I used to skip updating my navigation maps for quick jobs. Hitting a hidden wreck proved how wrong that was, with big downtime and costs. What do you do to check for new hazards?
I started dredging without checking the new boundary markers for a coastal site. A park ranger pulled up in his boat and asked what I was doing in a protected zone, which was super embarrassing. We had to stop everything while I showed him my permits and old maps. Now I make sure to get a verbal okay from local authorities before I even unload the equipment.
I was testing my wooden model in a bucket of wet sand. The thing went full TURBO and coated my garage ceiling. Guess I need to dial back the power next time!
Our dredge had constant mix-ups about who did what maintenance. I made a basic paper list stuck to the cabin wall. Every operator marks off tasks as they finish them. Now we all know what's been done and what needs looking at.
We were working in a silty area and the suction line kept plugging every few minutes. Another operator on site said to try reducing the cutter speed just a little. I gave it a shot and the flow stayed consistent for the rest of the shift! No more stopping to clear blockages, which was a huge relief.