Click to edit Master title style 1 OPERATIONS Western Gulf Coast Edition TX DOT Ports & Waterways Conference 2009 Section 5
Click to edit Master title style 5.1 Towing 2 5.1 Towing
Click to edit Master title style
Click Towing to edit Master title style 4 5.1 Towing
Click to edit Line Master Haul title style Boat travels a specific route with a time schedule Barges are placed into the tow at specific hubs Barges drop out along the way Compares to bus service 5 5.1 Towing
Current Click to Illinois edit Master Line Haul title style Model 6 UMR Joliet Haverhill Pittsburgh Illinois River Ohio River Cairo One 4000 HP One 5600 HP One 6600 HP 21 day R/T Transit 25,000 Target Tons on LMR 14,000 Target Tons on Illinois L M R Loading Protocol to make a scheduled sail date: West of BR, or east of NOLA, must load 7 days prior South of Plaquemine must load 4 days prior BR harbor must load 2 days prior Baton Rouge 5.1 Towing * 12:00 is the time of day to define the load/sail date.
Click to edit Unit Master Tow title style 7 Boat and barges comprise unit Unit stays together to load and discharge port Crew very knowledgeable Compares to limousine service 5.1 Towing
Click to Six edit Pack Master Tows title style 8 5.1 Towing
Click to edit Master title style 5.2 Towing Configurations 9 5.2 Towing Configurations
Speed Less resistance Click to Strung edit Master Out Tow title style Easier to meet other tows in narrow channels Length Wind catcher (empties) Hard to cross strong currents (rivers) 1180 feet max length (canal) Pick meeting points carefully Rake on stern for backing and stopping (usual) Slow steering (long tows) 10 5.2 Towing Configurations
Doubled-Up Click to edit / Master Oversized title Tows style Advantages: Shorter length equals less wind leverage Constraints: Requires permit for tow over 55 feet wide or more than one-half the width of the bottom of the channel, which ever is less Limitations: Oversize permit requires doubled-up tow give way in all meeting and overtaking situations Safety: Allows tows to run in moderate winds and have more control Stopping Distance: Reduces stopping issues (empties) Turning Ability: Length allows maneuverability 11 5.2 Towing Configurations
The Click Value to of edit Running Master Doubled-Up title style 12 5.2 Towing Configurations
The Click Value to of edit Running Master Doubled-Up title style 13 Wind 5.2 Towing Configurations
The Click Value to of edit Running Master Doubled-Up title style 14 Wind 5.2 Towing Configurations
The Click Value to of edit Running Master Doubled-Up title style 15 Wind 5.2 Towing Configurations
The Click Value to of edit Running Master Doubled-Up title style 16 Wind 5.2 Towing Configurations
The Click Value to of edit Running Master Doubled-Up title style 17 Wind 5.2 Towing Configurations
The Click Value to of edit Running Master Doubled-Up title style 18 Wind 5.2 Towing Configurations
The Click Value to of edit Running Master Doubled-Up title style 19 Wind 5.2 Towing Configurations
The Click Value to of edit Running Master Doubled-Up title style 20 Wind 5.2 Towing Configurations
The Click Value to of edit Running Master Doubled-Up title style 21 Wind 5.2 Towing Configurations
The Click Value to of edit Running Master Doubled-Up title style 22 Wind 5.2 Towing Configurations
The Click Value to of edit Running Master Doubled-Up title style 23 Wind 5.2 Towing Configurations
The Click Value to of edit Running Master Doubled-Up title style 24 Wind 5.2 Towing Configurations
The Click Value to of edit Running Master Doubled-Up title style 25 Wind 5.2 Towing Configurations
The Click Value to of edit Running Master Doubled-Up title style 26 Wind 5.2 Towing Configurations
The Click Value to of edit Running Master Doubled-Up title style 27 Wind 5.2 Towing Configurations
The Click Value to of edit Running Master Doubled-Up title style 28 Wind 5.2 Towing Configurations
The Click Value to of edit Running Master Doubled-Up title style 29 Wind 5.2 Towing Configurations
The Click Value to of edit Running Master Doubled-Up title style 30 Wind 5.2 Towing Configurations
The Click Value to of edit Running Master Doubled-Up title style 31 Wind 5.2 Towing Configurations
The Click Value to of edit Running Master Doubled-Up title style 32 Wind 5.2 Towing Configurations
The Click Value to of edit Running Master Doubled-Up title style 33 Wind 5.2 Towing Configurations
The Click Value to of edit Running Master Doubled-Up title style 34 Wind 5.2 Towing Configurations
The Click Value to of edit Running Master Doubled-Up title style 35 Wind 5.2 Towing Configurations
The Click Value to of edit Running Master Doubled-Up title style 36 Wind 5.2 Towing Configurations
The Click Value to of edit Running Master Doubled-Up title style 37 Wind 5.2 Towing Configurations
The Click Value to of edit Running Master Doubled-Up title style 38 Wind 5.2 Towing Configurations
The Click Value to of edit Running Master Doubled-Up title style 39 Wind 5.2 Towing Configurations
The Click Value to of edit Running Master Doubled-Up title style 40 Wind 5.2 Towing Configurations
The Click Value to of edit Running Master Doubled-Up title style 41 Wind 5.2 Towing Configurations
The Click Value to of edit Running Master Doubled-Up title style 42 Wind 5.2 Towing Configurations
The Click Value to of edit Running Master Doubled-Up title style 43 Wind 5.2 Towing Configurations
The Click Value to of edit Running Master Doubled-Up title style 44 Wind 5.2 Towing Configurations
The Click Value to of edit Running Master Doubled-Up title style 45 Wind 5.2 Towing Configurations
The Click Value to of edit Running Master Doubled-Up title style 46 Wind 5.2 Towing Configurations
The Click Value to of edit Running Master Doubled-Up title style 47 Wind 5.2 Towing Configurations
The Click Value to of edit Running Master Doubled-Up title style 48 Wind 5.2 Towing Configurations
The Click Value to of edit Running Master Doubled-Up title style 49 Wind 5.2 Towing Configurations
The Click Value to of edit Running Master Doubled-Up title style 50 Wind 5.2 Towing Configurations
The Click Value to of edit Running Master Doubled-Up title style 51 Wind 5.2 Towing Configurations
The Click Value to of edit Running Master Doubled-Up title style 52 Wind 5.2 Towing Configurations
Click to Oversized edit Master Tows title style Advantages: Move large tows in moderate weather by doubling up Constraints: Requires permit Burdened vessel Limitations: Length or width during locking, meeting, and overtaking Slower transit times Safety: Requires very experienced wheelmen Stopping Distance: Increased Squares against the boat Turning Ability: Good Need to allow for slide room 53 5.2 Towing Configurations
Click to Oversized edit Master Tows title style 54 5.2 Towing Configurations
Click to Oversized edit Master Tows title style 55 1,200 feet 5.2 Towing Configurations
Click to edit Master title style
Click Weather to edit Master Conditions title style Captains watch weather conditions daily and make decisions about when and how far they can run The stack up of tows once the weather breaks concerns all Good cooperation and coordination enjoyed by VTS areas also needed by all boats outside of VTS areas Conservative decisions must be made to insure safety of crews and cargoes as many open bays along Gulf Coast can get very rough 57 5.3 Environmental Impacts
One Whistle Click to Passing edit Master Both title Tows styleempty 58 5.3 Environmental Impacts
One Whistle Click to Passing edit Master Both title Tows styleempty 59 Wind 5.3 Environmental Impacts
One Whistle Click to Passing edit Master Both title Tows styleempty 60 Wind 5.3 Environmental Impacts
One Whistle Click to Passing edit Master Both title Tows styleempty 61 Wind 5.3 Environmental Impacts
One Whistle Click to Passing edit Master Both title Tows styleempty 62 Wind 5.3 Environmental Impacts
One Whistle Click to Passing edit Master Both title Tows styleempty 63 Wind 5.3 Environmental Impacts
One Whistle Click to Passing edit Master Both title Tows styleempty 64 Wind 5.3 Environmental Impacts
One Whistle Click to Passing edit Master Both title Tows styleempty 65 Wind 5.3 Environmental Impacts
One Whistle Click to Passing edit Master Both title Tows styleempty 66 Wind 5.3 Environmental Impacts
One Whistle Click to Passing edit Master Both title Tows styleempty 67 Wind 5.3 Environmental Impacts
One Whistle Click to Passing edit Master Both title Tows styleempty 68 Wind 5.3 Environmental Impacts
One Whistle Click to Passing edit Master Both title Tows styleempty 69 Wind 5.3 Environmental Impacts
One Whistle Click to Passing edit Master Both title Tows styleempty 70 Wind 5.3 Environmental Impacts
Click Two to edit Whistle Master Passing title style 71 5.3 Environmental Impacts
Click Two to edit Whistle Master Passing title style 72 One tow empty One tow loaded Wind 5.3 Environmental Impacts
Click Two to edit Whistle Master Passing title style 73 One tow empty One tow loaded Wind 5.3 Environmental Impacts
Click Two to edit Whistle Master Passing title style 74 One tow empty One tow loaded Wind 5.3 Environmental Impacts
Click Two to edit Whistle Master Passing title style 75 One tow empty One tow loaded Wind 5.3 Environmental Impacts
Click Two to edit Whistle Master Passing title style 76 One tow empty One tow loaded Wind 5.3 Environmental Impacts
Click Two to edit Whistle Master Passing title style 77 One tow empty One tow loaded Wind 5.3 Environmental Impacts
Click Two to edit Whistle Master Passing title style 78 One tow empty One tow loaded Wind 5.3 Environmental Impacts
Click Two to edit Whistle Master Passing title style 79 One tow empty One tow loaded Wind 5.3 Environmental Impacts
Click Two to edit Whistle Master Passing title style 80 One tow empty One tow loaded Wind 5.3 Environmental Impacts
Click Tides to edit and Master Currents title style Tidal velocities are major concern along Gulf Coast Normal tidal flows produce up to 3 MPH tidal velocity Impedes safe passage of tows (especially long tows) crossing or turning into tidal channels 81 5.3 Environmental Impacts
Lydia Ann Channel and Corpus Christi Ship Channel Click to Mile edit 535 Master A GIWW title style 82 5.3 Environmental Impacts
Matagorda Ship Channel and GIWW Intersection Click to Mile edit 471 Master GIWWtitle style 83 The northern route only exists because of the partnership between the Coast Guard and industry, and the determination of people who are passionate about marine safety. 5.3 Environmental Impacts
Colorado River and GIWW Intersection Click to Mile edit 441 Master GIWWtitle style 84 Currents average.4 to 1 MPH normally, but can reach speeds of up to 8 MPH during floods. 5.3 Environmental Impacts
San Bernard River and GIWW Intersection Click to Mile edit 405 Master GIWWtitle style 85 5.3 Environmental Impacts
Brazos River and GIWW Intersection Click to Mile edit 400 Master GIWWtitle style 86 Currents average.5 to 1 MPH, but can reach velocities of up to 6 MPH. Differentials in the gates can reach 2 feet with very strong East and West currents. 5.3 Environmental Impacts
Click Tides to edit and Master Currents title style 87 5.3 Environmental Impacts
Click Tides to edit and Master Currents title style 88 5.3 Environmental Impacts
Click Tides to edit and Master Currents title style 89 5.3 Environmental Impacts
Click Tides to edit and Master Currents title style 90 5.3 Environmental Impacts
Click Tides to edit and Master Currents title style 91 5.3 Environmental Impacts
Click Tides to edit and Master Currents title style 92 5.3 Environmental Impacts
Freeport Ship Channel and GIWW Intersection Click to Mile edit 395 Master GIWWtitle style 93 5.3 Environmental Impacts
Bolivar Road and GIWW Intersection Click to Mile edit 350 Master GIWWtitle style 94 Bolivar Road s alternate inbound route is another story of successful cooperation between industry and the Coast Guard, improving Marine Safety Seaman s Church Simulator facilities. Personnel also assisted in testing theories and proving the concept. 5.3 Environmental Impacts
Rollover Pass and GIWW Intersection Click to Mile edit 330 Master GIWWtitle style 95 Many of the areas under discussion require Captains to cooperate, plan, and insure traffic is only one-way through these areas. 5.3 Environmental Impacts
Sabine and Neches Rivers at GIWW Intersection Click to Mile edit 290 Master GIWWtitle style 96 5.3 Environmental Impacts
Sabine and Neches Rivers and GIWW Intersection Click to Mile edit 275 Master GIWWtitle style 97 5.3 Environmental Impacts
Click to River edit Conditions Master title style Rivers that drain major portions of the country: Mississippi, Atchafalaya, Sabine, Neches, San Jacinto, Brazos, Colorado, etc. All rivers rise and fall with heavy rainfall and drought Not uncommon to deal with drought on upper river and flooding on lower 98 5.3 Environmental Impacts
Click to River edit Conditions Master title style River levels monitored daily Velocity and navigation channels change very quickly Prudent mariners must know river conditions before attempting to enter or cross River operations require significant, specific geographical knowledge and navigational skill 99 5.3 Environmental Impacts
Weather Click to Concerns edit Master Hurricanes title style 100 5.3 Environmental Impacts
Every company should have a hurricane plan Hurricanes Click to edit Master Before title and style After Pre-determined and scouted locations to wait weather Locks, bridges, and waterways must remain open Allows vessels to move away from predicted storm path Northbound tows should continue as far North as possible 101 5.3 Environmental Impacts
Hurricanes Click to edit Master Before title and style After Historically, loaded barges have faired hurricane-force winds and tidal surges much better than empties Not all are loaded Not all are discharged Loads often used to help keep empties secure Loose equipment poses threat to human life and the environment Cooperation with ports critical to insure all parties remaining in port are secure 102 5.3 Environmental Impacts
Hurricanes Click to edit Master Before title and style After Industry, local, state, and federal agencies share resources and expertise to insure waterways open as soon as is safely possible Nation s economy dependant on commerce carried by inland waterway system Joint Hurricane Response Team a prime example of working together to get the best results 103 5.3 Environmental Impacts
Click to edit Master title style 5.4 Infrastructure 104 5.4 Infrastructure
Advantages: Click to edit Locks Master title style Prevent flooding and maintain navigable water depths Prevent salt water from flooding fresh water marshes and/or habitats Impact on Commerce: Without locks and dams rivers are impassable; industry grinds to a halt Boat/Lock Interface: Boats make contact with the lock and agree on their turn Tripping: A term used when tow breaks up into barges or smaller groups of barges to make the lock For length reasons To allow for better maneuverability 105 5.4 Infrastructure
Click to Lock edit Operation Master title style 106 5.4 Infrastructure
Click to Lock edit Operation Master title style 107 5.4 Infrastructure
Click to Lock edit Operation Master title style 108 5.4 Infrastructure
Click to Lock edit Operation Master title style 109 5.4 Infrastructure
Click to Lock edit Operation Master title style 110 5.4 Infrastructure
Click to Lock edit Operation Master title style 111 5.4 Infrastructure
Click to Locks edit Master and Dams title style Locks built in connection with dams allow traffic to pass from one body of water to the next Dams built for: Navigation Power generation Both Specific hazards as tows enter locks built into dams 112 5.4 Infrastructure
Newburgh Click to Lock edit Master and Dam title style Indiana 113 5.4 Infrastructure
Newburgh Click to Lock edit Master and Dam title style Indiana 114 5.4 Infrastructure
Click to edit Flood Master Gatestitle style 115 5.4 Infrastructure
Click to edit Flood Master Gatestitle style Prevent natural rivers from flooding the Intercoastal Waterway and surrounding property Example: Brazos Flood Gates located in Freeport, Texas 116 Though successful in controlling flooding, these flood gates also insure swift currents in these rivers Can make for very interesting navigation challenges 5.4 Infrastructure
The Jessica Brent coming out of West gate Brazos Click to edit Flood Master Gatestitle style 117 5.4 Infrastructure
The Jessica Brent coming out of West gate Brazos Click to edit Flood Master Gatestitle style 118 5.4 Infrastructure
Note the bow beginning to enter the current Click to edit Flood Master Gatestitle style 119 5.4 Infrastructure
As the bow enters the current, the captain steers against it as the tow is set sideways down river. Compare the lock wall in the previous picture. These were taken seconds apart Click to edit Flood Master Gatestitle style 120 5.4 Infrastructure
The Jessica Brent gets pushed downriver Click to edit Flood Master Gatestitle style 121 5.4 Infrastructure
She continues to get pushed downriver. The bow is now out of the current; the stern is still getting pushed downriver Click to edit Flood Master Gatestitle style 122 5.4 Infrastructure
Shoving upriver and out of the strong current in the center Click to edit Flood Master Gatestitle style 123 5.4 Infrastructure
Lining up for the gates: 12 feet of clearance on each side. Looks pretty small from 300 feet away (length of the barge) Click to edit Flood Master Gatestitle style 124 5.4 Infrastructure
Strong eddy here shoves towards the North wall Must hold to South wall tightly Click to edit Flood Master Gatestitle style 125 5.4 Infrastructure
Note how close the captain has to hold the barge to the lock wall Click to edit Flood Master Gatestitle style 126 5.4 Infrastructure
Tankerman posted on each corner constantly calls distances to Captain over the radio Critical to safe passage Rain or shine, night or day Click to edit Flood Master Gatestitle style 127 5.4 Infrastructure
Note how the eddy has pushed the stern of the tow North Click to edit Flood Master Gatestitle style 128 5.4 Infrastructure
Because Captain held bow tight on the South wall, he can steer the stern off the North wall Click to edit Flood Master Gatestitle style 129 5.4 Infrastructure
Captain has done a really good job of bringing her in safely Click to edit Flood Master Gatestitle style 130 5.4 Infrastructure
Easy to see the power needed to safely navigate the gate! Click to edit Flood Master Gatestitle style 131 5.4 Infrastructure
A safe trip through Click to edit Flood Master Gatestitle style 132 5.4 Infrastructure
Principles of operations Impact on commerce Tripping Click to edit Bridges Master title style 133 5.4 Infrastructure
Click to edit Bridges Master title style No Bridge was built by a Captain This bridge was built by someone who really disliked boats and boat people 134 5.4 Infrastructure
Click to edit Bridges Master title style 135 Typical wind pattern Typical tidal current flow 5.4 Infrastructure
Click Queen to edit Isabella Master Causeway title style 136 5.4 Infrastructure
Both in open water Click Two to edit Tough Master Bridges title style Both subject to high crosswinds Galveston Causeway had long fender system Queen Isabella in a bend 137 Both subject to very strong tidal forces Both have high use by recreational boaters Very experienced people consider both very difficult to make Galveston Causeway has the distinction of being named an official hazard to navigation 5.4 Infrastructure
Click Pontoon edit Master Bridges title style Pontoon or swing bridges made of barges pulled out of the way by cables High level of communication and cooperation needed by both mariners and bridge tenders A frequent problem that has improved due to cooperative efforts of both parties 138 5.4 Infrastructure
Click to edit Lift Master Bridgestitle style 139 5.4 Infrastructure
Click to Mooring edit Master Buoys title style Principles of operation 140 Tethered to the bottom by a length of chain attached to an anchor Provide a place to stop and secure tows without worry of the tide falling out from under tows while pushed into the bank Allow boats to trip barges across rivers like the Brazos and Colorado 5.4 Infrastructure
Mooring buoys, though fixed to the bottom, move in all directions to the extent of their anchor chain and tidal influence Click to Mooring edit Master Buoys title style 141 5.4 Infrastructure
This can be as much as 20 to 40 feet; which is significant given a 125 foot channel and a 50 foot wide tow tied to the buoy Click to Mooring edit Master Buoys title style 142 5.4 Infrastructure
Click to Mooring edit Master Buoys title style 143 5.4 Infrastructure
Click to Mooring edit Master Buoys title style 144 5.4 Infrastructure
Click to Mooring edit Master Buoys title style 145 5.4 Infrastructure
Click to edit Master title style 5.5 Special Considerations 146 5.5 Special Considerations
Congestion Speed Risk Analysis Click to edit Master title style Traffic 147 5.5 Special Considerations
Click to edit Master title style Commercial/Pleasure Craft Interaction Maneuvering, acceleration, and deceleration of large vessels Blind spots on vessels No understanding of navigation rules by recreational community Training 148 5.5 Special Considerations
Click to edit Blind Master Spotstitle style 149 Danger Area 5.5 Special Considerations
Click to The edit Big Master Problem title style 150 We lose sight of small craft at a minimum of 275 and 300 feet from our bow. Captains must assume that the small craft is still coming at their bow. Many times we have sounded the five whistle danger signal and started backing only to see the small craft come darting down the side of the tow waving like we were blowing our horn in support of their cool boat or their choice of libation. 5.5 Special Considerations
Click to The edit Big Master Problem title style 151 5.5 Special Considerations
Click to edit Congestion Master title style Infrastructure built for smaller tows and less of them Boats and Barges are at an all time high utilization rate. Rates in the high 90s are very common Rapid Building bringing many new people to the industry 152 5.12 Sharing the Waterways
Operational Click to edit Communications Master title style Mobile Phones Email MSIB BNTM VHF Radio Boat Mail Fleet Bulletins Electronic Charting Notes Orders and sailing information sent via computer Company newsletters and Trade Newsletters 153 5.12 Sharing the Waterways
MSIB, Click Safety to edit Zones, Master Announcements title style 154 Best way to spread any news, rather urgent or not, is email. Emailing trade associations like GICA, AWO, GNOBFA gets the word to their mailing list immediately and from there to vessels through company messaging systems. 5.12 Sharing the Waterways
Click to edit Master title style 5.13 Industry Audits and Oversights 155 5.13 Industry Audits and Oversights
Click to edit AWO Master / RCPtitle style 156 American Waterway Operators has completed and implemented a Responsible Carriers Standard for their members This Standard contains many of the aspects being considered for the inspection regime for Towing Vessels. The standard requires internal audits annually of both the equipment and the management system To be a member of A.W.O. your vessels must be enrolled in and meet the requirements of the Responsible Carrier Standard 80% of inland towing equipment participates in the AWO / RCP program 5.13 Industry Audits and Oversights
Click to edit BIRE/SIRE Master title style 157 OCIMF = Oil Companies International Marine Forum has put together a standard inspection tool called the Ship Inspection Report Program. (SIRE) A sub-committee of OCIMF has put together a barge version called the Barge Inspection Report Program. (BIRE) Which is also used to inspect the un-inspected towing vessels if they are in attendance with the barges It is a comprehensive inspection program which includes equipment, procedures, licenses and qualifications of mariners, and systems After the inspection is complete it is posted on the WEB and all OCIMF members can view this report for up to one year from the date of the inspection 5.13 Industry Audits and Oversights
Click to edit TMSA Master title style Tanker Management Self Assessment Is another OCIMF tool that requires a tank vessel operator to complete and very in depth self assessment on how they manage specific details of their business This information is posted on the WEB and is available at the discretion of the tank vessel operator 158 TMSA with the BIRE program gives the oil companies an introduction to the companies operation and what the results of the companies policies and procedures and how well that is being communicated and implemented at the vessel level 5.13 Industry Audits and Oversights
Click Customer edit Master Vetting title style Vetting defined is to put through a thorough examination or evaluation It usually references a specific piece of equipment. All major oil companies have a vetting process where they put together the following: Age and construction and current condition of equipment Performance history of the equipment and the operator Regulatory history available on the equipment and or the operator Each customer has different requirements and issues they look for in a vetting event 159 5.13 Industry Audits and Oversights
Click to edit Master title style END