GL: commercial traffic

[Margery Griffith]

    Coleen Barger has done a fine job of discussing commercial traffic on the
inland rivers, however a few more comments. I began sailing on the Ohio R.
after building a house overlooking the Ohio and became fascinated with the
commercial traffic and often talked to the pilots as they passed our house. I
also knew one of the pilots who ran M/G's huge  J. Page Hayden. Based in
Cincinnati, M/G owns a number the largest, newer tow boats pushing 15 barges
on the Ohio and up to 30 on the Mississippi. Ohio's locks can hold the tow and
15 barges, while south of St. Louis (Alton, IL) there are no more locks and
any number is possible. Unless it has ceased, there was one real steamboat
still in service! T.S. (I think!) Lewis is her name. I always chatted with her
pilot!
    I take issue with John LeRoy though when he says the pilots are
UNLIKELY to watch charts like we do. I believe they DO keep track of exactly
where they are! In order to pass the exams, each pilot had to memorize the
entire Ohio and Mississippi Rivers! Also, Rich & Diane based in Norfolk,
recommend using the LIGHT LIST as a guide. Well, yes, it does list all lights
but that is not as useful on inland rivers. I DID carry the light list
onboard. On the rivers, though, there is a marker EVERY MILE so there is no
excuse for not knowing where you are! Local pleasure boaters probably pay no
attention to them but for any 'through traffic' it is necessary.
    I NEVER
had a tow not answer my call. The trouble I DID have was understanding
them!...many of the pilots were Cajun and they also had their own 'lingo' and
you MUST know 'one whistle' and 'two whistles' so write it down and keep it at
the wheel! They rarely use 'port' and 'starboard' directions. They DO talk in
terms of 'Molly's Bend' or whatever which don't show up on charts so if you
hear but cannot see the tow, call, giving your location, and ASK! Also when
you must anchor along the narrow waters of the Tenn-Tom, hail the first tow
passing by so he can tell you if you are out of the way/safe. He will surely
say he'll alert other vessels approaching to watch for you. They are VERY
helpful! Also be sure and set a stern anchor there! Just keep in mind how many
MILES it takes a large tow to come to a stop especially going downstream. We
got used to hearing 5 blasts from a tow on weekends when the idiot boaters
were out dropping skiiers off in front
 of downstream barges. SCARY!
    Safe boating to all!
Marge Griffith