BitterEnd

This older 39' Ocean Marine reported an engine fire in San Juan Channel. I was on scene within 15 minutes, and the fire had been extinguished with a full Dry Chemical extinguisher. He owner said the mess was extensive. New Halotron systems or CO2 work much better on engine fires.

We towed him back to Friday Harbor. He haden't be able to renew his Vessel Assist membership over the weekend due to new credit card info and TODAY was the last day of his coverage.

I gave him the standard list of mechanics in the islands - he'll get busy in the morning with calls to his insurance company and local mechanics. Today was his first day of vacation.

From: Mike Fisher
Date: Sun, 31 May 2009 14:17:20 -0700
To: BitterEnd
Subject: New York Times: Last Survivor of the Titanic Dies at 97

May 31, 2009

Last Survivor of the Titanic Dies at 97

Filed at 4:42 p.m. ET

LONDON (AP) -- Millvina Dean, the last survivor of the sinking of RMS Titanic, died Sunday in her sleep, her friend Gunter Babler said. She was 97.

Babler said Dean's longtime companion, Bruno Nordmanis, called him in Switzerland to say that Dean died at her nursing home in southern England, on the 98th anniversary of the launch of the ship that was billed as ''practically unsinkable.''

The balance of the Associate Press post is here.

BitterEndBlog:
captrichardrodriguez.blogspot.com/

sorry for the short response - this message via my cell
Sent via BlackBerry from T-Mobile

From: "Rod"
Date: Sun, 31 May 2009 09:07:11 -0700
To: Capt. Richard J Rodriguez<BitterEndBlog@gmail.com>
Subject: Missing B.C. tugboat captain found dead off Vancouver Island

The RCMP in Port McNeill, B.C., have identified 51-year-old Richard Dean Gentry as the mariner found dead off the Brooks Peninsula Monday morning. Gentry's body was pulled from the water a short time later, about 37 kilometres from his planned destination.

http://www.cbc.ca/canada/british-columbia/story/2009/05/26/bc-tugboat-captain-found-vancouver-island.html

Yesterday's job was to tow a 42' houseboat from Blaine to Pt. Roberts. The vessel hadn't moved for years and had growth (read drag) to prove it. A tow at should have taken 2.5 hours, but took 3.5 hours. The owner asked for me to be there at 11:00, I was 10 minutes early - he didn't show until 13:35 and was responsible for covering the time.

Visibility while hip towing was limited.

At 5'6" I'm vertically challenged.

Being creative helps.

The entire job took 9.25 hrs to move the vessel about 12 miles. I took two hours to get to Blaine and a two hour return.

Former student, Capt. Leeanne Wood, (100 ton Master) Assist Harbormaster at Pt. Roberts met us.

Trish and I will be underway around 09:00 to tow a 42' houseboat from Blaine to Pt. Roberts. Will pass the boat off at the Pt. Roberts customs dock to a Canadian SeaTow, for a continuation to Vancouver, BC.

We're planning on taking the scenic route back via Boat Pass and the Pender Canal. The Right of Innocent Passage allows us to make the trip through Canadian waters without clearing Canadian or US Customs, if we don't stop, anchor or come into contact with another vessel while in Canadian waters.

Boat Pass

Pender Canal

Feel free to follow us on Spot for the 75 mile day that should conclude around 16:00.

Hi Richard,

I'm a new reader of your blog, and found an older post from Nov 2, 2007 titled "VTS--Working with large vessels" that was very illuminating for me.

I've since learned all about VTS and "traffic", have been listening on 5a, and have a pretty good idea now of how to use the service. This brings me to a quick question:

Say I wanted to depart Spencer Spit for Thatcher pass on a foggy morning. Would I call traffic 15 minutes before and learn about potential ferry traffic in the pass and Rosario Strait? If a ferry was scheduled to be in the pass, and I wasn't sure that I could be out of the pass in time (wind got light, for example), what would be the protocol for letting the ferry know that I'm still in Thatcher Pass? It sounds like I could attempt to contact the ferry on 13 and let them know what's going on.

I've read about issuing Securite with boat type and position, and letting any concerned vessels know that I'm standing by on 16. So in short, what would be the proper protocol for this relatively common situation?

This is probably a basic question, though I've been unsuccessful at finding a good answer online so far!

Great blog, and thanks for writing!

Kind Regards, Rob

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

Thanks for writting Rob,

Your best bet is to call the ferry on Ch 13 (bridge to bridge) or if there's no response, Ch 5A (VTS.) Just remember they are not required to monitor Ch 16 while participating in VTS. Ask them what they'd like for you to do (to facilitate the passing.) Nine times out of ten, they'll respond by asking you to maintain your course and speed, and then they'll thank you for the call.

Issuing a Securite on Ch 16 will not alert commercial traffic you your position.

BTW, don't take off in the fog without the ability to DR, and compensate for current. It's times like that, when the GPS will decided not to work.

Richard

Don't miss the great comments on this post.

Richard,

I have observed that you give the title of captain freely to anyone who holds any type of masters license while they have earned the license traditionally they have not earned the title to be called captain until they have actually worked as a master. I know this may not be considered a big deal but in such a tradition steeped industry as the maritime industry it would be appropriate to follow tradition I think. Oxford Companion of Ships and the Sea is a great resource.

All The Best, David

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

Thanks for your email David,

You are correct, I use the term Captain (courtesy title - generic sense) in recognition of those who have earned CG licenses.

As you're aware the USCG does not use the term Captain, there are only Masters and Operators.

There's lots of info out there to suggest many interpretations of the title Captain. In today's world, any single source of info, including BitterEnd, is but one.

Your input is appreciated.

Richard

The owner of this 36' Catalina was suffering from an overheated engine when he called shortly after 18:00. The was a strong flood at the junction of San Juan and Spieden Channels.

Like a number of sailboats, his only VHF was below at a traditional Nav Station. His GPS was at the helm. Moving back and forth was part of his undoing. He knew he was enroute to Roche Harbor, but didn't know his position and stated that he was drifting towards Lopez Island (not possible with a flood.)

After he passed his GPS position it was easy to locate him.

He was towing a dink with a small outboard. As is many times the case when folks get confused, the situation got the best of him because the current was moving him away from his destination.

His ground tackle and dink would have kept him from any eventual problems. He might have used the dink to move the boat with the current towards an anchorage at Jones Island, or used the anchor had he gotten too close to the rocks.

The lessons here are:

Always know where you are.

Have a radio (even if it's hand held) at the helm.

Always have a Plan B and Plan C.

Sometimes the safest port is the one behind you.

BTW I ended up towing him to Roche Harbor. The bonus was I got to visit with old friends, Mike and Barb Soskin at the Nordic Tug Rendezvous. I later ran into former student, Capt. Charlie, Luara, and Riley DeWeise aboard Happy Talk.

She was working today at the WSF dock in Friday Harbor. The crew was welding a ladder to the dolphin.

"Scandia"

Dimensions
Length: 200 ft / 60.9 m
Beam: 70 ft / 21.3 m
Depth: 13.2 ft / 4 m
Draft: 6 ft / 1.8 m

Operating Parameters
Maximum lifting capacity w/ boom extended 55 ft (16.8 m): 270,000 lb / 1,201 kN

Power Data
Fuel: 40,000 gal / 151,400 l

And her Tender

"Harry M"

Dimensions
Length: 92 ft / 28 m
Beam: 30 ft / 9.1 m
Draft: 11 ft / 3.3 m

Performance
Sailing Speed Light: 11 KT

Power Data
Total Installed Power: 2,000 hp / 1,641 kW
Fuel Capacity: 46,000 gal / 173,881 l

5-Day Forecast for ZIP Code 98250

Thursday	Friday	Saturday	Sunday	Monday
67° F \| 50° F	70° F \| 47° F	68° F \| 45° F	72° F \| 49° F	74° F \| 49° F
Partly Cloudy	Clear	Partly Cloudy	Partly Cloudy	Partly Cloudy

Forecast as of 2:30 am PDT on May 28, 2009

Northern Inland Waters Including The San Juan Islands-
Today Light wind. Wind waves 1 ft or less.
Tonight W wind 5 to 15 kt...becoming NE late. Wind waves 1 or 2 ft.
Fri Se wind 10 kt becoming SW 10 to 20 kt in the afternoon. Wind waves 1 to 3 ft.
Fri Night W wind 10 to 20 kt. Wind waves 1 to 3 ft.
Sat W wind 10 kt. Wind waves 1 ft.
Sun NW wind 10 kt. Wind waves 1 ft.
Mon N wind to 10 kt. Wind waves 1 ft or less.

A number of our blogging buddies are on the list of 29 external links on the NEW Official CG blog.

External Blogs:

Please note: This is a list of blogs that are not run or maintained by the U.S. Coast Guard, and we do not endorse all of the content within these blogs. They are here as a resource of blog resources that CG Compass readers might find interesting.

You can find the USCG Blogroll on The Coast Guard Compass, here.

Puget Sound Business Journal is reporting:

Even with the rate increase denial, the pilots should make about $368,000 for 2009, according to projections supplied by Larson. The commission, which operates under the state Department of Transportation, is a nine-person board that sets pilot rates and denied the request May 19.

The year 2007 was a peak-earning year for the pilots, who earned about $411,000. Last year, declining cargo volumes pushed that down to $404,408, despite a 4 percent tariff increase, Larson said.

The complete Puget Sound Business Journal post by Steve Wilhelm is here.

Puget Sound Pilots website

Dementia wreaks havoc with the mind. I know, as my Dad suffered symptoms late in his life. I've know (we'll call him Rod) for about 10 years. He was in Port Townsend during my years there. During that time he just seemed like another old boat geek who was a tad eccentric. Most folks shied away from him. He was always full of questions and seeking advise. Not long after I arrived in Friday Harbor, Rod showed up as well.

Last night we got a call to go get Rod's 31' O'day in what he thought was Garrison Bay. He was confused about what was wrong with his boat and where he wanted to go. I found him in Westscott Bay which is adjacent to Garrison Bay.

Repeatedly he asked where which side I was going to tie up on. I told him that I would stern tow him until we were off the dock. He finally understood when I told him I was going to hook onto his bow. It took four attempts to get him to put on his PFD.

He put on a pair of gloves to weigh the anchor and then asked it he I had a pair he could use.

Enroute, I called my buddy Wil, from Roche Harbor Marine, about Rod's plight. Wil, having the patience of Job, had spent an hour with Rod on the phone about needing a new battery.

Once we made it to the dock, Rod asked repeatedly about what he might do for dinner. I only hope that the folks at the marina staff understand his needs in the morning.

The concern is that Rod will get lost and or end up in the water, if he doesn't get off the boat.

Rod happens to be a full blown Vessel Assist Gold member.

Wired.com is reporting:

1941: The German battleship Bismarck, her steering gear knocked out by a torpedo and unable to maneuver, is finally cornered and sunk by ships and planes from the Royal Navy, ending one of the most intensive naval manhunts in history.

The complete Wired.com post is here

And if you're of my vintage, you'll remember:

.

One wonders if they also allow their kids the ride in the back of the pick up.

The retired U.S. missile tracking ship Gen. Hoyt S. Vandenberg arrives in Key West, Fla., on April 22. The ship is scheduled to be intentionally sunk Wednesday in the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary.

The Spokane, WA Spokesman Review is reporting:

Crews are preparing the decommissioned ship for sinking Wednesday seven miles off Key West, where it will become one of the world’s biggest man-made reefs. Explosives attached to the ship’s hull beneath the water level will be detonated to open it for flooding, which should quickly send it to the sea floor. The 17,000-ton, 523-foot-long ship will be sunk on a sandy bottom in about 140 feet of clear water.

The complete Spokesman Review post by Brian Skoloff is here.

Wikipedia info on Gen. Hoyt S. Vandenberg is here.

This conversation is taking place on IBoatNorthwest.com

Here's what the Meridain owner said:

Thank goodness for Vessel Asst and paying for the best tow insurance. We called them and they towed us to La Conner. The capt did a fabulous job!!! He kept in contact with us all the way. We started with a bow tow and 1/4 mile from La Conner he did a port/stern tie and brought us in without a bump.

Steve wrote:

Is this you? http://captrichardrodriguez.blogspot...la-conner.html Hope everything works out and you're up and running soon!

The Meridian owner wrote back:

OMG, That is us and that was the Capt. He was very professional. Do you know him?

Steve responded:

Yes, I do. He's a great guy!

The link to the discussion on IBoatNorthwest.com is here.

(Ed. note: Someone is always watching.)

Fisherman's Bay, Lopez Is. A -3.2 tide today.

Sent via BlackBerry from T-Mobile

...claimed this 22' Bayliner. We're enroute from Odlin County Park to IMC on Lopez. About 1hr in tow.

Sent via BlackBerry from T-Mobile

Under sail in Thatcher Pass, moments ago @ 16:00.

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Where's Clyde Ford?

http://www.seattlepi.com/pqa/wlocal_story.asp?id=406520

Sent via BlackBerry from T-Mobile

This vessel lost power in Friday Harbor. We'll have about a 7 hour pull this afternoon. Bonus - I'll get to spend another night at home.

That's Remedy enroute to Twin Bridges last night. BE reader and FB bud, Capt. Brad Brickley snapped the pic from the bridge of WSF Chelan. Thanks Brad.

That's Big Red (the bifurcation buoy) framed by Mt. Baker.

Sent via BlackBerry from T-Mobile

Capt. Brad Brickley, mate on Chelan came out to take a pic (I hope.). Brad is a BE reader and FaceBook bud in Anaco.

Sent via BlackBerry from T-Mobile

This 25' Orca Skagit is enroute to Twin Bridges Marina in Anacortes. An 7-8 hour job. They haven't a clue as to what's wrong.

Sent via BlackBerry from T-Mobile

OMG, dock neighbors from Shipyard Cove needed a jump start at Parks Bay. They happen to be Vessel Assist Members to boot.

The Friday Harbor Farmer's Market. Great stuff and townies. Located in the Courthouse parking lot.

Sent via BlackBerry from T-Mobile

Found at ICanHasCheezburger

(Ed. note: Thanks to my sweetie for this one.)

Maersk Virginia

LloydsList is reporting:

CANADIAN naval helicopters have thwarted an attack by pirates on a US cargo ship, the Maersk Virginia. US broadcaster CBS reported that the helicopters from the HMCS Winnipeg responded to a distress call from Lebanon-flagged cargoship Maria K, which reported being attacked by pirates using rocket-propelled grenades.

The complete LloydsList post by James Baker is here.

AtuoBlog is reporting:

The Amphicoach is equipped with a choice of two diesel engines along with two- or four-wheel drive, is built from marine grade aluminum for light weight and superior strength, features a jet drive unit built specifically for the bus and a one-off wheel retraction system that allows the coach to travel up to eight knots. Inside, it's typical party-bus fare, with LCD screens, DVD players and PA systems, along with all the required safety gear.

The full AutoBlog post and additional pics are here.

Gizmodo is reporting:

They claim this is the first time anybody has video Skyped from a submarine to anyone, let alone Her Oprahness. If you get past the commander's canned speech at the beginning, and the obvious advertorial nature of the promo, you actually get a cool glimpse of life aboard a submarine, with 146 dudes, no ladies and just six toilets. They connect to the internet via their periscope antenna, which sticks up above the water and grabs some network (presumably satellite, but that close to Hawaii, it could be cellular). It's crazy stuff, so have a listen.

Gizmodo link and Skype video is here.

Wa State DOT Assistant Director) and BE reader David Moseley

The governor and her Cabinet honored 16 state employees Tuesday with the Governor’s Leadership in Management Award.

“This is the cream of the crop, no doubt,” said Department of Personnel director Eva Santos, noting that nearly 6,000 exempt employees are eligible for the award.

David Moseley, Department of Transportation: Moseley took over as assistant secretary of Washington State Ferries last year, holding three dozen public meetings, meeting with the public and unions to address concerns about the ferry system’s finances.

The Olympian post is here.

Air Force waves off warnings about GPS accuracy

http://m.apnews.com/ap/db_11704/contentdetail.htm?contentguid=LvYzd0HW

Sent from my iPod

Live from 1st and Spring Streets. That's the WSF Chelan at the dock.
The holiday weather forecast is outstanding.
Sent via BlackBerry from T-Mobile

Teen Somali piracy suspect pleads not guilty in NY

http://m.apnews.com/ap/db_7731/contentdetail.htm?contentguid=6juaMLzg

Sent from my iPod

New License Credential as of 4/15/09

Don't wait too long. We've just received Coast Guard approval for this course and it is filling fast.

The course will run Tues - Wed and Thurs evenings 17:30-21:30
Sept. 8, - Oct. 29, 2009 in Friday Harbor.

Unbelievable but true. The price is the same as our original offering in 2003. Act now if you plan on attending.

Other courses

Marysville: Nov - Dec (Tues, Wed, Thurs - days)
Bellingham: Jan - Feb (Mon, Tues, Wed - evenings)
Anacortes: Mar - Apr (Tues, Wed, Thurs - evenings)

Each of the above courses already have some folks signed up. If your anticipating attending this next year it's not to early to place a deposit.

Contact me HERE for more info.

(Ed. note: Learning navigation the old fashioned way isn't a bad think. If and when the GPS system decides to give up the ghost, you can feel assured that a DR plot, along with determining the course to steer will still work. Don't believe the GPS system is vonerable. See yesterday's Panbo post, HERE.)

http://www.wired.com/epicenter/2009/05/tax-gps-to-save-gps/

Sent from my iPod

WASHINGTON - ORCAS ISLAND - Research Buoys

Naval Research Laboratory is conducting current and tidal testing in the south and east Orcas Island vicinity utilizing autonomous drifting yellow tubular buoys until 28 May 09. Please remain clear of these buoys and report if entangled or snared to the Naval Research Laboratory at (352) 219-1957.

Via Notice to Mariners

Like the rest of us, they are waiting for the market to improve.

The Seattle PostGlobe is reporting:

Having trouble selling your house in this lousy economy?

Try selling four 82-year-old state ferries that you’ve decided you don’t need any more.

One of the two offers that Washington State Ferries has received for the boats since the so-called steel-electric ferries were permanently beached has fallen through, the victim of plummeting steel prices that don’t make scrapping them worthwhile.

The complete PostGlobe post by Larry Lange is here.

(Ed. note: Thanks to BE reader Amanda Lund for the link.)

Salish Sea Map via SeaDoc Society

The Kitsap Sun is reporting:

Ready for the name “Salish Sea” to become official?

It looks like the Washington State Board on Geographic Names likes the name “Salish Sea” when describing the inland waterway that includes Puget Sound, the Strait of Georgia and the Strait of Juan de Fuca.

I wasn’t able to attend Friday’s hearing on the subject, but Caleb Maki, who staffs the board, told me that the board seems to support the name after hearing a lot of positive comments about it.

In fact the only negative comments, Maki said, seemed to be from people who thought the name “Salish Sea” would replace the name “Puget Sound” or take away something else familiar.

The full Kitsap Sun post is here.

Salish Sea page at Wikipedia

(Ed. note: Thanks to BE reader Amanda Lund for the link.)

The vhf radio is on 24/7 during the season. This exchange happend over the weekend:

Sailboat: Coast Guard, Coast Guard, this is "XYZ"

CG:         XYZ, what is the nature of your distress.

Sailboat:   We're in the "123 Channel" and can't move.

CG:          Are you aground or stuck in the mud?

Thanks to FaceBook bud, and BE reader Roy Murphy who sent the link. He was viewer #500,001 last week.

More on this, here. Somehow I don't think it will outdo the new Star Trek. One could only hope. BTW, this a direct to DVD release. Should you feel the need to share your copy, be sure to let me know. I see a tacky movie party at the BE Raft Up 3.0

Earlier this evening. We normally tow at 5-6 knots.
Sent via BlackBerry from T-Mobile

This tow is almost over.
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This 23' Sea Ray's out board had died. He was in the middle of the Straits with only a cell phone.

Today will be one of those 100 mile days. I think the season may be here.
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This 40' Panda went aground in Drayton Harbor (Blaine) at high tide. It took 6 minutes to unground the vessel and 3.5 hours of travel time. They were not full members and paid over half of the cost. Full membership has its privileges.

BTW: they asked if I was the guy that did the training. They recognized the Knotty logo.
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Tim Flanagan of Navagear and Puget Sound Maritime was in town last week and caught me bringing a boat into the Port of Friday Harbor.

Here we are on the hip. Don't try this at home.

Salvation on the hard with an ailing Tranny

Boats break, and our's are no exception. Vessel Assist Salvation's transmission gave up the ghost. She's due for a new one. Salvation is one our 26' Shamrocks. She's powered with a Cummins B series diesel.

Photo by Renee McMahon

Seattle Weekly is reporting:

When Washington State Ferries announced a long-term plan to reduce Bremerton service to one boat, and eliminate evening service, (called Plan B), Kitsap residents and their state representatives let their collective knee jerk. WSF eventually retracted revised the proposal, but that didn't stop a group of elected officials and concerned riders to draft their own "Plan C," which effectively preserves the status quo as far as routes and service are concerned.

The full Seattle Weekly post by Chris Kornelis is here.

(Ed. note: Thanks to BE reader Mike Fisher for the link.)

From: "Migliorini, Anthony LT"
Date: May 15, 2009 8:00:10 PDT
Subject: CTF 151 Captured suspected pirates

All,

Many of you may have already seen this but in case you missed it. The Navy has put out the following press release concerning the capture of a suspected pirate mothership: http://www.cusnc.navy.mil/articles/2009/076.html.

There is also some accompanying video of Coast Guard Law Enforcement Detachment (LEDET) 409 capturing the suspected pirates: http://www.dvidshub.net/?script=video/video_show.php&id=60400.

Respectfully,

LT Tony Migliorini
U.S. Coast Guard
Public Affairs
COMDT (CG-0922)

Diligence's WiFi Antenna

Staying connect to the internet has been a challenge aboard the boat. Our location at Shipyard Cove in Friday Harbor is in some sort of Black Hole. We're about 1/3 of a mile from the Broadband Xpress repeater on Brown Island.

Raido Labs of Fortuna, Ca is the manufacturer of the WaveRV antenna. The marine version is bullet proof. A number of liveaboards here in Friday Harbor use this bad boy.

Prior to the installation of the WaveRV, I saw about four signals. That number has doubled.

Model #WAVERV	- RV WiFi System-
WaveRV Specifications
Bus Type	USB Version 2.0
Maximum USB Cable Length	Maximum USB Cable Length
Wireless Standard	802.11b / G Super G
Operating Frequency	2400 to 2484 MHz
Data Rate	54, G - 11Mbps/5.5Mbps/2Mbps/1Mb ps (with automatic adjust)
Modulation	DSSS (Direct Sequence Spread Spectrum) OFDM.
Operating Power	5.0V (USB Only)
Average Current	355 mA
Peak Current	500 mA (USB Compliant)
Transmit Power (ERP)	1100mW (30.5dBm)
Receive Sensitivity	-82dBm (typical) at 11Mbps -95dBm (typical) at 1Mbps
Working Range	Outdoor: Up to 1500’ (450m) @11Mbps, 3960’ (1km) @ 1Mbps (guaranteed) Longest Range Recorded = 7 Miles
Security	WPA, WPA2 and 64/128-bit WEP (Wired Equivalent Privacy) Encryption *Most advanced - up to date security
Antenna	8dB External Commercial grade Omni directional Antenna. Weatherproof, fiberglass/CNC Aluminum
Antenna Vertical Beamwidth	35 degrees
Antenna Horizontal Beamwidth	360 Degrees
Operating Temperature	-20 deg C to 45 deg C
Storage Temperature	-30 deg C to 70 deg C
Humidity	10-95%, Non-Condensing
Dimensions	19” x 3/4” x 2.0” (482mm x 19 mm x 51mm)
Weight	1 lb. 14 oz.
Color	White / Aluminum
Certifications	FCC, CE
Warranty	1 Year Manufacturer warranty

Posted by Josh Tretakoff in ferry

Snohomish 2.0 Napa

via Tretakoff Musings

Posted by Josh Tretakoff in ferry

The Golden Gate Ferry has finally taken a new boat. The Napa, formerly Seattle's Snohomish, arrived in port this week from it's North Pacific journey. The great story about this is that the boats were purchased for $2 million a piece...after failing to sell on eBay. Yes, eBay. The boats are in need of serious retrofit, as is most of GGF's fleet. each of these will cost about $10 million to retrofit, but GGF can't wait. They are pressing the Napa into service next month, allowing the much beleagured Del Norte to head in for a retrofit, coming back by the end of the year. In the meantime, the Napa will operate with her old Seattle colors, and without much accommodation for the ever-growing bike population. I did speak to the head of the ferry service, and he seemed to think they could weld some bike hooks on the back, so stay tuned... Of course, the Napa DID go full bow underwater, causing her ceiling to cave in...but that won't matter...right? Should be a ragged 6 months.

MV Kulleet via /buzzer.translink.ca/

Maple Ridge News (Canada) is reporting:

The fate of the Albion ferries is still unknown because the two vessels remain unsold and on the market.

TransLink is selling the ships, the MV Kulleet and Klatawa for $1.1 million each and had them on Craig’s List in preparation for the shutdown of the service, July 31.

According to Dave Miller, president of Fraser River Marine, a TransLink division which operates the ferries, both Washington State Ferries and Whatcom county, near Bellingham, Wa., are interested.

The complete Maple Ridge News post by Phil Melnychuk is here.

(Ed. note: We've reported on the Jones Act hoops necessary for using a foreign hull domestically.)

Kiket Island (WA state photo)

SeattlePI.com is reporting:

Kiket Island to be used as a marine park

State lawmakers last month approved $8 million to buy a small island in Skagit County to preserve the area as a marine park.

The capital budget expenditure didn't get much publicity, though Republicans complained that it made no sense to spend money buying land for a park at a time when the park system is finding it hard to pay for its existing expenses.

The complete Seattle PI post by Chris Grygiel is here.

Kiket Island - Skagit County, Washington, USA.
Latitude: 48.25.8 : Longitude: -122.34

(Ed. note: Thanks to BE reader Mike Fisher for the link, and Les Soland for an update on the Lat/Long.)

This 34' trawler was slowly sinking at the Port of Friday Harbor this morning. The capable port staff had gotten the job done. We'll probably tow the boat. Only one hour involved.
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Our 21' Shamrock, back up boat. Used for odd jobs and when one of the 26's is down for maintenance.

One night seven seasons ago I had her out in a 50kt blow with 10-12' seas. It was only doing 20kts when I took off from Roche Harbor. I separated the house from the deck before she croaked. Spent much of that miserable evening on the hook. Les came out to get me next morning.

BTW: She has a 302 gas engine.

From: Rod Pugh

Subject: 3 ferries retired
To: "Capt. Richard J Rodriguez"

Putting BC Ferries on track (from the unions posistion, but it is well written and researched)

http://www.saveourferries.com/course_correction.htm

The company can't say how much they are worth, but the Tsawwassen's sister
ship, the Queen of Sidney, sold six years ago for just $100,000... (Only $81,000.00 USD)

http://newsgroups.derkeiler.com/Archive/Sci/sci.military.naval/2008-02/msg00021.html

Queen of Prince Rupert; Retired from service April 20, 2009

http://www.geocities.com/ferries_bc/profiles/bcf_qpr.html

Queen of Vancouver; Retired from service March, 2009

http://www.geocities.com/ferries_bc/profiles/bcf_qvancouver.html

Queen of Sannich; Retired from service November 18, 2008
http://www.geocities.com/ferries_bc/profiles/bcf_qsaanich.html

* Please note, the sender's email address has not been verified.

You have received the following link from bitterendblog@gmail.com:

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WSJ.com - A Beacon on the Cape Restored* This article will be available to non-subscribers of the Online Journal for up to seven days after it is e-mailed.


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Hello Capt. Rodriguez,

I found your blog the other day and noticed you had a picture of the Island Ranger when she sank in Tofino. I'm sending a photo I made when she was looking better alongside the barges at Elk Falls in Campbell River, B.C.

Enjoy,

Doug Kerr

Tideline Images

(Ed. note: Thanbks to BE reader Lee Goodwin for the link)

Both main and kicker were not working. A simple pull on a nice day.
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Tim and Julia aboard Two Luck Fish

On my way to the fule dock this morning I ran across Tim and Julia Falagan. Tim made me breakfast. His almost famous Bagel Eggle is outstanding.

You can find Tim's blogs at Navagear and Puget Sound Maritime.

Thanks guys. BTW, nice hat Tim.

Sandy Hershelman was vistor # 500,000 on Thursday evening. She will recieve a BE Brugee. Look for a pic with her and the Burgee on a future post.

Master wrencher Mike Hoffman hard at work on Remedy's 350 screaming horses.
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http://www.ntsb.gov/publictn/2009/MAR0901.pdf

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Hi Richard!

I've been a long-time blog-friend of Panbo and Navagear, and have frequently chased clickage from yonder over to the BitterEnd. Always interesting.
I'm writing to say hello; I might become a neighbor. My boat is here:
http://nomadness.com/nomadness-walkthrough
and I blog at http://www.nomadness.com/blog with lots of other content linked from the home page in my sig below; before moving up to a boat of voyaging scale (with a brief flirtation enroute with a Corsair 36), I built the Microship, an amphibian pedal/solar/sail micro-trimaran that was the successor to a computerized recumbent bicycle that I pedaled 17,000 miles around the US long ago .

The current inefficient scenario is that my boat is parked in Oak Harbor, and I live on Camano... translating into a 3-hour round trip between my 3000 sqft lab and the boat that is supposedly my prime focus. The countless R&D projects are thus moving much too slowly (as are the more essential but less geeky ones)... so we are on a real-estate quest to find home and moorage more closely linked.

I've long enjoyed San Juan Island and feel it may be about right in its balance of rural acreage, general attitudes, critical mass of population, town resources, and convenient location in paradise.

So I'm writing to just make a connection. If you have contacts in the local ham-radio and technogeek communities on San Juan Island, I'd love to hear them... and of course other sailors with overlapping interests.

I look forward to meeting you sometime!

Cheers,
Steve

SFGate is reporting:

Coast Guard faulted in Cosco Busan spill

Thursday, May 7, 2009

The U.S. Coast Guard and the pilot and skipper of the Cosco Busan share the blame for the container ship's 2007 crash into the Bay Bridge that caused a 53,000-gallon oil spill in San Francisco Bay, the National Transportation Safety Board said today.

The safety board said Capt. John Cota's "degraded cognitive performance" as a result of his use of prescription drugs was a factor in the crash, as was the lack of communication between Cota and the ship's Chinese captain, Mao Cai Sun.

Cota had spent 27 years piloting ships into and out of the bay, while Sun was inexperienced in local waters. The safety board's report said the poor communications between the two men were attributable to that disparity and to "cultural differences that made the master reluctant to assert authority over the pilot."

Contributing to the disaster was the Coast Guard's failure to provide adequate medical oversight of Cota and the failure of Fleet Management Ltd., the Hong Kong firm that owns the ship, to train crew members adequately before the ill-fated voyage, the safety board said.

The balance if the sfgate.com post by Henry K. Lee, Chronicle Staff Writer is here.

(Ed. note: There will be more scrutiny for mariners down the road as a result this incident and ones like it. Thanks to BE reader Mike Fisher for the heads up on the link.)

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A1 Marine's mechanic Andrew Di Rienzo puts final touches on Remedy for the season. Now for a call.

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BitterEndBlog:
captrichardrodriguez.blogspot.com/

sorry for the short response - this message via my cell
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From: Rory VICE/VBS.tv
Date: Wed, 6 May 2009 18:51:57 -0400
To: <BitterEndBlog@gmail.com>
Subject: Video Tip: VBS.TV Investigates The Colombian Narcosubs

VBS.TV INVESTIGATES THE COLOMBIAN NARCOSUBS

Hi Bitter End Blog

Wanted to to pass this story we did on narco submarines.

VBS.TV recently journeyed on down to Colombia to chat with the navy's drug squad and a former trafficker in an attempt to better understand the cat and mouse game of the narco trade, specifically the new technological advances on both sides.

Like a Latin American Roadrunner and Wile E. Coyote, except with millions of dollars and people's lives hanging in the balance, narco-traffickers and the DEA have been locked in an ongoing chase scene carried out in a parade of increasingly ludicrous homemade drug-smuggling vehicles. From submarines to torpedo dragged by "fishing boat".

WATCH COLOMBIAN NARCOSUBS ON VBS.TV

Of course, given that this is what the authorities have already discovered, God only knows what those cartels have gotten up to in the interim.

Thanks,
Rory

Hey Richard:

http://www.flickr.com/photos/wsdot/sets/72157617464829301/show/

A buddy sent this to me tonight. I think you'll enjoy it. Be sure to watch clear through to the end, for triple-time video of the steel bridge being removed.

MF

(Ed. note: The Hood Canal Bridge is currently closed for six weeks as it undergoes a rebuild. There are some great photos here.)

MV Coho

The Peninsula Daily News is reporting:

PORT ANGELES -- Black Ball Ferry Line will celebrate the M.V. Coho in style on Saturday with a reunion of about 350 employees, Ryan Burles, CEO and president of the company, told the Port Angeles Regional Chamber of Commerce on Monday.

The chamber attracted about 70 people and started the luncheon by singing "Happy Birthday" to the Coho -- complete with a cake in shape of the ship.

The reunion will be in celebration of the maiden voyage of the ship on Dec. 29, 1959.

Since then the ship has missed six days because of engine failure and one day when crew were told not to run because of weather conditions.

The complete Peninsula Daily News by Paige Dickerson is here.

SKorean warship rescues NKorean vessel off Somalia

http://m.apnews.com/ap/db_7731/contentdetail.htm?contentguid=rHJr0Wny

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BE Reader Laurie Davidson sent this pic while I was on vacation last week.

The season starts today for me. We're expecting wind:

Forecast as of 3:00 am PDT on May 4, 2009

waters including the Olympic Coast National Marine Sanctuary...a strong frontal system will reach the area later today. A 985mb low will move across Vancouver Island early Tue morning. Weak high pressure will build later Tue before another frontal system reaches the area Wed.

Gale Warning in effect through Tuesday morning

Forecast as of 3:00 am PDT on May 4, 2009

Northern Inland Waters Including The San Juan Islands-
Today Se wind 5 to 15 kt rising to 15 to 25 kt. Wind waves 1 or 2 ft building to 2 to 4 ft.
Tonight Se wind 25 to 35 kt. Wind waves 4 to 6 ft. Rain.
Tue S wind 25 to 35 kt easing to 20 kt. Wind waves 4 to 6 ft subsiding to 3 ft in the afternoon. Showers likely.

TY Ron and Shelly,

Sorry I didn't see it. I've been on vacation this week, and just found a wifi signal in Ganges.

Great story, see the link.

---------- Forwarded message ----------
From: Ron and Shelly K
Date: Fri, May 1, 2009 at 6:16 AM
Subject: Did you see this in the Seattle PI?
To: BitterEndBlog@gmail.com

http://blog.seattlepi.com/monasticmoments/archives/167676.asp?source=mypi

Wow, The Summer Season Starts on Monday, May 4, 2009. Thanks for the pic Tim, and the great lamb bbq last Sat.

Sunday, May 31, 2009

Last Survivor of the Titanic Dies at 97

Saturday, May 30, 2009

Friday, May 29, 2009

Thursday, May 28, 2009

Forecast as of 2:30 am PDT on May 28, 2009

External Blogs:

Wednesday, May 27, 2009

Tuesday, May 26, 2009

Monday, May 25, 2009

Sunday, May 24, 2009

Saturday, May 23, 2009

Friday, May 22, 2009

Thursday, May 21, 2009

Wednesday, May 20, 2009

Tuesday, May 19, 2009

Ready for the name “Salish Sea” to become official?

Monday, May 18, 2009

Sunday, May 17, 2009

Saturday, May 16, 2009

Friday, May 15, 2009

Thursday, May 14, 2009

via Tretakoff Musings

SeattlePI.com is reporting:

Kiket Island to be used as a marine park

Wednesday, May 13, 2009

Tuesday, May 12, 2009

Monday, May 11, 2009

Sunday, May 10, 2009

Saturday, May 9, 2009

Friday, May 8, 2009

Thursday, May 7, 2009

Coast Guard faulted in Cosco Busan spill

Wednesday, May 6, 2009

Tuesday, May 5, 2009

Monday, May 4, 2009

Forecast as of 3:00 am PDT on May 4, 2009

Forecast as of 3:00 am PDT on May 4, 2009

Saturday, May 2, 2009

Friday, May 1, 2009

Capt. Richard J. Rodriguez

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