REGULATIONS AND GENERAL INFORMATION
SAFETY POLICY

The safety of personnel is paramount and is always to be given preference over all other considerations. Safe operation of vessels is dependent upon observance of safe practices by all personnel. While responsibility for enforcing the observation of safety precautions rests largely with the captain and other officers, it is a matter of concern to all personnel on board all vessels to see that safety precautions are observed.

All personnel are responsible for reporting any hazardous conditions which they may observe to their department head or to the Deck Officer or Engineer on watch. Intracoastal Transportation is committed to the principal that safety is good business. No one should be exposed to unnecessary hazards and risks. Responsibility for safety rests with everyone.

• All injuries can be prevented.
• Safety is a condition of employment.
• Safety is good for business.
• All exposures to hazards can be safeguarded and reduced.
• Do not permit persons in hazardous areas or positions.
• Do not get excited or lose patience – this just adds to confusion and leads to accidents.
• Know your limitations.
• Know your fellow workers. Some will require more instruction and repetition than others.
• It is everyone’s duty to advise the captain of individuals that appear to be careless. The overall safety of the whole operation is in jeopardy when a careless employee is on the job.
• Never take chances. Work in a safe, seaman-like manner.
• Use good, common-sense and the benefit of your experience.
• When in doubt, ask.
• Keep decks clear of obstructions, oils, greases, etc. Keep lines coiled up, clear of all walking and working areas.
• Keep all tools in their proper places.
• No horseplay or practical jokes will be tolerated.

Operation Safety Procedures

Recognized procedures to ensure operational safety are to be followed at all times. The following minimum safety procedures shall be complied with by all Intracoastal Transportation crews:

1. Work vest shall be worn on deck when making up tows or shifting barges.
2. Work vest shall be worn on deck in heavy weather.
3. Work vest shall be worn when in any small craft.
4. Hearing protection devices shall be worn when entering or working in and around areas where noise levels threaten damage to hearing.
5. Eye protection shall be worn where the danger of getting foreign objects in the eyes or flash burns exist.
6. Proper precautions with regards to personal grooming and clothing shall be observed by all crewmembers.
7. A safe access shall be provided and used for embarking on board any Intracoastal Transportation vessel.
8. When hazardous or flammable cargo is being worked, “NO SMOKING” shall be strictly enforced on deck of tug and barge/ship.
9. Shields and covers shall be installed where practical around all exposed moving mechanical parts.
10. All working surfaces, including decks, shall be kept clean and clear of tripping and/or slipping hazards.
11. Sufficient exterior lighting shall be provided when working on deck at night.
12. All loose gear shall be properly secured prior to getting underway.

Smoking Regulations

When fueling the vessel or handling a tank barge, smoking or carrying lighted pipes, cigars or cigarettes on deck or on dock immediately adjacent to the vessel is strictly prohibited under all circumstances.

Smoking inside the vessel is not allowed, pursuant to Massachusetts State Laws governing smoking in the workplace. MA- Senate Bill 521/House Bill 2599. DE-Clean Indoor Air Act. There is no safe level of exposure to second-hand smoke.

Smoking on board Intracoastal Transportation vessels is only allowed on the stern decks.

Cigarette and/or cigar butts and matches shall be disposed of in metal pails on the tugs and disposed of with the tug’s waste. Nothing is to go overboard and into the ocean.

Fire Prevention

It is of the utmost importance that Fire Prevention Precautions be in effect on all Intracoastal Transportation vessels at all times. It will be the responsibility of the captain and engineer to see that fire prevention is carried out on their vessels. The Captains and Mates have endorsements from the U.S. Coast Guard on firefighting and prevention at sea. The company looks to them to train the rest of the crew in fire prevention.

The three components of fire are
• Air
• Heat
• Fuel

Without any one of the above, there can be no fire.

Notes:

• One can eliminate air supply with the use of a cover, a blanketing chemical or an encompassing inert gas.
• The fuel supply can be eliminated by closing valves and/or diverting the flow of fuel
• Fuel can also be non-liquid – i.e. paper, wood, mattresses, fabric, etc.
• Heat can be reduced beyond the ignition point by cooling with chemicals or water.
• Do not use water on an electrical fire.
• Waste, such as sacks, oil rags, used oil filters or soft rope must not be allowed to accumulate on the vessel. Whenever possible, these types of debris should be disposed of immediately after use.

Clothing

Personnel working on deck in strong, hot sunlight must wear clothing that will protect them from sunburn and sunstroke.

Work shoes are required at all times on deck and in the engine room. Sandals, slippers and slip on sneakers are totally unsuitable for work on any Intracoastal Transportation vessel.

Clothing that has become saturated with oil or chemicals must be changed at once to avoid skin irritation. It must also be washed as soon as possible as it constitutes a fire risk.

Personnel working around machinery must not wear loose clothing.

Emergency Drills

The captain shall make sure that the crew knows the location and use of all fire extinguishers and hydrants on the vessels and drills must be conducted monthly.

Monthly drills must also be held for man overboard and evacuation of vessel.

New Crew

Immediately upon joining the vessel, the captain and/or mate are to give the new crewmember the Vessel binder containing company policies, safety and security regulations and have the crew member read and then sign a sheet stating that he/she has read and understands all company, local, state and federal rules, regulations and procedures as they apply to the vessel. This sheet is then to be turned in to the office with the daily log sheets. The new crewmember will also be given a tour of the vessel that must include the location of all exits and safety equipment as well as equipment needed for the crewmember’s job.

Flashlights

Flashlights are to be used by all deck personnel when working on a barge or using gangways at night. The deckhand will have, as part of his gear, his own flashlight. The company is responsible for the batteries and bulbs. The company will also supply each vessel with one flashlight for the wheelhouse, one for the engine room and one in the galley. These three lights are for emergency use only. Their operational condition must be checked by the deckhand at the start of each shift/trip.

Deck Illumination

The engineers shall make sure that all deck lights are working and in good shape. The deckhands will replace any light bulbs as needed.

At sea, shielded lights shall be lighted so as to permit watch personnel the ability to carry out their duties. However, no lights shall be exhibited which might be mistaken for navigation lights or that interfere with the navigation lights or that interfere with the vision of the officer and crew in the wheelhouse. At night, in port, the deck shall be adequately lighted. If the vessel is being tied up, the engineer is the last person off and he will put out all lights other than the boarding lights.

Electrical Repairs

Only personnel specifically designated by the company are to make repairs of electrical circuits and fixtures. That person is the Engineer. Deckhands are only to replace bulbs, globes and guard shields.

Open Manholes and Gratings

When it is necessary to open manholes and gratings, steps must be taken to prevent injury to personnel by roping off the area or other adequate means. Always, air tanks out before entering them.

Slippery Decks and Gangways

If decks, gangways or ladders become slippery because of oil spills, use oil absorption pads. In the case of ice, salt or other suitable material shall be immediately spread to ensure proper footing. If this can not be done, the area shall be roped off and suitable warning signs displayed.

Swimming

Swimming from any Intracoastal Transportation vessel is prohibited.

Securing Gear

Passageways, decks and compartments shall be kept clear of loose gear and equipment. When the vessel is underway, all small gear must be properly secured in order to avoid injury to personnel or damage to itself or the vessel.

Electrical Equipment, Appliances and Heaters

All electrical equipment, appliances and heaters are to be switched off when not in use. When vacating the vessel, make sure that all heaters in bunkrooms and appliances are turned off.

Safety Accountability

The Captain and Mate are responsible for the prevention of injuries and accidents as far as the Coast Guard goes, but each employee is held personally accountable for safe performance regardless of position.

Material Safety Data Sheets

The Port Engineer will be obtaining and maintaining the material safety data sheet program for this company. The Port Engineer will review incoming data sheets for new and significant health/safety information and will distribute the information to the affected tugs.

Safety and General Rules

• Always wear your work vest on tows and any other time that you are exposed to the risk of falling overboard.
• No horseplay or practical jokes on company vessels.
• Do not run on barges, nor jump from barge to barge.
• Make sure that all gangways on boats and barges are clear and clean.
• Clean up oil and grease spots on decks.
• Keep loose gear, wires and lines stowed securely on the vessels
• All lines should be stowed on either the line holders on the main decks or coiled up on the second deck away from the sea. No lines and any vessel should ever be coiled up and left on the deck.
• When walking on barges in tow, walk in the cargo box, not along the outside of the cargo area.
• Keep all hatch covers on barges dogged down tightly.
• Keep all hatches on all tugs closed whenever possible.
• All hatches must be closed and secured while doing ship work.
• Windward hatches should always be closed and secured.
• Keep alert at all times when on deck.
• Do not stand in the bight of a line at any time.
• Keep all passageways clear.
• Stand in the clear when handling a line on a bitt, capstan or winch.
• Stand clear of lines and wires when they have a strain on them. Do not straddle wires or lines when they are in use.
• Watch the Bump. Brace yourself and hold on tight to bulwarks, bulkheads or coamings. If there is nothing to hold onto, get down on your hands and knees. Also, pass the word to other co-workers about hard landings.
• Eye protection must be worn when the danger of getting foreign objects in your eyes or flash burns exists.
• Do not jump overboard or swim off of the vessel.
• Do not lean against the dock while standing on the vessel.
• Wear proper clothing and work shoes.
• Know the safe way to perform a job. When in doubt, ask.
• Set ladders securely and tie them off so they don’t fall overboard.
• Don’t wear loose clothing near running machinery.
• Do not lean over the side of a boat or barge to grab a line. Use a grapple or boathook.
• Observe No Smoking rules.
• Have a safe place for all cutting utensils. (Galley knives, axes, etc)
• Keep your hands and feet from between barges in tow and from between tow knees and other vessels.
• Know the location and use of all fire extinguishers and hydrants.
• Drinking or the possession of intoxicants/drugs is prohibited.
• Familiarize yourself with all the whistle and alarm signals.
• Keep fingers from between the bitt and line/capstan and line when making up.
• Possession of firearms aboard the vessels is prohibited. National Security issues may mandate that some crew members be armed, but no one is to bring a firearm aboard an Intracoastal Transportation vessel without permission from the owner.
• Keep alert. Avoid situations where you are exposed to danger.
• Report faulty equipment or tools to the Captain. It will be logged and turned in with the daily log sheets.
• Always lift loads properly – bend your knees. If a load is too heavy, ask for help.
• Always step over, not on, manhole covers.
• Report all injuries immediately.
• Engineers will work the Captain watch.

Penalty for Violation of Safety Regulations

Willful or repeated violation of safety rules or refusal or neglect to observe safe working practices will be cause for termination. The Captain has the right to terminate your employment if your neglect and/or refusal to obey rules puts the vessel and/or its tow in harms way.

August 3, 2004

Signed:__________________________

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