E.N. Bisso & Son, Inc.

New Orleans

JULY 2013 SAFETY MESSAGE

LIMITS ARE NOT JUST FOR SPEED

We all know about speed limits; they are intended for the safety of all. There are, however, other types of limits that are
for safety’s sake. Here is one that is applicable to the marine industry: radiation limits. Radiation is invisibly all around you
because of natural causes and manmade machines. Radiation comes from sunshine, radon gas as well as microwave ovens
and cell phones for examples.

In the marine industry, many vessels have radars. The radar scanners or arrays on top of most tugboat’s wheelhouses emit
considerable microwave energy; some emit more than 4 kilowatts of powerful energy. Standing near a rotating radar array
can be hazardous if the intensity is sufficiently high. OSHA has determined that the recommended maximum safe level
of exposure to these microwaves is least 7 to 10 feet from the rotating radar array horizontally and 2 to 3 feet vertically
while in operation. Radar units should be operated only when needed for navigation or safety. When the radar is not
needed, it should either be in standby mode (not transmitting) or turned off.

Captains must ensure that the radar is not transmitting when crewmembers are aloft or working in the area of the
scanner. If for some compelling reason, crewmembers need to go near an operating radar antenna, they must be briefed
about the hazards and instructed to avoid the scanner by a minimum horizontal distance of at least 7 to 10 feet and a
vertical distance of at least 2 feet when the radar is operating. Crewmembers also must be briefed to only remain near
the hazardous area for extremely short periods. In addition, the rotating antenna is also a danger if too close because it
could hit you.

There are three principles that if followed will reduce or negate your potential exposure to radiation from radars.
These are:

TIME: The longer you stay near a an operating radar scanning antenna array closer than the recommended safe distance
for that particular radar, the more you are exposed to radiation energy.

DISTANCE: The intensity of radiation generally decreases as the square of the distance from it. Doubling the distance
from an operating radar scanner reduces the intensity of radiation by a factor of 4. Put another way, the intensity of
radiation decreases the further you are from the source in the same way that the heat from a fire is less intense the
further away you are from it. Therefore, staying that safe distance of 7 to 10 feet away horizontally and 2 to 3 vertically
dramatically reduces exposure.

SHIELDING: Adequate shielding such as the top of the wheehouse will reduce your exposure to extremely low levels
when in the wheelhouse. Being inside the boat in your bunk, in the wheelhouse, working on deck or eating in the galley
probably results in less radiation from an operating radar than if you were standing outside in the sunshine.

In any event, while there is very little danger from an operating radar antenna at a safe distance and in a shielded
wheelhouse, you still should know the risks of being too close.

24 Hour Dispatcher: 504.861.1303 • Corporate Office: 504.828.3296 • www.enbisso.com