Trick or Treat

Orcas in Trouble

The Vancouver Globe and Mail is reporting:

VANCOUVER — There were early signs of starvation and then declining birth rates - now a growing number of adults and calves have vanished from a population of orcas found in the waters of southern British Columbia and northern Washington.

 

Although no bodies have been found, it's thought that the whales, which rarely stray from the group, have died, perhaps tipping a key population toward extinction.

And scientists say the worst is yet to come for the southern resident orcas and a second, separate population known as the northern residents, which are both heading into winter undernourished because there are so few salmon to feed on.

The full Globe and Mail post by Mark Hume is here. 

(Ed. note:  thanks to orcagirl over at ORCINUS ORCA COLLECTIVE for the above.)

Another Aid to Navigation at Risk

Rob Rae Photo

WASHINGTON - MUKILTEO LIGHTHOUSE - Survey

The Coast Guard is conducting an abbreviated Waterways Analysis and Management System (WAMS) study for the Mukilteo Lighthouse ferry crossing. The study focuses on operating the Mukilteo Lighthouse as a privately maintained aid to navigation.

This study will include analyzing marine casualty data, port/harbor resources, emergency response plans, routine and emergency communication capabilities, and future development projects. Any interested parties or individuals wishing to provide comments may send the attached questionnaire no later than December 1, 2008, to:

Commander, Thirteenth Coast Guard District
915 Second Avenue
Seattle, WA 98174
ATTN: WAMS Officer
(206) 220-7278

Source, LNM 44-08

See the official CG news release here.

---------------------

The Seattle Times picked up the story on October 30, 2008. Their post "Does Mukilteo lighthouse help mariners?" is here.

Out for a few days

I'm scheduled for some minor surgery on Monday and will be away from the computer a few days. Look for me back here around Wednesday or Thursday.

-------------

Tuesday update: Made it through ok - the Doc need to call in another surgeon due a slight complication. Yea, I'm sore and can't lift anything greater than 15# for a month.

--------------
Thursday update: Today was a little better - I didn't have to take a nap, but went back to the doc, due some bleeding and some more meds to make it through the weekend.

Latter Day Privateer?

Blackwater's McArthur

Lloyd's List is reporting:

BLACKWATER Worldwide — the US private military contractor embroiled in controversy over its actions in Iraq — has sent a private sector warship equipped with helicopters to the Gulf of Aden, and is offering its services to shipowners concerned with Somali piracy. The vessel, McArthur, is described as a multipurpose unit designed to support military and law-enforcement training, peace-keeping and stability operations.

The full Lloyd's List post is here.

Privateer definition via Wikipedia

A privateer was a private warship authorized by a country's government by letters of marque to attack foreign shipping. Privateering is often described as a form of state-supported piracy. Strictly, a privateer was only entitled by its state to attack and rob enemy vessels during wartime. However, states often encouraged attacks on opposing powers while at peace, or on neutral vessels during time of war, blurring the line between privateering and piracy.

Five of Seven Newly Qualified Masters

Craig Vander Yacht, Kelby Anderson, Deb Fritz Capt. Richard Rodriguez (instructor,)
Levi Ross and Mike Close.

not pictured, Richard Millson and Capt Chris Chesley who earned a Sailing Endorsement.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

New Coast Guard Captains Qualified

(Friday Harbor, WA - October 24, 2008) -- Zenith Maritime graduates 7 students October 23, 2008.

Graduates have qualified to operate vessels up to 100 tons. The course focuses on teaching practical applications rather than test preparation. The course is approved by the United States Coast Guard and as such tests on site in Friday Harbor. Zenith Maritime trains mariners to become Captains across the United States. Zenith graduates and operate vessels up to 200'.

Capt. Rodriguez has certified over 300 mariners as Captains in Western Washington in the last six seasons. During the summer season he is the primary Vessel Assist responder in the San Juans.

xxx

Compsit Unit Question

Take notice of the Masthead Lights on Crowley's Sea Reliance

(Ed. note: The other day I noted two masthead lights on Crowley's Sea Reliance at the dock in Anacortes. She is a composite unit in that she is made up with a rigid connection, yet she was lighted as being connected via wires, chains and hawsers. If anyone has additional info please comment here.)

Crowley calls the vessel an ATB (Articulated Tug and Barge)

how the intercon coupler system works

The Intercon System consists of a pair of port and starboard rams, which are installed in a structural support module on the tug. Each ram has a toothed "helmet" at the outboard end that engages a continuous rack of teeth on the barge notch wall, thus establishing a transverse, fixed horizontal axis about which the tug can pitch independently of the barge.

Onboard the barge, each side of the notch wall/skeg has a series of toothed castings vertically arrayed over a span representing the range of possible connection points between the tug and barge. The tooth pattern on the notch matches the tooth pattern on the tug, allowing for unlimited choices of draft on either vessel. The photo shows the starboard side rack installed in the notch of the barge 550-1.

ATB basics here, via Ocean Tug and Barge Engineering, details are here.

Description of the regs are here.

Car ferry service promised for Port Townsend through Dec. 31 - Peninsula Daily

Car ferry service promised for Port Townsend through Dec. 31
Peninsula Daily, WA - 9 hours ago
David Moseley, deputy Transportation secretary for Washington State Ferries, told the Port Townsend-Keystone Ferry Partnership Group on Tuesday that the ...
Ferry likely out in January Port Townsend Leader
all 2 news articles

http://www.peninsuladailynews.com/article/20081022/news/310229995

--
This article was sent using my Viigo.
For a free download, go to http://getviigo.com

Capt. Richard J. Rodriguez
Maritime Services

Sent via BlackBerry from ATT Wireless

Great AIS Site

 

(Ed. note:  Thanks to former student, Capt. Jay Hartland for turning me onto this great link)

You can search it here.

Info from MarineTraffic.com:

Frequently Asked Qusetions

What is AIS?

AIS is initially intended to help ships avoid collisions, as well as assisting port authorities to better control sea traffic. AIS transponders on board vessels include a GPS (Global Positioning System) receiver, which collects position and movement details. It includes also a VHF transmitter, which transmits periodically this information on two VHF channels (frequencies 161.975 MHz and 162.025 MHz – old VHF channels 87 & 88). Other vessels or base stations are able to receive this information, process it using special software and display vessels locations on a chart plotter or on a computer.

Contents:

About the Marine Traffic project
How the vessels positions are recorded?
What is AIS?
What is the range AIS covers?
How is the data collected?
How is this information displayed on this site?
How often is the data updated?
Why the map refreshes or resizes slowly sometimes?
Why some partial or strange data appears from time to time?
How the vessel's crew can help?
What notation is used for vessels?
Can I put an advertisement or a banner on MarineTraffic.com?
Can we expand the coverage to include more areas?
How can I see the position of my boat on the map?
Can the web-published information be used to enhance safety at sea?

About the Marine Traffic project

This web site is created as an academic, open project. It is dedicated in providing free real-time information to the public, about ship movements and ports and our main objective is to expand it to other research applications. The project is currently hosted by the Department of Product and Systems Design Enginnering, University of the Aegean, Greece. The initial data collection is based on the Automatic Identification System (AIS). We are constantly looking for partners wishing to install an AIS receiver and share the data of their area with us, in order to cover more areas and ports around the world.

How the vessels positions are recorded?

The system is based on AIS (Automatic Identification System). As from December 2004, the International Maritime Organization (IMO) requires all vessels over 299GT to carry an AIS transponder on board, which transmits their position, speed and course, among some other static information, such as vessel’s name, dimensions and voyage details.
References:
IMO: http://www.imo.org/Safety/mainframe.asp?topic_id=754
Wikipedia: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Automatic_Identification_System
US Coast Guard: http://www.navcen.uscg.gov/enav/ais/default.htm

Stretching her legs

Diligence off Pt. Caution this pm making 8 kts.

posted via BlackBerry

Pevine Pass

On occasion the WSF takes Pevine Pass (an alternate weather route) to Friday Harbor from Anacortes. This morning's run was for practice.

This is our last week in Friday Harbor for the current Zenith Maritime Master's Course. Look for graduation pics on Friday.

posted via BlackBerry

WSF on Twitter

(Ed. note: You can follow WSF updates on Twitter, here.)

wsferries

Point Defiance/Tahlequah 45 Minute wait at Point Defiance: The Point Defiance Terminal is currently at a 45 minute wait time due to ... ... 21 minutes ago from web
[UPDATE]Kingston Terminal Overhead Loading - Update: The overhead loading ramp is back in service at Kingston. about 13 hours ago from web
Anacortes / San Juan Island Route - MV Chelan: The 5:25 pm sailing from Anacortes to Friday Harbor is running 25 minutes behind schedule ... ... about 23 hours ago from web

We are not alone!

BYM Marine & Maritime News is reporting:

UK. Commercial fisherman prosecuted following collision

At a hearing today in Truro Magistrates Court, the owner/skipper of a small fishing vessel was successfully prosecuted following a collision off Falmouth on the morning of the 3rd October 2007.

Early that morning a small blue wooden fishing boat had departed the Helford River for fishing grounds south of Falmouth. Onboard was a crew of three. It was just before sunrise and the weather was fine with good visibility. Navigation lights were on as was a deck light made up of fluorescent tubes. Also that morning the small fast catamaran Blithe Spirit left Falmouth with her owner/skipper Mr John Tomlinson, alone onboard.

The full BYM post is here.

Walla Walla returns to service

WSF is reporting:

EDMONDS – Starting tonight, Oct. 17, the 188-car Walla Walla will return to service on the Edmonds/Kingston ferry route. The Walla Walla will join the 188-car Spokane, returning the route to its usual vehicle capacity. The 144-car Hyak has been on the route since Oct. 7 while the Walla Walla was out for necessary repairs.

The Walla Walla’s return will free the Hyak to return to the Seattle/Bremerton route, so the 144-car Kaleetan can go into WSDOT’s Eagle Harbor Maintenance Facility for its required annual inspection.

The complete WSF post is here.

Captain's License Renwal Course 12/6 in Anacortes

You are probably aware that 360 days of sea time are required to renew a Captain's License with the five years of issuance. The CG will allow an individual to test out in lieu of sea time.

I am please to announce that I am conducting a One Day (Coast Guard Approved) renewal course in Anacortes on Saturday, December 6, 2008, at the Anacortes Yacht Club. This course is for those with an OUPV or up to 100 ton Masters.

If you are within a year (either side) of renewing your license and don't have 360 days of sea time, this course is for you.

Information on the TWIC process will also be available.

We will conduct the Coast Guard test at the conclusion of the day and all you need to do is take the Zenith Maritime Certificate with you to the REC.

For details, contact me here.

Women on Waves

Breitbart.com is reporting:

The ship "Women on Waves" of the same-called Dutch organization leaves the harbour of Den Helder in the Netherlands for Portugal in 2004. A Spanish pro-life group said it plans to protest the arrival on Thursday of a Dutch boat that is offering to provide abortions that circumvent Spain's strict laws.

More info here.

David Moseley Meeting follow up

WSDOT Ferries Division Assistant Secretary David Moseley

First, let me say that I was leery about the meeting, as I though there would be a hidden agenda - there was not. I thought I might be asked about the source of several key commenters - I was not. Our meeting lasted about 45 minutes.

I found David to be truly interested, engaging, and concerned. His position is not one most would savor.

He did ask for my suggestions. Here's a sampling of the offerings I made:

-Don't allow WSF to be driven by special interests (political or community) and look towards long term solutions that will serve our needs 25 years down the road.

-Seek a Jones Act exemption for a vessel(s) that could make the Admiralty Inlet run until a Steel Electric replacement is built.

-Following the SW Airlines business model, move towards three classes of boats for the entire fleet.

-Work at creating a culture that invites participation from all stakeholders.

-Consider a public corporation that depoliticizes the WSF, on the lines of the Alaska Railroad Corporation.

A number of folks here believe that the issue is the MVET. If you lost about 25% of your income - that would be the issue too.


He did indicate that about 50% of his time is spent face to face with various stakeholders. Have been a non profit administrator for 24 years, I can tell you the importance of being available is a key to tell your story to a never ending parade of constituents.

While David doesn't come from a maritime background, I believe that he has quickly learned the issues that face the WSF. That said, I believe we are in better hands than we've been in for a while.



(Ed. note: For those readers outside Western Washington, Mr. Mosely is the head of the Washington State Ferry system.)

My meeting with WSF's David Moseley

BE reader, David Moseley

(Ed. note: A few weeks ago, the following email arrived. The meeting was this afternoon @ 13:45. Look for a report tomorrow.)

Mr. Rodriguez,

My name is Barbara Welch. I work for Assist. Secretary David Moseley of Washington State Ferries. David is interested in meeting you while he is in Anacortes on Oct. 15th at approximately 2:00pm. Please let me know your availability. No specific issues. He has read you blog and just wants to introduce himself.

Thanks for your time.

Barb
posted via BlackBerry

TWIC drop dead date: Feb. 28, 2009 for Puget Sound

Norleen Schumer over at MaritimeLicensing.com is has just reposted the CG's Announcement.

Her post is here.

Be advised, and don't be caught short without it. Even though you may not be entering a secure area, YOU need a TWIC to insure the validity of your license.

The official GC TWIC site is here.

(Ed. note: Thanks to my buddy, Capt. Les Soland for pointing out that I had the original date posted incorrectly.)

Guitar Boat

Via Gizmodo:

Josh Pyke's Guitar Boat Floats on an Ocean of Rock

Up until now, I had never heard of Aussie indy-rocker Josh Pyke. However, sailing the seas on a giant guitar is something that tends to get people noticed. The boat is prominently featured in the video for his new single Make You Happy, and it appears to be an accurate replica of his favorite guitar. Unfortunately, it is not an actual, playable instrument—which is just as well. Jamming on this thing would require far too much effort. [Zimbo via Born Rich via DVICE]

• 
• 
• 

---

Cargo Ship Sets Sail

MarineLog.com is reporting:

MSC charters sail-assisted cargo ship

The 400-foot Beluga SkySails, the world's first cargo ship to use a SkySail, departed Newport, Wales, Oct. 5, 2008 following the first of three European port calls the ship will make loading U.S. Army and U.S. Air Force cargo for return to the United States.
The ship is under a Military Sealift Command charter.

The full MarineLog.com post is here.

Live from Tacoma

On the Foss Waterway playing tourist today.

posted via BlackBerry

QE II to bid final farewell to America

Photo Credit paulding.com

BYM Marine & Maritime news is reporting:

On Thursday, October 16, Cunard's Queen Elizabeth 2 (QE2) will bid farewell to America during a celebratory call befitting of the company's longest-serving ocean liner. The historic occasion will mark the iconic ship's 706th and final call to New York. Escorted by FDNY fireboats and flotilla of pleasure craft, the beloved QE2 will depart the Westside Terminal at 5 p.m. to meet her sister ship, Queen Mary 2, for a Cunard Royal Rendezvous at the Statue of Liberty as both renowned ocean liners embark on a tandem voyage to Southampton, England -- marking QE2's 806th and final Transatlantic Crossing.

You cal read the full post here.

The Rules, but again.

 

As most of you know the Maltse Falcon is here on the SF Bay for a few weeks. Over the weekend a Nordic 40 t-boned the largest sailing vessel in the world. No this shot has not been altered. How do you miss a boat that big?? The was a maritime photographer near by and he caught the whole sequence. Amazing photos, incredible boat!

 

(Ed. note:  Found this at Mr. Boat - content advisory.) 

More important is what the rules say about sailing vessels.  The Nordic 40 appears to be the stand on vessel.  

Rule 12

(a)     When two sailing vessels are approaching one another, so as to involve risk of collision, one of them shall keep out of the way of the other as follows:

1. when each has the wind on a different side, the vessel which has the wind on the port side shall keep out of the way of the other;
2. when both have the wind on the same side, the vessel which is to windward shall keep out of the way of the vessel which is to leeward;
3. if a vessel with the wind on the port side sees a vessel to windward and cannot determine with certainty whether the other vessel has the wind on the port or on the starboard side, she shall keep out of the way of the other.

(b)   For the purposes of this Rule the windward side shall be deemed to be the side opposite that on which the mainsail is carried or, in the case of a square-rigged vessel, the side opposite to that on which the largest fore-and-aft sail is carried.

The stand on vessel also as a responsibility to alter course, see the info below.

Rule 16

Every vessel which is directed to keep out of the way of another vessel shall, so far as possible, take early and substantial action to keep well clear. 

Rule 17

(a)      

1. Where one of two vessels is to keep out of the way, the other shall keep her course and speed.
2. The latter vessel may however take action to avoid collision by her maneuver alone, as soon as it becomes apparent to her that the vessel required to keep out of the way is not taking appropriate action in compliance with these Rules.

(b)     When, from any cause, the vessel required to keep her course and speed finds herself so close that collision cannot be avoided by the action of the give-way vessel alone, she shall take such action as will best aid to avoid collision.

(c)     A power-driven vessel which takes action in a crossing situation in accordance with subparagraph (a)(ii) of this Rule to avoid collision with another power-driven vessel shall, if the circumstances of the case admit, not alter course to port for a vessel on her own port side.

(d)     This Rule does not relieve the give-way vessel of her obligation to keep out of the way.

In most cases the CG would cite both vessels for not following the rules.

Local Orca Pod, now minus six

James Hillaire, with drum, leads members of the Lummi Nation's Ohileq-sen Canoe Family in a canoe travel song in honor of K7, a killer whale that didn't return with her pod this year. The Center for Whale Research estimates the orca was born in 1910. K7 is one of six orcas believed to have died this year. The tribute to K7 took place Sept. 26 at Lime Kiln State Park. It was hosted by The Whale Museum and Orca Network.

Molly Neely-Walker

The Journal of the San Jauns is reporting:

Six orcas have apparently disappeared from the Southern Resident orca pods this year, dropping the population to 83, the lowest since 2003.

The Center for Whale Research and others are blaming marine pollution, depleted salmon runs, and acoustic impacts from dredging, seismic testing and military sonar for the decline in the population. The Southern Resident orcas are listed as endangered in Canada and the U.S.

"It's a hard hit," said Dave Ellifrit, senior staff assistant at the center.

The complete post by Richard Walker is here.

Vegas.............Baby

Don't miss Tim Flanagan's post over at Navagear....

Navagear Goes To Las Vegas, Baby!

Here's an excerpt:

But just ’cause I’m stuck out here in the desert, that doesn’t mean I won’t find lots of nautical subject matter to share with my readers. For instance, Captain Richard Rodriguez over at BitterEnd will be happy to hear that I’ve been wearing my “Knotty” hat all over town…

Port Townsend to lose car ferry service, possibly near holidays

The Peninsula Daily News is reporting:

PORT TOWNSEND — Maintenance work on the Steilacoom II ferry, which is required by year's end, will mean the return of temporary passenger-only ferry service to the Port Townsend-Keystone route.

"It could be two to three weeks," Washington State Ferries spokeswoman Hadley Greene said of the Steilacoom II's drydocking.

When the Steilacoom II, which the state leases from Pierce County, will be lifted into dry dock for Coast Guard-required annual maintenance is unknown, Greene said, but it has to be by Dec. 31.

The complete post by Jeff Chew is here. 

Oceans Turning Acidic

In Ischia's highly acidic water Algae vital for binding coral reefs have been wiped out. (REUTERS/HO/Great Barrier Reef National Park Authority)

The Guardian/UK is reporting:

'Every day the oceans absorb more than 25m tonnes of carbon dioxide from the atmosphere,' said Hall-Spencer. 'If it were not for the oceans, levels of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere would be far higher than they are today and the impact of climate change would be far worse. However, there is a downside: it is called ocean acidification.'

The full post by Mike McKie is here.

(Ed. note: Thanks to my darling Trish for forwarding the above.)

WSF Scrambles to Meet Needs

Onlookers w match as a passenger ferry pulls in at the dock to drop off and pick up commuters Tuesday at the Bremerton Transportation Center. The Victoria Express ferry was put into service to replace the route’s auto ferry Hyak, which was moved to the Kingston-Edmonds run on Monday. (LARRY STEAGALL | KITSAP SUN)

The Victoria Star heads toward Seattle after picking up commuters Tuesday at the Bremerton Transportation Center. (LARRY STEAGALL | KITSAP SUN)

The Kitsap Sun is reporting:

On Tuesday morning, the contracted Victoria Express packed in 148 passengers for the popular 6:20 a.m. sailing from Bremerton and left about 200 behind, said Joan Dingfield, one of many commuters who watched the passenger ferry sail away.

"There were some grumpy people, especially when I got on my bus," said Dingfield, chairwoman of the Bremerton ferry advisory committee. "The bus driver told us the 6:20 passenger ferry was already full. People had to start making phone calls and changing meeting times."

The full Kitsap Sun post by Ed Friedrich is here.

Do you need a $400m yacht?

Via Gizmodo:

Chelsea Football Club Owner Building $400 Million Mega-Yacht with Submarine, Missile Defenses

Russian billionaire and Chelsea soccer club owner Roman Abramovich is building a $400 million mega-yacht. Yawn, you say? You have two? OK, well, this yacht has its own submarine. And armor plating with bulletproof glass. And little boats that fit inside the bigger boat. And a frickin' missile defense system that will alert he and his crew of 70 former SAS soldiers that there be pirates in those waters. It should be noted that Abramovich's other yachts—the 377 ft. Pelorus, 282ft Ecstasea and 160ft Sussurro—all pale in comparison to the 550 ft. Eclipse, and do not include missile detection systems. You can never be too safe, right?

The Eclipse, so named because Abramovich desires that it overshadow all other boats at sea, also includes an escape submarine, just in case pirates or other rapscallions make it on board. The submarine seats two, so Abramovich and his gorgeous girlfriend Daria Zhukova, 26, can make a hasty flight to safer waters (or go down to 160 ft. deep) while his hired guns secure the decks.

Abramovich's Eclipse will also have room for 24 guests, a cinema, aquarium, disco and a hospital. But no weapons—under maritime law, private vessels are banned from carrying them. Hence, the yellow submarine action and missile defenses that border on paranoia. [The Daily Mail]

Things Octopi

 Ron Steven image, Blue Octopus, used with permission

On yesterday's ferry ride from Anacortes to Friday Harbor I noticed image above on the cover of the October "Northwest Dive News."

I grabbed the mag to see if there was a credit and how I might contact the owner to seek permission to use the image down the road for a post.


Not only did I get a response, I got a phone call first thanking me for the request.  How refreshing.



I thought that Ron's cause deserved it's own story.  Here's Ron's email:

Hi Richard

 

Good to chat today , Please see attached and thanks for asking , a link to www.rogest.com would be great, thank you once again for enjoying the art of Rogest.

 

Do let me know if you feel we could do any good with my art work , in the way of awareness, fundraising or as a visual message .

 

We also do a lot of custom shirts, prints and art cards a long with other goodies , Let me know if I can help with any thing else .

 

Stay well sail safe ..............

 

Please use new email : rogest@rogest.com

Best Fishes
Rogest ><((((*>
Ron Steven
www.rogest.com
Inductee into the 2008 International
Scuba Diving Hall of Fame
Please consider the environment before printing this email

(Ed. note:  Be sure NOT to page through Ron's flash opening screen.  Go pay the site a visit and see if there is a way to promote environmental concerns.)

Moravian Checks In: Jumbos Rising

Jumbo Mark II Class

 

Washington State Ferry Walla Walla is out of service for the next week while they repair a burned up thrust bearing, this is an unscheduled emergency repair. The  Puyallup is out of service until January for scheduled maintenance. 

 

Two Jumbos out of service at the same time is the definition of "Jumbos Rising."

 

-Moravian

 

See Moravian's original Jumbo's Rising post here.

Question From a Newbe

Capt. Rodriguez,

You have a great blog, and a tough job glad you are out there to help those that need it.  I am restoring to life a 19.5 ft glasply cuddy, it should be ready in the spring.  I have never operated a boat before, and as such I would like to know what I am doing before I go out in it.  If I wind up on the BitterEnd....i would like it to be for reasons other than stupidity or lack of knowledge.  I Know I need to learn navagation, some first aid, intimate knowledge of all parts of my boat, rules of the road, coast guard regs, what to do in a emergency, Sign up with vessel assist, put together emergency kit & first aid kit. Can you please point me in the direction of a good source of information?  Is your class for small boaters or just for the bigger boats & ships? 

Will R., Everett, WA

------------

Will,

Thanks for the email.  My wish is that all newbes were as diligent as you.  The best place to begin is with a Coast Guard Auxiliary or US Sail and Power Squadron Basic Boating Course.

Either will give you the fundamental skill set to know what to be afraid of.  Both are active in Everett, and your schedule will probably be the deciding factor.

Begin here:

Everett Sail and Power Squadron

Everett Coast Guard Auxiliary 

BTW:  I got my start with the Auxiliary.   Either course will also qualify you for the Washington State Boater Education Card.

The course I offer is a 100 ton Master's Course (It also includes an OUPV - six pac license,) that is for folks that are going to work professionally on the water.   It should be noted that a number of serious yachters also have taken the course.  There are boating prerequisites.  You can find out more info at Zenith Maritime.

Frist Knotty Tat Shows Up

(Ed. Note:  I'm not sure what to say.)

Navy Confirms Sunken Submarine is "Grunion"

In this undated file photo the submarine USS Grunion (SS 216) is seen underway. Grunion was reported lost on August 16, 1942 after reporting firing on an enemy destroyer, sinking three destroyer-type vessels, and attacking unidentified enemy ships during her first war patrol. The boat has been found off the coast of the Aleutian Islands by the sons of the boat's commanding officer, who was lost with the ship in World War II. U.S. Navy Photo

Via the Maritime Reporter:

"I am honored to announce that, with records and information provided by the Abele family and assistance from the Naval Historical Center, USS Grunion has been located," said McAneny. "We are very grateful to the family of Grunion's Commanding Officer Lt. Cmdr. Mannert L. Abele for providing the underwater video footage and pictures that allowed us to make this determination. We also appreciate the efforts of the USS Cod Submarine Memorial for their assistance in this matter. We hope this announcement will help to give closure to the families of the 70 crewmen of Grunion."

The balance of the Maritime Reporter is here.

Marine salvage

Info via Wikipedia 

Marine salvage is the process of rescuing a ship, its cargo and sometimes the crew from peril. Salvage encompasses rescue towing, refloating a grounded ship or patching or repairing a ship. Today the protection of the environment from cargoes such as oil is often considered a higher priority than saving the ship or cargo.

"Salvors" are seamen and engineers who carry out salvage to vessels that are not owned by themselves. When salvaging large ships, they may use cranes, floating dry docks and divers to lift and repair ships for short journeys to safety towed by a tugboat. The aim of the salvage may be to repair the vessel at a harbour or dry dock, or to clear a channel for navigation. Another reason for salvage may be to prevent pollution or damage to the marine environment. Alternatively the vessel or valuable parts of the vessel or its cargo may be recovered for its resale value, or for scrap

2007 Boating Accident Stats

The full report is here.  Thanks to BE reader Antonio Hurtado-Coll for passing this report on.

Rules, What Rules?

Pic found at Mr. Boat

(Ed. note: Mr. Boat contains some objectionable content.)

Don't miss the CG follow up to last weekend's accident on Lake Washington. Here's an excerpt:

- Do not operate your vessel at high rates of speed at night or in situations where visibility is limited. It is against the law to operate a vessel at a speed that can not allow you to take proper and effective action to avoid a collision and to be able to stop within a distance appropriate to the prevailing conditions. The steps to determining safe speed are: the current state of visibility plus traffic density plus maneuverability of the vessel, turning ability and stopping distance.

- It is very important that while boating at night you should have the proper navigational lights lit so that other vessels can see you. If you are operating at night, slow down and have others on the boat help keep an eye out for hazards. Post sufficient lookouts! Background lighting can make identification of another boat's navigation lights confusing.

The full post is here.