MARTINMARINERTHE

Keeping HSSEQT First, Our License to Operate

APRIL - JUNE 2015

FIND THE ANCHOR!

Hidden in this newsletter is a tiny anchor that looks like the one above. If you find it, email joel.burdeaux@martinmlp.com by April 30th to be entered in a $25 gift

card drawing.

Martin vessel employees only, please.

GETTING TO KNOW

VICE PRESIDENTRICK FREED

PAGE 2

I sat down with Vice President Rick Freed on the morning of January 21. We met in his office and it was apparent just how busy he is. Our meeting was punctuated with four phone calls and three visits, shattering the stereotype of the vice president in a dark, smoky boardroom, handing down decisions like some medieval king. Conversely, Rick is a hands-on vice president who has worked hard to get to where he is, and he shows no signs of slowing down.

Martin Mariner – Walk us through a snapshot of your career leading up to you becoming vice president of Martin Marine.

Rick Freed – My first job was actually as

a supervisor at an Amusement Park, so my supervisory role

started young. I was only 18, but I

was supervising and

managing a bunch of college kids and twenty-somethings. After that, I joined the Coast Guard since that was something I had always wanted to do. I joined in October of 1984 and spent 23 years fulfilling various roles from marine inspections and investigations, to afloat on ships and boats as deck officer and engineering officer. I also did search and rescue, which was very rewarding. After 23 years I decided to retire, but I didn’t know what I would do afterward. This, I think, is common in the military. I’ve spent 23 years doing this, so what do I do now? I started putting out feelers, and I heard that Ed Grimm was looking for an operations manager for Martin Marine in Mobile, which sounded perfect since I was currently living in Mobile. I got the job and then spent four and a half years in Mobile as vessel operations manager for the Eastern Division (boats that crew-change out of Mobile). I quickly saw the Eastern Division boats as an opportunity for me to learn the marine business. Then the general manager of operations in the La Porte office left the company, and I was asked to take over his role. I accepted and moved here in the fall of 2011. I served in that role until November 2014, when Ed Grimm pursued another opportunity, and I was offered the role of vice president. So, here we are. I couldn’t have done what

I’ve done in my career without solid mentors in my life. Everyone should find someone that they look up to and learn from them.

MM – Who has been your greatest mentor or coach in your career?

RF – Milt Salter, a good friend of mine, who is a retired Army colonel. He spent time in the Pentagon with Dick Cheney where he was well admired, and he is who I call when I need to vent. A mentor is someone to whom you can vent, and from whom you can learn. He has been my single most important mentor since he’s been there, done that, and got the t-shirt. It’s always good to learn from those with life experience.

MM – What was the most important thing you learned in the Coast Guard that you have carried over into your role at Martin Marine?

RF – Attention to detail and integrity. Doing the right thing all the time, no matter how uncomfortable it may be.

MM – To change gears a little, anyone who has visited your office can’t help but notice that you use a standing desk. Why do you use one, and share how it has benefited you.

RF – There is a push in some

by Joel Burdeaux, HSSEQT Creative Associate

Cover StoryGetting to Know Rick Freed, Vice President

companies to encourage standing desks because you burn calories standing that you would not sitting. Plus, most people’s sitting posture isn’t good, anyway. My choice was driven by my back surgery. I couldn’t sit for long periods of time, and when I was on light duty status, I couldn’t sit at work, so I had to get a standing desk. That was the only way I could survive. It was either standing or lying flat on the floor. I’ve since healed from my disc surgery, and now I can stand all day without blinking an eye.

MM – Have you noticed any additional benefits from standing, even if only as a byproduct of healing from surgery?

RF – I did lose weight, but I also changed my diet and lifestyle at the same time. I gained about 20 pounds after my surgery, but in the last year I’ve lost about 25 pounds.

MM – Everyone seems to have that one thing in regard to safety that they are most passionate about. It could be always wearing the appropriate PPE, or avoiding trip hazards … what are you most passionate about?

RF – I mean what I always say: We can’t replace people. So ensuring that we do everything we can to protect human life and our crew members from injury is number one to me. Property and pollution are secondary in my mind. We can replace equipment or clean up a spill, but the family members of our crew are counting on us to create an environment in which the safety of their loved ones is primary.

MM – So how would you encourage this type of thinking among our mariners? What would you say to help them have the same priority?

RF – I would stress the importance of each person increasing their situational awareness. This is broad term, but knowing your surroundings and knowing your work environment will help you and your co-workers avoid accidents and

injuries. For example, if you are walking along the side of a barge and don’t realize that the line might tighten up if the barge moves, or you are not paying attention to tripping hazards, then you are placing yourself and others at risk.

MM – What’s the best piece of leadership advice you’ve gathered from your reading and experience?

RF – Respect and treat others the way you want to be respected and treated and leadership will follow. Some say that you are born a leader; some say it’s learned. I say it’s both. You may be born a leader, but you don’t know it until later on when you develop your own style. There are leaders and followers, and what most followers don’t realize is that they are leading too. Someone is looking to them and following their example.

I understand leadership as something in

which everyone is involved. If I don’t lead well, then those who follow my example will not lead well and so forth, all the way down the chain. Even a brand new deckhand might do something unsafe or in an incorrect way, and the captain of the boat may follow his example. Everyone needs to be conscious about how they are leading. Positions and titles provide a structure, but everybody leads by example.

MM – Where is your favorite place to travel?

RF – Lake Tahoe. I’ve been there twice, and if I could go anywhere, that’s where I’d go. I’ve lived in Hawaii, New York, Tennessee, Michigan, Louisiana, Alabama, Virginia,

Maryland, and Texas. I have visited 47 states and Lake Tahoe is where I want to go back to.

MM – People at Martin Marine are passionate about football. Who is your favorite team?

RF – The Cincinnati Bengals and Ohio State Buckeyes. I was born in Columbus, so I’m a Buckeye by birth. I went to the national championship this year and besides a few key events in my life (marriage, kids, success in my career) it was the greatest event of in my life. It was phenomenal.

MM – This will be published after the Super Bowl, but do you want to go on record with your prediction as to who will win?

RF - Seattle.

PAGE 3

... knowing your surroundings and knowing your work environment will help you and your co-workers

avoid accidents and injuries.

PAGE 4

Health

One of the most effective ways to lose weight is to keep track of what you eat. Tracking forces you to be honest with yourself, while also helping you understand the nutritional value of the foods you consume on a regular basis. If you own a smartphone, tracking your food is easy with a free app called My Fitness Pal.

Upon installation, you will set up an account and build a profile that includes your dietary needs and weight loss goals. My Fitness Pal will then calculate the number of calories you need to eat each day to meet your goals.

There is a good reason why this app is so highly rated. Nearly every type and brand of food available is in the database already, so adding food is a breeze. If you run across something that is not in the database, adding it manually is just

as easy. Give My Fitness Pal a try. It’s available for web,

Android, iOS, and Windows.

Need Help Losing Weight?

The Dangers of Hydrogen Sulfide (H2S)

by Joel Burdeaux, HSSEQT Creative Associate

Hydrogen sulfide is a colorless, flammable, extremely hazardous gas with a “rotten egg” smell. It occurs naturally in crude petroleum and natural gas, and can be produced by the breakdown of organic matter and human/animal wastes. It is heavier than air and can collect in low-lying and enclosed, poorly ventilated areas such as basements, manholes, sewer lines and underground telephone/electrical vaults.

Detection by Smell• Can be smelled at low levels,

but with continuous low-level exposure or at higher concentrations you lose your ability to smell the gas even though it is still present.

• At high concentrations – your ability to smell the gas can be lost instantly.

• DO NOT depend on your sense of smell for indicating the continuing presence of this gas or for warning of hazardous concentrations.

Health EffectsHealth effects vary with how long, and at what level, you are exposed. • Low concentrations – irritation of

eyes, nose, throat, or respiratory system; effects can be delayed.

• Moderate concentrations – more severe eye and respiratory effects, headache, dizziness, nausea, coughing, vomiting and difficulty breathing.

• High concentrations – shock, convulsions, unable to breathe, coma, death; effects can be rapid (within a few breaths).

source: https://www.osha.gov/SLTC/hydrogensulfide/hazards.html

PAGE 5

Tugboat Lentil & Sausage Soup

Ingredients• 1 pound dried lentils• 1 tablespoon olive oil• 1 cup chopped onion• 2 cloves garlic, minced• 2 cups carrots, sliced• 1 cup celery, sliced• 1 8 oz can tomato sauce• 1 cup water• 1 14 oz can vegetable broth• 2 bay leaves• 1 pound chicken sausage (or ½ - 1 cup chicken, shredded)• 2 cups fresh spinach• Salt and pepper to taste

Directions:Rinse lentils. In a large pan, heat oil un-til hot. Toss in onion, garlic, carrots, and celery. Sauté for 10 minutes or until onion is translucent and vegetables are tender but crisp. Add tomato sauce, water, vegetable broth, bay leaves, and lentils. Bring mixture to a boil. Cover; reduce heat and let simmer for about 25 minutes or until vegetables are slightly soft. Add chicken sausage (or chicken) and pepper. Stir in fresh spinach. Cover and let cook for another 10 minutes or until sausage is heated through. Add salt. Ladle soup into bowls. Serves 8.

Why Lentils?1. High Fiber - lowers cholesterol, reduc-es risk for heart disease, prevents con-stipation and other digestive problems, and helps stabilize blood sugar.2. Good Protein - 26% of lentil’s calories are protein.3. Excellent Source of Energy - Lentils are a great source of steady, slow-burn-ing energy due to their high levels of fiber and complex carbohydrates. They are also high in iron, which is key to energy production and metabolism. 4. Weight Loss - Even though lentils are packed with good nutrients, they are low in calories and contain almost no fat.

This recipe is a modified version of the recipe found at http://www.guideposts.org/inspiration/recipes/soup-recipes/tugboat-lentil-soupNutritional information generated using the MyFitnessPal app.

Health continued...

Small Lifestyle Changes Can Reduce Mariner Fatigue, Improve Endurance

Is your body a well-maintained machine or an accident waiting to happen?

Humans are not designed for the lifestyle and 24/7 environment of the maritime industry. Typically, the natural circadian rhythm, or “biological clock,” makes a person sleepy or alert on a normal schedule. Withoutproper management, not being able to follow your body’s circadian rhythm can have a variety of negative effects including fatigue, health issues, reduced endurance and poor cognitive skills. Understanding how your body, your machine, works and the roles sleep, nutrition, hydration, and other factors play in keeping you healthy and alert is important. Most people take better care of their cars, trucks, motorcycles, and boats than of their own bodies. We tend to have the oil changed, tune ups and maintenance performed “per manufacturer recommendations” for equipment but many individuals don’t have regular checkups or pay attention to signs of trouble with their own bodies. Keep in mind that a person doesn’t develop high blood pressure, Type 2 diabetes, heart disease or other medical conditions overnight. We put poor fuel in our machines, don’t take care of them, and still somehow expect optimal performance. Your vessel wouldn’t operate well on the wrong

fuel and with little or no maintenance. Similarly, you are likely not operating at your optimal level. Risk factors such as lack of sleep (quality and quantity); common health issues (Type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, sleep apnea, and obesity); environmental conditions (noise, temperature and vibration); and other factors (stress, caffeine and nicotine abuse, and use of over-the-counter medications) may be affecting your work performance. Over time these risk factors lead to fatigue, impaired performance, and a lower quality of life both in and outside of work.

Knowledge is powerIn the maritime industry, there are tools in place to investigate near misses and accidents to determine the root cause and prevent future incidents. Regular safety checks and inspections are also completed as a preventive measure. For our bodies, physicals are performed and metrics are used to gauge our health — blood pressure, cholesterol, weight, the dreaded BMI, and overall how we feel.With or without these metrics, we often have misconceptions about our ability to perform our jobs.We think we are in good condition to handle our duties in the safest manner and make the best decisions. When we add up how much quality sleep we get, our physical condition, and the

environment we work and live in while on the job, we may not realize that the more fatigued we are (and fatigue is cumulative) the harder it becomes for us to accurately gauge our abilities to perform tasks and make good decisions. Many individuals are surprised to learn how small changes can greatly reduce fatigue and increase endurance.Oftentimes there are “quick win” solutions, including:

• Nutrition: The best foods to eat when coming on watch or getting off watch;

• Quality sleep: Although you may not be waking up, noise, vibration or other risk factors could be preventing you from getting quality sleep, so adjustments in your sleeping area can increase deep sleep and prevent fatigue;

• Over-the-counter medications: Certain medications may be better suited for a specific watch or hitch;

• Light management: Certain intensities of light affect your ability to stay awake and get quality sleep.

• Caffeine: Used properly, caffeine is a very good countermeasure to fatigue and studies show that it has health benefits; used improperly it can cause insomnia and contribute to health problems.

Continued on back cover

PAGE 6

by Jo Ann Salyers of Salyers Solutions, LLC

Texting and Driving 2014 Statistics:• 4384 accidents per day• 1370 serious injuries per day• 16 deaths per day• Now the leading cause of death among teenagers,

surpassing alcohol-related accidents• Distracted drivers are 23x’s more likely to have

an accident, and 6x’s more likely than intoxicated drivers

• 25% of accidents caused linked to drivers distracted by their cell phone

Sources: AAA, United States Department of Transportation, University of Utah, FocusDriven Nationwide Insurance study, National Highway Trac Safety Administration, and the Virginia Tech Transportation Institute

PAGE 7

Safetyby Joel Burdeaux, HSSEQT Creative Associate

Texting and Talking While Driving

If you have ever been responsible for the operation of a vehicle while employed at Martin, whether it is a company vehicle, a rental car, or one of our marine vessels, you have likely been informed of our cell phone and electronic device policy.

As a refresher, here are the basic points: 1

All employees of Martin Resource Management Corporation, its subsidiaries and affiliated companies, and all subcontractors working directly and exclusively for Martin Marine are required to follow the following procedures while in a company vehicle:

1. All employees must adhere to all federal, state, and/or local laws regarding the use of digital and cellular telephones while driving motorized vehicles.

In addition to these laws,2. Employees shall never use their personal and/or company issued mobile telephones or other texting/emailing devices for texting and/or emailing purposes while driving a motorized vehicle or operating vessels or equipment.

3. Should an employee need to receive or place a telephone call while driving a motorized vehicle, he or she should use a hands-free device or pull off of the road to make the phone call.

An Even Better Policy

While we cannot make policies that dictate how you operate your own vehicles on your own time, we hope that you will consider adopting these policies voluntarily in your own life.

Consider the statistics above. Consider the children in your car who are learning driving habits by observing you. Consider your own safety, as well as the safety of other drivers and pedestrians around you.

Put the phone down. It’s not worth it.1 This policy is found on page 50 of the SMS Manual

PAGE 8

SecurityIt is vital that anyone who boards our equipment, no matter who it is, signs in correctly. There have been instances in which visitors claimed to have been aboard a vessel, yet the vessel had no sign-in record proving they were there. Simply put, this is a breach of Homeland Security, and must never happen at Martin.

All visitors must comply and be signed in properly when boarding Martin equipment. When a visitor desires to board, it is the vessel personnel’s responsibility to demand that proper ID is shown, and they must immediately escort the visitor to the vessel to sign in (and it must be legible!).

If someone cannot or will not provide proper identification, they must be denied access and the incident reported to the manager of the vessel (Captain).

by Moses Garza, Barge Operations Manager

Safety continued...

It’s Not Just Texting

Let’s be honest for a minute. Maybe you get a little self-

righteous when you read the stats about texting and driving.

Maybe you never text and drive. Maybe you only use your phone in emergencies, and you always pull over

or use your hands-free device when you do use it. But what about the other features these wonderful pocket-sized computers have brought to our lives? What about music? What about GPS navigation? As amazing as these features are, they can both be major distractions and increase your chances of causing an accident.

Use the same caution you would when texting, when skipping songs in your favorite music app, or when looking at directions using your favorite navigation app. Anything that causes you to look at your device, and therefore away from the road, is dangerous, and should be regarded as such.

It should also be noted that your steering wheel, visor, and rear view mirror are not a drum kit, no matter how awesome the music you are jamming to may be.

Let’s keep our focus where it needs to be: On the road.

April is Here

Captains, don’t forget that it is time for your 2nd Quarter QI Drills.

Signing Visitors In

Environment

PAGE 9

DID YOU KNOW THAT BROKEN CFL BULBS ARE HAZARDOUS?

Compact fluorescent light bulbs (CFL) and other fluorescent light bulbs contain a small amount of mercury sealed within the glasstubing. When a fluorescent bulb breaks, some of this mercury is released as mercury vapor. To minimize exposure to mercury vapor,the EPA recommends the following cleanup and disposal steps:

Before Cleanup• Have people and pets leave the room.• Air out the room for 5-10 minutes by opening a window or door to the outdoor environment.• Shut off the central forced air heating/air-conditioning system, if you have one.• Collect materials needed to clean up broken bulb:- stiff paper or cardboard;- sticky tape;- damp paper towels or disposable wet wipes (for hard surfaces); and- a glass jar with a metal lid or a sealable plastic bag.

During Cleanup• DO NOT VACUUM. Vacuuming is not recommended unless broken glass remains after all other cleanup steps have beentaken. Vacuuming could spread mercury-containing powder ormercury vapor.• Be thorough in collecting broken glass and visible powder. Scoopup glass fragments and powder using stiff paper or cardboard.Use sticky tape, such as duct tape, to pick up any remaining small glass fragments and powder. Place the used tape in the glass jar or plastic bag.• Place cleanup materials in a sealable container.

After Cleanup• Promptly place all bulb debris and cleanup materials, includingvacuum cleaner bags, outdoors in a trash container or protectedarea until materials can be disposed of. Avoid leaving any bulbfragments or cleanup materials indoors.• Next, check with your local government about disposalrequirements in your area, because

some localities requirefluorescent bulbs (broken or unbroken) be taken to a localrecycling center. If there is no such requirement in your area, youcan dispose of the materials with your trash.• If practical, continue to air out the room where the bulb wasbroken and leave the heating/air conditioning system shut off forseveral hours.

Source: http://www2.epa.gov/cfl/cleaning-broken-cf

by OMI Environmental Solutions

Disposing of a Compact Flourescent Bulb

Quality

PAGE 10

Importance of Daily Fuel Reportingby The Scheduling Department

Fuel can be one of the largest daily costs for our customers, sometimes even exceeding the freight rate of a tow. Fuel invoices can only be re-billed to the customers when the correct gauges/quantities are logged by the boat. We use the Job Start/End fuel, daily midnight fuel readings & heater on/off times to determine the amount of fuel being burned.

Below is an example of our Fuel Consumption Report generated using the fuel readings:

Daily fuel burn for the John Doe

Daily fuel burn for the Barge 001 & 002 w/heater runtime

Accurate fuel reporting allows us to calculate:• Idle burn averages• Running burn averages (loaded/empty, upriver/downriver, ext.)• Barge burn to maintain or heat products

We thank you in advance for accurately recording the daily gauges/quantities in the TAL as this ensures we report the correct fuel burn to our customers.

Vessel Electronicsby Captain David Howell, The Seamen’s Church Institute

Today’s vessels are equipped with all types of electronic navigational tools and aids that help the mariner navigate safely and effectively. At the same time, the equipment can only operate correctly if we input the information needed to tell us what we are looking for. Many people comment that they never check their

own information on the AIS. They have no idea if the right vessel type is showing or whether the AIS shows them underway or moored or what their destination is. The AIS should also display how many crewmembers are on the vessel. This is information the pilot must input into the AIS system for the vessel to be legal

when transiting a VTS area. If your Electronic Charting System (ECS) is receiving information from the AIS and you don’t have it programed correctly, it will throw off your passing point predictors in the ECS system and could cause a bad scenario if involved in an incident. The AIS also has a place to set up CPA alarms

continued on page 11

PAGE 11

Importance of Accurate Hose Reportingby Moses Garza, Barge Operations Manager

Prior to arriving at the dock, it is important to complete a thorough check of the crossover hose to ensure it is in good condition. This will avoid any downtime. Damaged hoses are not just a quality issue. A damaged hose can lead to an injury or a release of product into the envoronment.

Never hesitate to exercise your stop-work authority if you notice the dock cargo hose is damaged or believe it may lead to an incident during transfer. If the hose is unsafe for any reason, Management will support you in the decision to stop work until the damaged hose is replaced. Tankerman Jason Rawls on the Martin Navigator noticed that the dock hose

was in bad shape and alerted his Captain. Since the dock did not have a replacement hose, the transfer was postponed until it could be done safely.

for the vessel and input the type of cargo it is carrying.

Always enter the vessel draft, air draft, and ETA of the destination into the AIS. It is also important to enter the length and beam of the overall vessel and tow size into the system—whether loaded or not. It is similar to completing a second voyage plan.

I know it seems cumbersome, but we must follow each step, so that in the event the vessel is involved in an incident all the rules have been followed.

Remember this: These rules can be your best friend if you are following them. If you’re not, they can be your worst enemy.

Take a few minutes to re-read rule 7 in the Rules and Regulation handbook if you need extra clarity.

continued from page 10

Training

PAGE 12

GOAL ZERO HERO - Richard Sloan

by Joel Burdeaux, HSSEQT Creative Associate

Keep Your Moxie Account Up-To-Date

ATTENTION ALL MARINERS:Please keep your Moxie Media account up-to-date by adding your email to your profile. You are automatically enrolled in courses as needed, and the only way that you can be notified that you have

coursework due is by email.

This is important for maintaining your training and certifications, and is a key component of

your eligibility for a Quarterly Safety Award. To be eligible for the Quarterly Safety Award, you must be current on your Moxie training. To stay on top of your training, you must to have your email in your profile.

If you do not have an email address, obtaining one is easy. Sites like gmail.com, outlook.com, yahoo.com, gmx.com, and mail.com all offer free email services and plenty of great features.

Once you have entered your email address into your Moxie profile, make sure to check your email periodically to see if you have any outstanding coursework.

Congratulations to the Monica Means Relief Captain Richard Sloan for receiving the coveted Goal Zero Hero award from Shell!

Richard used his stop-work authority to prevent an incident while transporting Shell product, helping Shell (and Martin) avoid potential damage to people, property, and the environment.

On March 10, Rob Smith, marine assurance advisor at Shell, met with Richard at the La Porte office to present him with the award.

Richard Sloan receiving his plaque from Rob Smith Rick Freed, Richard Sloan, and Rob SmithRichard Sloan and Rob Smith

PAGE 13

Wheelhouse Warriors

Every quarter we feature photos from the Advanced Pilothouse Training sessions at the Seamen’s Church Institute. Wheelmen spend two and a half days learning in the classroom and inside simulators so realistic you might just lose your sea legs in stormy simulations! Our goal is to send each wheelman to training every 18 months. After each training session, trainees come back to the La Porte office for open discussions with members of management. If you are new to the company and have not yet attended, take a look at the upcoming training dates. Training doesn’t get more hands-on than this.

Left to right: Ashley Witherington, Homer Barrett, Ben Elliot, John Gifford, Cliff Pfeffer, Leo Braun, Dale Cross

January 2015 Class

Upcoming Training Dates

April 20-23

June 29 - July 1

August 17-19

September 28-30

October 26-28

November 30 - December 2March 2015 Class

Left to right: Doicus Langley, Gary Sanders, Jack Drossos, Bill Thorn, Greg Peabody, Terry Dickens, James Medlock, Darrell Owens, Leo Braun

PAGE 14

Learning From IncidentsEnsure Readiness for Safe Transfer Operations

from our partners at Shell. LFI, Issue #14, February 2015

What Happened?An oil spill to water occurred from a vessel during bunkering fuel oil from a barge.

How and Why it HappenedThe vessel was carrying out bunkering in an anchorage. The vessel was loading one bunker tank at a time. About halfway through the bunkering operation, a changeover of tanks on the vessel was taking place. However, the valve of the actively loading tank could not be closed, and at the same time, the valve of the changeover tank could not be opened up. In trying to resolve the valve malfunction, the transfer continued and the fuel oil overflowed from the tank vent and collected on the starboard side of

the vessel. The spill eventually overflowed above the fishplate (approx. 12 cm [5”] height above the deck) of the vessel. The hulls of the vessel and barge were oiled and created an oil sheen on the water. Due to the strong wind blowing at the time, other vessels in the anchorage also reported oil on their hulls. About 5m3 (30 US bbls) overflowed from the tank.

Findings• Maintenance: The bunker tank valves failed on both tanks. Regular maintenance of the bunker transfer equipment must be included in the ship’s Planned Maintenance System and executed accordingly.• Readiness/Pre-checks: It must be confirmed that the vessel is ready for a

transfer operation by ensuring that equipment is tested prior to a transfer. At a minimum, equipment to be checked includes valves, tank vents, flame screens, gauges, and emergency stops.

• Supervision: Deck crew on the barge were not in the vicinity of the operation which contributed to the delay in stopping the operation.

• Communication: Lack of communication resulted in delay to stopping the bunker transfer. Communication must be maintained between the transfer operators (PICs) especially during critical stages such as changeover of tanks.

Oil overflowing from fishplate

Oil spill on vessel

Reflection: Questions for Discussion• How do you ensure your vessel is ready for a transfer operation?• What can you do to ensure that transfer equipment works when it is needed?• How do you make sure that communications are maintained with transfer operators at all times, especially in

critical stages?• How do you know the emergency stop procedure will work effectively?

KEY MESSAGE: ENSURE READINESS FOR SAFE TRANSFER OPERATIONS

PAGE 15

FAMOUS FICTIONAL SHIPS

easy medium hard

Use

d w

ith p

erm

issio

n. Th

e Dec

khan

d M

anua

l

Take a BreakPrint multiple copies of this page for your crew

puzzle solutions on back cover

PAGE 16

Seen & Heard

PAGE 17

We’ve heard that you could see these shirts from space. Maybe not, but look how they stand out in the picture of the Dani Mayes and Terry Fontenot below.

Opposite Page: Top Row: (Amy L. LaQuay) Steve Skinner, Randy Norris, Kevin Broussard, Michael Weyren, Jason Kime (Dani Mayes) Frankie Kowalski, Allen Spore, Percy Gurvin, Jarvis Jackson, James Arnold, Tommy Zellers, Ashley WitheringtonSecond Row: (Jeanie G) John Whalen, Chris Matherne (Orion) Jose Ramirez, Mike Marett, Matt

Dellacasa, Dennis Taylor, Vincente Norales, Jeff Garrett (W. O. Watson) Richard LeeThird Row: (Monica Means) Shawn Roberts, Chris Rawls, James Siegfried, James Turner, Chris Lampkin (W. O. Watson) Jerry Garner, Chris Stark, Michael Rice, Eon Jardine, Bawily KipimoBottom Row: (Phillip C. George) Danny Williams, AJ Chadwick,

Lester Fulfer, Nick Campbell, Chester Wetherell, Howard AutinThis Page: (Teeter Menard II) Roland Duhon, Jerry Wold, Louis Vincent, Teeter Menard, Terry Fontenot, Brett Guidry, Marcus Boudreaux (La Porte Office) Phred Hernandez (Kilgore Office) Stacy Morrison’s daughter, Lainey Blu Morrison.

PAGE 18

Seen & Heard continued...

The Accounting Group’s “Field Trips”by Rhonda Borbiliac, Accounting Manager

Martin Marine’s accounting group makes a point to take time out of their schedules to take a few “field trips” each year. These field trips are strictly for training purposes and typically involve visiting boats while they are in the shipyard. The training may seem a little unconventional to some, but the Martin Marine accounting group is composed of personnel far different than the stereotypical accountant. Each one takes great pride in their work, and desires to understand the operations surrounding and involved with the marine industry. They believe it will help them to be more accurate in their accounting work and give them a better understanding of the expense reports processed. By seeing firsthand the various mechanical components of the vessels, the accounts payable clerks can improve their ability to code a repair-related invoice. The more knowledgeable an AP clerk is about Martin Marine’s equipment and services, the more likely they are able to gauge whether or not an invoice is valid and reasonable.

The accounts receivable clerks greatly benefit from the trips as they are able to better understand

the time and money demands that arise from the vessels. When reviewing vendor invoices, which in some cases are re-billable to our customers,

AR clerks have a better understanding of the equipment and operations and are able to verify the validity of these expenses. This is beneficial to the customers, preventinng unnecessary expenses being billed to them.

The group has visited several boats and barges, as well as the Seamen’s Church Training

Facility. The training field trips allow the group to see the marine transportation industry in motion.

In turn, they have learned many things about the industry, the crew, and the expenses necessary to successfully operate a vessel.

It is difficult to grasp the magnitude of the Marine business and the size of the

equipment from their desks in La Porte, which is why they lace

up their steel-toe shoes and get out in the field with the Martin Marine mariners. While they may not throw lines or navigate the waterways, their on-board experiences allow the group to fully understand everyone’s role so they can work as a unified team with you, the mariners.

Mike Green, business analyst and Ashton Vial, staff accountant on the M/V Terry Fontenot.

From left: Tankerman Dale Cross “driving” the simulator, Captain Ben Elliot showing Accounts Payable Clerk Rebecca Carte the boat’s navigation screen at the Seamen’s Church.

PAGE 19

Inspiration for the Industryby Brian Horner, Director of Gulf Coast Division, Marketplace Chaplains USA

Feeling a little stressed?

An old joke goes like this: A man decided to join a particularly strict sect of the monkhood. The head monk told the man at his indoctrination they were sworn to total silence. However, the head monk said every 10 years they were permitted to speak two words. After a decade passed of total silence, the head monk instructed the man to speak his two words. The man said, “Bed hard.” He then resumed his silent study and work. Another 10 years passed, and the head monk told the man to say his two words. The young monk said, “Food bad.” He then resumed his silent study and work. Ten years passed again, and again the man could say two words. He said, “I quit!” The head monk shook his head and said, “I knew this was coming. You’ve done nothing but complain for the past 30 years!”

I once thought joining a monastery or running off into the wilderness might be the answer for escaping all stress. As I’ve grown older, however, I’ve realized there is no perfect utopia in this world. Life inevitably brings some things our way, which cause even the calmest among us to occasionally fret and worry.

There is no doubt stress is increasingly on the minds of many in

the workforce. The pace of our jobs and life in general has only quickened in the past few years; almost everything seems as if it is open for business 24/7. And many of us worry that stepping off the “conveyor belt of life” for just a few minutes might leave us behind for good. Emails are getting replaced by text messages because emails are not expedient enough; nothing seems permanent anymore — here today then Snapchat™ gone in seconds, rather than tomorrow.

Life throws us a curve ball from time to time — from excessive debt to serious health threats to heavy workloads and unmet employer expectations to the painful loss of loved ones. We probably won’t escape completely unscathed or unharmed.

The good news is we shouldn’t avoid stress entirely because some

stress can do a body good!

Experts tell us the right amount and the right type of stress can actually help us to interact more positively in an unpredictable world and become better equipped to decipher which new experiences are helpful and which ones are harmful.

When the bad stress rears its ugly head, there are some steps we can take to diminish its effect or even to turn this kind of stress into a good

thing. Here are three simple, practical things one can do to overcome the stressors of life:

• Be content — Simplifying one’s life by refusing to buy certain things, or selling or giving away things just gathering dust, might actually provide us the time to really focus on the other things we do have or even better yet, to focus more on the people closest in our lives. • Live in the here and now — Scripture says, “Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.” Focus on the opportunities and challenges you have in front of you, and live each day to the fullest. • Live well — It’s not selfish to exercise, eat healthy and balanced meals, and get sufficient sleep. You also can’t expect to live a healthy, happy life if you only get rest or eat a healthy meal on rare occasions. Take time daily to rest, relax, eat well, exercise, enjoy some solitude (perhaps through meditation and prayer), and you’ll find these daily habits lower your stress in all areas of life.

One more thing: If you really want to reduce the stress in your life, try to find the positives in everything. Don’t take life too seriously, and do not be too proud to occasionally laugh at yourself. This is a good reminder for us all, even an old monk!

Martin Cares

PAGE 20

Miscellaneous Oil and Coolant Analysis

by Mike Green, Business AnalystOil and coolant analysis allow us the opportunity to prevent premature wear and catastrophic failure on our main engines and generators.

Today’s engines have higher flow rates, temperatures, and pressures than engines had 30 years ago, and these brutal forces can take a toll on fluid performance.

Oil analysis can detect coolant contamination in the oil, and coolant analysis can detect something wrong within the cooling system, hopefully well before they cause any damage.In fact, according to Mark Betner,

Heavy-Duty Lubricants Manager with Citgo, 50% of premature lube-related engine failures in on-highway trucks are related to coolant contamination. We can assume the number is comparable for our marine engines.

Martin Marine currently uses Polaris Labs for our oil and coolant analysis. Whenever a sample is analyzed, mechanics familiar with our engines can decipher the data and help define the most probable cause, or help determine a course of action to prevent further damage.

This is why it’s important for us to

collect and identify each sample when we turn them in. Each of our vessels has an account number specifically for that boat. When the labels arrive, the bar codes tell us which vessel it is for, but not the specific engine.

Also, there are two types of labels; “Mobil” and “Coolant.” When you order, be sure to order both. Use mobil labels for oil, and coolant labels for coolant.

Keep in mind we pay for the analysis at the time we purchase the labels and bottles, so it’s a good idea to keep track of these items.

Maintaining Good Work Relationshipsby Kathy Pusateri, La Porte Office Manager1. Practice common courtesy – acknowledge a coworkers “hello”, maintain eye contact, call people by name, and remember to pick up after yourself in shared spaces.2. Use effective communication – whether communicating by email, phone, instant messaging, or in a face-to-face visit, be sure to express the subject matter, give your thoughts, and ask for input. With most of today’s communications being done by email, ensure that your correspondence is professionally presented. 3. Respect your co-worker’s time – conduct business or make requests when it is convenient for both of you to give attention to your request. If they are busy and there is no emergency, come back later.4. Help yourself – when you make a request of someone, furnish them with as much information as possible. It will make the job easier for both of you. 5. Use caution on social media – whenever posting on a social network such as Facebook or Twitter, consider that

the whole world, including your mother and your boss, will see the post. Never post confidential information about yourself, your co-worker, or your company.6. Stay on the level – treat everyone the same. Don’t gossip and do not get involved when someone else does.7. Don’t complain about work at work – everyone vents at one time or another, but it would be best to vent to your partner, a non-work friend, or your dog.8. Put out the welcome mat – make new-hires welcome. You were a new-hire once yourself.9. Don’t pass the buck – mistakes are inevitable, but take responsibility for yours. It is best to acknowledge an error, analyze why it occurred and how future errors may be avoided, and correct the problem; then move on.10. Follow up with people – this will let your co-workers know you care about your job, that you respect their involvement, and that you will keep them in the loop.source: http://www.techrepublic.com/blog/10-things/10-ways-to-build-good-coworker-relationships/

PAGE 21

New Employees at Martin MarineJim Kelley

After graduating from the Maine Maritime Academy in 1985, Jim spent the next 30 working years on board ships; the first ten on the Great Lakes and the last ten at sea as a Chief Engineer. He has also worked as a Surveyor with the American Bureau of Shipping. He is married and has three children, two girls and one boy.

Jim now works for Martin Marine in Port Arthur, Texas, as a Port Engineer.

Joel Burdeaux

Joel went into the ministry in 2004 and pastored small churches in Texas and Maine for over a decade. In this role, he learned web and graphic design simply because there was no money in a small church budget to outsource those tasks. He has a

Master of Arts in Theological Studies, and most recently taught theology as an Adjunct Professor at Houston Baptist University.

Joel is married with three children, and is now serving as the HSSEQT Creative Associate in the La Porte office.

Maria Acosta (Picture Unavailable)

Maria has a long history at Martin, predating many of our current employees, but left in 2005 to care for her family. She returned to Martin after a 10-year career as a “Domestic Engineer,” and now serves behind the scenes in the Vidor office as the HSSEQT Assistant and helps teach 4th Grade Sunday School at her church.

Quarter One “Find the Anchor” Winner

Jim Kelley

Joel Burdeaux with his wife and children

Congratulations Captain Tim Thompson!

Tim Tompson, Captain on the M/V Texan was our lucky winner who found the anchor hidden in the January 2015 issue. He won a $25 Visa Gift Card.

Who will be next? Maybe you. Don’t forget to look for the anchor in this issue, and when you find it, be sure to email the page number and location to joel.burdeaux@martinmlp.com.

PAGE 22

Miscellaneous continued...

Cutting Costs, Not Cornersby Rhonda Borbiliac, Accounting Manager and Ashton Vial, Staff Accountant

Have you ever heard the saying “a penny saved is a penny earned?”

When dealing with personal finances, a thought that often crosses people’s minds is how they can save money. Whether it’s reducing the amount of luxury items, services purchased or finding less expensive substitutes for household products, people are always looking for ways to save money.

Many of these same cost saving techniques used in our everyday lives can also be applied at work. We have noticed that some of our crew members have taken creative steps to try to cut costs without cutting corners, and this effort is greatly appreciated. This kind of initiative is contagious, and their actions have encouraged other departments at Martin Marine to do the same. Here are a few examples of how our crew members are cutting costs:

• The M/V W.O. Watson crew is making an effort to drink less soda by making batches of tea and Kool-Aid and drinking more water, which is healthier and less expensive.

• Randy Yeager on the M/V Orion created a spreadsheet that tracks grocery expenses, helping them stay within budget without sacrificing nutrition. This spreadsheet is now being used on all of our vessels.

• Since vendors charge trash disposal on a per bag basis, the crew on the M/V W.O. Watson ensures that each trash bag is full before tying it up.

• The crew on the M/V Phillip C. George uses cotton hand towels to clean the wheelhouse windows since they can be washed and re-used. This cuts down on waste, and in the long term, it cuts down on trash expenses.

• The M/V Orion crew members work together to coordinate transportation during crew change to reduce the cost of travel expenses.

• Athel Jackson states that good housekeeping on the M/V W.O. Watson helps them cut down on costs. Washing dishes rather than buying and using disposable dinnerware is one of the ways they keep their budget in check.

• The M/V Joel Smith crew recommends using LED bulbs rather than conventional bulbs to save on power.

Even office personnel are doing their part to help reduce costs in 2015. The Vidor Office canceled custodial

services, and the La Porte Office canceled custodial supply services. Collectively, we all help to ensure that paper towel dispensers are refilled, toilet paper is stocked, and hand soap is available in all restrooms. This was a luxury service that we were paying a premium for. With just a little effort from all office employees, we were able to eliminate this expense altogether.

In addition to finding ways for Martin to save money, we are also making an effort to minimize costs for our customers. Some of the expenses incurred are re-billable to our customers, such as fleeting expenses, assist tugs, and fuel. Cutting these costs begins with our scheduling department, who negotiates rates when applicable, and ends with our invoicing process, during which the Accounts Receivable Clerk reviews re-billable charges on invoices line by line and disputes items that are incorrect.

Our office personnel make every attempt to ensure that crews on every vessel have all of the comforts of home, but limits are put in place to reduce unnecessary spending. Little changes such as the ones mentioned above and more cost conscious decisions can collectively help reduce expenses, so we encourage everyone to join in.

Have a cost saving tip that you’d like to share with us? Email it to ashton.vial@martinmlp.com and we’ll spread the word!

The Texas Navy Texas won its independence from Mexico in 1836 and did not become a part of the United States until 1845. During that time the Republic of Texas was an independent country which meant we had our own president, Congress, and even embassies to Paris, London, and Washington. We also had our own navy – in fact, we had two. The Texas (Texian) Navy protected our coastline, rivers, bays, and inlets from the mouth of the Mississippi River to the Yucatan, and it was a formidable force competing with Mexico, the United States, and some European powers for control of the Gulf of Mexico.

The first Texian Navy was formed in 1836 and was comprised of four wooden sailing vessels – the Liberty, Invincible, Brutus, and flagship Independence- and was commanded by Commodore Charles E. Hawkins. This navy has been credited with making the victory at San Jacinto possible by providing provisions taken from Mexican ships to Sam Houston’s men. They also kept Mexico from resupplying their troops in Texas. By mid-1837, the ships of the first Texas Navy had been sold, wrecked, or surrendered to creditors and the flagship, Independence, was surrendered to Mexican warships.

The second Texas Navy was commissioned by Texas President Mirabeau B. Lamar in 1838 and placed under the command of Commodore Edwin Ward Moore from 1839 to 1843. This fleet was comprised of brigs Potomac, Wharton, and Archer; the steamship Zavala; schooners San Jacinto, San Antonio, San Bernard, and Louisville; and the flagship Austin. For three years this fleet raided the Mexican

coastline forcing the Mexican fleet to focus on protecting its own shores. When the Texas Congress couldn’t fund the Navy any longer due to the high costs of maintenance, Commodore Moore enlisted “contributions” towards the fleet’s upkeep from Mexican coastline towns by ensuring that they would not be invaded if they contributed. He also borrowed

$35,000 on his own signature to help support the fleet. In the meantime, Mexico purchased two advanced warships from Great Britain which Commodore Moore took as a threat to Texas, and a battle was inevitable.

The battle would be wood and sail vs. iron and steam. Although no one believed that the Texas fleet had a chance against the more powerful Mexican ships, in May, 1844, the sloop-of-war Austin and the brig Wharton, with the support of the rebellious ships of the Republic of Yucatan, engaged the Mexican

fleet. The Austin was able to get between the new Mexican ships and get off 520 rounds before the enemy could engage. This significant victory over the Mexican Navy is believed to have prevented a second invasion of Texas. After this battle, Mexico would never pose a threat to Texas again.

In 1845 Texas became the 28th state of the United States and the few remaining vessels were transferred to the U.S. Navy. But that is not the end. In 1958, Texas Governor Price Daniel established a commemorative organization intended to preserve Texas’ naval history. The Texas Navy, Inc. was formed under the authority of the Texas Secretary of State in 1972 and is currently headquartered in Galveston, TX.

by Kathy Pusateri, La Porte Office Manager“The Texas Navy... It’s no exaggeration to say that without it there would probably have been no Lone Star Republic and possibly the State of Texas would still be part of Mexico.” ~ Theodore Roosevelt, Jr. 1936

Martin MarineHSSEQT2904 N. 23rd StreetLa Porte, TX 77571

PostageRequired

The Martin Mariner is a quarterly publication of the HSSEQT department at Martin Marine, a division of Martin Operating Partnership L.P.

Contests and giveaways valid only for current employees of Martin Marine.

Questions and submissions:joel.burdeaux@martinmlp.com

Vice President - MarineRick Freed

HSSEQT ManagerLester Fulfer

Manager - Safety & TrainingShawn Roberts

HSSEQT AnalystRebecca Hellman

HSSEQT Creative AssociateJoel Burdeaux

Martin MarineHSSEQT2904 N. 23rd StreetLa Porte, TX 77571

PostageRequired

Continued from page 6...

Healthier work and life

After identifying the risk factors affecting you most, it’s important to find a solution that will fit into your operation. There is no “one size fits all” answer to reducing fatigue and increas-ing endurance. In reality, some of these risk factors in the industry may not be able to be eliminated or reduced, but once identified, awareness of key risks makes the work environment safer for everyone.

Jo Ann Salyers is an independent consultant and owner of Salyers Solutions, LLC, with 35 years in the safety, training and risk manage-ment areas of the maritime industry. Jo Ann is a certified USCG CEMS Expert and holds CEMS Coaches and Awareness sessions throughout the country. Visit http://salyerssolutions.comArticle adapted from its original publication in Professional Mariner. Used with permission.

easy medium

hard

Soultions to Puzzles on Page 15