High River Conditions Impact Mariner Safety

It’s that time of year again when the force of the river sends a strong message with seemingly unstoppable intensity and power throughout the Marine Industry and along her banks. It is High River season, except some years seems like the “season” lasts longer and longer.

“In May 2019, the Mississippi River exceeded a 92 year old record for days at flood stage. It is not so unusual that the river is high, but it is unusual that is has been for so long - the longest-lasting since the “Great Flood” of 1927.”

“High river season is the broadest reaching natural phenomena facing American maritime commerce, yet no other group of operators are more vulnerable to the hazards and increased risk than the towing and barge industry. Onboard a towing vessel, circumstances can change from challenging to tragic in a matter of moments.”

“Behavioral research shows us that in emergency situations and critical moments, muscle memory and instinct take over. In a crisis situation, there isn’t time to look up a procedure. Training, rigorous drills as if in an actual emergency, and vessel specific orientation are critical to ensuring onboard safety.”

Those were a few excerpts from the June 2019 article in Marine Log Magazine by Sarah Michelle Hattier, Safety and Regulatory Compliance Manager for Dupre Marine Transportation, High River Conditions Impact Mariner Safety.

Please take some time to read this important article, not only discussing how high river impacts the towing industry, but how “effective safety risk management” is performed, researched and implemented in the industry, as well as from the decks of the towboats. As we always instill in our crews, everyone’s main goal should be to go home safely.

High River view in Baton Rouge, Louisiana