Big Changes Coming to Electronic Chart and Local Notice to Mariners Programs

AWO is working closely with the U.S. Coast Guard to prepare the maritime industry for a significant system upgrade that will transform the delivery of critical navigation safety products, including Local Notices to Mariners (LNTM) and Light Lists (LL). Scheduled for launch on December 2, this enhanced system aims to streamline access to safety information and improve operational efficiency for mariners.

 

The upgrade will include a free geographic-based (GIS) electronic mapping application that will automatically update with chart corrections as often as every 15 minutes. These corrections have historically been shared in weekly LNTM and LL publications. AWO has consolidated details, links, and insights into how these changes will affect industry operations onto a dedicated resource page available here.

 

Members and stakeholders are encouraged to bookmark the resource page, as AWO will continuously update it with essential information, detailed guidance, and additional resources throughout the transition. For questions, please reach out to Liam Morcroft.

Severe Incidents and Fatalities Standardization Working Group Opportunity, Led by National Safety Council

The National Safety Council (NSC) is seeking volunteers to participate in a workgroup aiming to enhance workplace safety and risk management to prevent Serious Incidents and Fatalities (SIFs) by updating safety standards within the American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) framework. The working group will submit revisions to the ASTM 2920 Severity Metrics Reporting Standard, informing the development of a new standard for risk prioritization, control, and engagement strategies across all organizational levels.

 

AWO is engaged with the NSC in this effort to promote alignment of ASTM and USCG Severity Ratings. NSC members are encouraged to email Perry Logan or Stephanie Roberts. AWO members who would like to contribute but who are not NSC members should contact safety@americanwaterways.com.

Severity Dashboard Launched by OSHA

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has released an online dashboard for Severe Injury Reports, allowing users to search and download data categorized by year, industry, state, establishment, and injury classification codes. The dashboard includes data on severe injuries reported by federally regulated employers since 2015. OSHA recommends that employees and employers use this resource to better understand industry-specific hazards and to promote injury prevention in the workplace.

 

The new dashboard is available on OSHA's website. Please contact safety@americanwaterways.com for more information.

Powering the Future: Sustainable Solutions for Maritime Operations - NEW Webinar Series

AWO's new sustainability webinar series kicks off next week. Session details and registration information is available on the AWO Events website and linked below. We hope you will join us!

 

This series is part of our ongoing work to support continuous improvement in safety and sustainability across our industry. The live webinars and recordings will be posted in the AWO Resource Library and are open to all members. To register, please visit the AWO Events Page or contact Caitlin Clark. For more information, contact Michael Breslin.

AWO's Moveable Bridge Quality Action Team Needs Your Input!

AWO's Moveable Bridge Quality Action Team is collecting information about bridge-related problems, including late bridge openings, communication issues, inoperable lights, and other issues that affect safe navigation.

 

Please send event reports that match the above criteria to AWO using the AWO Bridge Event Reporting Form or by emailing bridges@americanwaterways.com. To learn more about this effort, please contact Liam Morcroft.

American Waterways HERO Award - Nominate Your Crew for Heroic Acts

The American Waterways Honor & Excellence in Rescue Operations (HERO) Award, in partnership with 360 Coverage Pros & Berkley Offshore, documents and recognizes rescues undertaken by AWO member company employees that demonstrate selflessness, skill and bravery.

 

Qualifying events for the award include selfless service actions that reflect the safety culture of the American tugboat, towboat and barge industry, such as:

To nominate your crew, fill out this simple form on the AWO website. AWO invites awardees and their families to be recognized at seminannual Safety Committee Meetings where they are recognized and awarded with a certificate for the vessel, a HERO Award Coin and a complimentary one-year marine license and liability insurance policy for each mariner offered by 360 Coverage Pros & Berkley Offshore.

 

Congratulations to this month's recipients of the American Waterways HERO Award!

 

For more information, please contact safety@americanwaterways.com.

AWO Resources Library - New Safety Resources Available

In this resource, provided by Signal Mutual, work helmets and hard hats are compared across many categories, including use cases, durability, and protective qualities. Head injuries account for a significant portion of workplace injuries. Use this resource to help your organization choose the right protection for your team.  A YouTube video complements this resource: MIPS Explained

 

BOOKMARK THIS LINK: This Fall, the Coast Guard is updating Local Notice to Mariners and Light List formats produced by the Navigation Center. This alert contains details about changes that have already been made, timelines for planned changes coming soon, and analysis of the effects on vessel operators. AWO will continue to update the resource as more information is received, so save the link and check back often!

Please Share Your Organization's High Value Near Misses and Best Practices 

AWO wants to promote your organization's safety program! Please share your tips, best practices, lessons learned, or other resources using the AWO High-Value Near Miss Form or by emailing safety@americanwaterways.com. All identifying details are removed from submissions for near-misses, or by request.

Coast Guard Issues Safety Alerts

The U.S. Coast Guard has published the following four safety alerts on its Safety Alerts (uscg.mil) site in recent months. Visit the links to learn more about each one:

Intermodal Incident and Near-Miss Highlight the Importance of Situational Awareness

RAIL - NTSB RIR 24-10 - CSX Transportation Employee Fatality | Report date: 10-21-2024

Conditions: 9-17-23 at 3:24 a.m., dark, clear, overhead lights and headlamp.

A CSX crewmember with 18 years of experience was struck and killed by a pair of remote-control locomotives (in which the locomotive operator is at the rear of the train, unable to see the tracks in front). Remote operations are common in defined areas of switchyards that are not open to the public.

 

The fatality occurred when the worker crossed an active track and was struck by a train traveling at 10 mph. Contributing factors include failing to look both ways before crossing, failing to perform a pre-task briefing, and lacking situational awareness. Corrective actions included changing audible alerts (horn blasts) of a moving train more often and issuing a safety bulletin (through the Federal Railroad Administration) about situational awareness.

 

BSEE Safety Alert 491 - Increased Crane Safety Awareness during Helideck Operations | Report date: 11-5-2024

In September, a routine helicopter landing at an offshore facility nearly ended in a serious incident. The helicopter pilot visually confirmed a safe landing area, noting a nearby stowed and stationary crane. However, as the helicopter neared, the crane operator unexpectedly raised the crane boom, bringing it alarmingly close to the landing area as the helicopter was 10 feet from touchdown. The pilot avoided a collision to ensure the safety of passengers and crew. The crane operator was unaware of the helicopter.

 

BSEE issued suggested corrective actions, including:

Details about these and other incidents and investigations can be found on the NTSB and BSEE websites.

AWO Submits Comments to OCIMF for BIQ-5

AWO's Barge Inspection and Barge Questionnaire Advisory Panel (ABBA) submitted comments to three questions sent by the Oil Companies International Marine Forum (OCIMF). ABBA represents the tug and barge industry in OCIMF's working group that is developing new question sets for the SIRE program. This is an incremental step to the rollout of SIRE 2.0, which is scheduled for release in 2027, according to OCIMF.

 

The three OCIMF questions (italicized) and summaries of AWO's responses (bolded) are below:

AWO: "Allow inspections to be 'at least weekly'; allow inspections to be recorded independently, in pre-arrival/departure or voyage plan checklists, during watch change checks, or as a part of other tests or inspections." 

AWO: "Change 'vessel' to 'manned vessel' (or similar) to prevent application of this guidance to certain vessels (unmanned barges) where installation of a fall overboard prevention system that uses restraints or rails may introduce hazards rather than mitigate risk." 

**Guidance for OCIMF inspector (list shortened for this article)**

Type V PFDs (Work Vests): Every crewmember should wear a work vest or PFD when outside on the weather and fleet decks of the vessel and when on a barge or dock.

AWO: "This guidance is outside of the requirements in 46 CFR 140.430. AWO recommends any published guidance be in line with these requirements."

 

For more information about AWO's work with OCIMF or to join ABBA, please contact safety@americanwaterways.com.

Marquette Demonstrates Fall Overboard Prevention System   

Marquette Transportation Company recently demonstrated a fall-overboard prevention system for AWO at their St. Rose, Louisiana facility. Featuring a portable, point-of-use design and fashioned after gear used by rock climbers, the system consists of a belt and high-strength, lightweight, abrasion-resistant ropes and slings temporarily connected by the end user to structurally sound points such as barge coaming walls when a deck crew is preparing to work near an unguarded edge.

 

The crew easily carries the approximately two-pound, compact set of gear in a pouch or cargo pocket until they need to work near an unguarded edge. Depending on whether they are working in a single area or traversing along the edge, they begin by installing either a single-point anchor sling or a span anchor (a horizontally rigged anchor line). They then connect their personal restraint line to the sling or span anchor.

 

The length of the restraint line, controlled by the user with a lightweight camming device, allows work near the barge edge but is kept short enough to prevent accidental steps or falls over the edge. Used correctly as the fall restraint/prevention system that it is, a worker cannot physically fall overboard.

 

Marquette partnered with Eric Ulner of Overboard Prevention Training, LLC, and Emergency Response Solutions International to help it design and develop the system. By utilizing existing barge structures as anchor points, rather than requiring engineered anchor points, the system may be used on many different barge designs. Its versatility and portability ensure the system is a worthwhile investment for deck crew safety on any barge type when used as designed to prevent mistakes that lead to a fall overboard.

 

For more information on the system design, please contact Eric Ulner. For questions about Marquette's use of the system, please contact John Hazel or Brian Khey of Marquette Transportation. To share your fall-overboard prevention ideas, please contact safety@americanwaterways.com.

AWO Presents at National Safety Council Waterborne Transportation Meeting

AWO's Recreational Boater Safety Working Group (RBG) presented at the National Safety Council Waterborne Transportation Group Meeting in New Orleans on November 12. Captain David Foret and AWO Director of Safety & Sustainability Michael Breslin presented an overview of the RBG's work to promote multi-use waterways safety, reviewed case studies, shared available resources for recreational boaters, and discussed the group's plans for future engagements.

 

Other presentations included MARAD's Safe MTS Near Miss collection system, a presentation by Shell on Human & Organizational Performance, a USCG presentation about marine firefighting standards, and other informative and timely topics.

 

The group is planning its next meeting for late April in Houston, TX. AWO members are encouraged to join! To learn more about the Waterborne Transportation Group, visit the NSC's website or contact Michael Breslin to learn more about AWO's Recreational Boater Safety Working Group.

Safety Professional Spotlight

Jeffrey P. Threadgill - Corporate HSE Manager, Rio Marine, Inc.

My career in safety began shortly after college when I joined the compliance department of an industrial laboratory. In that role, I was responsible for developing policies and procedures, which gave me my first insights into what it means to cultivate a true "safety mindset." I thrive on the challenges of investigations and the opportunity to design programs that enhance safety culture.

 

At Rio Marine, Inc., I am committed to fostering an environment where every team member is equipped with the knowledge and tools to succeed safely and effectively in the workplace. When not at work, I live in Seabrook, Texas, with my wife, two dogs, and our cat. I'm a huge motorsports fan (mainly MotoGP) and enjoy spending time with my family.

 

Your work at RIO Marine exposes you to many different organizations. In your experience, what impact does a strong safety culture have on an organization's success? Can you share any examples - good, bad, or otherwise?

The impact of a strong culture of safety is massive!

 

Cultivating it requires commitment and collaboration from every level of an organization. Culture is the product of an organization's collective efforts. A "Culture of Zero" results when the entire organization is committed to achieving zero incidents and zero compromises on safety. It begins with clearly defined responsibilities and a unified vision of how an organization will work toward zero. Policies must be crafted to establish accountability, foster trust across teams, and celebrate milestones as an organization builds a resilient and effective safety culture.

 

I believe there are tenets to a strong safety program:

 

Believe - Everyone must believe in the goal of zero. Are three, four, or five events acceptable? The goal must be zero because only zero incidents are acceptable, and we must continuously improve until we meet that goal. Believing in a goal of zero is essential to achieving a strong safety culture.

 

Belong - In many ways, the nature of our work makes safety success very much an individual accomplishment. Many people work at Zero daily, month after month, year after year, but safety culture is not about individual accomplishment. It is the result of collective efforts that are achieved only when everyone is working toward constant improvement and a goal of zero incidents. The movement from compliant to safe is bigger than any one person. A culture of safety, a culture of zero, can only be achieved when everyone strives to reach the goal.

 

Become - Building a safety culture of zero requires transformational change. In successful organizations, people become better leaders, communicate more effectively, respect risk, accept potential outcomes, and have the courage and integrity to follow processes, systems, and procedures every time.  This all starts with a willingness to change and it is a key part of building a safety culture of zero.

 

How would you describe the "Safety Culture" of Rio Marine Inc. to those outside of your organization?

Safety is vital to Rio Marine's success as a leader in the industry.

 

Rio embraces the culture of being a Zero-Event Workplace. It is Rio's ultimate responsibility to ensure the safety and well-being of our employees, customers, and the community in which we serve. This demands a commitment to safety in the workplace, attention to ensure no damage to customer equipment and care to ensure no environmental impacts. Our core values of safety, integrity, accountability, and innovation drive constant company improvement, and our inspiration is the assurance that our success in safety is directly related to company success and customer satisfaction.

 

Naming safety as a core value is what separates Rio Marine from our competitors. Our drive to be the best in the industry does not conflict with this commitment - it complements it. The philosophy at Rio is that safety is good business. This benefits our teammates, their families, our customers, and the company.

 

You have been highly successful in your career! Can you share how you came to work in the marine industry and any advice you have for someone considering maritime transportation as a career?

We have a dedicated team of individuals who have helped cultivate a culture of consistency regarding JSA dispersals, continuing education, record retention, and the development of our technician training. My success is only possible because of the team members I work with. There is a comradery that is deep-rooted within Rio Marine Inc.

 

Prior to working for Rio Marine, I had a diverse background in areas ranging from laboratory environments to the petrochemical world. Safety, Quality, and Compliance have always been my strong suits, and I've learned that it takes a certain mindset to enjoy after-hours investigations, RCA reporting, and program development.

 

I have always had a passion and deep respect for the maritime industry. My family has spent decades working offshore, boating, and sailing. I believe this love for the water is why I gravitated to the industry. I enjoy the challenges of a 24/7/365 work environment, and I appreciate the industry's interest in helping each other achieve success. This and the industry's common belief that safety excellence is achievable for every organization are what make the marine industry attractive to me.

 

For anyone who craves opportunity and challenge, my advice is simple when it comes to deciding if they should join the marine industry: DO IT!

SSRP Program Updates - 3rd Quarter Data is Due

AWO recently improved a valuable resource for our members by upgrading the AWO Safety Statistics Reporting Program (SSRP). The upgrade significantly improved many aspects of the SSRP, including, but not limited to:

All AWO members have access to the SSRP program as a benefit of membership. Carrier members are strongly encouraged to enter data on a quarterly basis as the value of the program is directly tied to the rate of participation. More participation means better representation of the true incident statistics of our member companies.

 

Third quarter SSRP data was due on October 31, so please upload your data if you have not already submitted it. If you have questions, issues, or suggestions for program improvement, please email safety@americanwaterways.com.