18 December 2002

To: M/V GUEMES - All Crew Members

From: Steve Cox, Ferry Manager
Subject: Fire Stations and Stowage of Vehicles

The memo concerning fire stations is rescinded and the following loading procedures shall be followed.

The door to each fire station may be left closed when parking vehicles along side the deck house. The semi-circles now painted on the deck may be disregarded according to the U.S. Coast Guard Inspector, Larry Thompson, who attended the ferry this morning. Smaller vehicles may be parked along side the deckhouse fire stations provided that there is sufficient room to open the door enough to retrieve the fire house and turn on the valve for the hose. This means a partially open door is acceptable. This procedure will allow more deck space to be utilized for parking vehicles, provided that vehicles do not interfere with the deployment of fire house.

In addition, the Coast Guard Inspector stated that the “rope” barrier may be used on the “stern” end of the vessel in extenuating circumstances and at the discretion of the master as we have in the past. The Coast Guard Inspector stated that he would explain this to Lt. Louie, the previous Coast Guard Inspector on the vessel.

The front end of a load should be loaded as we presently do. Stated another way, the net barrier must be used, not just the “rope” barrier.

The above loading policy is meant to provide consistency in loading the ferry to the maximum extent allowed by the U.S. Coast Guard certificate of Inspection.

There were a number of crew members who missed the question and answer session with the Coast Guard. These individuals may contact those who did not attend to gain any further information or the ferry manager.