SAFETY FIRST
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ince coming on board as the American Waterways Operators’ (AWO) Director of Safety and Sustainability, I’ve had the opportunity to travel the country to meet our members, who operate towing vessels and barges on our nation’s rivers and coasts. No matter the geographic region or operational sector, all of them are exploring and integrating new technologies into their operations. The tugboat, towboat, and barge industry is already the safest and most environmentally sustainable mode of transportation, but innovation and the incorporation of technology can make us even better—and also ensure we remain an attractive choice for current and future mariners and customers. AWO’s Distracted Operations Subcommittee, which is developing best practices for mitigating distraction on vessels, has given me an opportunity to work with a broad group of operators to look at the safety considerations our technology demands. For many, the phrase “distracted operation” conjures images of an operator staring at a cellphone. In reality, there are many potential distractions: email, VHF, alarms, sensors, and more notifications, all of which contribute to a complex system of bells and whistles that would have been unimaginable just a few decades ago. As a result, the conversation has shifted: what is a distraction, and what is a useful tool? One tool that is helping reduce distractions is an electronic charting system (ECS). Not so long ago, an ECS was “nice to have,” but now these systems are widespread. The benefits of an ECS are substantial, offering an electronic
32 Marine Log // August 2022
option that meets the Coast Guard’s requirements for chart carriage and reduces the time a captain must spend collecting updates to light lists, river stages, and other dynamic information. An ECS is decidedly useful, but it requires training to ensure proper use, as an unfamiliar captain may fail to complete a voyage plan, not update tow dimensions, or make other omissions or mistakes that increase the chance of incident. I recently spoke with Joe Sluka of Rose Point Navigation, the leading ECS system for commercial navigation in the U.S., about its program. “We’ve developed tools in the latest Rose Point edition that make the system easier to use as we are constantly making improvements informed through our partnership with industry and government partners. Some of the most valuable feedback we receive comes from the captains and crews using our software on a daily basis,” said Sluka. “Their feedback led to voyage planning updates and layering tools that can reduce paperwork, highlighting the importance of getting feedback and using it to reveal opportunities for improvement.” Following my talk with Joe, I reached out to Rick Schwab, senior director of the Delgado Maritime and Industrial Training Facility, to speak about ECS training programs and another high-tech tool, simulators. Delgado’s four state-of-the-art simulators are so popular that they are booked through the end of this year. They allow managers to design real-world scenarios, immersing captains in an environment that tests their reactions to situations
closely resembling safety challenges that might occur on the water. In addition to vessel simulators, Delgado has also developed a Coast Guard-approved simulator course in Advanced Firefighting. The system is an example of a growing movement to train captains in leadership and wheelhouse emergency management, replacing tired and repetitive hose handling and nozzle spray pattern courses of the past. “We want it to look and sound like a real emergency, and we can make that happen with the simulator, while maintaining a safe learning environment,” explained Schwab. These navigation systems and simulators illustrate the growing role of technology in safety and training, but they are only the tip of the iceberg. Companies like Sea Machines Robotics are building and testing remotely operated and autonomous vessels that can be used in dangerous operations, allowing mariners to respond and control an incident from a safe distance. “There are instances in the industry today where people are put in harm’s way to save assets,” explained Arthur Seaman, Sea Machines’ product manager. “We can avoid that exposure by deploying specialized vessels that can be on scene quicker and perform operations that would avoid putting crewmembers at risk.” He sees these innovations as an opportunity to improve safety while creating sustainable jobs for current and future mariners. It is every safety professional’s goal to eliminate or substitute risk before putting people in unsafe conditions, which is why it is imperative the safety professional stay abreast of new advancements and find ways to utilize them in reducing risk in operations. Technology will continue to advance at a rapid speed, providing opportunities and challenges along the way. By building safety culture, making risk-based decisions, and developing feedback loops from the deck to shore, we can provide our people the access and understanding they need to use these high-tech tools and promote continuous improvement in safety and sustainability.
MICHAEL BRESLIN Director – Safety and Sustainability The American Waterways Operators
Photo Credit: Shutterstock/Evannovostro
Tools for mitigating distraction on vessels
