2023 In Review

It has been a busy year for the tugboat, towboat and barge industry. We’ve moved from marking the full implementation of Subchapter M to discussing the COI renewal process and preparing for drydock examinations. We worked through a historic low-water event in 2022 only to have another sustained drought this year that has once again broken records across the Mississippi River system. We hosted two AWO Safety Committee meetings in Houston and St. Louis, and we are now preparing for the 2024 Winter Safety and Combined Regions meeting in New Orleans on February 21-23, 2024.

 

Over the past year, AWO’s Safety and Sustainability department has worked with members to produce resources and provide opportunities for our maritime EH&S professionals. Some of the highlights of that work include:

This is just a small sample of our accomplishments in 2023. To see more of what AWO is working on or to get involved, visit our safety and sustainability resources webpages, our advocacy priorities webpage, and check out our events page to find the next meeting near you. We look forward to continuing to provide valuable, tangible safety and sustainability resources for you, your crew, and your organization in 2024!

 

Thank you for your commitment to safety, sustainability, and the American Waterways Operators.

 

Safety Professional Focus

 

Rachel Blanchard has been with Canal Barge Company for a little over six years and joined their Safety department as a Safety Systems Specialist in March 2023. She previously worked in the Accounting, Logistics and Marketing departments prior to taking on her new role. She is a member of the Women’s International Shipping & Trading Association and the Women in Maritime Operations organization.

 

Can you talk about Canal Barge’s culture and share an example of how it keeps your organization safe?

When it comes to Canal Barges’s culture, two themes have always stood out to me: People Make the Difference and Extending Trust. They go hand in hand when trying to create a safe environment for everyone.

 

The integration between our mariners and shoreside employees is crucial for the business to continue moving forward. While my shoreside colleagues are all knowledgeable and a key factor to the puzzle, it is the mariners that I find truly remarkable. During my career with Canal, I have had the privilege of working closely with the guys on the boats. I enjoy taking the time to get to know them both professionally and personally. With those relationships, I can count on the mariners as trusted resources on how we can possibly review, enhance, and promote the safety tools we already have to help them perform their jobs safely and efficiently. I enjoy engaging with them about safety initiatives to gain their perspective on what works and what does not. Having the mariners be a part of the process is extremely vital because they are the ones out there seeing things firsthand.

 

While each employee at Canal Barge Company makes a difference every day, I personally believe that many of the most impactful changes begin with our mariners' input. Their knowledge and experience inform the processes that ultimately make the largest positive difference. The amount of courage, discipline and sacrifice it takes to work out on the river is significant, and for that reason and so many more, I take pride in working with them, building trust, and finding ways to ensure they can do their job safely.

 

What are some improvements or changes that Canal Barge Company has made to its safety program in 2023, and are there any projects or plans for 2024?

At the beginning of 2023, we rolled out our improved Near Miss program for our vessel crew members, officers, and deck crew, allowing them to submit via mobile. Recently we also developed an app, making it more user-friendly. We have also begun more interactive Hazard ID training when we make vessel visits. Instead of just speaking with the guys on safety topics, we try to get them engaged in this activity. So far, it has been a hit, and we have our newest team member, Jason Fowler at Illinois Marine Towing, to thank for this. We are constantly trying to find more effective and simpler ways to engage with our mariners.

 

Another change we have made and are still working on is how our crew experience and continuity can drive safety results. We are trying to capture a better understanding of our current experience level onboard our vessels to ensure we are safely manning our boats with the appropriate experience level for the respective trade and service of the vessel. We strongly believe that crews who continuously work together can help to increase safety onboard and help us achieve better outcomes. The mariners know their crews better, their strengths and weaknesses, and develop trust among each other onboard. In a way, it is a win-win.

 

As we approach 2024, we plan to focus more on how we can increase accountability on the vessels and ashore in the office. We feel it is extremely important that we continue to integrate the dynamic between our mariners and shoreside.

 

You have been highly successful in your maritime career! Can you share what you like about our industry and advice for someone who is considering maritime transportation as a career?

One of the most significant things I enjoy about my job is the ever-changing challenges I face. It reminds me of a giant jigsaw puzzle, where each day is a new piece that needs to be placed correctly to keep the big picture in focus and the system running like a well-oiled machine. It is problem-solving at its finest, combined with navigational, equipment, and personnel matters. I am constantly learning something new, and I believe firmly that even the most seasoned individual in this industry does not know it all. We all must continue to learn, grow, and evolve as we are faced with new obstacles. Another noteworthy aspect of this industry is the camaraderie. Everyone that I have had the pleasure of meeting so far has been so kind and welcoming. I have been lucky enough to even form a few personal friendships with individuals that I have met along the way, and I am grateful for them. In a world where most industries can be severely cutthroat, it is heartwarming to see so many people willing to help each other succeed.

 

As far as advice for anyone considering a career in this industry, I came in completely green and honestly, not knowing much about maritime in general. Is it a challenge in the beginning, especially not knowing anything? Absolutely, and that is what makes it exciting. Another detail to point out is this is a very male-dominated industry. While there is nothing wrong with that, I believe it is time for more women to break through. I had the honor of being taught everything I know by Julie Spiers, and I pretty much owe my career to her. So, for any woman or man, looking to dive in headfirst, don’t let this industry intimidate you.

 

Coast Guard Seeks Nominees for Environmental Excellence Award

The Coast Guard is soliciting applications for the Rear Admiral William M. Benkert Award. The Benkert Award recognizes companies involved in marine facility or vessel operations that showcase outstanding achievement in protecting the marine environment. This is an opportunity for AWO members to show the Coast Guard and the country the efforts you make every day to protect the health of the waterways. The award will be presented at the North American Marine Environment Protection Association’s Safety at Sea National Maritime Day seminar in May 2024. Applications will be accepted from December 1, 2023, to January 31, 2024.

 

 

AWO Safety Committee and Regional Meetings Scheduled for Early 2024

AWO is looking forward to seeing you at one of our upcoming Safety Committee or Regional Meetings. Discounted hotel rooms are going fast, so make your travel plans today and join your colleagues and friends at a meeting near you!

 

 

To learn more about our upcoming events, visit the AWO events page or reach out to CClark@americanwaterways.com.

 

 

Navigating the Chill: Cold Weather Safety Tips

 

 

Mariners face unique challenges when the cold weather sets in. The combination of frigid temperatures, icy conditions, and dynamic weather patterns that include fog and the reduced visibility that comes along with it demands a heightened level of safety awareness. Whether you're in the wheelhouse or on deck, taking proactive measures to ensure your well-being during cold weather is paramount.

 

 

COP28 Addresses Maritime Transportation

COP28 was the United Nations’ most recent annual Climate Change Conference, an event that includes representatives from nearly every country in the world. This year, the UN Climate Change Executive Secretary, Simon Stiell, stated that the conference must move from ‘what’ to ‘how’ to achieve the lofty goals set each year.

 

To answer part of that question, the U.S. departments of Energy, Transportation, Housing and Urban Development, and the Environmental Protection Agency will release a Maritime Decarbonization Action Plan in 2024, addressing various initiatives and pathways to integrate alternative fuels, energies, and technologies in maritime transportation. A preview of the plan was unveiled at COP28, covering both commercial and recreational vessels.

 

Recently, U.S. Representatives Mariannette Miller-Meeks (R-IA) and John Garamendi (D-CA) introduced the Renewable Fuel for Ocean-Going Vessels Act. This legislation allows companies to access Renewable Identification Number (RIN) credits for renewable fuel used in ocean-going vessels under the Renewable Fuel Standard, promoting the use of low-carbon biodiesel and renewable diesel in cargo ships, tankers, and passenger vessels.

 

American Waterways HERO Award Winners – October and November 2023

The American Waterways Honor & Excellence in Rescue Operations (HERO) Award recognizes rescues undertaken by AWO member company employees that demonstrate selflessness, skill, and bravery. AWO is honored to recognize mariners for the great things they are doing every day to protect themselves, their crews, the environment, and the communities in which they operate.

 

AWO was excited to announce a sponsor for the winners of the award at our Safety Committees’ Summer Meeting. 360 Coverage Pros and Berkley Offshore now offer a one-year complimentary Marine License & Professional Liability Insurance policy to all crew members recognized with the award. Details about how to submit a nomination for the American Waterways HERO Award and the submission form can be found on the AWO website.

 

Please help us thank and shine a spotlight on our industry’s heroic mariners by sending in a nomination! Congratulations to these recent recipients of the American Waterways HERO Award:

 

 

AWO High Potential Learning Value Near Miss

Near Miss and Stop Work events are leading indicators that provide vessel operators with an opportunity to identify and address weaknesses in a safety management system before a hazardous condition or lack of procedure contributes to an injury or incident.

We are highlighting recent High Potential Learning Value Near Misses submitted voluntarily by AWO members. To submit your own Near Miss or Stop Work event, please use this form. To see all published High Value Near Misses, please visit the AWO Resources website: https://www.americanwaterways.com/resources.

 

MEMBER-SUBMITTED NEAR MISS 23-13: Dangerous Boarding Event – Crossing the Gap

A towboat pushing one barge was making its approach to a liquid terminal facility to moor. The tow was still under power and making way when an unknown person (later determined to be a cargo inspector) began climbing down a ladder to grab a line and jump aboard the barge. The wheelman on watch saw the individual trying to jump onto the still moving barge. He immediately called his deckhand on VHF and instructed him to exercise Stop Work Responsibility and tell this person to get back on the dock until it was safe to board the tow.

 

 

BSEE Safety Alerts

The Bureau of Safety and Environmental Enforcement (BSEE) issues safety alerts to inform the offshore energy industry of the circumstances surrounding an incident or a near miss. These alerts also contain recommendations designed to help prevent the recurrence of similar incidents on the Outer Continental Shelf. While the offshore environment is unique, BSEE’s safety alerts often cover similar conditions and risk profiles as those seen by AWO members working on near coastal, inland, and Great Lakes vessels. 

 

Since October 23, BSEE has issued seven safety alerts. AWO has summarized two recent events here. These summaries and ‘Lessons Learned’ have been shortened and modified to be more applicable to towing and barge operators. For the original reports and details, visit the BSEE website.

 

BSEE SAFETY ALERT 476: Fatality Caused by Failure to Use Safety Devices with Temporary Test Equipment

Description: An employee conducted a pressure test using temporary equipment that included a digital pressure gauge but did not include a pressure regulating device or safety valve. The temporary equipment had a lower pressure rating than the tested equipment and the worker did not conduct a JHA or follow company policy for management of change, as required in their company safety manual.

Result: The pressurized casing exploded, ejecting fluid through a small hole at significant pressure. This led to the steel grating above the area being bent and handrails being blown off the platform. Painted steel near the blast was stripped to bare metal. The employee was fatally injured by the blast.

 

Lessons Learned:

BSEE SAFETY ALERT 473: Risk of Exposure to Elevated Carbon Monoxide Found

 

Description: BSEE inspections found concerning carbon monoxide (CO) exposure risks from gas-powered (diesel-powered) machinery on offshore facilities, especially during calm weather. Some commonly used stationary CO gas detection devices have thresholds set to alarm only when levels are over 70 ppm for an hour. This poses a significant risk of prolonged exposure to CO well above allowable limits, potentially resulting in severe health consequences.

 

Result: Employee exposure must be limited, and engineering controls methods should be implemented to mitigate exposure to hazardous substances, including CO. Regularly calibrated portable/personal four-way gas detectors are considered the most reliable means of detecting CO accumulations, especially in areas that might otherwise go undetected.

 

Lessons Learned:

 

NTSB Releases 10th Anniversary of Safer Seas Digest, Highlights Lessons Learned from NTSB Marine Investigations

The NTSB has released the 10th Anniversary Edition of Safer Seas Digest, summarizing key lessons from 29 maritime incidents in 2022, including the sinking of the Emmy Rose and the SEACOR Power capsizing. Safer Seas shares the safety issues identified and recommendations developed during these investigations with the marine community. It also highlights lessons learned that can prevent or mitigate future losses.

 

Safety issues identified in marine investigations covered in Safer Seas have included:

 

 

 

NTSB Investigation Report: Contact of Vehicle/Passenger Ferry Cathlamet with Mooring Dolphin

A lithium-ion battery cell's thermal runaway in a handheld radio caused a fire on the oil tanker S-Trust while docked in Baton Rouge, resulting in $3 million in damages on November 13, 2022. The battery cell’s explosion damaged navigation, communication, and alarm systems on the bridge. The crew managed to extinguish the fire, and no injuries were reported. Lithium-ion battery cell explosions, often triggered by thermal runaway due to damage, overheating, defects, or overcharging, pose risks of ignition and explosion. For the full report, visit the NTSB website.

 

 

Lessons Learned from the NTSB:

The NTSB attributes the fire on the S-Trust's bridge to the thermal runaway of a lithium-ion battery cell in a UHF handheld radio.

A lithium-ion battery cell, when damaged, shorted, overheated, defective, or overcharged, can undergo thermal runaway, leading to ignition and explosion. The rapid expansion of a lithium-ion battery fire emphasizes the importance of timely detection, containment, and extinguishment to prevent vessel damage.

 

Recommendations to mitigate thermal runaway risks:

Lessons Learned from AWO:

Lithium-ion batteries are considered hazardous materials (49 CFR Part 171) due to their potential to overheat and ignite in certain conditions. Compared to alkaline batteries, most lithium-ion batteries manufactured today contain a flammable electrolyte with a very high energy density, increasing risk for thermal runaway, a destructive chain reaction resulting from self-heating and the release of its stored energy. For more information and tips on preventing lithium-ion battery fires, visit the AWO resources page.

 

SSRP – We Need Your Input!

The value of AWO’s Safety Statistics Reporting Program depends on the full participation of all eligible members. This includes carrier members who employ or are responsible for vessel crews in their operations. Please visit the Safety Statistics Reporting Program website and enter your data for the third quarter of 2023, as well as any historical data that may be missing. Your submission is confidential and crucial to our industry’s benchmarking, advocacy, and safety and sustainability initiatives. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact mbreslin@americanwaterways.com.

 

AWO Now Accepting Nominations for Tankering & Barge Operations Subcommittee Safety Award

AWO’s Tankering & Barge Operations Subcommittee is dedicated to improving the safety of barge tankering operations through targeted initiatives that are identified by industry and informed by collaboration with stakeholders. It has been instrumental in raising awareness of best practices and advocating for innovative solutions to improve workplace safety for tankermen.

 

The Subcommittee is excited to announce it is now accepting nominations for its 2023-2024 Safety Award. AWO encourages all industry stakeholders to nominate individuals, organizations, companies, or facilities that have improved equipment, personnel, and/or processes to enhance the safety of those involved in cargo transfer operations. All nominations should include a description of the specific improvement made and details about how it enhances tankerman safety. Examples of improvement areas include, but are not limited to: