Navigating to Zero - July 2023

Navigating to Zero - July 2023

dwisniewski 08/01/23
The AWO Safety Committees’ Summer Meeting Is Coming to St. Louis!
Join your colleagues for two days of networking and conversations about timely safety and sustainability topics in St. Louis on August 16-17! The meeting will feature member safety leaders, government agency partners, and special guests who will discuss a wide range of opportunities and challenges facing the tugboat, towboat and barge industry today. Topics and speakers include:
 
August 16 - 1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.
August 17 - 8:00 a.m. to 12:15 p.m.
Safety Leadership Advisory Panel: Project Review and State of Industry Safety
VADM (USCG ret.) Dean Lee: Leadership Insights – Skills to bring back to your vessel officers
Caterpillar: Sustainability Solutions for Marine Segments
SafeMTS – A reporting tool for the marine industry to collect and trend near misses
Case Studies: Integrating Alternative Fuels into Your Fleet – Operational and safety considerations
The Human Element and Human Behavior – How to mitigate human behavior as a causal factor in incidents
Safe and Sustainable by Design – Vessel design and technology that can improve sustainability
Presentation of best practices to prevent distracted operations and enhance environmental stewardship
 
Visit the AWO website to register for the meeting and join your colleagues in the Show-Me State. Please note that sponsorships are still available! Please reach out to Caitlin Clark if you are interested in showcasing your organization for AWO members.
 
We look forward to seeing you in St. Louis!
 
Safety Professionals’ Corner
Carlin Chapman serves at the Executive Vice President of HSSE & Compliance for Southern Devall. Since starting at Devall in 2013, he has been responsible for rewriting the management system and developing a coordinated safety program to assist in the expansion of the existing customer portfolio. He is a Certified Hazardous Materials Manager (CHMM), a Certified Environmental and Safety Compliance Officer (CESCO), and a member of the AWO Distracted Operations Subcommittee. He is happily married to Jenna and has two beautiful children, Oliver (6 years) and Maeve (3 years).
 
 
What are your safety program priorities for 2023?
We’ve got the unique and exciting opportunity this year in the merging of Devall Towing and Southern Towing to create one company, Southern Devall. The merger will officially take place on January 1, 2024. A lot has gone into planning and execution. There are separate management systems, emergency response organizations, TPOs, benefit packages, and network infrastructures, all of which must be unified. We’ve been very deliberate in this process, ensuring our mariners understand the changes as we make them to avoid introducing additional risk or distraction to operations. We are utilizing tools such as podcasts, newsletters, and town hall meetings, all aimed to provide as much information as possible so our employees stay focused on their main goal: ensuring the safety and wellbeing of themselves, their crewmates, the vessel, and the cargo.
 
In addition to the merger, we’re also investing heavily in our fleet. In the past two years alone, we’ve added 5 new boats to our fleet and 32 new barges (with more on the way). This new growth comes with its own challenges. We’re hiring and training qualified mariners to safely crew our boats while maintaining our customers’ increasing demand for cargo.
 
We are also investing in green technology that supports the marine industry and our own decarbonization goals. We’ve partnered with Amogy to deploy an ammonia-to-power system on a Southern Devall ammonia barge. This will be the first commercial maritime deployment of Amogy’s ammonia-to-power technology in the world!
 
For 2023, my team’s top priority is to ensure that safety remains our focus throughout the many changes. We are using management of change processes, risk identification and control, training, and transparent communication to ensure our crew and our business remain safe and efficient as we progress through the Southern Devall merger.
 
Can you talk about Southern Devall’s safety culture and an example of how you promote culture across the organization?
We promote our safety culture through a variety of means on our journey to ZERO. Safety cultures are unique in that it’s a slow change. Unlike other measures, such as leading and lagging indicators, it is difficult to measure culture, so we must trust our process. I believe our culture is established using a “no compromise” approach stemming from our President and CEO, Kenny Devall. This approach sets the expectations of management and our mariners, ensuring safety is always our top priority.
 
This approach is for the mariners and their families holistically. We believe that providing exceptional benefits and a good work life/home life balance makes for a safer, less distracted mariner. I continually ask, “What is your reason for coming to work?” during crew change meetings and Captain’s Meetings to remind everyone that while we all come from different backgrounds, everyone has someone that loves them and wants to see them come home. I always segue the conversation into pictures of my wife and kids as many of our mariners have seen my family grow up over my career at Southern Devall. I believe it injects emotion in the conversation that illustrates that their career here extends beyond what happens onboard the boat, and I believe this helps us maintain a personal relationship with the people that sacrifice so much for the company.
 
Safety runs deep in my family. I followed in the footsteps of my father, a Certified Safety Professional who recently retired from an oil major after nearly 40 years of service. I’ve learned a lot from him growing up and am still using the lessons instilled in me from an early age. Driving with my headlights on for added visibility (before it was an automatic feature), wearing hearing protection and face protection while weed-eating the grass, being a defensive and alert driver, just to name a few. These and many other seeds planted by my father have helped mold me into the safety professional I am today.
 
Too often throughout my career, I’ve seen safety treated as a hindrance and a burden that is forced upon the workforce. I never cared for the “police” approach to compliance. I believe if an employee genuinely sees that you care about their wellbeing, they are much more likely to buy into necessary changes that they may not agree with to reduce risk.
 
We lead with honesty and integrity. We acknowledge our shortcomings and strive to do better each day. Small, positive changes lead to larger changes over time, and I believe that is what we will accomplish with our safety culture. If we focus on our goals, we will continue to build a strong culture that incorporates the whole family, not just the mariner while they are at work.
 
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?
My career began in 2004 after graduating from McNeese State University in Lake Charles, Louisiana, with a concentration in Environmental Science and Chemistry. After bouncing around in the various HSE fields, I landed at Global Industries in Carlyss, Louisiana, as an HSE Technician supporting both domestic and international blue water pipe-lay vessels. This was my first exposure to the maritime industry. After gaining more experience and being mentored by some of the best leaders in the field, I progressed in my role until Global Industries was acquired by Technip (now TechnipFMC) around 2011.
While at Technip, I was afforded tremendous opportunities to experience the maritime industry on a worldwide scale with frequent visits overseas to our ships supporting subsea operations in Europe, the Middle East, and Southeast Asia. Fun fact: Angie Fay at Blessey Marine and I were mentored by the same Regulatory and Compliance Manager early in our careers. I didn’t fully realize how tight-knit the maritime community was until then. It became even more apparent as time progressed.
 
I was fortunate enough to have found my position at Southern Devall in 2013. After being onshore in refineries, then offshore in blue water operations, the inland industry provided one of the warmest welcomes I’d ever experienced. Having worked for family-owned companies previously, there was a strong desire to find a company where family values and hard work were recognized. The Devall family, like many other inland towing operators, built the company on family-focused principles and humble beginnings. They’ve not lost sight of those principles and are continuing to instill them through the current Southern Devall leadership team.
 
The inland towing community has afforded me the opportunity to provide for my family and grow my career into what it has become today. Our industry can also provide nearly anyone with the same opportunity to prosper in a career beginning as a deckhand and progressing through the ranks to Captain in a very short period. If the willingness to learn exists combined with dedication to the safety of themselves and their fellow mariners, a job can turn into a lifelong career.
 
Seamen’s Church Institute to Sponsor Workshop on Suicide Prevention August 8 in New Orleans
Suicide is one of the most significant public health issues facing the world today. It has existed throughout history, across all cultures and periods. People's reasons for thinking about suicide are as complex and varied as those individuals themselves. But it’s critical to recognize that, with the proper knowledge and skills, most suicides can be prevented. LivingWorks safeTALK is a four-hour face-to-face workshop featuring powerful presentations, audiovisuals, and skills practice. At the upcoming LivingWorks safeTALK workshop sponsored by the Seamen’s Church Institute, you'll learn how to prevent suicide by recognizing when someone is considering suicide, engaging them, and connecting them to an intervention provider – such as a company’s EAP counselor or maritime chaplain – for further support. Participants build a safety network around these intervention providers and significantly increase their reach and impact. SCI Chaplain David Shirk will guide you through the course, and a community resource will be on hand to support your safety and comfort.
 
Training Details
Date:
Tuesday, August 8
Time:
7:30 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. CDT
Location:
New Orleans Public Belt Railroad
Cost:
$45.00 per person
Information and Registration:
Email Chaplain David Shirk for information and registration: dshirk@seamenschurch.org
 
A Recipe for a Healthier You
 
Burger Bowls
Kick your burger craving while also making healthier choices! Lots of healthy, and filling, ways to customize your burger bowls. Adapted from Real Food Dietitians.
 
Ingredients
For the burger bowl –
  • 1 lb. lean ground beef, or use ground turkey for a healthier swap
  • 8 cups leafy green of choice
  • Burger toppings of choice (suggestions: pickles, onions, tomatoes, turkey bacon, avocado or guacamole)
For the sweet potato wedges –
  • 2 medium sweet potatoes, washed and dried
  • 1 tablespoon oil (olive oil recommended)
  • ½ teaspoon garlic powder
  • ½ teaspoon chili powder
  • Coarse salt
  • Chopped parsley
For the special sauce –
  • ½ cup mayonnaise
  • 2 tablespoons no-sugar-added ketchup
  • 2 tablespoons diced pickles or relish
  • 2 teaspoons Dijon mustard
  • 1 teaspoon white vinegar or apple cider vinegar
  • ½ teaspoon onion powder
  • Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
  1. Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
  2. Slice sweet potatoes into wedges. Combine olive oil, garlic powder, and chili powder, and toss with sweet potatoes on baking sheet.
  3. Bake sweet potatoes for 25-35 minutes in a single layer, flipping halfway through. You may need to adjust cooking time based on the size of your wedges. Sweet potatoes should be lightly browned and crisp.
  4. Combine all the sauce ingredients in a bowl. Set aside.
  5. Cook the meat in a medium skillet over medium-high heat until it is no longer pink and season with salt and pepper.
  6. Assemble the bowls with about 2 cups of greens per bowl, the ground beef, and toppings you like. Add some sweet potato wedges and drizzle with sauce.
Health Tips
  • Sweet potatoes are a great carb substitute for your typical hamburger bun. They are a great source of vitamin C and potassium and have a high fiber content!
  • Adding greens is an easy way to get more vegetables in your diet.
AWO is invested in the wellness of our maritime family. Caitlin Kidd, AWO’s Manager - Membership & Digital Operations, is also a nutrition expert. She holds a Bachelor of Science degree in dietetics from the University of Northern Colorado and is passionate about helping others develop healthy habits through sharing the positive impact of good nutrition and making quality dietary choices. Do you have a recipe or an idea for a healthy meal? Share it with Caitlin by sending it to safety@americanwaterways.com – you could be included in a future newsletter!
 
Quick Safety Tip: IT IS HOT!
It is hot and the best way to avoid a heat-related illness is to limit exposure outdoors whenever possible during hot days. Here are some quick tips from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention:
• Air conditioning is the best way to cool off
• Drink fluids, even if you don’t feel thirsty, and avoid alcohol
• Wear loose, lightweight clothing and a hat
• Replace salt lost from sweating by drinking fruit juice or sports drinks
• Avoid spending time outdoors during the hottest part of the day, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
• Wear sunscreen; sunburn affects the body's ability to cool itself
• Pace yourself when you run or otherwise exert your body
 
AWO High Potential Learning Value Near Miss
Near Miss and Stop Work events are leading indicators that provide 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.
What is a High Potential Learning Value Near Miss?
A High Value Near Miss or Stop Work event is one that potentially prevents an injury or incident by:
  1. Identifying a hazard in the workplace that could result in injury or incident; and
  2. Providing an opportunity for reflective learning that has broad application to other mariners or operations.
  3. If the hazard is left uncontrolled, it has a medium to high probability of occurring.
 
Dryer Smoke
MEMBER-SUBMITTED NEAR MISS 23-04
One of the vessel crewmembers was drying their clothes in the dryer when the crew smelled and observed smoke emitting from the dryer area. The crew immediately secured the dryer and investigated the source. The crew found the dryer vent hose was the source of the smell and smoke and immediately addressed the issue.
 
POSSIBLE IMPACTS OF THIS EVENT COULD HAVE INCLUDED:
  1. Fire
  2. Injury
LESSONS LEARNED & FUTURE RISK MITIGATION:
  1. Dryer fires are one of the most easily preventable risks related to living on a vessel. Include checking the lint trap as a must-do before each drying cycle.
  2. On a regular basis, check your dryer’s lint trap and vent to ensure there are no clogs. Signs that you may have a problem include:
    1. Clothes remaining damp after a typical drying cycle
    2. Excess lint found in dried clothes
    3. Dryer overheating or shutting off mid-cycle
    4. No exhaust or weak exhaust felt on the outside of the lint vent
 
 
Stowaway Activity in the Caribbean Trade
 
There has been a noted increase in stowaway-related incidents in trade between Florida, the Dominican Republic, and Puerto Rico, particularly with vessels carrying bulk cargoes. The rise in stowaway activity appears to be cyclical, linked to changes in social and economic conditions in both regions. While most recent stowaways are of Dominican Republic origin, individuals from other Caribbean, South American, and African countries have also been involved.
 
The process of handling stowaways differs between the mainland U.S. and Puerto Rico and the Dominican Republic. In the mainland U.S. and Puerto Rico, U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) processes stowaways quickly, often achieving repatriation within 24 hours. However, repatriation from the Dominican Republic can take much longer, leading to additional expenses for vessel owners and operators, including security personnel, lodging, medical care, food, and travel for both stowaways and security escorts.
 
To protect vessel security and prevent stowaway-related costs and penalties, vessel owners and operators must be diligent in implementing their security measures. The American Club has issued a Member Alert describing the issue of stowaways and providing recommendations for owners and operators in the Caribbean trade. For members using the AWO Alternative Security Program, please review related security measures and please contact Adila Fathallah with any questions.
 
NTSB Determines Cause of Fire on Mary Dupre
The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) completed its investigation into the fire onboard the towing vessel Mary Dupre, which was pushing a single barge loaded with biodiesel toward Houston when it caught fire on June 26, 2022. The NTSB determined cracks in a muffler and the substantial use of combustible materials in accommodation spaces led to the fire.
 
Specifically, undetected cracks in the starboard muffler allowed exhaust gases from an operating engine to escape and ignite wooden structures affixed to the common bulkhead of an accommodation space. Contributing to the extent of the fire damage was the substantial use of combustible materials in the joinery, outfitting, and furnishings in the accommodation spaces. The fire led to a total loss of the vessel, which was estimated at $1 million. Nearby Good Samaritan towing vessels retrieved the barge, extinguished the fire, and evacuated the crewmembers. No injuries were reported.
 
LESSONS LEARNED & FUTURE RISK MITIGATION:
  1. Especially on older vessels, thorough inspections of exhaust systems should be conducted regularly. Owners should consider using mirrors, video equipment, or thermal imaging to detect cracks and deficiencies.
  2. Accommodation spaces near the stacks, engine room, or other possible sources of heat should be inspected to ensure no combustible materials are used in the space between the exhaust and engine room bulkheads and the bulkhead/walls of accommodation or common spaces.
RELATED CASUALTIES:
  1. Fire aboard Towing Vessel Jaxon Aaron, Marine Accident Brief NTSB/MAB-17/19, Washington, DC: NTSB.
  2. Fire On Board Fish Processing Vessel Juno, Marine Accident Brief NTSB/MAB-15/05, Washington, DC: NTSB.
 
USCG Report on Investigation of SEACOR POWER Capsizing
The Coast Guard Office of Investigations and Casualty Analysis has published its report of investigation on the capsizing of the Liftboat SEACOR POWER, which resulted in the loss of 13 lives. The Commandant convened a formal Marine Board of Investigation (MBI), which made 16 safety recommendations; the report includes the Coast Guard’s response to and action plan for each of the MBI’s recommendations. The Coast Guard recommends that vessel owners and operators review the report and incorporate the MBI’s recommended best practices into their safety management systems as appropriate. Below are some of the actions the agency is taking:
 
BSSE Safety Alert No. 466: Lack of Maintenance to Uninterruptible Power Supply Systems Leads to Failures
The Bureau of Safety and Environmental Enforcement (BSEE) has become aware of failures on industrial uninterrupted power supply (UPS) systems. A UPS is a battery backup device that activates when you lose power. Typically these systems are installed to back up electronics, such as computers, emergency lights, or communication devices (radar, VHS, etc.),
Failure of a UPS can lead to:
  1. Failure of the UPS to activate, leading to unexpected power and data loss;
  2. Overheating (or back feeding) of power to the UPS device, which may cause the generation of sparks or smoke; and/or
  3. Overcharging of UPS leading to a failure of the UPS to activate when a power loss is experienced.
These issues may seem minor at first glance, but upon investigation, it is revealed that many of these failures lead to full evacuation, loss of production, loss of product, and the failure of critical systems that are dependent on backup power. To prevent UPS issues, BSSE recommends companies take the following actions:
  1. Train personnel on the operation of the UPS and ensure information about the systems dependent on the UPS are well documented on site.
  2. Evaluate the feasibility of adding more redundancy to your power supply system.
  3. Evaluate infrastructure that allows for real-time monitoring of critical systems (including UPS).
  4. Review emergency response protocols with crew often and conduct drills.
  5. Establish maintenance and replacement protocols for UPS systems.
  6. Ensure one-line diagrams (where required) are up to date.
  7. Ensure equipment suppliers provide adequate documentation, including specifications, drawings, and installation, commissioning, and decommissioning procedures.
Read BSEE’s full Safety Alert No. 466 and all past BSEE safety alerts online.
 
Sustainability Focus
Since the publication of AWO’s Voluntary Environmental Stewardship Best Practices in 2021, environmental stewardship, sustainability, and decarbonization have become an increasing focus for our member companies, regulators, and legislators. Guided by our Strategic Plan and member leaders, including the CEO-level Sustainability Task Force, AWO is working to support members across the organization, from our recently established Sustainability Tech Working Group to our newly released video, The Tugboat, Towboat and Barge Industry: A Sustainability Leader Today, and Tomorrow.
 
To further our commitment to providing members with sustainability information, tools, and resources, the Safety Committees’ Summer Meeting in St. Louis will feature several presentations on sustainable technology, including:
  • A presentation by Gary Sarrat, Jr., Inland Waterways Segment Manager for Caterpillar, discussing Caterpillar’s alternative fuel and electric engine solutions in production and in development;
  • A panel discussion in which AWO member companies will present case studies on the use of alternative fuels, including biofuels and hybrid/electric engines, and discuss operational and safety considerations; and
  • A panel discussion featuring the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration and affiliate member companies discussing vessel design features and technology that can improve sustainability.
 
 
We Can Be HEROes
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 launched the program on March 1, recognizing our first awardees during the Safety Committees’ Winter Meeting. Since then, we have received several additional submissions, demonstrating the great things our mariners are doing every day to protect themselves, their crews, the environment, and the communities in which they operate.
 
AWO will be announcing some exciting updates to our program this August, including awarding challenge coins to recognized crews and announcing a valuable reward sponsored by an AWO affiliate member. Details about how to submit a nomination for the 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!
 
We congratulate the following recent recipients of the American Waterways HERO Award:
 
Company
Vessel
Date of Event
Canal Barge Company, Inc.
Bill Atkinson
7/31/2022
VANE LINE BUNKERING
Tug Pocomoke
7/17/2023
Strategic Towing Services, LLC
Miss Amanda M
7/24/2023
American Commercial Barge Line
MV David M. Fleming
7/10/2023
American Commercial Barge Line
MV Mike Sanders
7/10/2023
American Commercial Barge Line
MV Safety Challenger
7/10/2023
American Commercial Barge Line
MV Jackie O'Neal
7/10/2023
American Commercial Barge Line
MV Mark Glaab
7/10/2023
American Commercial Barge Line
MV Leo Lutgring
7/10/2023
TOTE Services
MV Midnight Sun
7/10/2023
TOTE Services & SSA Marine
M/V Midnight Sun / TOTE Terminal at the Port of Tacoma
6/30/2023
 
Subcommittee News
 
Tankering and Barge Operations Subcommittee
The Tankering and Barge Operations Subcommittee will meet prior to the AWO Safety Committees’ Summer Meeting on August 16. The Subcommittee works to identify general and specialized safety issues affecting tankermen and explore and develop appropriate industry-initiated solutions to improve the safety of tankering and barge operations. If you would like to join the Subcommittee in our work to improve the safety of liquid cargo transfers, please reach out to safety@americanwaterways.com
 
Falls Overboard Subcommittee
AWO’s Falls Overboard Subcommittee is made up of carrier and affiliate members with an interest in developing real-world solutions to address falls overboard, the leading cause of operational fatalities in the barge and towing industry. The Subcommittee is preparing a draft report on the prevention of falls overboard that will discuss standards, policies, tools, and equipment that may be used to mitigate the risk of falls from an unguarded edge of a barge. If you would like to participate in this Subcommittee, please email safety@americanwaterways.com.
 
Distracted Operations Subcommittee
The Distracted Operations Subcommittee is working to identify sources of distraction and develop tools to mitigate the risk of distractions as a contributing factor in marine casualties. Through the Subcommittee’s work, AWO has published a Sterile Wheelhouse Guide and a Deckhand Distracted Operations Guide. At the AWO Safety Committees’ Summer Meeting on August 17, the Subcommittee will share draft Best Practices for Shoreside Communication to Mitigate Distractions, which will be followed by a report that ties together the three work products. To join this Subcommittee, please email safety@americanwaterways.com.
 
Environmental Stewardship Working Group
AWO is working with members of the Environmental Stewardship Working Group to develop and publish an updated version of our Voluntary Environmental Stewardship Best Practices. The new version will be presented at the AWO Safety Committees’ Summer Meeting on August 17.
 
Sustainability Tech Working Group
The Sustainability Tech Working Group has been established to share information about technical options for reducing the carbon footprint of the tugboat, towboat, and barge industry; identify regulatory and other barriers to the adoption of sustainable technology; and guide AWO’s engagement with government and coalition partners. The Working Group held its kick-off meeting on July 20 and will be meeting on a bimonthly basis going forward. If you are interested in joining the Working Group, please contact Brad Trammell.
 
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 second 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