Page:NTSB Rar-94-01.pdf/66

From Wikisource
Jump to navigation Jump to search
This page needs to be proofread.

10. Delays in obtaining samples from vessel crewmembers, which prevented conclusive determination of whether alcohol was a factor in this accident, could continue to be a factor in marine accidents because Coast Guard regulations applicable to postaccident alcohol testing do not specify the time limits within which such testing must be conducted

11. As evidenced by information provided by his employer and a statement from his doctor, the pilot had been able to control his diabetic condition satisfactorily since 1982 and the disease most likely did not preclude him from operating the MAUVILLA safely

12. Warrior & Gulf Navigation Company should establish procedures that encourage towboat operators to inform management when they are taking medication, determine whether such medication may affect their performance of duties, and arrange for a qualified relief, if necessary.

13. The transportation industry needs to disseminate information and educational materials that stress the relationship between use of medications (over-the-counter and prescription) and an employee's fitness for duty.

14. Damage to the bridge discussed in repair plans issued on November 1, 1979, was probably due to a barge strike that may have occurred as a result of high water and winds generated during Hurricane Frederic.

15. Currently available data pertaining to bridge-vessel collisions are insufficient to allow the U S. Department of Transportation to develop a bridge risk assessment methodology or to allow the railroads to systematically identify vulnerable bridges and take action to increase protection for them.

16. Development of a national risk assessment program for railroad bridges requires the full cooperation and support of the railroad industry.

17. The U S. Department of Transportation's development of a national risk assessment program for determining bridge vulnerability to vessel collision is needed

18. To carry out a national risk assessment program for highway and railroad bridges, the transportation regulatory agencies need a standard methodology so that they can determine the vulnerability of the Nation's highway and railroad bridges to collisions from marine vessels, formulate a ranking system for identifying those bridges at greatest risk, and provide guidance on the effectiveness and appropriateness of protective mcasures

19. Bridges vulnerabe to impact from commercial marine traffic should bear unique, readily visible markings so that waterway and bridge users are better able to identify bridges involved in accidents when reporting such mishaps to emergency responders, a list of bridge identification markings should be published periodically in a national register of bridges.

20. Considering the remoteness of the accident site, the weather conditions, and the limited modes of transportation available, the emergency response was well-coordinated and effective

60