is responsive and able to swallow without difficulty, give sweet juice, candy, or any other sweet substance. If the person has oral glucose gel, use that instead.
- Do not use anything with an artificial sweetener.
If the person responds to the sugar, their mental status will gradually improve. If there is no response to the sugar within 15 minutes or the condition worsens activate EMS.
It is important to note that insulin is not considered an emergency medication. It is never appropriate to administer insulin to a diabetic person in an emergency setting.
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ROSE POINT TIP OF THE WEEK - TAKE A SHORTCUT
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Keyboard Shortcuts or "hot keys" make navigation throughout Rose Point quicker and easier.
Rose Point ECS has many "hot key" shortcuts that can make moving around in the software and using the different functions easy. The RP ECS manual has a complete list starting on page 130.
Here are a few that you may find useful.
| Key | Function | | "V" | Turn on VECTOR charts
| | "R" | Turn on RASTER charts
| | "1" | Show one chart view
| | "2" | Show two chart view
| | "3" | Show three chart view
| | "4" | Show three chart view
| Arrow keys
| Pan chart views in direction of arrow
| Page up
| Pan chart toward vessel heading
| Arrow keys
| Pan chart away from vessel heading
| +
| Zoom chart view in
| -
| Zoom chart view out
| Home
| Center chart on boat
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Ctrl I
| Cycle between day/dusk/night colors
| | F12 | Cycle between "Planning Mode" and "Cruising Mode" |
Note: when using the "Ctrl" key with another (such as the "I" key), lead with the "Ctrl" key first before pushing the second key.
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SIMULATOR TRAINING REMINDER
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Advanced Pilothouse Training (Simulator)
It is a Higman company requirement that Wheelmen attend one session every 5 years. The next session is March 21-23, with sessions continuing until the last one for 2016 held Oct 31-Nov. 2.
During this training, Wheelmen have the opportunity to participate in hands-on Simulator training at Seaman's Church. Each 2.5 day course involves practice for various routes and different waterway situations. You will be able to ask questions, give comments and receive constructive feedback from the staff at Seaman's Church and also from Higman coworkers and training personnel.
One evening after training all participants are invited to join us for dinner at a local restaurant for relaxation and conversation with fellow afloat employees and Higman shore side personnel.
Remaining dates are listed below and are always published at the end of every issue of the Training Newsletter. Email Janis to schedule this training.
Spaces are limited so contact us early to book your reservation!
2016 Advanced Pilothouse Management at SCI
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Third Session
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March 21-23
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Fourth Session
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July 18-20
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Fifth Session
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August 1-3
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Sixth Session
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Sept 12-14
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Seventh Session
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Oct 31-Nov 2
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STEERSMAN BOOT CAMP REMINDER
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Steersman Boot Camp Held Every Quarter
As a Steersman, you are required to attend Steersman Boot Camp
at least once during your training program. These training sessions are held each quarter throughout the year. The next one will be April 28-29 at the Peninsula Training Center.
Steersman Boot Camp provides information and insight on various topics useful to future Wheelmen. Subjects covered include discussion of currents and weather, running rivers and canals, wheelhouse management, radar basics, Rose Point, problem solving, time and distance and conducting proper incident reports.
Remaining dates for this year are listed below and are always published at the end of every issue of the Training Newsletter. Email Janis or Dennis to register to attend this training event.
2016 Steersman Boot Camp
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Second Session
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April 28-29
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Third Session
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July 21-22
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Fourth Session
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Oct 3-4
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In addition to your classroom training, boot camp attendees are invited to join us one evening for a fun, relaxing dinner at a local restaurant to share time with fellow Steersmen and Higman shore side personnel. Now is the time to make your plans to join us for this valuable training.
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"See you on the one." Sound familiar?
Passing arrangements are part of our way of life and sometimes make all the difference in a passing or meeting situation. However, they sometimes blur the lines of legal right-of-way according to the Navigational Rules of The Road. It is important to remember, first and foremost, that you are responsible for the safety of your crew and tow. Agreeing to any situation that relies on the actions of another to remain safe puts you at risk.
Regardless of a verbal agreement over the radio, if you are navigating outside of the specified rules defined by the NAV RULES publication, it's your license on the line. The traffic patterns, right-of-way, and every rule are carefully constructed plans to keep you safe. If a deviation is necessary to keep both vessels out of harm's way, both vessels should remain in verbal radio communication throughout the duration of the evolution at safe intervals, or with the assistance of a lookout. This especially applies to areas where maneuverability is restricted such as narrow channels and dredge work areas.
When in doubt, never hesitate to hold up and wait out the situation. And, if the situation calls for it, five short blasts should at least open communication.
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Leaving the Wheelhouse
At no time should anybody leave a crew member at the sticks that does not hold the appropriate license. As the Wheelman in charge of the watch you are not to leave without a proper relief. If an urgent health issue should arise STOP the vessel and leave a man in the wheelhouse to watch the vessel. Another option is to get a relief up.
If your health issues do not clear up you need to contact your Port Captain.
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USCG RULES OF THE ROAD QUESTIONS
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BOTH INTERNATIONAL & INLAND.....Which statement is TRUE concerning the danger signal?
a. Only the stand-on vessel can sound the danger signal.
b. Radio transmissions may be used in place of the danger signal.
c. A vessel in doubt as to the other vessel's intentions must sound the danger signal.
d. The danger signal consists of 5 or more prolonged blasts of the whistle.
BOTH INTERNATIONAL & INLAND.....A vessel may exhibit lights other than those prescribed by the Rules as long as the additional lights __________. a. are not the same color as either side light b. have a lesser range of visibility than the prescribed lights c. do not impair the visibility or distinctive character of the prescribed lights d. All of the above
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......A tug is towing three barges astern in restricted visibility. The second vessel of the tow should sound __________. a. one prolonged and two short blasts b. one prolonged and three short blasts c. one short blast d. no fog signal
BOTH INTERNATIONAL & INLAND.....You are about to cross a narrow channel when you see an approaching vessel that can only be navigated safely within the channel. You should __________. a. cross the channel as you are the stand-on vessel b. cross only if the vessel in the channel is approaching on your port side c. not cross the channel if you might impede the other vessel d. sound the danger signal
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Driving Safely: Tips & Facts
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Turn Signals: What they're used for, and why you shouldn't ignore them
Turn signals are located on each of the 4 corners of a vehicle. These are to indicate which direction you intend to go with your vehicle. Using them can help everyone around you as they can plan around your future car movement. Collisions can be avoided with just a simple easy hand movement.
- It is unsafe and illegal to not use your indicators properly.
- Get into the habit of signaling every time you change direction. Signal even when you do not see anyone else around. It's easy to miss someone who needs to know what you are doing.
- Signal as early as you can. Try and signal at least three seconds before you make your move. You must signal at least 100 feet before a turn if the speed limit is 45 mph or less. If the speed limit is faster than 45 mph, you must signal at least 300 feet before you turn.
- Be careful that you do not signal too early. If there are streets, driveways or entrances between you and where you want to turn, wait until you have passed them to signal.
- If another vehicle is about to enter the street between you and where you plan to turn, wait until you have passed it to signal your turn. If you signal earlier, the other driver may think you plan to turn where that driver is and he or she might pull into your path.
- After you have made a turn or lane change, make sure your turn signal is off. After short turns, the signals may not turn off by themselves. Turn it off if it has not canceled by itself. If you do not, other drivers might think you plan to turn again.
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The Great White Fleet
The Great White Fleet was a popular name for the U.S. Navy battle fleet that completed a global circumnavigation by order of U.S. President Theodore Roosevelt. It consisted of 16 battleships divided into two squadrons, along with various escorts. Roosevelt sought to demonstrate growing American military power and blue-water navy capability. Hoping to enforce treaties and protect overseas holdings, the U.S. Congress appropriated funds to build American sea power.
Beginning with just 90 small ships, over one-third of them wooden, the navy quickly grew to include new modern steel fighting vessels. The hulls of these ships were painted a stark white, giving the armada the nickname "Great White Fleet".
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Here's our dedicated Port Captain, David Devall, assisting with securing barges at our Orange, TX location.
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| | Captain Scott Bryars, M/V Spindletop, is a good example of a hard working man always quick to show a friendly smile. |
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Welcome to our new vessel, Capt. Randy Hopson!
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Sixth Session
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| Complete | Seventh Session
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| Complete | Eighth Session
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| Complete | Ninth Session
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| April 7
| Tenth Session
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| May 31
| Eleventh Session
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| June 21
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First Session
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| April 20-21
| Second Session
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| May 2-3
| Third Session
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| May 11-12
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HIGMAN
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LEADERSHIP
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First Session
| October 10-11 | |
Second Session
| October 20-21 | |
Third Session
| October 31- Nov 1 |
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First Session
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| Complete | |
Second Session
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| April 28-29 | |
Third Session
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| July 21-22 | |
Fourth Session
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| October 3-4 |
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First Session
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| Complete | |
Second Session
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| Complete | |
Third Session
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| March 21-23 | | Fourth Session |
| July 18-20 | | Fifth Session |
| August 1-3 | | Sixth Session |
| September 12-14 | | Seventh Session |
| Oct 31- Nov 2 |
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To schedule training please email Janis or Austin.
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Make sure crewmembers have access to the Training Newsletter
- Print a copy of each issue for the crew.
- You may join our mailing list by clicking below:
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Higman CBT Certificates earned year to date: 1360
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Answer to this weeks Nav Gen: D, C, C, D, A
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Sincerely,
GORDIE KEENAN
JANIS ANDERSON
DENNIS ZINK
AUSTIN ZODY
© 2016 HIGMAN MARINE SERVICES, Inc.
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