CFR's
The acronym for this act passed in 2002 in response to the World Trade Center attack in NYC.
What is MTSA?
Typically, the most un-inspected device in a barge fleeting operation. Usually made of steel structures or concrete.
What is a deadman?
The name for special areas within a range of mile points with more strict regulations as identified in 33 CFR 165. For example locations for fireworks displays, festivals, sensitive industry, etc.
What is a regulated navigable area? (RNA)
The most common reason a fleet breaks away and while under the control of a towing vessel.
What is a broken Head Wire?
This federal agency issues and governs permits for navigable waterways
What is the Corps of Engineers?
The two most common Code of Federal Regulation Titles used to govern the inland maritime industry.
What are Titles 33 CFR & 46 CFR?
An natural anchor point along a river bank sometimes used in urgent situations to tie a fleet or tow off that is explicitly unauthorized according to the USACE.
What is a tree?
A barge to barge coupling in a Lower Mississippi RNA must have 7/8" size of steel rope, or what...?
What is "it's equivalent"?
Typically, this document is the only authorization letter that can allow fleeting operations to happen.
What is a USACE Permit?
This federal agency governs navigable waterways, and is responsible for enforcing shipping regulations on navigable waters, and can issue fines.
What is the United States Coast Guard?
Under MTSA, facilities must create this type of plan to identify potential security risks and outline responses.
What is a Facility Security Plan (FSP)?
The name given to the practice of using two individual barge wires at abutting corners of spar barges of a barge fleet.
What are double ups?
This association advocates for the improvement and maintenance of the Gulf Intracoastal Waterway, focusing on safe and efficient transportation across the U.S. Gulf Coast.
What is the Gulf Intracoastal Canal Association (GICA)?
One of the most common river conditions that is in effect when a fleet breaks away.
What is High Water?
This system, mandated by the MTSA, establishes three levels of security for U.S. ports and vessels, based on the level of threat.
What is MARSEC?
If a fleet is unattended, according to 33 CFR 165.801, barge fleeting operators are required to maintain an efficient operation with this "blank" time, ensuring quick and safe movement of barges in regulated areas in critical or emergency situations.
What is a "response time."?
Most commonly retired from active affreightment due to it's unfit seaworthy condition, broken deck fittings, requires routine pumping, and commonly receives the least attention.
What is a spar barge?
The required thickness of a Head Wire for a barge fleet in LMR 88 - 127 mile points. (RNA)
What is 1.25"?
The typical allowable distance for hot work to be performed near any red flag barge.
What is 50'
This official document, required by the Coast Guard, tracks the history, maintenance, and inspections of a towing vessel and/or fleet to ensure it meets safety and regulatory standards.
What is the Towing Vessel Record? (TVR)
At 12 feet at the Carrollton Gauge (New Orleans), the river is considered to be in a high-water condition, where requirement to need one of "these" per 100 barges in a barge fleet.
What is a "Towing Vessel" or "Tow Boat".
Considered one of the leading causes of spar barge strings breaking apart due to shock loading/tension, even when doubled up.
What are loose spar wires?
A barge fleet mooring wire that's only required in certain RNA's. For example 100 miles ahead of pass on the LMR.
What is a Stern Wire?
Under MTSA, facilities must consider risks such as flooding and severe weather in their Facility Security Plan, including measures to safeguard infrastructure and ensure a coordinated response.
What is a High Water Action Plan?
This organization is designated to respond to oil spills, providing the necessary resources and expertise to contain, clean up, and mitigate the environmental impact of spills in U.S. waters, and required under MTSA.
What is an Oil Spill Response Organization (OSRO)?