04/22/2026
We recently collaborated with the Colonial Group Inc EHS department to partner with the local fire department and conduct hands-on confined space rescue drills aboard fuel barges - environments where preparation and precision are critical. The scenarios simulated a worker inside a barge’s hold, located along the edge of the vessel where routine maintenance is performed.
During these exercises, a rescue dummy was placed inside the hold, and teams practiced a full rescue response from start to finish. The drills included air monitoring of the confined space, coordinated entry by trained rescuers, and the setup of a lift system to safely evacuate both the “patient” and the rescue team from the hold. Through strong teamwork and clear communication, the entire operation was completed in under 30 minutes.
These drills reinforce the importance of training for high‑risk, real‑world scenarios and highlight the value of our partnership with local first responders. Exercises like these ensure our teams are prepared to respond quickly, safely, and effectively—on the water and on the job—because nothing is more important than getting everyone home safely.
