http://m.apnews.com/ap/db_8545/contentdetail.htm?contentguid=84I2qGuo
Sorry for this short post - this via my cell.
Sent via BlackBerry from T-Mobile
Tuesday, March 31, 2009
Crackdown on ships' exhaust could help clear Seattle air
U 505
One of the most unique maritime displays is the German WWII vintage submarine U 505. She's berthed at the Chicago Museum of Science and Industry.
From the Museum's web site:
On June 4, 1944, a German submarine known as U-505 was prowling off the coast of West Africa on a hunt for American and Allied ships, when depth charges from the USS Chatelain blasted the dreaded U-boat out of hiding. It was the end of a violent run for U-505, which had terrorized the Atlantic Ocean as part of a massive U-boat campaign that almost altered the outcome of World War II.
The Museum of Science and Industry invites you to step inside the real U-505—the only German submarine in the United States, and, now, a national memorial to the 55,000 American sailors who gave their lives on the high seas in WWI and WWII.
Lots more info is at the Museum's site, here.
She's the same boat that was used to film Das Boot.
Monday, March 30, 2009
Fwd: floating bridge section departing Elliott Bay
Greetings Richard - I thought your readers would like to see this.
These pictures were taken around 0950 this morning when I spotted the procession out of the corner of my eye as it passed Duwamish Head. The retrofitted section of the Hood Canal Bridge assembly is under tow and heading north.
According to Live Ship Map AIS the bridge section is being towed by Island Spirit (not in pictures), with Patricia S and Island Chief rafted up on the starboard side. They're making about 2.8 kn.
There are progress pictures on the WSDOT project site. I took the third shot (below) on a cruise down the Duwamish last October.
Cheers,
Bruce
BDI for Conspiracy Theorists
Today's BDI
The Baltic Dry Index (BDI) is a number issued daily by the London-based Baltic Exchange. The index provides "an assessment of the price of moving the major raw materials by sea. Taking in 26 shipping routes measured on a timecharter and voyage basis, the index covers Handymax, Panamax, and Capesize dry bulk carriers carrying a range of commodities including coal, iron ore and grain.
The BDI Index Points To
Worldwide Disaster
By James Wickstrom
2-7-9
Please be made aware that I am not interested in your feedback or dribble to me on the information you are about to read. Just understand and ponder the information and how it is going to relate to you, your family, your loved ones, your friends, and to your Nation as a whole.
Most of the masses haven't pulled their heads out of their rectums yet as to their Super Bowl fantasy. Well, REALITY is about ready to kick them in the butt like they have never been kicked before, and for many, will never be kicked again.
The scope as to the gutting out, sell-out, and vicious TREASON by the political and religious elements (note it is plural) of the United States has been the greatest in all of modern history. Don't let your eyes deceive you as to what you are going to read.
John Wayne is not going to come out of his grave and save you or this nation. Tinker Bell is not going to show up with her magic wand and save the day. It is time to face the music of forthcoming violence and suffering like never seen before in the United States and throughout the world.
For over 30 years I have been ostracized, ridiculed, scoffed at, thrown in prison, had my home destroyed, and looked upon as an outcast of this Nation. The same Nation I went to war for during Vietnam. If you have one ounce of reasoning and common sense left in your head, what you are going read is going to send you for a jolt. Please share this with all who you feel would like to know and understand.
Thank you.
Dr. James P. Wickstrom, D. Litt.
Subject: Baltic Dry Index
(Shipping situation that effects all of us)
Follow-up letter on BDI Video
An Email Received On the Baltic Dry Index Video:
I've been discussing the Baltic Dry Index (BDI) with everyone I can for months now. I started following it in June of 2008. It's not a traded index so no one profits from the index itself, which makes it virtually manipulation proof. It is what it is and that doesn't bode well for any of us.
OK, we have 26 shipping routes around the world that the BDI looks at. Shipping stocks are slaves to the BDI. Capesize Ships (over 100,000 tons) make up only 10% of the World Fleet but move 62% of Dry Bulk Traffic (at a given time Australia has 35/40, China 20, Brazil 40-50, S. Africa 1-7). Panamax Ships (60,000-80,000 tons) make up 19% of the world fleet and move 20% of the Dry Bulk Traffic (at a given time Australia has 40-60, China 20-35, Brazil 3-12, S Africa 0-1). There is a third and fourth ship size but they are quite small and they aren't moving either.
If we can use the Baltic Dry Index (BDI) as a guide for the next 12 months of product delivery and food availability in the stores we shop in then the BDI says shelves will be virtually empty of almost every product we use each and every day.
If the BDI is wrong it will be an historic first. The BDI is used by bankers, financial experts, brokers, traders and everyone in high-end finance to assess the global financial condition and the availability of products worldwide.
The BDI has dropped 94% in a short few weeks which means raw materials, grains, ores, steel, iron, cement and all imported products for food manufacturing and product manufacturing even though we actually do very little of that here in the US. We do make bread and other products that require grains, like cereals. We import clothing, gasoline, various fuels and, well, just about everything these days and the BDI says global shipping has shut down. NOTHING is moving. Because this spells disaster for a country that produces little and imports everything I have been intently blogging about the subject and asking people to view a short video I have posted (8 minutes) on:
The Baltic Dry Index (BDI) is an indicator of how much product is actually out for delivery throughout the world. It cannot be cheated or manipulated because it deals with actual products that are either actively being shipped, or are on docks awaiting to be shipped as Freight On Board (FOB). As the chart below proves, back in June, 2008 the BDI stood at a reasonably healthy 11,600. As of today, the BDI has plummeted to 791. That's about a 94% drop in goods actually being shipped worldwide.
This portends unprecedented disaster around the world, especially as it relates to food. Products are simply not being shipped. They aren't being shipped because there aren't any orders for them. This will translate into massive, unprecedented unemployment worldwide and, as things get worse, massive food shortages.
Sunday, March 29, 2009
Columbia River Bridge Allision
The United States Coast Guard District 13 is reporting:
SEATTLE - The Coast Guard responded to a disabled sailing vessel after it allided with the Vancouver Burlington Northern Railroad Bridge in Vancouver, Wash., Sunday.
Coast Guard Sector Portland Ore., received a report at 1:32 p.m., that the mast of the sailing vessel Grace allided with the Vancouver Burlington Northern Railroad Bridge. Crews from Coast Guard Station Portland, Multnomah County Sheriffs Department and Clark Country County Sheriffs and Fire responded to the incident along with the assistance of an unidentified Good Samaritan.
The sailing vessel Grace had three persons on board, none of whom were injured.
No damage to the bridge was sustained, however the sailing vessel sustained considerable damage to the mast.
No evidence of pollution was identified.
Mariners are strongly encouraged to keep a watchful eye for poorly or unmarked gillnets, which are located in the vicinity of the navigable channel on the Columbia River, Ore.
The full CG post and additional pictures are here.
Cruise lines to cut 2010 Alaska passenger lists
ANCHORAGE - Several cruise ship companies say they plan to cut their itineraries in Alaska next year by about 100,000 passengers.
Reasons cited include the anemic economy and Alaska's steep taxes and stringent environmental regulations.
Hundreds of Orcas seen in Gulf of Mexico
AP – In this video still made available by Gary Finch Outdoors, a pod of Orca whales
Yahoo News is reporting:It was a fish story that even veteran boat captains found fascinating: As many as 200 killer whales feeding on tuna in the warm waters of the Gulf of Mexico.
"It was like being at Sea World because they'd come right up to the boat," said Eddie Hall, captain of the Shady Lady, the 60-foot charter boat that spotted the shiny black sea beasts with white eye patches and undersides. "It was pretty neat."
It was also hard for some skeptics to believe: Orcas, as killer whales are also known, typically are thought to live in cold water and eat seals.
The complete Yahoo News post by Jay Reeves is here.
(Ed. note: Thanks to BE reader TW Cook for this link. His comment, "Somewhat in contrast to the recent articles about their decline up your way.")
Saturday, March 28, 2009
Friday, March 27, 2009
Queen of the North Comment
Josef has left a new comment on your post "captain of the ill-fated Queen of the North ferry ...":
Can this loser get early retirement? And if he can't get that, then a desk job like Director of Community Relations, Assistant Deputy Director of Information Technology or Assistant to the Assistant Deputy Director of Archives... This guy not just a ferry... but a ferry system flagship at the cost of millions, spilt oil, irretrievable family possessions & keepsakes, and two innocent lives.
Oh, that's right... according to the Canadian Press, Capt. "Henthorne will captain one of two vessels currently making the northern run, either the Northern Adventure or the replacement ship for the Queen of the North, the Northern Expedition." Nice, he raises safety concerns after the sinking of his ship, gets fired for some reason (like his ship went down by human error via people he was responsible for training & leading) and because he raised the concerns gets another gov't ship. With no remedial training + an apology + an explanation in his words why the QotN went down required. Great. Gov't bureaucracy at work.
This is part of Canada "human rights" gone amok. As in the same kind of mentality as punishing McDonald's for toeing the line on washing your hands.
Sorry if I sound too angry or ignorant of the situation, but I sure as hell, the sun rising in the east in this hemisphere and water is wet will never step onto a ship Captain Henthorne has command responsibility for. This is nuts!!! Thank goodness he doesn't get a Spirit-class or Coastal-class megaferry to sink or ram into an American vessel (yet)!!!
Thursday, March 26, 2009
New Coast Guard Captains Qualified
New Coast Guard Captains Qualified: Clayton Horne, Chris Gobin, Bernie Edge,
Lt. Robert Myers, Capt. Richard Rodriguez (instructor,) and Tamberlyn Ankley
(Tulalip, WA - March 26, 2009) -- Zenith Maritime graduates five students March 25, 2009 at Tulalip WA.
Participating in the course were members of the Tulalip Police Department's, Fisheries Enforcement Team. The group spent two months in preparation to become qualified as 100 ton Coast Guard Masters (Captains.) They also are certified in Commercial Assistance Towing. Non department participant was Tamberlyn Ankley.
Instructing the course was Zenith Maritime's Captain Richard Rodriguez. He stated, "It was a please to work with dedicated group of mariners who will bring a new degree of professionalism to their work in support of Tribal Fisheries.
Zenith Maritime trains mariners to become Captains across the United States. Zenith graduates operate vessels up to 200' across the country and received their licenses through our approved training as an alternative to stressful Coast Guard Examinations
Graduates have qualified to operate vessels up to 100 tons. The course focuses on teaching practical applications rather than test preparation. The school is an approved by the United States Coast Guard and as such tests on site.
Port Townsend company keeps ships upright
Designed to carry about 5,000 vehicles, the cargo ship Cougar Ace nearly sank while adjusting ballast south of the Aleutian Islands in July 2006. The ship was righted with the help of software from Creative Systems of Port Townsend. Photo courtesy of U.S. Coast GuardThe Port Townsend Leader is reporting:
Maybe you already knew there's a floating golf course in Coeur d'Alene, Idaho. But did you know that a Port Townsend company makes the software that keeps it afloat?
"You can use our software for anything that floats," said Julie Knott, business manager for Creative Systems.
Things kept afloat with the company's software include the Hood Canal Bridge; vessels belonging to Washington State Ferries, the U.S. Navy, the U.S. and Canadian Coast Guards; ships built at Todd Pacific Shipyards; and more than 100 ships operating around the world.
The complete Leader post by Barney Burke is here.
Maybe you already knew there's a floating golf course in Coeur d'Alene, Idaho. But did you know that a Port Townsend company makes the software that keeps it afloat?
"You can use our software for anything that floats," said Julie Knott, business manager for Creative Systems.
Things kept afloat with the company's software include the Hood Canal Bridge; vessels belonging to Washington State Ferries, the U.S. Navy, the U.S. and Canadian Coast Guards; ships built at Todd Pacific Shipyards; and more than 100 ships operating around the world.
The complete Leader post by Barney Burke is here.
Wednesday, March 25, 2009
captain of the ill-fated Queen of the North ferry is getting his job back
The captain of the ill-fated Queen of the North ferry is getting his job back, two years after the vessel he commanded sank off the northern coast of B.C., killing two people. Capt. Colin Henthorne was not on the bridge when the ferry failed to make a crucial turn and struck Gil Island, rupturing the hull, causing the ferry to sink with the loss of two passengers' lives on March 22, 2006. WorkSafeBC, the provincial health and safety agency, has ruled that Henthorne must be back on the job by May 25, BC Ferries spokeswoman Deborah Marshall said Tuesday. The complete cbc.ca post is here. (Ed. note: Thanks to BE reader Rod Pugh for the link.)
cbc.ca is reporting:
High-tech explorers to search for Norwegian trailblazer
The Seattle PI is reporting:
It is perhaps fitting that one of history's most famed explorers, Roald Amundsen, disappeared some 80 years ago in the Arctic just north of Norway within the last frontier on Earth -- the largely unexplored deep ocean.
The complete Seattle PI post by Tom Paulson is here.
Tuesday, March 24, 2009
Fate of Titanic, its treasures in US judge's hands
(AP Photo/Stanley Leary, File) NORFOLK, Va. -- Nearly a century after the Titanic struck ice in the North Atlantic, a federal judge in Virginia is poised to preserve the largest collection of artifacts from the opulent oceanliner and protect the ship's resting place.The Seattle PI is reporting:
In a Friday, Aug 15, 2008 file photo, the work shirt of W. Allen, a 3rd class passenger on the Titanic, is shown as part of the artifacts collection at a warehouse in Atlanta. After years of litigation over the wreck and its artifacts, U.S. District Judge Rebecca Beach Smith is expected to rule soon on the largest collection of Titanic salvage. The judgment - in one of the nation's top maritime courts - is intended to ensure the 5,900 pieces of china, ship fittings and personal belongings won't end up in a collector's hands or in a London auction house, where some Titanic artifacts have landed.
The complete Seattle PI post by Steve Szkotak is here.
(Ed. note: Thanks to BE reader Mike Fisher for the link.)
It was 20 years ago today
The Exxon Valdez oil spill occurred in Prince William Sound, Alaska, on March 24, 1989. It is considered one of the most devastating human-caused environmental disasters ever to occur at sea. As significant as the Exxon Valdez spill was, it ranks well down on the list of the world's largest oil spills in terms of volume released.[1] However, Prince William Sound's remote location (accessible only by helicopter and boat) made government and industry response efforts difficult and severely taxed existing plans for response. The region was a habitat for salmon, sea otters, seals, and seabirds. The vessel spilled 10.8 million U.S. gallons (about 40 million litres) of Prudhoe Bay crude oil into the sea, and the oil eventually covered 11,000 square miles (28,000 km2) of ocean.
Exxon Valdez was the original name (later Sea River Mediterranean and eventually Mediterranean) of an oil tanker owned by the former Exxon Shipping Company, a division of the former Exxon Corporation. It gained widespread infamy after the March 24, 1989 oil spill in which the tanker, captained by Joseph Hazelwood and bound for Long Beach, California, hit Prince William Sound's Bligh Reef and spilled an estimated minimum 10.8 million US gallons (40.9 million liters) of crude oil. This has been recorded as one of the largest spills in U.S. history and one of the largest ecological disasters.
Info about the vessel, Exxon Valdez, here
.
Related Science News post, here.
Monday, March 23, 2009
Captain's License Renewal
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 in the approval stages of setting up a course for April 18, 2009
For details, contact me here.
Haugen announces new ferries for Keystone
State Sen. Mary Margaret Haugen addresses residents during a town hall meeting Saturday afternoon at the Coupeville Recreation Hall. She announced the state will build additional ferries capable of navigating Keystone Harbor.
Nathan Whalen/Whidbey News-Times
Nathan Whalen/Whidbey News-Times
The Whidbey News-Times is reporting:
(Ed. note: Thanks to BE reader Brad Brickley for point us to this one.)
State Sen. Mary Margaret Haugen announced Saturday afternoon that the state will build three additional ferries that are capable of navigating the difficult passage in and out of Keystone Harbor.
Those Island Home ferries, coupled with the one currently under construction, would give the ferry system four possible boats that are capable of navigating the Port Townsend-to-Keystone route.
The complete post by Nathan Wahlen is here.(Ed. note: Thanks to BE reader Brad Brickley for point us to this one.)
First-Year Washington Ferries Chief Gets Good Reviews From Most
The Kitsap Sun is reporting:
A turnaround at Washington State Ferries has begun, says David Moseley, the system's director. A long-range plan is written. New vessel maintenance practices are in place. The first new boat in 10 years is on the way. Lines of communication are open. But the system won't be "financially sustainable," as Moseley likes to say, for at least another year.
"We made some progress on the four priorities we have set for ourselves, and in doing that we have laid the foundation for a brighter future for the ferry system," Moseley said of WSF's efforts since he took over on March 1, 2008.
The complete Kitsap Sun post by Ed Friedrich is here.
A cup @ 3,000 meters
A mile and a half down (4,267 lbs. per sq inch)
Tony D'Aoust was student in the Bellingham 100 ton Master's Course that finished last month. Part of his sea time was as a crew member aboard the RV Lawrence M. Gould. During the Deck Safety / Deck General portion of the class he brought the above 8 oz cup and boat that we sent 3,000 meters to the briny deep. At the end of the course he left them to be used in perpetuity.
RV Lawrence M. Gould
Sunday, March 22, 2009
A Woman's Place
Thanks to USCG, Dist 13 for this one
Friday, March 20, 2009
I'm every woman
Posted by PA3 Tara Molle
It's hard to imagine that this was only a little over 60 years ago. I remember laughing the first time I watched this video because it seemed so incredibly unreal to me. And yet, it was very real and widely known that women knew their roles and that was that. Times have changed though and many women are no longer succumbing to the traditional view that a woman's place is at home or in the kitchen. They can and are able to serve right alongside with the men in all of the uniformed services.
Today I was able to attend a Women's Leadership Panel Discussion at Coast Guard Sector Seattle. There were six special guests who were chosen to speak based on their superior achievements while serving in the Coast Guard and also of course...for being women.
Capt. Sue Englebert, Commanding Officer for Sector Seattle; Captain Michele Bullock, Commanding Officer for the NOAA Marine Operations Center; Lt. Melanie Burnham, Commanding Officer of Station Seattle; Chief Petty Officer Laura Freeman, a damage controlman on board the Coast Guard Cutter Polar Star; Chief Petty Officer Tanya Huneycutt, a marine science technician serving in the Port State Control Branch of Sector Seattle; and Coast Guard Auxiliarist Mary Ann Chapman, who serves in the position of Sector Auxiliary Coordinator all spoke on their experiences of being a woman in a man's world.
You can read the balance of PA3 Tara Molle's post, here.
Struggle for power on doomed trawler
Crew members say Japanese fish masters working aboard the sunken Alaska Ranger and other Fish Company of Alaska vessels assaulted fishermen and were involved in other misconduct, increasing the risk in an already dangerous job. Above, the Alaska Ranger — pictured years ago — drops trawl nets. The trawler sank March 23, 2008. Five of the 47 crew died. COURTESY OF ERIC HAYNES
The Seattle Times is reporting:
Japanese fish master Satoshi Konno was a tall man with ramrod posture and a volcanic temper. He erupted one summer day in 1994 aboard a Seattle-based trawler as a young American crewman accidentally slipped a bag of frozen fish into the wrong hold.
Konno walked up behind the crewman and, without warning, shoved him face-first onto the deck. When the crewman protested, Konno "went ballistic on me, and started screaming: 'You are nothing. If I want you off the boat, you're off the boat,' " Clayton Putnam recalled.
The complete Seattle Times post is here.
Saturday, March 21, 2009
Merchant Mariner Credential
Via Wikipedia
The Merchant Mariner Credential or MMC is a credential that will be issued by the United States Coast Guard after April 15, 2009 in accordance with the STCW guidelines to United States seafarers. It will be the standard documentation required for all crewmembers of U.S. ships with a Gross Register Tonnage of over 100 and for all vessels required to operate with a licensed Master, regardless of size. It will replace the Merchant Mariner's Document, merchant mariner license, Certificate of Registry, and STCW Certificate.
The MMC will contain professional qualification information previously listed on a merchant mariner license or Certificate of Registry as an officer endorsement, while information previously listed on a Merchant Mariner's Document would be included as a rating endorsement. STCW endorsements would still be listed as STCW endorsements.
The effort to combine the mariner credentials is due to the upcoming requirement for U.S. mariners to obtain the Transportation Worker Identification Credential (or TWIC), a biometric security card issued by the Transportation Security Administration that all workers in the transportation industry will be required to obtain if their work involves access to a security-sensitive area. This will reduce five of the documents needed to satisfy manning requirements down to two: The TWIC and MMC.
When implemented, new mariners will receive the new credential while existing mariners would obtain the new credential when their current document/license expires. The credential would be obtained by applying in person or by mail to any of the 17 United States Coast Guard Regional Examination Centers (REC) in the United States.
Applications for credentials prior to April 15, 2009 will still need to be made in person at an REC to provide fingerprints and proof of identity, and that for these applications, the Coast Guard will still conduct security threat assessments. After April 15, 2009, TSA will collect the fingerprints and proof of identity and forward that information to the Coast Guard (National Maritime Center (NMC).
The new credential has been criticized by several groups. One organization states that the consolidation reduces the merchant marine officer license, a certificate of professional achievement and status, into a work permit. Another group suggests that the consolidation, together with STCW requirements, the coming TWIC requirement, and new physical evaluation standards have stressed the skilled labor pool and pose too much of an administrative burden and threaten mariner recruitment, training and retention.
U.S. Coast Guard's Notice of Proposed Rulemaking for the Merchant Mariner Credential
Friday, March 20, 2009
U.S. Submarine, Naval Ship Collide in Hormuz Strait
Strait of HormuzBloomberg News (and others) are reporting:
March 20 (Bloomberg) -- A U.S. submarine and a U.S. amphibious ship collided early today in the Strait of Hormuz, the Navy’s 5th Fleet in Bahrain said.
Fifteen sailors were slightly injured aboard the submarine, the Hartford, and returned to duty, the Navy said in an e-mailed statement. No one serving on the amphibious vessel, the New Orleans, was hurt.
The nuclear-powered submarine’s propulsion plant was unaffected by the collision, while the New Orleans sustained a ruptured fuel tank, according to the statement.
The Navy is unaware of any impact on commercial shipping as a result of the collision, Lieutenant Nathan Christiansen, a spokesman for the 5th Fleet, said in a telephone interview.
The Strait of Hormuz is a chokepoint at the mouth of the Persian Gulf between Iran and Oman through which about 20 percent of the world’s oil is shipped.
(Ed. note: Info on 2003 Harford grounding is here.)
Ferry Primmer
GREG GILBERT / THE SEATTLE TIMES
The Seattle Times had a great article on the WSF yesterday. Here's a peek.
Puget Sound is home to the cheapest regularly scheduled scenic-cruise fleet around: Washington State Ferries. Go as a walk-on passenger on a sunny day whenever you need a reminder of why you live in the Pacific Northwest.
Here's a Q&A with a ferry captain on "How It's Done."
Everyone loves our ferryboats. Commuters catch a few extra winks on the way to work while Wi-Fied, earbudded Borg types complete more tasks. Tourists fill the decks — a thrill for the landlocked. Imagine an Oklahoman crossing Elliott Bay when The Mountain is out.
The balance of the post along with pics is here.
Everyone loves our ferryboats. Commuters catch a few extra winks on the way to work while Wi-Fied, earbudded Borg types complete more tasks. Tourists fill the decks — a thrill for the landlocked. Imagine an Oklahoman crossing Elliott Bay when The Mountain is out.
The balance of the post along with pics is here.
Thursday, March 19, 2009
Master 100 ton testing: Tulalip Tribes
captrichardrodriguez.blogspot.com/
sorry for the short response - this message via my cell
Sent via BlackBerry from T-Mobile
Name that type of sailing vessel
The silhouettes of vessels overleaf represent different rigs of ships on the east coast of North America during the mid 1800s to the early 1900s, a period in marine history often referred to as the "golden age of sail".
Sailing ship rigs can be divided into two broad categories: the "fore and aft rig" (left), in which the sails lie along the same plane as the ship's fore and aft line; and the "square rig" (right), in which the sails are rigged athwart (across) the ship. Each rig had certain advantages.
Wednesday, March 18, 2009
No Mariner Credentials issued w/o TWIC
Important Information about the MMC Final Rule
The Coast Guard will use TWIC data received directly from TSA to determine the status of your TWIC. No mariner credentials will be issued without confirmation from TSA that an applicant has been approved to hold a TWIC.
If you are applying for a merchant mariner credential you must have at least applied for your TWIC before the Coast Guard will accept your application. Your credential will not be issued until your TWIC is approved. There may be a minimal delay between the time you apply for your TWIC and the time that data is received by the Coast Guard. Therefore, you should:
Apply for your TWIC in advance of your application for your merchant credential.
If you are applying for your TWIC and mariner credential simultaneously, provide a copy of your TWIC application receipt with your credential application.
More info HERE.
Three black balls for a day shape
What gets: three separate and distinct distinct strokes of the bell, followed by the rapid ringing of the bell for five seconds, followed by three separate and distinct distinct strokes of the bell, followed by the rapid ringing of the gong for five seconds in the after part of the ship?
Tuesday, March 17, 2009
"Westward in the 21st Century"
"Westward in the 21st Century"
World Movie Premiere
Thursday, March 19th, 2009
Westward in the 21st Century: A Documentary Film
DATE: Thursday, March 19th
TIME: 6:30 pm
COST: $5 admission at the door
LOCATION: Naval Reserve Armory Building at Lake Union Park
Designed by celebrated naval architect Ted Geary, launched at the Martinolich shipyard in 1924, powered by the world's oldest working Atlas Imperial engine, Westward is Seattle's most historic motor yacht.
This world movie premiere event will feature a social hour and viewing of the M/V Westward yacht from 6:30pm - 7:30pm; the feature presentation, Westward in the 21st Century: A Documentary Film, at 7:30pm; and a panel discussion after the film, at 8:30pm. All are welcome! Call (206) 382-2628 for more information or visit our website at www.cwb.org.
Presented by John Sabella & Associates and The Center for Wooden Boats
(Ed. note: Thanks to Capt. Charlie DeWeese for the link. I know the vessel and some of her former crew. She is a grand old dame.)
Happy St. Patrick's Day
Charles L. McCarthy
A tribute to my maternal grandfather.
Charles L. McCarthy was the Manager of Station Relations for NBC in San Francisco. It was in 1934 when he joined with Ralph Brunton, one of the owners of KJBS, and together they purchased KQW in San Jose. Later, when CBS took over KQW in the 1940's, McCarthy became the CBS Regional Vice President and the General Manager of KQW.
via Bay Area Radio Museum
Grandpa McCarthy was a wireless operator (Sparks) on a mine sweeper in WWI. And you thought there might not be a nautical connection.
(Ed. note: We're all a little Irish. )
Monday, March 16, 2009
Fw: Big Picture: Somali Pirates
Great link - thanks Bruce.
BitterEndBlog:
captrichardrodriguez.blogspot.com/
sorry for the short response - this message via my cell
Sent via BlackBerry from T-Mobile
From: Bruce C Moore
Date: Mon, 16 Mar 2009 12:59:37 -0700
To: Richard Rodriguez<bitterendblog@gmail.com>
Subject: Big Picture: Somali Pirates
Another great collection of photos from Boston.com's Big Picture:
Upgrade M100 to M200 (Inland - Near coastal)
Zenith Maritime has scheduled an Upgrade Master 100 ton to no more than Master 200 ton license training course for late April at Fishermen's Terminal - Seattle. This will be a weekday 32-hour training (0800 - 1700) starting April 27th and concluding on May 1. All license exams will be taken in class. Mariners can use the following table to dtermine the seatime requirements for upgrade in tonnage. For more information contact Capt David Yell -
This course is for increasing tonnage from 100 to 200 where a test would be required. This course does not mean that you will automatically be approved for a tonnage increase. (see below) -
Increase in Scope - Endorsement Master 100 to 150 GRT then to 200 GRT- 46 CFR 10.422
-
While holding a license as 100 GRT you can sail 90 days on a vessel of a higher tonnage (over 101 GRT) which will raise the tonnage on your current license to the next highest increment of 150 OR
-
While holding a license as 100 GRT you can sail 6 months on deck on vessels within the highest tonnage increment on the license will also raise the tonnage on your current license to the next highest increment of 150 GRT.
-
While holding 150 GRT you must sail 90 days on a vessel of a higher tonnage (over 151 GRT) which will raise the tonnage on your current license to the next highest increment of 200 OR
-
While holding a license of 150 GRT sailing 6 months on deck on vessels within the highest tonnage increment on the license will raise the tonnage on your current license to the next highest increment of 200 GRT.
Sunday, March 15, 2009
Coast Guard handles four distress calls at Edmonds regatta
The Seattle PI is reporting:
EDMONDS -- The Coast Guard was kept busy Saturday afternoon with four calls for help amidst an Edmonds regatta.
Two sailboats in the regatta apparently ran aground north of Edmonds around 1 o'clock, said Sean Eggart with the U.S. Coast Guard. A third boat reported it had a medical emergency on board.
In addition, a woman called to report she saw someone in the water.
The complete Seattle PI post is here.Oil Spill Down Under
Oil blackens the sand along Kawana Beach on Queensland's Sunshine Coast as environmental experts fear the damage from an oil spill will be worse than first thought. (Photo: Getty Images)
theage.com.au is reporting:
THE full scale of the environmental disaster on the Queensland coast was becoming clear last night as a shipping company admitted that its earlier estimates of the size of the oil spill were "substantially" wrong.
An oil slick was blackening beaches along the Sunshine Coast, Bribie Island and Moreton Island.
Even as authorities focused on the damage to these areas — now declared disaster zones — more oil spilt into the Brisbane River. This 500-metre-long slick was contained quickly.
The complete theage.com.au post by Connie Levett and Ben Cubby is here.(Ed. note: Thanks to my wife Trish for the link)
Saturday, March 14, 2009
AP Mobile News story - Oil-soaked Australian beaches named disaster zones
Travel:
http://m.apnews.com/ap/db_8600/contentdetail.htm?contentguid=rZTnEvIh
Get news on the go with the Mobile News Network. Visit http://www.apnews.com to learn how to get it for your phone.
Sent via BlackBerry from T-Mobile
Most mistakenly refer to local waters as Puget Sound
The Seattle Times is reporting:
It's celebrated in song, dissected in scientific journals and detailed on government Web sites. It's the subject of international conferences, amateur theater performances, and gatherings of Northwest tribal leaders.
Ask Bert Webber, and he'll say we dip our toes in it, admire it and sail across it every day.
But how many people know where the Salish Sea is?
The complete Seattle Times post by Warren Cornwall is here.
...when in fact, Puget Sound begins below Admiralty Inlet.
Friday, March 13, 2009
Waggoner: A great source of NW cruising info
Water Rising in Lake Washington, Lake Union, Ship Canal
March 12, 2009. The yearly water level increase in Lake Washington, Lake Union and the Ship Canal has begun, and will continue until June 1. The difference between winter and summer levels in only about two feet or a little more, but it seems greater. If you boat is moored in this waterway, check your lines regularly until June, and again in the autumn, when the water begins its slow drop to winter levels.
Summer Freshwater Moorage Available at Seattle’s Fishermen’s Terminal
March 12, 2009. Recreational vessel moorage for boats to 150 feet in length will be available June 1 – September 15 at Fishermen’s Terminal in Seattle. Longer-term moorage also is available. Last year, a two-year, $22 million remodel was completed, with new docks, new shore power and wide fairways for easy maneuvering.
Fishermen’s Terminal has free parking, self-serve pumpouts, and restrooms and showers.
Fishermen’s Terminal is adjacent to the Ballard Bridge on the Lake Washington Ship Canal. It is close to shops, restaurants, repair facilities and marine supplies. For rates and information, call (206)728-3395 Monday-Saturday 7:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m. or VHF 17. The web site is www.portseattle.org/seaport/marinas/fishermensterminal.
Ballard Locks Small Lock Closed Until March 20
March 12, 2009. The small lock at the Hiram M. Chittenden Locks in Ballard will be closed for annual maintenance until 4:00 p.m. Friday, March 20. The large lock will remain open for vessel traffic.
Waggoner Cruising Guide
NMC Phone System Down
PUBLIC ANNOUNCEMENT FROM NMC
March 12, 2009The USCG National Maritime Center is experiencing problems
with our phone system, which is impacting calls coming into
the Mariner Information Call Center.
We are working with the Coast Guard's Electronic Support
Detachment and the telephone company to correct this
problem as fast as possible. Until the problem is resolved,
callers may experience a busy signal or longer than normal
wait times while calling the 1-888-IASKNMC phone number.
If you have problems contacting the Call Center you may
still contact us via e-mail at IASKNMC@USCG.MIL or by
calling one of the 17 Regional Exam Centers.
Contact information for the Regional Exam Centers can be
found at http://www.uscg.mil/nmc/rec_information.asp.
We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause.
Obama Orders Destroyers to S. China Sea
The Times Online is reporting:
A potential conflict was brewing last night in the South China Sea after President Obama dispatched heavily armed American destroyers to the scene of a naval standoff between the US and China at the weekend.
Mr Obama’s decision to send an armed escort for US surveillance ships in the area follows the aggressive and co-ordinated manoeuvres of five Chinese boats on Sunday. They harassed and nearly collided with an unarmed American vessel.
The balance of the Times Online post is here.
Thursday, March 12, 2009
Master Mariner Named to Zenith Faculty
Capt. David Yell
for more information contact:
Captain Richard J. Rodriguez
Zenith Maritime
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
MASTER MARINER NAMED TO ZENITH FACULTY
Zenith Maritime is pleased to announce that Capt. David Yell has joined its faculty of instructors. Captain Yell will specialize in teaching those seeking advanced licenses, above the 100 ton Master level.
Zenith Director, John Baird said, "We are indeed fortunate to have Captain Yell join our team of 17 instructors across the country. He will add valuable insight. The experience he brings to our institution is second to none."
Educated at HMS Conway nautical college in the UK, Yell graduated with honors and received the annual prize for the proficiency in the management of boats. He followed a 24 year career path of Cadet through Master (14 years as Captain) in the merchant service specializing in refrigerated cargos on worldwide voyages. During this time he also completed his obligation in the Royal Navy Reserve and served on several Royal Navy vessels. He holds a UK Master Mariner license – foreign going steamship (unlimited) and UK Extra Masters in Naval Architecture, Physics, and Navigation.
Since retiring from his last employment, Captain Yell earned a USCG Masters 100 ton endorsed for towing, and sailing, with a STCW 95 certificate. He also holds UK certificates for Radar Observer, Gyro Compass, First Aid, and Radio Operator. Yell also served as a marine superintendent for the Pacific Northwest for a large ship owning company; President of a terminal operating company in the Port of Seattle; Vice Chairman of global data and telecommunications for an international ship owner; national chair of technology group of the American Public Power Association; and owner of Ocean Technical Services.
He served as Navigator aboard the STA three masted Schooner ‘Sir Winston Churchill. Has owned and operated a small sailing and navigation school in UK . Additionally he owned, sailed, and raced several sailing boats from 30 to 50 feet in Europe and USA. In college he raced International 14, MSOD (20’), Fifes and Dragons as well as crewed on several off shore yachts in RORC races. Since 1978 he has explored the PNW in numerous sail and power boats. His present boat is a 58 foot auxiliary sailing vessel. Yell is a Member of the Bellingham Yacht Club and past Junior Advisor for the Corinthian Yacht Club Seattle.
Zenith Maritime trains mariners across the county for a variety of on the water jobs. Hundreds of Zenith graduates operate vessels throughout the world and received their licenses through courses that focus on teaching practical applications rather than test preparation. The school is approved by the United States Coast Guard and as such tests on site.
You can find out more about Zenith Maritime at www.ZenithMaritime.com or by calling 360-471-6148.
xxx
(Ed. Note: Capt. Yell earned his USCG License in our 100 ton course in Anacortes last spring.)
(Ed. Note: Capt. Yell earned his USCG License in our 100 ton course in Anacortes last spring.)
Wednesday, March 11, 2009
Finally, No Loaran-C Lattices
NOAA’s National Ocean Service (NOS) intends to eliminate LORAN-C lattices from future editions of NOS Paper Nautical Charts and Raster Navigational Charts starting in 2009. NOAA’s Office of Coast Survey (OCS) requests that all comments about this change be sent via OCS’ inquiry page before April 24, 2009. Any other questions may be directed to the inquiry page or by calling NOAA’s navigation inquiry hotline: 1-888-990-NOAA (6622).
Via NOAA, here. LORAN info here.
Tuesday, March 10, 2009
Every Rung goes higher - Higher
U.S. Coast Guard Thirteenth District | |
| |  |
| News Release | Date: March 9, 2009 Contact: Petty Officer Shawn Eggert 206-819-9154 |
Six people rescued after accident on Coast Guard cutter. | |
| SEATTLE — Six Coast Guard members are now safe after a smallboat from the Seattle based Coast Guard Cutter Polar Sea fell into the water at Point Wilson near Port Townsend, Wash., today. The crew of the Polar Sea was lowering the boat into the water as part of a training exercise at 5:21 p.m. when it fell. Two people were knocked into the water while four others managed to climb back onto the cutter using the vessel's Jacob's Ladder. The two members who were knocked into the water were quickly recovered by a smallboat crew from the Seattle based Coast Guard Cutter Midgett which was also operating in the area. Coast Guard medical personnel aboard the Polar Sea determined the crewmembers involved sustained no significant injury. "The maritime environment we work in is inherently dangerous and even training evolutions involve a level of risk," said Vice Adm. David Pekoske, Commander Coast Guard Pacific Area. "We will investigate this accident thoroughly in order to improve the safety of our crews operating at sea," he said. The 399-foot icebreaker Polar Sea was commissioned in 1978. In addition to performing the traditional missions of the Coast Guard, the cutter serves as a platform for scientific missions to the North and South Poles. The Polar Sea is commanded by Capt. Carl J. Uchytil. xxx Jacobs Ladder Jacob's Ladder (nautical) | |
Cross Bearing Fixes
BitterEndBlog:
captrichardrodriguez.blogspot.com/
Sent via BlackBerry from T-Mobile
Coast Guard releases Cosco Busan marine casualty investigation report
WASHINGTON - The U.S. Coast Guard released Tuesday the marine casualty investigation report for the Nov. 7, 2007, allision between the motor vessel Cosco Busan and the San Francisco-Oakland Bay Bridge.
The report outlines the causal and contributing factors that led to the accident that resulted in the discharge of more than 53,000 gallons of oil into San Francisco Bay.
The report indicates the main causes of the accident were:
- Navigational error by the pilot of the Cosco Busan, who navigated the vessel at a high, unsafe speed in near-zero visibility, failed to properly monitor the vessel's position and progress, and lost situational awareness;
- Failure of the master of the Cosco Busan to adequately monitor the navigational actions of the pilot and to maintain sufficient situational awareness to question or correct navigational errors made by the pilot;
- Failure of the pilot and master to effectively communicate relevant navigational information with each other during the course of the voyage leading up to the casualty;
- Failure of the pilot and master to conduct a proper pilot-master exchange prior to getting underway;
- Failure of the master to adhere to restricted-visibility procedures in the vessel's safety management system; and
- Failure of the pilot and Cosco Busan's crew to employ proper bridge management team principles.
The purpose of the Coast Guard marine casualty investigation is to examine the causes of a marine casualty and to make recommendations to help avoid a similar incident. In addition to the primary causes, investigators in this case discovered practices, policies, and procedures employed by the Coast Guard and other parties involved that can be, and in some cases have already been, addressed to improve overall maritime transportation safety.
The marine casualty investigation does not address spill response operations in detail. The oil spill response was extensively investigated when the Coast Guard chartered a multi-agency Incident Specific Preparedness Review panel. The panel issued a detailed report of its findings in Jan. 2008. The panel reported that despite early incorrect spill quantity estimates, spill response personnel acted on a "worst case scenario" basis, resulting in one of the most aggressive and successful responses in recent history, yielding an approximate 40 percent recovery rate of spilled oil.
The U. S. Coast Guard marine casualty investigation of Cosco Busan allision can be found visiting: http://www.uscg.mil/foia/reading_room.asp
The ISPR reports can be found visiting the following sites:
ISPR Phase I report: http://www.uscgsanfrancisco.com/go/doc/823/190114/
ISPR Phase II report: http://www.piersystem.com/go/doc/823/203036/
Boat Made From Plastic PET Bottles To Sail on 11,000 Mile Ocean Voyage
Last year, a 22-year old failed to sail down the Mississippi in a boat made from juice cartons. Now, an even more ambitious eco-adventurer will attempt a 11,000 mile journey in plastic bottle boat.
Currently 12,000 to 16,000 2-liter soda bottles are being collected to fill in the twin hulls of their Plastiki vessel. Each bottle with be pressurized using dry ice powder that will sublimate into carbon dioxide gas. If all goes as planned, the vessel will carry four crewmembers on a 11,000 mile journey starting this April from San Francisco to Sydney only to be broken down and recycled at the end of the trip. Apparently, only the masts of the ship are metal, leaving the remaining 90% as recycled material.
Sure it's dangerous, but the design is obviously more professional (and less risky) than the paper bottle boat that his 22-year old predecessor cobbled together with his father. My guess is that it the outcome will be much better this time around. [CNN and Architecture for Humanity]
Via Gizmodo, here.
Monday, March 9, 2009
USNS Incident on the High Seas
Remember the Pueblo
Other incidents:
March 10 (Reuters) - Following is a statement from the Chinese embassy in Washington in response to an incident involving Chinese ships and a U.S. naval vessel in the South China Sea on Sunday. The statement was carried by the website of Hong Kong-based Phoenix Television (news.ifeng.com).
"In response to U.S. claims that a naval ship was harassed by the Chinese side, the concerned official in China's embassy to the United States stated: The U.S. navy vessel concerned has been consistently conducting illegal surveying in China's special economic zone. China believes this contravenes international laws of the sea and China's relevant laws. China has repeatedly used diplomatic channels to demand the U.S. side cease unlawful activities in China's special economic zone. China's law enforcement authorities have also sent vessels to carry out law enforcement activities. The U.S. claim about operating in high seas is out of step with the facts. This official stressed that China cannot accept the baseless U.S. accusations, that China demands the U.S. cease this kind of illegal surveying activity and do more things beneficial to the stable development of China-U.S. relations. This official also stated that the Chinese government will make a formal statement about this incident."
(Reporting by Chris Buckley; Editing by Dean Yates)
Sunday, March 8, 2009
Kelly buys Lunch
Capt. Kelly Sweeney
Kelly was in Anacortes (not quite the crossroads of the west) last Tuesday. We had lunch at El Jinete, and talked about "Boats and the people who operate them."
Kelly will be working with our Zenith Maritime grads in placement. If you've taken a course from me, be sure to contact me for details.
He brought a signed copy of his book "From the Bridge." You can get your own copy here.
You can read Kelly's Professional Mariner Magazine's "Mariner Notebook" articles here.
(Ed. note: Nice Hat)
Saturday, March 7, 2009
SSB 5735 Reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
I am pretty sure that you have seen the attached documents before in conjunction with the pending ferry legislation but I though that these documents were pertinent to this piece of legislation too.
Attached is what we have been referring to as "The WSF Slow Down Plan." This program, is many faceted but does several things for us at once.
Slowing the ferries down a couple of knots will save the state millions of dollars per year in fuel costs, reduce greenhouse emissions by tens of thousands of Metric Tons per year, help WSF meet the federal Crew Endurance Management mandate (September '09) and possibly even create revenue neutral, family wage jobs. If we can do this we are setting the State of Washington and WSF up as a Poster Child for President Obama's domestic policy initiatives.
Please take another look at these documents and forward them as appropriate. I am available to answer any question you might have by email or at 425-765-4965 cell.
It is my understanding that WSF Management is held in a tight box regarding what they can and cannot do without direction from the Transportation Commission and the Legislature. Unfortunately this is a handicap when trying to be flexible in meeting the needs of the system. This is partially why we were granted an extension on the USCG crew scheduling mandate until September of 2009 and it probably is also why we are now looking at Plan A, Plan B and hopefully Plan C in regard to the long range funding. Slowing the boats down and adjusting the running schedules a bit to save money, meeting the Crew Endurance Management mandate and reducing Greenhouse Gasses while putting people to work is just one possible tool in the box to meet our goals. I don't know if I have ever run across such a win/win scenario before and wonder if we will see another such opportunity in the foreseeable future.
If this "Slow Down Plan" can also be used as an example of measures that we are taking to implement the spirit of SSB 5735, I am all for it.
Thank you,
Dan Twohig
Captain Dan Twohig
Friday, March 6, 2009
Otopus Photo
Captured with my iPhone.
Hi Richard - I thought you'd like this piece by glass artist Jennifer Umphress. It's one of several pieces she has on display at Vetri Gallery on 1st Avenue in downtown Seattle. Other pieces are pictured on her gallery profile. I particularly like the black octopus framed by more organic white sculptural pieces.
Cheers,
Bruce
Bruce C Moore
Thursday, March 5, 2009
New Anacortes 100 Ton Master's Course
BitterEndBlog:
captrichardrodriguez.blogspot.com/
Sent via BlackBerry from T-Mobile
Wawona moved to LUDD for dismantling
Richard;
A friend posted this on Utube. Final move of the SV Wawona.
Greg
Calif. aquarium blames flooding on curious octopus
This image provided by Heal the Bay shows a two-spotted octopus, a tiny female known for being curious and gregarious with visitors, and believed to be responsible for causing a tank leak at the Santa Monica Pier Aquarium on Tuesday Feb. 24, 2009 in Santa Monica, Calif. (AP Photo/Heal the Bay, Tara Crow)
Wednesday, March 4, 2009
Towing with the Tulalips
Tulalip Tribes Master 100 ton Course
(Police Dept. Fisheries Enforcement)
(Police Dept. Fisheries Enforcement)
No run, no hits, no errors.
(Ed. note: These pics from the 3.2mp camera on my Blackberry.)
February Visitor Locations
| United States (US) | 10,800 |
| Canada (CA) | 778 |
| United Kingdom (GB) | 332 |
| Germany (DE) | 184 |
| Australia (AU) | 167 |
| Mexico (MX) | 78 |
| India (IN) | 73 |
| Netherlands (NL) | 71 |
| France (FR) | 70 |
| Ireland (IE) | 56 |
| Philippines (PH) | 45 |
| Spain (ES) | 41 |
| Italy (IT) | 40 |
| Sweden (SE) | 39 |
| Thailand (TH) | 36 |
| Poland (PL) | 34 |
| Malaysia (MY) | 33 |
| New Zealand (NZ) | 32 |
| Belgium (BE) | 30 |
| Norway (NO) | 29 |
| Denmark (DK) | 27 |
| Indonesia (ID) | 26 |
| Singapore (SG) | 24 |
| Turkey (TR) | 24 |
| Japan (JP) | 24 |
| South Africa (ZA) | 23 |
| Greece (GR) | 22 |
| Switzerland (CH) | 20 |
| Finland (FI) | 18 |
| Iran, Islamic Republic of (IR) | 17 |
| China (CN) | 16 |
| Romania (RO) | 16 |
| Brazil (BR) | 15 |
| Bulgaria (BG) | 15 |
| Hungary (HU) | 14 |
| Europe (EU) | 14 |
| Czech Republic (CZ) | 12 |
| Argentina (AR) | 12 |
| Korea, Republic of (KR) | 12 |
| Russian Federation (RU) | 11 |
| Portugal (PT) | 9 |
| Venezuela (VE) | 9 |
| Croatia (HR) | 9 |
| Serbia (RS) | 8 |
| Latvia (LV) | 8 |
| Hong Kong (HK) | 8 |
| Netherlands Antilles (AN) | 8 |
| Pakistan (PK) | 7 |
| Estonia (EE) | 7 |
| Trinidad and Tobago (TT) | 7 |
| Austria (AT) | 7 |
| Ukraine (UA) | 7 |
| Slovenia (SI) | 6 |
| Egypt (EG) | 6 |
| United Arab Emirates (AE) | 6 |
| Vietnam (VN) | 6 |
| Slovakia (SK) | 5 |
| Lithuania (LT) | 5 |
| Qatar (QA) | 5 |
| Sri Lanka (LK) | 4 |
| Bangladesh (BD) | 4 |
| Taiwan (TW) | 4 |
| Puerto Rico (PR) | 4 |
| Peru (PE) | 4 |
| Jamaica (JM) | 4 |
| Chile (CL) | 4 |
| Israel (IL) | 4 |
| Costa Rica (CR) | 3 |
| Algeria (DZ) | 3 |
| Bahrain (BH) | 3 |
| Morocco (MA) | 3 |
| Colombia (CO) | 3 |
| Saudi Arabia (SA) | 3 |
| Iceland (IS) | 3 |
| Virgin Islands, U.S. (VI) | 2 |
| Luxembourg (LU) | 2 |
| Nepal (NP) | 2 |
| Honduras (HN) | 2 |
| Uruguay (UY) | 2 |
| Maldives (MV) | 2 |
| Belarus (BY) | 2 |
| Jordan (JO) | 2 |
| Dominican Republic (DO) | 2 |
| Lebanon (LB) | 2 |
| Kuwait (KW) | 2 |
| Bahamas (BS) | 2 |
| Guyana (GY) | 1 |
| Ghana (GH) | 1 |
| Zambia (ZM) | 1 |
| New Caledonia (NC) | 1 |
| Faroe Islands (FO) | 1 |
| French Polynesia (PF) | 1 |
| Suriname (SR) | 1 |
| Ecuador (EC) | 1 |
| Kenya (KE) | 1 |
| Martinique (MQ) | 1 |
| Malta (MT) | 1 |
| Cayman Islands (KY) | 1 |
| Azerbaijan (AZ) | 1 |
| Oman (OM) | 1 |
| Cyprus (CY) | 1 |
| Bermuda (BM) | 1 |
| Tunisia (TN) | 1 |
| Asia/Pacific Region (AP) | 1 |
| Albania (AL) | 1 |
| Macedonia (MK) | 1 |
| Bosnia and Herzegovina (BA) | 1 |
| Nigeria (NG) | 1 |
| Panama (PA) | 1 |
| Grenada (GD) | 1 |
| Monaco (MC) | 1 |
| Saint Kitts and Nevis (KN) | 1 |
| Guatemala (GT) | 1 |
| Cameroon (CM) | 1 |
Tuesday, March 3, 2009
Important REC appointment info from the CG
(Ed. note: Posting via the cell.)
Greetings Industry Members,
As part of the ongoing merchant marine licensing centralization project, beginning today, all RECs are now set up for on-line appointments. Mariners desiring an appointment at an REC (including Seattle) may do so by first clicking on the below link, then clicking on the appropriate state where the REC of their choice happens to be located. So for example, to make an appointment at REC Puget Sound (Seattle), first click on below link, then on Washington State, which then maps you to our particular REC's web page, which then contains a link for appointments.
Info is here. and here.
As stated on the web page, mariners are highly encouraged to make an appointment prior to coming to the REC. Now that all RECs (including ours) have much smaller staffs, mariners who choose to walk in without an appointment run the risk of being served on a "Space Available Basis" only. In other words, those who took the time to make appointments will take priority over walk-ins.
Please help us get the word out by passing on this information to your staffs, crews, and customers.
Best Regards
Tom Curley
Chief, REC Puget Sound
WSF and the fact they now say they can change the rudders to use Evergreen Class ferries on the PT run ?
(Ed. note: Posting via the cell.)
Thanks Chuck Carey
Link
1895 Chart of Johnston Strait
BitterEndBlog:
captrichardrodriguez.blogspot.com/
Sent via BlackBerry from T-Mobile
MVET 2.0?
(Ed. note: Posting via the cell. Thanks to BE reader Mike Fisher for this one.)
Link is here.
Capt. Hannah DeLapp Promoted
Capt. Hannah DeLapp
(Ed note: This just in from Hannah's proud papa, Capt. Tim DeLapp. Tim is a Friday Harbor bud, and owner of Pintail. Hannah participated in our 2008 Friday Harbor, Master's Course.)
Hannah just called from Mexico and told me she got promoted last night, by the Captain- to Second Mate!
She and I are going to meet up in Mexico next week for some R & R and to celebrate.
Then she flies to Dubai to board her companies newest vessel, a North Sea Trawler converted to a small cruise ship.
That ships duty will be Africa and near ports of call.
Needless to say, I am very proud of her.
This is her ship in the background, in Alaska last Summer.
Monday, March 2, 2009
NFL Players Missing at Sea
NFL football players Corey Smith of the Detroit Lions, left, and Marquis Cooper of the Oakland Raiders, who is shown when
he was with the Seattle Seahawks, are missing at sea. NFL photo
A number of news sources are reporting:
Marquis Cooper, an Oakland Raiders linebacker, and Corey Smith, a defensive end who last played for the Detroit Lions, are among four who did not return from boat trip off Florida.
By nightfall Sunday there was no sign of the men -- Cooper, 26, Smith, 29, and former University of South Florida football players Will Bleakley, 25, and Nick Schuyler, 24. Kneen said the search would continue into the night.
According to the National Weather Service in Tampa, seas were about two to four feet Saturday morning and increased to three to five feet in the afternoon. A small-craft advisory was issued late Saturday night, and Sunday seas reached eight to 12 feet. Winds were gusting up to 30 knots.
The balance of this post by the LA Times is here.
According to the National Weather Service in Tampa, seas were about two to four feet Saturday morning and increased to three to five feet in the afternoon. A small-craft advisory was issued late Saturday night, and Sunday seas reached eight to 12 feet. Winds were gusting up to 30 knots.
Merchant Mariner Credential
New MMC
The MMC will contain professional qualification information previously listed on a merchant mariner license or Certificate of Registry as an officer endorsement, while information previously listed on a Merchant Mariner's Document would be included as a rating endorsement. STCW endorsements would still be listed as STCW endorsements.
The effort to combine the mariner credentials is due to the upcoming requirement for U.S. mariners to obtain the Transportation Worker Identification Credential (or TWIC), a biometric security card issued by the Transportation Security Administration that all workers in the transportation industry will be required to obtain if their work involves access to a security-sensitive area. This will reduce five of the documents needed to satisfy manning requirements down to two: The TWIC and MMC.
When implemented, new mariners will receive the new credential while existing mariners would obtain the new credential when their current document/license expires. The credential would be obtained by applying in person or by mail to any of the 17 United States Coast Guard Regional Examination Centers (REC) in the United States.
Applications for credentials prior to April 15, 2009 will still need to be made in person at an REC to provide fingerprints and proof of identity, and that for these applications, the Coast Guard will still conduct security threat assessments. After April 15, 2009, TSA will collect the fingerprints and proof of identity and forward that information to the Coast Guard (National Maritime Center (NMC).
The new credential has been criticized by several groups. One organization states that the consolidation reduces the merchant marine officer license, a certificate of professional achievement and status, into a work permit.[1] Another group suggests that the consolidation, together with STCW requirements, the coming TWIC requirement, and new physical evaluation standards have stressed the skilled labor pool and pose too much of an administrative burden and threaten mariner recruitment, training and retention.
U.S. Coast Guard's Notice of Proposed Rulemaking for the Merchant Mariner Credential
Sunday, March 1, 2009
Seafarers Yacht Club
Seafarer's Yacht Club circa 1950's
The March 2009 issue of Boat US magazine features an article about the country's first all black yacht club. It is a fascinating read.
From the Seafarer's Yacht Club History Page:
The Seafarers Yacht Club, Inc. of Annapolis, Maryland was organized in 1960 by a group of black men with a common interest in boating. They initially met in members' homes, and later in a rented one-room storefront in Annapolis, giving the building a nautical motif while continuing to look for other opportunities. Founding member of the Club, Ellsworth Randall, once said that “members cut down on beer and cigarettes and playing poker in order to buy their boats”.
The article by Ann Dermody is here.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
