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Government Update est research on fatigue and sleep issues. The U.S. Coast Guard is moving ahead on the second of these three rec- ommendations. It has established a Crew Endurance Management program. The mission of this program is to devel- op and disseminate a system for manag- ing the risk factors that can lead to human error and performance degrada- ONE YEAR'S PRODUCTION Hull 312: Atlanlkal, 130' Crowtber- designed oluminum catamaran, 442 passengers, 35 knots. Delivery: July 2003 Hull 316: Harbor Queen, 84' upscale two-deck 149-passenger dinner boat. Delivery: October 2004 s 14 tion in maritime work environments. Crew Endurance Management practices involve using specific assessment tech- niques to identify endurance factors in specific operations; using light-manage - ment techniques to adapt seafarers to varying work and watch schedules; and using a host of practical techniques to control such operational risk factors as Circle 262 on Reader Service Card Circle 263 on Reader Service Card stress, temperature extremes, caffeine use. and over-the-counter (OTC) drug use. It differs from fatigue management in that it attempts to address the full gamut of environmental, organizational, physiological, and psychological factors that affect seafarer stamina and alert- ness. The Crew Endurance Management Blount Boats' recently-launched 155' OSV /j/eno came in at a total cost that was about half that of a similar OSV-type ferry built elsewhere. How was this possible? Founder Luther Blount maintains a simple and straightforward approach to boat-building that combines quality craftsmanship with proven designs. It's a philosophy that has paid off for three generations of Blount-built boats-delivering durable, classic vessels while providing remarkable savings. So after fifty years, it's no surprise that nearly every one of the 316 Blount boats remains in service. BUILT TO SERVE. BUILT TO LAST. BUILT BY BLOUNT. program is in its early stages and only time will tell how effective it is in reduc- ing marine casualties caused by fatigue and related human factors. But, it is clearly a step in the right direction. The New Zealand Maritime Safety Authority is undertaking a similar campaign. All reasonable measures for addressing this important problem must be explored and implemented as appropriate. Otherwise, we will continue to have seafarers asleep at the wheel. BC Ferry Contract Stirs Controversy A contract to build three double-ended RoRo Ferries for the Canadian Shipping Company British Columbia Ferry Services Inc. has been won by Flensburger Schiffbau-Gesellschaft. The total value of the contracts is approximately $325 million Canadian. The new ships are called "Super C- class" type. BC Ferries' specification for the new Super C-class vessels, which are planned to operate on BC Ferries' Horseshoe Bay-Departure Bay, and Swartz Bay-Tsawwassen routes, are for 525 ft. (160 m) vessels that can accom- modate 370 vehicles and up to 1,650 passengers. The breadth is 94.5 ft. (28.2 m), the draft 18.8 ft. (5.8 m) and the service speed 21 knots. While the order confirms the German yard's prowess, it has sparked a fair amount of controversy, particularly from Canadian shipbuilders. The following was released by the Washington Marine Group: On beluilf of all BC Shipyards, their workers, and families, we at the Washington Marine Group are deeply disappointed at the awarding of the Super 'C' ferry construction contract to a German Shipyard. We have contended all along that BC shipyards and their workers have been denied the opportunity to present a very competitive, risk-free bid package that would include acceptable delivery schedules at a guaranteed price. Over the past 40 years, the BC ferry system has grown from two vessels and a couple hundred employees to over 30 vessels and 3200 employees. BC Ferry Services arguably sets the standard for world-class ferry systems. The ironic part of the current strategy of this man- agement and this Board is that they are abandoning the very assets and people that helped them reach world promi- nence over those 40 years. Maritime Reporter & Engineering News Innovation in.... Marine Pump Technology CUSTOM When we finished our latest OSV, some people thought we had our math wrong. ? * mm Hull 315: fe/eno, 155', 3200hp, 14-18 knots, quadruple screw, shallow draft (7'-6" max), 200 J capacity, 209 passengers, 8 trailers or 40 cars, ocean-route OSV-type vessel. Delivery: August 2004 Rt r^T TXTT Rr^AHTC Tvrr^ 461 Water St • PO Box 368 • Warren, Rl 02885 USA DLUUlN 1 U>W/\1 O ilN v^* til(401 >245-8300 fax(40 1)245-8303 www.blountboats.com
