NAUTICAL LOG

CATCH AND RELEASE - NOT

2012-01-27T08:48:00.001-05:00

The United Kingdom Office of Foreign Affairs has done an analysis of the Piracy 'catch and release' policy over the last four (4) years. The above chartlets show the results for two (2) years 2009 and 2010.

Generally NAUTICAL LOG is supportive of 'catch and release' programs - in recreational fishing but not as regards Piracy. We believe most professional seafarers would agree the policy is asinine, of course the elite yachting community do not care in the least, their expensive toys are transported in barbed wire defended vessels with armed guards on board - no catch and release for them!!

Let us take a look at what the attitude of the International Maritime Organisation (dis-organisation perhaps?) towards Piracy has done.

We have the Sea Shepherd Conservation Society (SSCS) a seagoing Cult. They travel around the world quite freely, rarely stopped by the Immigration Authorities, busy fund-raising, wrecking silly non-seagoing toy craft, and boarding vessels on the High Seas. Yet these SSCS Cult vessels are resupplied and refuelled by any Nation they visit with no questions asked. In fact National Government Elected Officials visit these SSCS Cult ships and get photographed with Admiral "Wats-his-name" all in the name of saving whales or Bluefin tuna or sharks or anything else that the SSCS can think up to raise monies for their Cult. Wake up!! these people are nautical thugs committing acts of piracy, read and understand Maritime Law, apply it, arrest and try these persons, cut out the bovine scatology (thanks once again GEN. Schwarzkopf).

The attitude of the IMO with this 'catch and release' program has now led to a terrible tragedy off Puntland, Somalia where the FV Shiuh Fu #1 held by pirates for over two (2) years with no demanded ransom paid cut the right arm off CAPT. Chao-I Wu earlier this week. This is the same IMO that can pass Rules and Regulations Ad Nauseam to supposedly control the operation of vessels on the High Seas but allows Costa Cruises and indeed others to sail cruising megaships 200 metres off rocky dangerous shores in complete violation with its own 'close approach' policies. These dashing-Italian-movie-star-like Masters can thus show off their skills or lack thereof. At least until something goes terribly wrong, then they tell multiple stories about the incident to confuse the issue. These backed by ships dancers (holding Italian Masters Certificates no doubt) coming to their defence and the Staff telling passengers, all recorded on video, to go back to their cabins the worst place to go in an emergency.

So as you finish up your week at IMO HQ London and go down the road for a pub lunch at perhaps "Old Father Thames", which replaced one believes "The Red Cow", before heading home (early) for the weekend. NAUTICAL LOG hopes that at least some of you IMO persons feel badly, perhaps even disappointed in yourselves for the job you are NOT doing. Rest assured that many and increasingly more professional seafarers hold the IMO in the greatest contempt. Being retired NAUTICAL LOG no longer has to be concerned about renewals of professional qualifications so expect more critisism when it is warrented.

Have a really nice weekend, think about CAPT. Chao-I Wu without his right arm to navigate or much more importantly hold his wife and children in both arms ever again.

Good Watch.

Even if you are employed by the IMO do try and remember the 300 seafarers held captive by pirates off the coast of Puntland, Somalia. Perhaps over this weekend some one of you will feel badly enough to commence arranging a rescue of our fellow seafarers. The precedent has been set by the United States and SEAL Team 6 for an effective action, even with the European Union railing against the U.S. policing the World Denmark did not object to the rescue of their national enough to send him back.

A COMPLAINT

2012-01-25T13:23:00.001-05:00

The International Court of Justice
Peace Palace
Carnegieplein 2
2517 KJ The Hague
The Netherlands.

1. This Complaint is presented in the matter of Human Rights for Seafarers.

2. Being greatly concerned about the condition and plight of the Seafarers held captive by pirates off Puntland, Somalia we present this Complaint to the International Court.

3. The pirates have declared these Seafarers to be hostages for ransoms demanded from the Shipowners and subject to reprisals.

4. It is reported that these pirates have cut off the hand of Captain Chao-I Wu of the FV. Shiuh Fu #1 as an act of reprisal for not receiving from the vessel Owner a demanded ransom.

5. This is a clear violation of basic Human Rights, the Treatment of Prisoner's and the Rights of Seafarers as declared by the International Maritime Organisation.

6. We therefore present this Complaint to the International Court that the International Maritime Organisation, The National Maritime Authority of the Flag State of the FV. Shiuh Fu #1 and the vessels Owner are responsible for the catastrophic mutilation to Captain Chao-I Wu.

7. We therefore petition the International Court to require the International Maritime Organisation, The National Maritime Authority of the Flag State of the mentioned fishing vessel, and that vessels Owner to achieve the immediate release of Captain Chao-I Wu for proper medical treatment.

8. We are concerned that if the proper medical treatment is not received by Captain Chao-I Wu his life is in extreme danger.

9. We further petition the International Court that this fishing vessel Owner compensate Captain Chao-I Wu for this catastrophic mutilation.

10. We again further petition the International Court to demand of the International Maritime Organisation that this body organise the immediate release, by any effective means possible including military force, the release of all seafarer hostages held off the coast of Puntland, Somalia and such other places as these seafarer hostages may be held.

Respectfully presented,

Count D. Peter O'Grady-Boucher, Kt. SMOM
International Ocean Unlimited Master Mariner (Retired)
address (redacted) available to the Court.

VERY GOOD - VERY TERRIBLE NEWS

2012-01-25T08:24:00.003-05:00

This morning while going through the maritime Blogs and our Press Release folder we read the Somalia Report (SR). They reported on the rescue from shore based scumbags of Jessica Buchanan (American) and Poul Thisted (Danish) by a U.S. SEAL Team. Very good news indeed and it confirms what NAUTICAL LOG has said over and over again ad nauseam that it can be done by the properly trained persons using extreme prejudice.

Sadly however in the balance of life there was a second report in SR that states CAPT. Chao-I Wu of the FV Shiuh Fu #1 had his hand cut off by other scumbag pirates, off the coast of Puntland, Somalia. Also SR reported that two Korean seafarers are extremely ill and may not survive while also being held by pirates possibly now moved ashore.

Now China, Taiwan and Korea have extremely capable Special Forces Units and it would seem the time is past that they were sent into action to effect a rescue attempt using extreme prejudice against these pirates. The Peoples Republic of China considers itself a World Power and sends naval vessels, including hospital ships, all over the World to display their prowess. They are making military agreements with anyone and have visitors to PRC to again display their military prowess. Now is the time to show in the real world if they can actually do anything or it is all just a Chinese Opera, makeup and dressing without substance.

Good Watch

In a recent Post NAUTICAL LOG stated clearly that in the event of anything happening to any seafarer held hostage by pirates we would file a 'Complaint' with the International Court. Now is the time for us to put our money where our mouth is. It will be a learning curve but today we have started to prepare such a 'Complaint'. Once it is ready we shall publish it here in the Blog for 'All Hands' to see. Perhaps a Law Firm will respond with some Pro Bono work and file the correct papers using the correct procedure with the International Court. Whatever happens the maritime world will know that at least NAUTICAL LOG is serious about getting our fellow seafarers rescued even at the risk of lives being lost it is better than being chopped up for the amusement of these so called religious savages.

Yes we are extremely angry and disgusted at the lack of support from other maritime blogs we have (not) received and the International Maritime Authorities who are more interested in protecting the racing yachts of the so-called yachting elite with barbed wire and armed guards, than the seafarers held hostage off Somalia.

NLIN #50 - M NOTICES

2012-01-24T10:33:00.001-05:00

The following M Notices are available at www.dft.gov.uk/mca. If difficulties are experienced call 023 8032 9391 for assistance.

MGN 437 (M) Small Commercial Codes of Practice. Revision of Sections 4.4 and 11.

MIN 419 (M) Spectator Craft Attending the London Olympic Games 2012 and London Paraolympic Games 2012.

MIN 423 (M) Revalidating a Certificate of Competency: New Requirements for Masters and Officers.

Good Watch.

One thing that has not been addressed so far is the rescue of some 300 of our fellow seafarers held hostage by pirates off the coast of Puntland, Somalia. They are now under threat of being murdered at any moment and the spectator craft at the London Olympics get more attention than the seafarers do.

ISM CODE - AUDITING

2012-01-21T12:00:00.000-05:00

Ships now operate under the International Management Code for Safe Operation of Ships and for Pollution Prevention (ISM Code). Since this is a Post on Auditing NAUTICAL LOG, who is a Trained Auditor, will not go through the requirements as these can be found on the Internet and in your local nautical bookshop - you do have a bookshop hopefully as they are a dying breed. There are two types of Audit an External Audit and an Internal Audit.

The External Audit consists of the Flag State or an outside Auditing Firm coming into the Company and going through all the Protocols, Procedures and associated Manuals. They may also hold a drill simulating a situation in one of the Company's vessels and observe the results of the Shore Staff dealing with it. NAUTICAL LOG has been through this experience with two very different Companies and believe me it is a long, difficult, trying day not made any easier by the subsequent debrief. The External Auditor then prepares a Report which causes another long, difficult, trying day full of office politics!!

Then there is the Internal Audit which consists of the Safety Manager holding an internal audit of his fellow Shore Staff personnel and Managers. This causes another long, difficult, trying day with the added hazard of internal office politics and telling your bosses what to do. At this point NAUTICAL LOG would like to present a quote from a well known handy-dandy ISM Guidelines book:

"In carrying out internal SMS audits companies measure the effectiveness of their own systems. Internal SMS audits are potentially more important than external audits for controlling the effectiveness of the system, since companies stand to gain or lose more than the external audit bodies if system fails. The company, its employees, shipmasters, officers and crews 'own' the safety management system and have a direct interest in ensuring that it is effective. As a result, the internal SMS audit, which represents these interests, should be at least equal to if not exceed the thoroughness of the external SMS audit process"

Hmm!! This is Lecture Hall Theory, in the environment of office operations and politics it is largely bovine scatology. Can you envision the Safety Manager in the subsequent debrief telling the Chairman of the Board that he does not actually have a clue what to do, released mostly the wrong data to his spokesperson and "twittered" during the entire incident. One gets the feeling that the author of the article in "gCaptain" about the Carnival Group Internal Audit envisioned this type of internal audit scenario.

Considering the current situation due to Costa Cruises an External Audit of the Carnival Group is the only one that will be free of an internal "whitewash" impression and only then if a very far removed Company is chosen to do the External Audit. With its asinine "sail-bys" the Costa Cruises is being defiant, acting indecently towards those who have lost loved ones, and displaying bravado/machismo. The Carnival Group has no need of more problems by adding the appearance of a phony Audit however decent the Manager in charge of such an Internal Audit is personally.

Good Watch.

Many of our fellow seafarers do not have the opportunity to have an audit, twitter or much else. They are the 300 held captive by pirates off the coast of Puntland, Somalia, now hostages and could be murdered at any moment. There is not even the slightest suggestion that it might be a good idea to plan their rescue. More airtime is given to airhead girls in their twenties defending Italian Masters in their fifty's and clarifying how they can accidentally fall into a convenient lifeboat. God (if there is one) help all present day seafarers in this madding world.

VIEW FROM AFAR

2012-01-20T11:45:00.002-05:00

The distance from Miami, FL to Civitaveechia the Port of Rome is 4718 nautical miles and the distance from Boston, MA to Civitaveechia is 3925 nautical miles. A week ago the reef impact and later grounding of the MS Costa Concordia took place. At that time NAUTICAL LOG wrote in our Post "Bang, Crunch, List and Panic" to guard against paying too much attention to Media reports. From what we have read since with the Master's story changing at least three times and ridiculous statements from Costa Cruises Management it was good advice.

In the week since NAUTICAL LOG has declined to be interviewed by the Media - others have not. This morning NAUTICAL LOG was contacted by the Media about an article in the maritime Blog "gCaptain" by a CAPT. William H. Doherty who instructs at MMA and was Safety Manager at NCL here in Miami, FL. In spite of having served in several Miami based Cruise Lines NAUTICAL LOG has never met him so interested readers will have to read his article for themselves as NAUTICAL LOG will not comment on it.

Suffice it to say he takes a different approach then NAUTICAL LOG does. Being some 4718 nautical miles from the incident area we shall await the Investigation results of Prosecutor Francesco Verusio and the Italian Court of Inquiry. CAPT. Doherty who of course is closer to things being only some 3925 nautical miles from the incident area perhaps sees things better. His comparisons to the miners accident and rescue in Chile in relation to the Giglio Island accident escapes NAUTICAL LOG. He also mentions some imaginary ship from a sea story, again NAUTICAL LOG is somewhat lost. The greatest condemnation for Captain Schettino is the contempt in which he is held by the Italian Masters in his own company of Costa Cruises.

Alongside the CAPT. Doherty article is a video of a plot of the incident, there is of course a "disclaimer" with it. This is rather puzzling, why create this "plot" with the full report of the Investigation not yet being released? Besides the Maritime Insurance Department of Lloyds of London already produced one and one could perhaps surmise this was done with input from Lloyds Agents who having considerable contacts with the Italian Maritime Authorities got firsthand information.

and one from near - the MS Costa Serena sail-by last week

There were other events during the week which really appalled NAUTICAL LOG the principal of which was yet another "sail-by" on the part of Costa Line. The MS Costa Serena once again repeated the passage of MS Costa Concordia, fortunately without joining her on the rocks, blowing whistles and ablaze in lights. This with eleven (11) known dead and many missing in their company vessel some 300 metres away. This grave discourtesy to the families of the lost and arrogant display of machismo should get every one of the Costa Management Staff fired immediately. NAUTICAL LOG knew the founder of Carnival Cruises and has know his son, now in charge, since his Prep. School days. His Father gave him an Apprenticeship on how ships are operated and he is one of the few in Cruise Line Management that was trained properly for the job. NAUTICAL LOG cannot believe that he agrees with this Costa Line behaviour, besides this documented reckless behaviour has clearly negated any possibility of The Carnival Group and Costa Cruises claiming "Limitation of Liability" since "reckless behaviour" is the parameter required to so negate.

NAUTICAL LOG would recommend to our readers an excellent Editorial in the "gCaptain" Maritime Blog titled "Carnival to Conduct Safety Audit". The Editorial all to clearly shows the attitude of Cruise Lines even when in the deep water that Costa Cruises, one of nine (9) cruise lines in the Carnival Group, is in.

Good Watch

There remain in captivity off the coast of Puntland, Somalia 300 of our fellow seafarers held now as hostages and subject to being murdered at any moment. Nothing is being done to effect their rescue.

SAMURAI

2012-01-18T11:05:00.002-05:00

Banzai!! Well the SSCS mob asked for it, now that they have got it they do not like it, pretty hard to please that lot. NAUTICAL LOG had warned last year before the Southern Ocean Whaling Season started that this 2011-2012 Season the Japanese would fight back hard to defend their vessels. Under Maritime Law they have every right to do so under defence against Piracy Laws.

Thankfully in the recent action one of the SSCS Cult members did not lose an eye but he came damn close to doing so - or so reports state.

This morning in our Press Release folder we have Reports courtesy of the "Herald Sun", "Sydney Morning Herald" and "The Institute for Cetacean Research". Our Press Release provider states that for some unknown reason the SSCS reports are partially blocked however it really does not matter in the least because the information is republished by both these Australian newspapers. Just more weird SSCS Cult behaviour from the great unwashed!!

To quote the summary of what supposedly happened:

"Two crew were struck in the shoulder by hooks while another was hit in the face with a bamboo pole after an encounter with a Japanese harpoon vessel. The conservation group says. The incident reportedly occurred at around 3AM (AEDT) about 300 nautical miles north of Mawson Peninsula in Antarctica".

On the JWF side they state:

"In addition to coming alongside brandishing a knife, the activists cut the fixing rope of one of the intruder-prevention protective float fenders and ripped the protective net set on both sides of the YS2. Their behaviour points to an attempt to illegally board the YS2".

Photos have been published and can be seen in all the relative websites. In one of the photos there appears to be a diving knife in the right hand of a SSCS Cult member in the forward part of the RHIB. By this action it places him under Maritime Law to be an armed possible boarder and thus the Japanese had every right to defend their vessel. They were in the perfect position to have had a stun grenade dropped into the RHIB. The Cult leader "Admiral Wats-his-name" is placing his devoted Cult followers in an appalling position for injury or death. He has now achieved the Cult influence level of Jones at Jonestown, Guyana with a section of the seagoing personnel.

Some of you may laugh at this and please go right ahead because that is what happened with Jones and other Cult leaders. Then a Congressman went to find out the situation in Guyana and was murdered as he went to board his aircraft, in turn this resulted in the deaths by Kool-Aid® laced with cyanide of hundreds of children, women and men. So those of you who laugh at NAUTICAL LOG better laugh with caution.

Good Watch

Having already been boarded and captured by pirates some 300 of our fellow seafarers are now held hostage by pirates off the coast of Puntland, Somalia. No bamboo poles for these scumbags they are armed with AK47's.

FAILURE !

2012-01-18T08:45:00.003-05:00

The first test of a major incident to one of the mega-cruise ships has been a failure.  The MS Costa Concordia has been a failure of design, a failure of the evacuation procedure, a failure of leadership at both the shipboard level and the Management ashore level. Sadly however to many of us who sailed in the previous generation of passenger vessels it is much as we had feared and expected. With 4200 persons on board and the chaotic situation resulting how do the Cruise Lines expect to evacuate 8700 persons such are in the MS Oasis of the Seas and MS Allure of the Seas there is no allure in these ships for NAUTICAL LOG.

There has been a mass of Media reporting from all sides so much in fact that yesterday NAUTICAL LOG received a call from the Producer of the gossip, news, entertainment show "Inside Edition" for an interview and commentary, we declined directing them to this Blog and its previous Post. Later in the afternoon there was a similar call from WPIX-TV Pittsburgh, PA.

The most disturbing aspect for NAUTICAL LOG has been the behaviour of the vessel Master, Captain Schettino. So many stories have been written by so many different people saying so many different things who knows what is the truth. Well the truth is that it appears he deserted his passengers and we know this by the recording made by the Italian Coastguard Officer of the quite passionate exchange between he and the Master. At the time the Master was in a lifeboat ashore with hundreds of his passengers still on board and the ship listing heavily against the island cliff. This record together with the record of the vessel's Black Box will be used by the Italian Prosecutor to investigate and then prefer charges against the Master and Officers. Anything other than these records is conjecture and NAUTICAL LOG most certainly is not going to repeat stories from either ship crewmembers or the Media.

One does have to wonder at the Management choice of their Masters however. Leadership basically consists of the two "S's" that is Style and Substance. Style is the appearance of the leader that portrays quiet confidence and Substance the knowledge to do the job assigned. This Italian Master gives the impression of being a playboy given to showing off.  With his too long curly hair down over the collar of his uniform he looks like a nightclub entertainer or hotel staff, not the pleasant, friendly but somewhat reserved ship's Master in Command. He is described as being personable. That is a bit weak for a Master, one would prefer to hear that he was a fine seaman with excellent navigational skills interested in his crew and their training to assist in the command a passenger ship. So then at best the Masters behaviour is irresponsible at worst reprehensible.

The Costa Management and owning Carnival Group have also shown lack of knowledge about Passage Plans, threw the Master under the proverbial bus instead of at least public support until the charges have been filed - after all they selected him and placed him in Command of the MS Costa Concordia.

As to the design the vessel has some 17 decks of which only three are in the water leaving a massive lever of 14 decks so it is hardly any surprise that once a hull breech occurred the vessel quickly lost buoyancy and listed. If the island had not been there she would have rolled over and sunk with very possibly total loss of all persons on board.

Now we come to the chaotic scene of the Evacuation. It is clear that the passengers who knew nothing were naturally terrified and the harassed crew were trying to deal with panicked passengers with little or no help from their Command. It appears no announcements were made as to what to do. If, as we have said before in a previous Post, the passengers were instructed in the Safety Protocol prior to even boarding the vessel this would have reduced the panic. No doubt many if not all of the crew were also terrified yet the job was done and even those lost passengers were found with lifejackets on. Let us therefore not start blaming the crew, below the Command level, for the loss of life that occurred it appears to NAUTICAL LOG they were courageous.

NAUTICAL LOG would suggest that the United States Coast Guard Marine Safety Office (USCG-MSO) suspend all Costa Line vessels U.S. Passenger Certificates. Each ship will have to re-qualify individually as it enters U.S. Waters starting with the MS Costa Atlantico which NAUTICAL LOG understands is in the Port of Miami today. Every Officer Certificate, every STCW training record must be examined, every lifeboat exercised, every firehose tested. There should be at least three drills, a simulated accommodation fire, a simulated engineroom fire, and a full evacuation drill with all lifeboats turned outboard at the embarkation deck. If there is the slightest weakness the drills must be re-exercised. Never mind the "political correctness", any delay to passengers or expense to the Carnival Group. The USCG-MSO must ignore those usual pressure phone calls between Senior Cruise Line Management and USCG HQ, the transfer of USCG Officers, which NAUTICAL LOG personally knows about from Safety Officer days, that all too readily occur when faults are found during Inspection and then ordered to let slid by.

If a 4200 persons evacuation cannot be managed think about dealing with 8700 persons holding their ID cards to be passed through those handy dandy card readers to board a "lifeboat" that holds over 300 persons. Whomever planned all that when the Oasis and Allure entered service do you still think it is realistic? Are American passengers going to be any less panic stricken than the European ones? And how about those multi-national 1000 to 1800 crewmembers how will they react?  Do you not really and honestly think that at least a third will screw-up due to being terrified?

The Cruise Industry has become totally irresponsible in its performance as regards safety with Lines run by hotel personnel and not experienced seamen. NAUTICAL LOG has attended meetings to discuss shipboard safety and made reports of incidents which are just brushed aside by the hotel types running these Cruise Lines the monies spent for entertainment and decor far out ways that allotted to safety and the lowest priority for work orders are safety issues.

Good Watch

Also living in panic or near panic are the 300 seafarers held hostage by pirates off the coast of Puntland, Somalia. They could be murdered at any moment and see no rescue insight; at least the MS Costa Concordia passengers had that.

BANG, CRUNCH, LIST AND PANIC

2012-01-14T09:28:00.000-05:00

"A grounding can really spoil your whole cruise"

UPDATE: Sunday January 15, 2012.

REFERENCE: UKHO Charts 1999, and 1911

For our non-nautical readers please do not read to much into the detention of the Italian Master of the MS Costa Concordia, Captain Schettino. This is the procedure of the Italian Code Napoleon System of Justice where one is detained for questioning by a Prosecutor to obtain the facts of the incident from that persons perspective. In addition to Italian National Law there are International Maritime Laws which also must be applied. One might point out that the vessel's First Officer was also detained so it would appear he was the OOW (Officer of the Watch) and actually navigating at the time of the grounding. This however is conjecture on the part of NAUTICAL LOG. Particularly unhelpful in all this were the remarks of Costa Cruise President Gianni Onorato who, with a background of the hotel department not navigation department, it is reported, stated that there was no designated route for the ship to transit the Strait thus one cannot say the ship was off course.

There are times when Company Presidents should keep their mouths shut, leaving it to the spokesperson and this is a classic of saying stupid things at the wrong time. Is he trying to tell us that the ship just wandered happily through the Strait with 4200 persons on board and there was no pre-planned course? Does he not know that the vessels he is managing must have a Passage Plan approved prior to even sailing? Does he expect to continue selling cruise tickets based on this statement? No doubt this is the gentleman who selects and approves Masters for the vessels or at least is involved in the interviewing process. It is at times like this NAUTICAL LOG is pleased to be retired - Mr. Onorato will also most likely be very pleased that NAUTICAL LOG is retired after he reads this!!

The vessel operational recorder (Black Box) has been removed as evidence and will be processed to recreate the passage. This is the evidence which will support any charges which the Master and his Officers may be faced with; the rest is pure speculation and "selling the media" conjecture. Too often these media reports are written by reporters with little or no knowledge of maritime affairs and only interested in publishing something, anything, "first". We would remind you of the case of the American student charged with murder whose Italian Prosecutor contrived results and maintained no "chain of evidence", this resulted in her eventual release.

The Italian Prosecutor Francesco Verusio is now in charge of investigating the MS Costa Concordia grounding.

***********************************************************************************************

We have received a Report in our Press Release folder this morning that the MS Costa Concordia, Captain Schettino, has hit a reef in Italy listed severely with massive flooding of the vessel. Tragically there has been loss of life and NAUTICAL LOG expresses our sympathy to families concerned.

As of yet there is no explanation of how this accident could have occurred however the videos revealed the vessel was extremely close to a bright red lighthouse and there is massive impact damage midships to the vessel. One suspects that once again there has been over reliance on electronic navigation and not enough on traditional seamanship. There is no mention of a Port Pilot being on board the vessel so it is entirely the ships navigation team's responsibility. The ship was 3 to 4 nautical miles off course in coastal waters a huge error at sea in a large passenger vessel.

So it has finally happened a modern cruise line megaship as been lost with some 4200 persons on board. That is 3200 passengers and 1000 cremembers, it is what many cruise ship Officers and we former Officers have feared. The photos of huge rocks torn off the reef and buried in the 40 metre hole in the vessel starboard side are frankly quite terrifying. From the reports there was considerable panic amongst the mostly European passengers with people jumping into the sea and sadly drowning. This should trigger a review to ALL CRUISE LINES IMMEDIATELY that the passengers should receive their SAFETY LECTURE in the Passenger Terminal while waiting to board NOT hours later when the vessel is underway. In the case of the MS Costa Concordia the passenger drill was planned for the next day over 24 hours after the passengers had boarded the vessel. Goodness knows they wait long enough while being processed that the Safety Lecture could be done before boarding. It would pass that waiting in a useful and constructive way while giving them time to ask questions and have them answered properly, the allotment for Passenger Emergency Drill after sailing does not really allow this to be done.

As a former cruise lines Safety Officer and Staff Officer NAUTICAL LOG knows from firsthand experience that this should be a Passenger Vessel requirement and enforced by the United States Coast Guard (USCG) Marine Safety Office (MSO) in all U.S. Ports and Internationally by National Maritime Authorities.

Good Watch.

Off the coast of Puntland, Somalia some 300 of our fellow seafarers are being held hostage by pirates. They under the unbelievable stress of being murdered at any moment of any hour of any day. Do YOU really care - if you do contact your Government to take action for there rescue and freedom. Just saying "Oh! isn't that awful" does not do a damn thing for them.

FOLLOW THE MONEY

2012-01-12T16:32:00.000-05:00

Many of our readers are not seafarers and judging from the comments to recent Posts have no knowledge of Maritime Law yet comment on Piracy. NAUTICAL LOG suggests that you visit, read and understand "The Tulane Maritime Law Journal" Volume 33; Pages 10 through 15, for the definition of Piracy and to whom it applies. The SSCS seagoing Cult clearly are pirates and Admiral "Wats-his-name" has proudly boasted about being a pirate.

Where does the money come from for the SSCS? Since NAUTICAL LOG confirmed that the SSCS are a salaried executive Pirate Group paying certain of its employees between $30,000 and $60,000 with the Chief Pirate getting $96,000 we wondered.

Our inquires, which respect the DMCA, led to Australia's "The Sydney Morning Herald" www.smh.com.au and their Public Domain SSCS Report. It seems one source is the little person in the street with his or her heart in the right place responding to the SSCS "Save the Whales" campaign. Another source is from Public Figures and the SMH published photographs of these persons. Perhaps you recognize them and can confirm who they are for NAUTICAL LOG - some faces do seem familiar however we lead a somewhat sheltered life!!

Our thanks to "The Sydney Morning Herald" which has an article all about the SSCS salaried pirates, their expenses and those contributions.

A final note before closing it seems there is a problem viewing your comments to some NAUTICAL LOG Posts. Perhaps the SSCS are running scared of NAUTICAL LOG and perhaps the SSCS Staffer who was reported to us as interfering recently with our Freedom of Speech under the Bill of Rights of The U.S. Constitution is repeating this interference. We would request the Blogspot Staff (to whom we can give the name of the SSCS Staffer if required) to look into and clear up any blockage to this DMCA compliant Blog, thank you. If you cannot read your comment please feel free to contact the Blogspot Staff to assist you.

Good Watch.

Off the coast of Puntland, Somalia some 300 of our fellow seafarers are held hostage by pirates. They are under threat of being murdered every minute of every hour of every day. Wonder if anyone is contributing to their rescue and freedom?

THE COST OF "VOLUNTEERING"

2012-01-12T08:42:00.003-05:00

Some interesting information from Ecorazzi www.ecorazzi.com this morning. It appears that while the SSCS seagoing Cult crewmembers pay everything themselves, travel to and from the vessels and all expenses the SSCS top echelon get paid. The pay scales quoted are salaried employees $30,000 to $60,000 while "Wats-his-name" gets $96,000 - no data about their expenses however.

Now this is fascinating as it confirms the offer made last year to NAUTICAL LOG yes NAUTICAL LOG that archfiend who dares to criticise the SSCS seagoing Cult. We have an e.mail on file which offered a position as Master to take the MS Steve Irwin from Australia to the United Kingdom. On following up we were told there would be a salary and expenses would be covered. All we can conclude from this is that, since we know the SSCS contact to be genuine, there was a dastardly plot to dump NAUTICAL LOG overboard in the Indian Ocean or some strange twisted plan to convert NAUTICAL LOG to the SSCS seagoing Cult way of thinking. One has to wonder how that was going to work!!

Frankly we thought the dumping to be best bet for SSCS and since we were going to Ireland for the Waterford Sail Training Festival 2011 we declined. Seriously can you imagine the convoluted thinking of these people to even come up with such an idea. But then reading the latest of their PR's perhaps one should not be too surprised as the SSCS has long left the realms of reality far behind.

In other SSCS news from Majirox News in Tokyo comes a report that crewmen aboard the Japanese Fishery Protection vessel MS Shonan Maru #2 hurled stun grenades at Sea Shepherd crewmembers who were alongside the JFP in a RHIB. The Japanese Coastguard reported that a Sea Shepherd RHIB was attempting to disable the vessel by deploying ropes with floats and metal attachments to foul the propeller. After refusing to respond to instructions given by bullhorn the stun grenades were thrown.

However in fairness to all concerned the news report was not sympathetic to their fellow Japanese and were in fact quite critical. It is of course an act of Piracy to attempt to harass a vessel in this manner on the High Seas but since no one prosecutes these paid executive pirates why should the SSCS seagoing Cult and their salaried shore Staff pay any attention to Maritime Law.

Good Watch.

That other group of pirates hold 300 of our fellow seafarers hostage off the coast of Puntland, Somalia. Day after day they are under the extraordinary stress of being murdered at any moment. Not a thing is being done to rescue them. NAUTICAL LOG will keep going on and on about them after every Post until something is done - we will never quit on our fellow seafarers.

AN ILL WIND

2012-01-11T16:54:00.002-05:00

A saxophone has been described as an ill wind that nobody blows good. From the confused Press Releases that arrived in our Press Folder this morning it would seem this may apply to the SSCS writers also.

Does this look like a "whaling" ship to you? It does, then join the SSCS seagoing cult they will be delighted to have you.

First of all there was:

"The Shonan Maru Boarding Incident." followed by,

"Tokyo's Illegal Invasion of World Heritage Area Continues." then the favourite

"Sea Shepherd Dancing Dangerously With the Outlaw Whaling Fleet in the Southern Ocean."

this is like something out of those Saturday morning movies we went to see as kids about comic book heroes.

The stuff gets sillier and sillier as this windy operation drifts further and further from the world of reality. The writing is a collection of twisted around facts to suit the SSCS seagoing Cult preconceived opinions. There are statements credited to Australian Government personnel which are in turn denied by them and corrected in the Australian newspapers. NAUTICAL LOG senses desperation on the part of both the writers of these PR's and the SSCS seagoing Cult as a whole. As each year goes by the operations seem to be less and less effective, more and more confused. Really one is beginning to feel sorry for the pathetic crew trapped on board these SSCS vessels, who may be cold, wet, tired and being fed a Cult diet.

Since there is absolutely nothing of any value either to discuss or indeed believe in these Press Releases NAUTICAL LOG shall let readers visit the SSCS website for themselves.

One thing that did happen, one of their RHIBs broke down on the trip from the MS Steve Irwin to the MS Shonan Maru #2. When a vessel cannot maintain its small boats which are key to their harassing tactics it indicates a sad sack crew on board.

For more factual reports visit the ICR-JWF website at www.icrwhale.org/ click on the English version and there are three (3) PR's under 2012.

Good Watch.

Something that is really worth your while to keep informed about is the fact that 300 of our fellow seafarers are held hostage by pirates off the coast of Puntland, Somalia. There are currently no plans to rescue them.

LOOK WHOSE BEHIND

2012-01-10T08:29:00.002-05:00

Don't look now but we're being followed! In a Press Release, today taken from the Public Domain of the Internet republished News networks, the SSCS website stated:

"The Yushin Maru #3 is currently, at 1400 AEST, 5 nautical miles off the coast of MacQuarie Island. The Sea Shepherd ship Bob Barker was attempting to shake the tail of the Yushin Maru #3 at MacQuarie."

JWF vessel MS Yushin Maru #3 off MacQuarie Island

The MS Steve Irwin is some 400 nautical miles south of Australia with the MS Shonan Maru #2 at a distance of 10 nautical miles following astern. So it seems the Japan Fishery Agency is tracking both these SSCS seagoing Cult vessels. The MS Shonan Maru #2 has the three Australian pirates in detention on board, they will be transferred to the factory ship MS Nisshin Maru once the vessels meet up. That vessels has secure quarters for detention known as The Brig in maritime terminology. The three Australian detainees, (who have been abandoned just like Peter Bethune was by the SSCS in a written statement to the Australian Government), can be classed as pirates under International Maritime Law for boarding a vessel underway at sea without the permission of the vessel Master. Additionally the MS Shonan Maru #2, a former whaling vessel not a whaling vessel as SSCS keeps falsely claiming, is a Japanese Government vessel painted white and marked as required by International Maritime Regulations.

Perhaps the more twisting facts part of the Press Release is the final paragraph:

"The MacQuarie Island is also a World Heritage Site and a whaling vessel has no business in the waters of a natural World Heritage Site."

Radar plot showing Island and vessels

The right of innocent passage is guaranteed to all ships and the JWF MS Yushin Maru #3 has as much right to be there as the SSCS MS Bob Barker also a former whaling vessel. As usual the SSCS seagoing Cult following typical Cult protocol tries to twist Rules and Regulations around to suit its own purpose but claims the other fellow is wrong when they do the same thing.

Good Watch.

Today 300 of our fellow seafarers are under threat of being murdered while held hostage by pirates off the coast of Puntland, Somalia. We understand some of these same seafarers have broken under the stress as they enter a third year of captivity. If NAUTICAL LOG receives evidence of either suicides or murders we shall file a Complaint with the International Court against the Shipowner concerned and the Flag State of the vessel.

MORE "DIVINE WIND" HOT AIR

2012-01-09T07:30:00.001-05:00

There is a limit to how much SSCS hot air NAUTICAL LOG can republish - we are more than capable of developing our own!!

On the SSCS website there are two Press Releases this morning updating from their point of view the incident of the boarding of the Japan Fishery Agency Patrol vessel MS Shonan Maru #2. Do these people really believe there own description of events? Maybe they cannot see the forest for the trees.

"32° 57' 48" South 115° 20' 24" East" and "Australian Whale Defenders on Their Way to Antarctica Against Their Will" are the two named Press Releases.

Here at NAUTICAL LOG we feel that the whole thing was totally contrived. We have been told that the Press Releases are pre-written before the incident took place. It seems the SSCS Staff is so divided that a Staffer actually e.mailed us the name of the SSCS Staff member (which we are keeping in confidence in case we decide to take action under OCILLA) who made the complaint to Google® about our Posts claiming violation of the DMCA.

Good Watch.

There are some 300 of our fellow seafarers being held as hostages by pirates off the coast of Puntland, Somalia. Some are now entering their third year of captivity in deplorable conditions.

AUSSIES DETAINED

2012-01-07T17:25:00.003-05:00

This Post is compiled from Public Domain Press Releases published by the Sea Shepherd Conservation Society (SSCS) and republished by Nature News Network®. This Post complies with the DMCA as recognised under the United States Federal Code. The analysis and commentary is by NAUTICAL LOG.

Whodat grey haired guy on the left?

Three Australian citizens are reported detained on board the MS Shonan Maru #2 a guard ship for the Japanese Whaling Fleet (JWF). The report states that three persons from Perth, Fremantle and Bunbury, Western Australia respectively. They came out from shore by boat to intercept the Japanese vessel which was tailing the MS Steve Irwin a vessel of the SSCS seagoing Cult. The interception took place at a reported position of 32° 00' South Latitude and 115° 21' East Longitude. Also involved were to small boats from the MS Steve Irwin. Under cover of darkness the three Australians boarded the Japanese vessel.

This is the MS Shonan Maru #2 kindly published without copyright protection by SSCS.
As can be seen the vessel is painted white and marked on the superstructure
as a Japanese Government vessel.

It would appear that they were immediately detained by the vessels crew which it is understood are Japan Fishery Agency officers. These are the same tired old tactics tried before which got Peter Bethune charged and tried in the Japanese Justice System. Of course Admiral "Wats-his-name" does not get personally involved just sends two middle-aged crisis guys and a young man to do his dirty work for him. Just think these lucky chaps now get to enjoy whale meat sushi, rice in a million different forms, other Japanese delicacies all washed down with green tea. Then they will be transferred to a Japan Coastguard vessel and an ocean voyage to the Land of the Rising Sun - Banzai!

At the present time, three Australian citizens are being held as prisoners on board the Japanese vessel MS Shonan Maru #2.

Our readers can access the Sea Shepherd Press Release, read the details for themselves because quite frankly it is hot air propaganda that marks SSCS and this already failed "Operation Divine Wind". As our informed maritime readers know and both SSCS and Forest Rescue® know it is illegal to board a vessel at sea whether it is the High Seas of International Waters or the Contiguous Zone of a Sovereign Maritime State. This is a totally contrived situation to cause an international incident, it is dangerous, ignorant of effective behaviour, repeating those tired old tactics and rather stupid.

Good Watch.

Once again we remind you that 300 of our fellow seafarers held captive by pirates off the coast of Puntland, Somalia are now considered hostages. They could be murdered on the whim of these pirates.

THE DMCA (UPDATED)

2012-01-06T09:15:00.000-05:00

Just what is DMCA which you may run across as a Blogger; it means Digital Millennium Copyright Act (DMCA). Simply put it is an attempt to control entries made by Bloggers of information obtained from the Internet.

When writing a Blog particularly an activist Blog one sometimes rattles the cage of public figures and bodies. Most public figures take it in stride and recognise the fact that information put out on the Internet is now in the 'Public Domain'. Therefore if quoted correctly, preferable in quotes and italics, it may be used by yet another Blogger. Of course using foul and or abusive language in connection with that quote is quite improper, shows the ignorance of that particular Blogger and greatly reduces the effectiveness of that Bloggers opinions.

As regular readers of NAUTICAL LOG well know we are highly critical of the such bodies as the Sea Shepherd Conservation Society (SSCS) mainly on two points. The two points are, the violent actions taken by the SSCS against fishing methods and fishermen that they have decided should not be out there fishing. The second point is that the vessels have become a seagoing Cult with all the classic intimidation of the crews to maintain control both while on board and after they leave one of the vessels.

The public remarks of Peter Bethune the New Zealand Captain of the DVV1 Ady Gil after its controversial sinking caused NAUTICAL LOG to read commentary for about a year. As a result of this research we came to the conclusion that there was quite a bit of conflict on board these vessels, clear divisions with little or no opinions allowed or considered except those of the hard core leadership of the SSCS. The 'Whale Wars'® Staff sign confidentiality letters to keep them quiet. The vessels were clearly operating under a Cult control protocol.

SSCS tries very hard to also control opinions written about it particularly when they are critical and uses intimidation methods to try to do so. Here at NAUTICAL LOG we have received e.mails with an embedded computer virus and other nasty stuff. Our protection programme has so far worked well so now it seems someone out there has resorted to the Digital Millennium Copyright Act (DMCA) to try and scare NAUTICAL LOG off.

All the Posts which were placed on 'DRAFT' supposedly by Google® have been reviewed and their contents contain only 'Public Domain' Internet information Sea Shepherd Conservation Society Press Releases and SSCS photographs with no copyright block set to them.

Now we at NAUTICAL LOG have no idea who placed this supposed DMCA complaint (we have since been informed that it was a member of the SSCS shore Staff whose name and location of his residence we have been given) but the better way we think would have been to make a signed comment laying out their own viewpoint where we are wrong, if we are. Perhaps they do not have the courage of their convictions to do so and take the cowards path by using the DMCA to try to intimidate.

Using the DMCA as a method of intimidation can well be counter-productive because the other party can appeal its usage and show that the DMCA is being used to stifle Freedom of Speech of The Bill of Rights which for NAUTICAL LOG is guaranteed by The United States Constitution which NAUTICAL LOG is most fortunate to live under. In addition the Online Copyright Infringement Liability Limitation Act (OCILLA) protects and acts as a "Safe Harbor" to DMCA. Readers are referred to the respective articles for both DMCA and OCILLA in Wikipedia®.

Good Watch

Some persons who are under real intimidation, not just the minor irritation to NAUTICAL LOG are the 300 of our fellow seafarers held captive by pirates off the coast of Puntland, Somalia. They are now being threatened with murder if actions are taken against these same pirates.

NLIN # 49 - M NOTICES

2012-01-06T08:12:00.003-05:00

The following M-Notices are now available electronically:

MGN 441 (M+F) Changes to MCA 2002 SOLAS V Publication, Arising out of Amendments to SOLAS Chapter V.

MIN 422 (M) Insurance-Directive Requiring Shipowners of Seagoing Vessels over 300 GT to Maintain Liability Insurance.

If difficulties are experienced contact 023 8032 9391

Good Watch

The 300 of our fellow seafarers are now considered captive hostages by the EURNAVFOR which conducts counter-piracy patrols off the Horn of Africa. Hopefully this will lead to a serious rescue operation to free them.

ANOTHER MILESTONE - 60,000

2012-01-05T09:10:00.002-05:00

NAUTICAL LOG reached 60,000 visitors earlier today. As regular readers know we do not have Twitter®, Facebook® or any other accounts so we are found only by Internet search engines.

On another point we have had several responses already to our request to former SSCS crewmembers on their opinions of life on board the vessels of this seagoing cult. Some of these have been sent as comments to Posts however you can just send them directly to our e-mail address boucp@hotmail.com and then they will not be published, the choice is yours.

Good Watch

Some people who do not have any choices are the 300 of our fellow seafarers held captive off the coast of Puntland, Somalia. Now they are being threatened with death because of action taken against the pirates. NAUTICAL LOG encourages a rescue operation to save their lives the risks involved would seem worthwhile.

If any hostage seafarers are murdered NAUTICAL LOG will take legal action by filing a Complaint in the International Court against the Flag State Maritime Authorities and the Shipowners of the vessel involved.

ENVIRONMENTAL ISSUES

2012-01-03T16:54:00.001-05:00

When persons set themselves up as conservationists they must be prepared and knowledgeable about all aspects involved in conservation. The SSCS seagoing cult has received information from the Australian Government that it failed to conduct an approved environmental impact assessment (EIA) with regard to the drones they are using to find and track the JWF. At present this involves only the MS Bob Barker as their other two vessels are not involved in chasing and harassing whalers.

They were advised by the Australian Antarctic Division (AAD) Manager Gillian Slocum that the drones were not included in the EIA required to enter Antarctica. Under the Antarctic Treaty the drones are subject to an EIA and must not be used in the Region otherwise.

The SSCS fleet Admiral "Wats-his-name" made the excuse that they are required to present a complete EIA while the JDF is not treated to the same standards. While this may well be true Admiral "Wats-his-name" chooses to ignore the fact that just because the other fellow ignores the Law does not entitle him to ignore it. This is something he well knows and following true Cult protocol uses such differences to show how unfairly he is treated. With the SSCS seagoing cult history and documented record of violent acts of piracy he should be in gaol serving a life sentence.

Good Watch

The other pirates in Puntland are holding captive some 300 of our fellow seafarers off the coast of Somalia. Today they threatened to kill some of these captives if any further attempts are made to restrict their activities on land or at sea. It is way past time to rescue these imprisoned seafarers.

A FINAL NOTE

We at NAUTICAL LOG understand from a New Zealand reader that there are quite a few former crewmembers of the SSCS vessels who are no longer under the spell of the SSCS seagoing cult. In complete and absolute confidence we should like to hear their opinions of life on board these vessels as it actually is.

We understand that the 'Whale Wars' Staff have been signed to absolute secret agreements. Of course we are pleased to hear from any crewmember regardless of whether they are now for or against the SSCS seagoing cult. It is only by hearing all opinions that a fair and balanced final opinion can be developed. Your e-mails should be sent directly to boucp@hotmail.com and NOT as comments to our Posts. We look forward to hearing from you.

Please remember foul language and abusive writing does not phase us in the least but it renders your opinion ignorant and totally valueless, so it is up to you. Thank you.

THAT INTREPID NAVIGATOR - AGAIN

2012-01-03T09:18:00.001-05:00

In our editorial yesterday we pointed out the required ability as a Navigator to be able to check on one's electronic equipment by traditional methods of navigational skills.

Recently a gentleman from Seattle, WA departed from American Samoa bound for Honolulu, Oahu, Hawaiian Islands. He missed!! Ok! these things do happen and he arrived safely on Kauai some 100 miles away. There was a US Coast Guard search for him of course at great expense. Then our intrepid navigator set off for his original planned destination of Honolulu - didn't arrive. USCG search again, calls wife in Seattle, WA to say he is just fine but missed Honolulu, Oahu again, ended up on Hawai'i known as the "Big Island" some 208 miles from Oahu.

Now beyond a joke this guy should be billed for the expenses to we US Taxpayers of this 2nd. USCG search. One suspects that he is an electronic navigator without a clear ability to programme correctly his equipment and without the navigational ability to check its accuracy. Another scenario is that this joker is playing games and causing huge expense, wasted time for the USCG with search equipment being deployed that could have been needed for a "real" emergency elsewhere.

Here at NAUTICAL LOG we wonder if he even took a course in navigation at all. If he did perhaps it was at that School in Seattle which employs the Instructor we mentioned in our editorial yesterday. So perhaps you can now see the reason for the suggestion that instructional protocols at these Schools be reviewed and revised. This is the Instructor that had the audacity to criticise NAUTICAL LOG for including a backup method of finding ones position at sea as a "complete waste of time". This same individual who not only ignores our 60 years of seagoing experience but writes a Blog on space, advanced astronomy and astrophysics. Perhaps even considers himself superior to us ancient mariners who use "old-fashioned and useless methods of celestial navigation" but unknown to him wrote one of the first "Sight Computation Programmes" back in the early 70's.

Well we warned y'all in our Editorial yesterday of our 2012 approach to nautical bovine scatology and this is the first attack - stand by for more as the year progresses. Perhaps we will improve teaching methods and subject matter, have these intrepid navigators checked out prior to their departures on ocean voyages, save huge costs to we US Taxpayers for unnecessary search and rescue missions but most importantly SAVE LIVES.

Good Watch

A note also to all you international racing yachtspersons and others that those 300 of our fellow seafarers are still being held captive by pirates off Somalia. We hope y'all arrived safely in Dubai, please be careful that you do not cut yourself on all that barbed wire but then one supposes there is a first class medical team ready to clean your cut and put on a Band-Aid. Of course those seafarers off Somalia do not even have humanly acceptable living conditions. Do you not feel just a little guilty as you quaff your drinks and party - no guess not.

AN EDITORIAL - FULL AHEAD IN 2012

2012-01-01T09:37:00.003-05:00

Well here we go FULL AHEAD for 2012 a busy year to improve our economy and in November hold a Federal Election for a President.

The only New Year Resolution that NAUTICAL LOG has made is to be more fully alert to incompetence in the maritime world. While we may not be writing many comments to other maritime Blogs this year we shall be carefully monitoring them. Then we may very well write and publish a Post on the subject matter and they are going to be rather direct.

During 2011 there was an increasing lack of basic seamanship, careless navigation with far too much emphasis on electronics without the training or ability to do checks on electronic equipment by traditional navigational methods. Even some Instructors in Navigation at the Maritime Schools have this attitude, they need to sit down, discuss, review and revise their teaching protocol. At sea a ships position should be found and confirmed "by every available method". As an example if a vessel is on a coastal passage the position must be plotted every 20 minutes, and if her speed is over 16 knots every 10 minutes. That is plotted because it should be known continuously that is the advantage of that electronic equipment, however the Watchofficer/Navigator still needs to plot cross bearings.

The behaviour of many United States Naval (USN) Officers was disgraceful with Command, and Watchofficer Reliefs in several vessels. The reports of foul language used to Offiers to Enlisted is inexcusable, one of the first indicators of poor leadership is using foul language to emphasis Orders and Instructions. There were several dismissals from Service by Courts Martial verdict. NAUTICAL LOG also got an e-mail stating that Celestial Navigation is no longer taught at the Naval Academy - can this possibly be true? The Merchant Marine Academy Kings Point seems to also have drifted off course, fortunately there is still SUNY which we understand is performing well. Clearly we need a complete review of the course we are following in the maritime world.

And then there is Piracy. Isn't it just wonderful that vast sums of money can be spent on expensive racing yachts, which it seems kept falling apart on previous legs of the Race, to transport them by a specially armed ship from South Africa to Dubai for a leg of the yacht race of interest to a relative handful of extremely wealthy persons who can involve themselves in these trivialities. Meanwhile three hundred seafarers (300) rot in captivity off Somalia without much interest in their well being or a single attempt to free them - SHAME ON THE YACHTING WORLD GREAT SHAME.

But to finish on a more positive note one of the many nice things that happened to NAUTICAL LOG in 2011 was William van Dorp (Tugster) visiting when he came through Coral Gables, FL this Summer. Their is a particularly nice photo in his Blog of this tall talented Dutch-American and NAUTICAL LOG reproduces it here, and without his permission - the presumption of friendship!!

Tall person "Tugster" at the helm

So then finally HAPPY NEW YEAR to y'all, black-eyed-pea soup for dinner tonight in the best tradition of The South - Roooll Tide.

Good Watch.

SAINT STEPHEN'S DAY

2011-12-26T06:00:00.000-05:00

A wren

The Wrenboys

The Wren Song

The wren, the wren, the king of all birds
St. Stephen's Day was caught in the furze
Although he was little, his honour was great
Jump up me lads and give us a treat

We followed the wren three miles or more
Three miles or more, three miles or more
Through hedges and ditches and heaps of snow
At six o'clock in the morning

Rolley, Rolley, where is your nest?
It's in the bush that I love the best
It's in the bush, the holly tree
Where all the boys do follow me

As I went out to hunt and all
I met a wren upon the wall
Up with me wattle and gave him a fall
And brought him here to show you all

I have a little box under me arm
A tuppence or penny will do no harm
For we are the boys who came your way
To bring in the wren on St. Stephen's Day

There are several versions of The Wren Song and this is a different one from the version NAUTICAL LOG published last year.

In my birthplace of County Waterford, Ireland the Wren Boys came around the houses on St. Stephen's Day. They could be somewhat intimidating as the drink flowed and the first stanza used the name of the residents for example:

Mrs. O'Neill is a very good woman,
A very good woman, a very good woman,
Mrs. O'Neill is a very good woman,
She gave us a penny to bury the wren

to encourage further contributions then continued with the stanza "The wren, the wren, the king of all birds."

Good Watch

We hope you had a great celebration and maybe remembered the over 300 of our fellow seafarers held captive by pirates off the coast of Somalia. They had absolutely nothing to celebrate. Just think with a little effort last year from various governments they could have been home with their families like the troops from Iraq. Well maybe next year 2012.

DRONING ON !

2011-12-25T10:06:00.000-05:00

Launching a drone

What with camouflaged ships and drones "Neptune's Navy" sounds like the real thing and it works to attract the young people to this seagoing cult led by "Wats-his-name". The SSCS now have drones on board both the MS Steve Irwin and MS Bob Barker and they got results for a Christmas present. The SSCS cult reports that the drones found the Japanese Whaling Fleet (JWF) at Latitude 37° South and Longitude 100° East. The longitude is a NAUTICAL LOG approximation but it is fairly accurate and really does not matter that much. So the JWF and SSCS have some 1300 miles to reach the Southern Ocean Whale Sanctuary which at say 15 knots average speed will take them about four days.

Once there the whaling slaughter may begin and the SSCS start its violent counter-whaling tactics. As most of us know from the actions of the SSCS during past seasons this is were those of us who abhor whaling but also repudiate the SSCS violence, diverge. Of course those manning the SSCS vessels during "Operation Divine Wind" declare that they are willing, in writing actually, to give their lives for the whales - at least that is what the Chief Windbag would have us all believe. After all the details of actual life on board these vessels that came out after the sinking of the DVV1 Ady Gil by Peter Bethune plus the confidential reports of the United States naval intelligence officers also on board during two other seasons, one takes a rather jaundiced view of his remarks.

But how did the SSCS vessels acquire these drones? Well it appears they came from a recycling company named Bayshore Recycling Company (BRC), Woodbridge Township, NJ. The drone is named Nicole Montcalvo after a member of the owning family or some such. The drone was created and developed by the Moran Office of Maritime and Port Security (MOMPS). Now there is an amusing juxtaposition of thought! The team at MOMPS develops a drone to protect port facilities and ships from violence, terrorists and pirates only to find them being used to find seafarers and plan attacks of violence, terrorism and piracy, in this case by the SSCS seagoing cult.

It would save an awful lot of pointless effort if all the vessels involved in this nautical operetta did what they are supposed to do under Maritime Law, that is keep their Automatic Identification System (AIS) switched on at all times. The groups are going to meet up anyway and interact negatively when they do as in past seasons. The MS Nisshin Maru just wastes fuel, time and looks pretty unprofessional by appearing to run away from the SSCS. Besides the JWF plans to take strong counter-action using the Japanese Fisheries Agency guard ship manned by Japanese Fisheries Officers backed by Japan Coastguard Officers.

Good Watch.

Also suffering from another set of pirates are some 300 of our fellow seafarers held captive off the coast of Somalia. Some little effort against some pirates may, just may be happening by the Puntland Authorities.

THE OTHER CHRISTMAS MESSAGE

2011-12-21T08:25:00.001-05:00

A Christmas pirate boat bonfire

For over a year now NAUTICAL LOG has added a message about our fellow seafarers held captive by pirates off the coast of Somalia at the close of each Post. We at NAUTICAL LOG had hoped when we started the practice that other Maritime Blogs would join in. Somewhat to our surprise and certainly to our disappointment this has not happened - we really do not understand why it has not.

However there is a website for EUNAVFOR which patrols the Horn of Africa and it is worth a visit. There is an article there about the seafarers held captive and how very little has been done for them, also that 60 have died in captivity, more are missing their fate unknown.

We at NAUTICAL LOG will continue to add our reminding message at the end of each Post during the coming year 2012 to draw attention to our fellow seafarers plight. We shall also be commencing a letter writing campaign to the Governments of the EU, India and China to encourage and request that in spite of the high risk to those held captive by the pirates action to rescue them should be taken. The captives are not living their lives but existing in deplorable conditions, it would seem the risks involved in a rescue attempt may well be worth it.

Good Watch

A CHRISTMAS MESSAGE

2011-12-20T13:57:00.003-05:00

Our Blog NAUTICAL LOG is fortunate enough to have readers from all over the World. It is therefore likely that they follow many different religions and hold many different beliefs - we respect them all. While NAUTICAL LOG does not follow a particular religion we do hold Christian beliefs. Therefore with that in mind we should like to share our celebration of this very special time of the Christian year.

English:       Very Merry Christmas and Happy New Year.
Irish:            Beannachtai na Nollag agus na hAthhlianna.
Welsh:         n'Arab Nadolig a'n Ddedwydd 'n Grai Blyddyn.
French:        Joyeaux Noel et Bonne Annee.
Haitian:        Jawye Nowel e Bonn Ane.
Spanish:       Feliz Navidad y Un Prospero Ano Nuevo.
Basque:        Zorionak eta urte berri on.
German:      Frohliches Weinachten und Gutes Neues Jahr.
Swedish:      God Jul och Gott Nytt Ar.
Hawaiian:     Mele Kalikimaka Hau'oli Makahili Hou.
Catalan:        Bon Nadal i un Bon Any Noul.
Breton:         Nedeleg laouen na bloavezh mat.
Cornish:       Nadelik looan na looan blethen now ethy.
Croatian:      Sretan Bozic. Vesela Nova Godina.
Afrikaans:    Geseende Kersfees
Finnish:        Hyvaa joulua
Hebrew:        Mo'adim Lesimka. Chena tova.
Japanese:      Shinnen omedeto. Kurisumasu Omedeto
Korean:        Sung Tan Chuk Ha
Maltese:       IL-Milied It-tajjeb.
Manx:          Nollick ghennal as blien vie noa.
Tagalog:      Maligayan Pasko. Masaganang Bagong Taon.
Tamil:          Christmas matrum puthaandu vaazthukkal.
Sinhala:        Subha nattalak suba tava vasarak.
Polish:         Wesolych Swiat Bozego Narodzenia.
Russian:       Pozdrevlyayu s prazdnikkom Rozhdestva is Novim Godom.
Vietnamese: Chung Mung Giang Sinh.

Good Watch

And to our fellow seafarers held captive by pirates off the coast of Somalia Merry Christmas to all of you and we hope that 2012 will be your Freedom Year.

THE OTHER ANTAGONIST - ICE

2011-12-20T10:03:00.000-05:00

Republic of Korea icebreaker MS Araon.

Ice is not an area to navigate in without specialised knowledge of it and a specially designed vessel to navigate it in. Having served as a Watchofficer in an icebreaker NAUTICAL LOG speaks from first hand experience.

Russian Flag State FV Sparta floating in a lead but trapped in the ice.

Trapped and holed in the Antarctic Region of the Ross Sea is the Russian Flag State FV Sparta. There are immediately two questions to ask; Why was she fishing in the Antarctic Region ? Why was a non-icestrengthened vessel there at all?

There are two vessels trying to assist her one is another fishing vessel (FV) which could well get in difficulties herself thus making two problems, the other is the Korean (South) icebreaker MS Araon. She left the Port of Lyttleton, NZ and is headed to the distress area, this should take about another week.

The Deputy Head of the Russian Antarctic Expedition at the Research Institute of the Arctic and Antarctic Regions Vyacheslav Martanov is not pleased. On the Voice of Russia he said that the area where the Russian FV is in distress is one of the most icy zones of Antarctica. Further quoted was Alexei Knishnikov who stated that currently there are no technical solutions for cleaning fuel spills in icy areas. And to think the NZAF dropped a pump and fuel to the distressed FV - one has to wonder at the thinking, if any, behind that decision distress or no distress. FV Sparta is the responsibility of the New Zealand Rescue Coordination Centre (NZRCC); perhaps our readers will recall the controversial decision making by NZRCC last season involving assistance to the SY Berserk when she was lost last year.

So what is the answer as to why the FV Sparta was fishing in the Region in the first place? Well you see she was licensed to fish in New Zealand 's Ross Sea by the 25-nation Commission for the Conservation of Antarctic Marine Living Resources based in Hobart, Tasmania, Australia. The Commission is under pressure to create a Marine Reserve over the Ross Sea but this is being resisted by one of the 25 nations of the Commission which just happens to be the principal toothfishing nation in the area - New Zealand.

Isn't that interesting and both Australia and New Zealand Ports host the Sea Shepherd vessels and resupply them for activities against the Japanese Whaling Fleet which use piracy tactics. So it appears that while whaling is generally considered deplorable, and it is, the toothfishing in Antarctica in non-icestrenthened vessels is acceptable to the Government of New Zealand which of course operates the New Zealand Rescue Coordination Centre making those controversial decisions.

NAUTICAL LOG would suggest that the Governments involved need to think things out on the broad picture not their narrow little short term interests to reach constructive decisions. If they do not both the whales, the toothfish will be begone from the sea, and the krill contaminated by fuel spills with the resulting chain reaction affecting every aspect of life in Antarctica. At present in both Tasmania and New Zealand its a case of,

"What do I care mate I'm in good shape, here have a another brew, no worries she'll by right mate."

Good Watch

On another point which governments do not much care about either are the over 300 of our fellow seafarers held captive by pirates off the coast of Somalia. No Christmas for them again this year and no rescue in sight.

THE ANTAGONISTS GATHER

2011-12-18T08:50:00.002-05:00

The antagonists in the annual whaling confrontation are gathering. From Australia the Sea Shepherd Conservation Society (SSCS) has announced that their vessels DVV2 Brigitte Bardot sails from Fremantle, the MS Steve Irwin sailed from Albany and the MS Bob Barker sailed from Hobart. There has been talk of a fourth vessel but nothing, so far, seems to have escaped to the blogs so one has to wonder if it is blowing in the divine wind. All these are heading to the Southern Ocean on "Operation Divine Wind" which is supposed to prevent whaling - we wish.

But where is the Japanese Whaling Fleet (JWF) it seemed according to AIS tracks that the MS Nisshin Maru headed out to sea from Japans Inland Sea but not a word from the Japanese. Now an article forwarded from Japan arrived in the NAUTICAL LOG Press Folder.

According to The Mainichi Daily News of December 14, 2011 the Japanese Fisheries Agency has an increased budget of ¥2.3 billion, past by the Diet last month, for its whaling programme this year. The budget also covers measures to be taken to defend against anti-whaling activities. These include the cost of a guard ship and equipment for the Japan Coast Guard officers on board it. Combined with the initial budget for the year ending March the total amount come to ¥3 billion compared to previous annual outlays of about ¥300 million to ¥900 million according to Japan Government officials. It will be used to make up for an income loss to the Institute of Cetacean Research which conducts the Japanese Government sponsored research whaling in the Southern Ocean off Antarctica with subsidies.

On December 06, 2011 Japanese whaling vessels left the Port of Shimonoseki, Yamaguchi Prefecture for the Antarctic accompanied by a Fisheries Agency guard ship as obstructions by the SSCS are anticipated.

On Thursday December 08, 2011 the research institute and Kyodo Senpaku Kaisha Ltd., which owns the whaling ships filed a lawsuit in U.S. Federal Court against the U.S. based Sea Shepherds and its founder Paul Watson against further disruption of whaling activities.

On another point but still connected to efforts of the SSCS at Taiji, Wakayama Prefecture the Hotel where the "Cove Guardians" are staying was raided by the Prefecture Police and the Guardians detained. This follows the recent arrest of a Dutchman of the group. It may indicate that the Japanese Authorities have had enough of being interfered with in their own sovereign country. After all they let these people enter Japan stay at local hotels and be active against a local industry. It would seem that those tolerant days have ended. Lets look at a couple of points, Japan has had a rough year, the SSCS have taken advantage of those events, the SSCS fleet is registered in South Africa and The Netherlands. The first to run foul of Japanese authority was a South African woman, the second was a Netherlands man, the third was the entire group.

Japanese Government protection vessel

This may indicate that the SSCS vessels currently headed towards Antarctica will be met with serious force by the Japanese this Season and this could lead to tragedy. Having seen what happened to the DVV1 Ady Gil indicates what will happen to the DVV2 Brigitte Bardot in a ramming incident. As to those other old pieces of maritime junk a well aimed collision would most likely punch into the hull sinking them, rusting out portholes speeding the flooding. Now "Wats-his-name" makes bravado statements about giving his life for the whales but how about the kids who are with him dazzled by this seagoing cult of Sea Shepherds. You know a shepherd protects his flock and looks after his faithful working dogs, would that "Wats-his-name" did the same instead of risking their lives, for his own ego, to make a point. Truly contemptible behaviour from someone who claims to be a Master Mariner.

NAUTICAL LOG would like to draw your attention to the organisations Centro de Conservación Cetacea and Centro Ecoceanos of Chile who express their concerns for the Antarctic Region in recent articles and their body of work..

Good Watch

So here we are just a week from Christmas and there are over 300 of our fellow seafarers held captive by pirates off the coast of Somalia. With still no rescue in sight it will not be a very merry Christmas for them.

MADAM ADMIRAL AND GENERAL

2011-12-17T08:16:00.000-05:00

Commodore Robyn Walker, RAN

Becoming an Admiral is pretty impressive in itself, becoming an Admiral and a General is really something. Commodore Robyn Walker, RAN has been selected for promotion to Rear-Admiral RAN and appointed as Surgeon-General of the Australian Armed Forces. In addition to considerable medical experience she is a qualified specialist in diving medicine. Commodore Walker is a recreational diver.

From NAUTICAL LOG our congratulations to Admiral Walker and

Good Watch

As Christmas approaches our concern for the over 300 of our fellow seafarers held captive by pirates off the coast of Somalia increases. We are shocked and awed that nothing has been done in 2011 to rescue them.

A DIVINE WIND BLOWING

2011-12-16T07:47:00.003-05:00

Checking our AIS this morning we see that the SSCS vessels are moving. The MS Steve Irwin departed from Albany, Western Australia, her track shows her moving out through the entrance into King George Sound and on to the Great Australian Bight. Meanwhile up State Route #30 at Fremantle the DVV2 Brigitte Bardot left her berth in Rous Harbour, went for a run up the coast then turned back, her AIS track shows her alongside a Rous Harbour berth. Down in Hobart, TAS the MS Bob Barker is still alongside the wharf in the Port.

All this makes nautical sense as the fastest of these three is the DVV2 (Darth Vader vessel #2) and also the most weather sensitive. The MS Steve Irwin has the longest run to the Antarctic Ice Edge being some 1500 miles from Hobart if she is going to join up with MS Bob Barker to make the passage together - always a good idea for these two worn out old ships.

Well we shall just have to see how it all works out as a heavy sea in a Southern Ocean storm could punch in that rotten looking rusting porthole in MS Steve Irwin, and that could easily end the things right there.

No real news of the Japanese Whaling Fleet as of yet so who knows if they will actually show up this season 2011 - 2012. NAUTICAL LOG thinks that it is highly likely they well do so if only to save face, so important in Asia.

Good Watch

Christmas is coming but help for our over 300 fellow seafarers held captive by pirates off the coast of Somalia is not. NAUTICAL LOG wonders all the time if anybody actually cares about them -
DO YOU? IF SO WHAT ARE YOU DOING ?

PLAN IN THE YELLOW SEA

2011-12-14T19:41:00.005-05:00

PLAN Shi Lang

This satellite photo arrived on the NAUTICAL LOG desk this evening. It shows the Chinese PLAN Shi Lang underway in the Yellow sea.

As China's first aircraft carrier she is a refurbished Soviet era vessel (Varyag) by way of the Ukraine. Now there are confirmed reports of the Chinese building a second aircraft carrier themselves with a third planned or maybe already being built.

Good Watch

It is Christmas time and we still have over 300 of our fellow seafarers held captive by pirates off the coast of Somalia - no Christmas or anything else much for them.

STATIC CRUISER 2

2011-12-13T10:55:00.002-05:00

MS Pinar del Rio still a static cruiser

It seems in South Florida that if you need News of the famous ferry Bahamas Express operated by Balearia Lines of Catalan Spain do not go to that Company's website. The South Florida papers announced today that there will be at least another week's delay due to "government paperwork" according to the Company spokesperson. Now as NAUTICAL LOG has said before the only "government paperwork" involved, since the United States is the Port State, is the USCG Passenger Certificate. So what has most likely happened, it is waterfront gossip, is that the MS Pinar del Rio could not qualify with the USCG as to crew STCW training which principally covers the practical firefighting and emergency evacuation equipment and its correct operation by the crewmembers during USCG supervised drills.

It as happened quite a few times in the past that vessels arrive here from Europe and find that the United States Coast Guard does not let them get away with situations they got away with in Europe. In fact, thankfully, the USCG casts a stringent eye on these vessels because of so much experience in finding sloppy procedures and poor or even total lack of training. A wise Vessel Operator would first of all contact the USCG and arrange with them for a team to go overseas to examine the vessel and make sure they were up to speed in STCW and the requirements of the USCG Passenger Certificate. The management of this operation seems inexperienced and slack, the result is they now have the embarrassment of not being allowed to operate from a United States Port namely Port Everglades, FL.

Well there it is they would not listen to guidance from experienced local seafarers and that stubborn Catalan Spanish nature therefore has to learn the hard way.

Good Watch

Now that Christmas is coming you might be persuaded to remember the over 300 seafarers held captive by pirates off the coast of Somalia. They will NOT be going home this month like the United States Armed Forces are from Iraq whom NAUTICAL LOG welcomes and wishes well.

NLIN #48 - M NOTICES

2011-12-12T14:59:00.001-05:00

The following M-Notices are now available at www.dft.gov.uk/mca/ if you experience any difficulties please contact the M-Notice Administrator on 023 8032 9391

MGN 438 (M+F) Consolidated European Reporting System (CERS) - Exemption Arrangements under the Merchant Shipping (Vessel Traffic Monitoring and Reporting Requirements) Regulations 2004 (as amended)

MGN 440 (M) Measures to Counter Piracy, Armed Robbery and Other Acts of Violence against Merchant Shipping

MSN 1831 (M+F) Vessel Traffic Monitoring Notification and Reporting Requirements for Ships and Ports

MSN 1832 (M) The Merchant Shipping (Port State Control) Regulations 2011

Good Watch

Over 300 of our fellow seafarers remain held captive by pirates off the coast of Somalia.

CRACY - CRAZY

2011-12-12T07:53:00.000-05:00

From one of our correspondents in the paradise of the European Union (and they should really know) came this morning a "New Word" and its a beauty.

INEPTOCRACY (in-ep-toc'-ra-cy)

A system of government where the least capable to lead are elected by the least capable of producing and where the members of society least likely to sustain themselves or succeed, are rewarded with goods and services paid for by the confiscated wealth of a diminishing number of producers.

Now reflect on our New American Society here in the United States since the advent of the Obama Maladministration and add in the Occupy Movement. It seems to NAUTICAL LOG that this is perfectly in line with his thinking and aims in life. If the idiotiotic candidates of the Republican Party do not start to make just basic common sense then we are going to have another four years. We shall then rename our country The Disunited States of Western Europe with two national languages - Chinese and Greek.

Good Watch

And yes those 300 or so seafarers are still held captive by pirates off Somalia.

SSCS WHOSE WHERE

2011-12-10T07:32:00.001-05:00

York Street, Albany, Western Australia

SSCS MS Steve Irwin at Port of Albany, Western Australia
courtesy of Sarah Toa

Advanced porthole maintenance by the Sea Shepherd master seapersons!!

Well "Operation Divine Wind" continues to break wind, checking on whose where on AIS we have:

SSCS:

DVV2 Brigitte Bardot (ZA) still berthed in Rous Head Harbour, Fremantle, Western Australia.

MS Bob Barker (NL) still berthed in Hobart, Tasmania.

MS Steve Irwin (NL) berthed in Port Albany, Western Australia. She went around the south west corner of Australia and into a nice little harbor at the end of State Route 30/Albany Highway.

Albany has a very interesting history well worth reading up on. It was the first Port of Western Australia used by the original settlers also the final departure Port for the Australian Armed Forces in World War 1.

Good Watch

As piracy increases there are over 300 seafarers held captive by pirates off the coast of Somalia without any attempts being made to rescue.

HOWEVER THE PRIVATE YACHTS OF THE VOLVO RACE OF THE RICH AND FAMOUS YACHTSMEN CAN GET A SPECIAL SHIP WITH AN ARMED GUARD DETACHMENT TO FERRY THEIR YACHTS FROM SOUTH AFRICA TO THE ARABIAN SEA BECAUSE OF THE PIRACY RISK. ONCE THERE THEY WILL RACE TO DUBAI.

GROWTH INDUSTRY

2011-12-09T15:27:00.001-05:00

Piracy is a growth industry. There has not been a serious coordinated crackdown from the start so several areas of the maritime world are seeing a rise in activity. Just this week the following incidents were reported by ONI :

Colombia:

Buenaventura

Egypt:

Alexandria inner anchorage
South of Suez

Nigeria:

Port Harcourt coast

Arabian Sea:

Kas Hilf, Masirah Island, Oman * see map

Indonesia:

Bandjermasin
Balikpapan
Dumai Port anchorage

Good Watch

In addition to these attacks over 300 of our fellow seafarers remain captive of pirates off the coast of Somalia. While Armed Guard Detachments on board are not a guarantee of absolute safety they are an effective means of defense. Extreme prejudice is really the only option.

G'DAY AND G'BYE MATE !!

2011-12-08T07:43:00.001-05:00

On checking our AIS this morning we see that the SSCS vessel MS Steve Irwin (NL) has departed from the Port of Fremantle anchorage and at present is on course 194° T at 13.6 Knots. It would appear that she was not particularly welcomed in Western Australia. She seems to have a passage plan to round the SW corner of Australia and perhaps head to Hobart, TAS. to join the MS Bob Barker (NL). We shall be watching our AIS.

As a matter of interest to those of you not familiar with the Automatic Identification System (AIS) all passenger vessels regardless of size must have an active AIS when underway. Other vessels of 300 GT (Gross Tonnes) or greater must also have an AIS active when underway

Regarding the MS Nisshin Maru (JP) she has not had an active AIS for over 2 days since she was in the Inland Sea of Japan. If she is in the Pacific Ocean or on the coast of Japan she is violation of IMO SOLAS and should be instructed to active her AIS immediately.

Good Watch

Those 400 fellow seafarers are still held captive by pirates off the coast of Somalia. Let us get them out of there and home for Christmas.

STATIC CRUISER

2011-12-07T19:23:00.001-05:00

The "ferry" MS Pinar del Rio (ES) which was originally supposed to start operating between Port Everglades,FL and Grand Bahama on December 06, 2011 did not start. Waterfront gossip is that they have had a delay in qualifying for the USCG Passenger Certificate to operate from a United States Port.

When NAUTICAL LOG tried to book on both December 06 and 07, 2011 we had no luck and no information just "Please be informed we do not have the service REQUESTED". Their website is not particularly user friendly and the fares seem to change by trip and day travelled. Also they are much more expensive than advertised with the addition of an "operational fee" of $25.00. For a weekend trip this would work out too, after adding up all the fares and fees we could figure out, $193.00 minimum. NAUTICAL LOG has operated fast ferry boats on this run and from Miami, FL. Suggestion, their Business Plan needs a complete review perhaps also their attitude towards potential passengers and/or passengers whom are now known as guests (mi casa es su casa) in the Cruise Industry.

The MS Pinar del Rio (ES) is only 225 long, a tiny boat by modern cruise and ferry vessel standards and she has two Classes. This means that all the nicer parts of the vessel are closed off to the Economy Class passengers. Their first mistake; this is neither Europe or Uruguay and United States passengers expect to pay for a cruise or trip were the whole vessel is available for their use. Their second mistake; the fare structure needs simplification to just two rates, one way and round trip, with the same fare for weekdays and weekends plus the addition for Port fees. They should state it clearly, no confusion no clever games or they are going to join the several unsuccessful small vessel operations that have tried this route before.

So Balearia if you read this, and we suspect you will, you may wish to make note of it because there will be no more free advice from NAUTICAL LOG. At the rate you are going you will be out of business by the end of this year of 2011 - provided you get started at all. Sorry but there it is, the writing is on the bulkhead!!

Good Watch

Please remember the 400 of our fellow seafarers whom are held captive by pirates off the coast of Somalia.

MOVERS AND STATICS

2011-12-07T11:02:00.001-05:00

NAUTICAL LOG is becoming an active Navigator again. Checking my Automatic Identification System (AIS) this morning it would seem, possibly, maybe, could be, the whaling season 2011 - 2012 just might be getting underway. But then again it may not be and the vessels are going to remain in Port or go to layup berths. So lets see what the AIS readings are at 1100 U.S. Eastern Time Zone:

SSCS:

DVV2 Brigitte Bardot (ZA), berthed alongside in Rous Head Harbor, Port of Fremantle, WA.
MS Steve Irwin (NL), at anchor off Port of Fremantle, WA. It seems the Australian Government is unhappy with this vessel at present.
MS Bob Barker (NL), berthed alongside at Port of Hobart, TAS.

JWF:

MS Nisshin Maru (JP), underway in the Inland Sea last position recorded passing Awaji Island SW of Osaka, Japan. Appears to heading out to Pacific Ocean AIS is not showing up at present.

Australian Customs and Border Protection:

ACV Ocean Protector, believed berthed alongside at Hobart, TAS. There is a Government block on their AIS.

Good Watch

Remember 400 of our fellow seafarers are still held captive by pirates off the coast of Somalia.

DECEMBER 07, 1941

2011-12-07T07:40:00.001-05:00

Punchbowl NMC Oahu, HI

The greatest generation that served in World War 2 and in the Korean War are passing on. Someone who was 19 at Pearl Harbor is today 89 years of age. It seems inadequate to say "Thank you ladies and gentlemen" to such people but we do. Remember that Day of Infamy but also forgive. NAUTICAL LOG has had the opportunity and honour to visit the USS Arizona BB39, USS Missouri BB63, and Punchbowl National Military Cemetery, Oahu, HI.

Si vis pacem, para bellum.

Good Watch

Please also remember the 400 of our fellow seafarers held captive by pirates off the coast of Somalia.

OPERATION DIVINE WIND BURPS

2011-12-06T16:33:00.001-05:00

In a recent report about the "Operation Divine Wind" which was due to start today "Wats-his-name" (who looks as if he has lost weight and healthier) stated that their regular helicopter Pilot, a United States Citizen named Chris Aultman, would not be joining in this years Operation due to personal reasons.

Now today "Wats-his-name" states in a Press Release that Mr. Aultman was denied a visa to enter Australia, which being a Sovereign Nation may allow or exclude whomever it wishes and does not have to explain their decisions to anyone - least of all "Wats-his-name".

It also appears that the Australian Government will not be sending the ACV Ocean Protector, which is at Hobart, TAS we believe, to the Southern Sea. This from Australian Environment Minister Tony Burke in reply to a SSCS question. The reason stated was that both the JWF and SSCS had requested the vessel be there and both requests had been denied.

Meanwhile the MS Steve Irwin remains at anchor in the Port of Fremantle anchorage area, according to its AIS transmissions. It is all getting more confusing than ever and even allowing for those NAUTICAL LOG senior moments you may agree.

Good Watch.

And while the world is concerned for the whales, 400 of our fellow seafarers are still held captive by pirates off the coast of Somalia. Their release through superior firepower could be their only solution.

HERE WE GO AGAIN - MAYBE NOT

2011-11-30T08:08:00.001-05:00

MS Pinar del Rio

Passenger seating

Passenger Lounge

UPDATE:

NAUTICAL LOG understood the service from Port Everglades, FL to Grand Bahama was due to start today December 06, 2010 with a 1000 sailing. However at 1200 the MS Pinar del Rio (ES) was still in Port according to their AIS. Even if they have not been successful getting passengers it is important to be seen operating and after all there may be people in Grand Bahama whom would like to travel to Port Everglades, FL. When NAUTICAL LOG attempted to book a First Class round trip this morning through their website this message came up "Please be informed we do not have the service REQUESTED " - not a very good start for the Spaniards. Just tried again this evening for tomorrow and once again that same answer.

Over the years there have been several attempts at operating "Ferry's" from South Florida to - well several places actually. Some never really got underway at all there was a short lived Tampa to Key West operation also Miami to Key West which operated for a month or so. Then we had one company with two vessels one operating from Miami to Grand Bahama and the other vessel from Port Everglades to Grand Bahama, the original Bahamas Express. NAUTICAL LOG actually worked for them as Chief Officer in 1987, sadly they also folded. Then there was a dramatic attempt at a Miami to Nassau operation which NAUTICAL LOG was consulted about but they too folded after a short period of operation.

In Europe ferries are quite a popular means of transport and when over there NAUTICAL LOG usually uses the ferry systems and trains, never air travel. So it is that a Spanish Company Balearia well know in the Mediterranean will start operations on December 06, 2011 from Port Everglades to Grand Bahama. The vessel that has been prepared is MS Pinar del Rio (ES) according to Balearia Area Manager Pilar Lecha. The fare is $49.00 which is remarkable because that was the cost back in the 1987, however watch out for the "Operational Charges" when NAUTICAL LOG visited the website those were an additional $25.00 hmmm. The ferry will depart from Port Everglades at 1000 and arrive at Grand Bahama at 1230. The return trip leaves Grand Bahama at 1930 arriving in Port Everglades at 2200. Try a visit to their website at www.ferryexpress.com and yes NAUTICAL LOG will be making the trip in the future - if Balearia is able to stay in business long enough.

Good Watch

There remain some 400 of our fellow seafarers held in captivity by pirates off the coast of Somalia. Lets wish them a Happy Christmas because sadly thats about all they will get from the world's governments.

YOU TALKEN' TO ME

2011-11-28T08:38:00.001-05:00

For over a year now NAUTICAL LOG has been waging its own war against piracy by adding a comment after each Post. Many, including serving Masters, were complaining about the apparent lack of effort by the Horn of Africa Naval Patrol. Finally, after much discussion behind the scenes, the United Kingdom Prime Minister came up with the Licensed Armed Guard Detachments in British Flag State vessels. Surprise, surprise there was negative reaction to that also and by those same serving Masters who had complained about the lack of Naval Patrol effort. It seems in this era of worldwide "entitlement" thinking there is no pleasing people even serving Masters. One in particular who has his own Blog has repeatedly and insistantly stated vessels with Armed Guard Detachments could be hijacked. Depending on the quality of that Armed Guard and most importantly the attitude and capability, or lack thereof, by the Master it is possible. However one does have something to fight back with and there are training courses, yes more courses, to learn to use AGD's effectively.

De Walt® nail gun

Now if you really are against all this professional counter piracy effort and prefer to "do your own thing" NAUTICAL LOG has a possible solution for you. This arrived on my desk this morning - no not the real thing unfortunately - a photograph which is reproduced here. Despite its aggressive appearance it seems one does not need a licence to carry it around, try telling that to the South Florida Police Departments!!

Don't you just love De Walt® tools and yes Christmas is coming, those pirates just hate Christmas.

Good Watch

And yes here is that comment, pirates are holding 400 seafarers captive off the coast of Somalia and Christmas is coming.

WHERE OH WHERE ARE -

2011-11-26T11:40:00.001-05:00

An original Black Ship

SSCS logo for "Operation Divine Wind"

Where oh where are the black ships gone? We wonder because according to a Japanese newspaper at least some of the Japanese Whaling Fleet is reported sailing southwards for the 2011 - 2012 whaling season. It was also reported that the whaling budget was increased by the Japanese Fishing Ministry possibly to pay for armed escort ships which would now be legal under the new agreement to counter acts of piracy by having an Armed Guard Detachment on board or escorting a vessel.

NAUTICAL LOG has been absorbed with other things and has not been keeping very good track of what as been going on. The SSCS has also been surprisingly quiet about their previously stated "Operation Divine Wind" - the SSCS counter-whaling response to this years season. So whats the news? Enlighten us please!

Good Watch

The 400 seafarers who remain held captive by pirates off the coast of Somalia look like spending another Christmas in those deplorable conditions. The Congress of Baboons most likely could care less and that EU crowd are so confused they cannot even agree now when to have meetings about events.

AN EDITORIAL - ANTHROPOMORPHISM

2011-11-22T08:06:00.001-05:00

No doubt these thoughts of NAUTICAL LOG were triggered this morning reading about the lack of ability to make decisions, any decisions, by our dysfunctional government - actually lack of government. Things have deteriorated to such a stage that the umbrella of Federal Government over these several States has lost its panels. We are not alone however!

In that Paradise of Socialism (no not the Obama Administration) the European Union (EU) there is confusion, which of course for them is normal. The European Union is a collection of countries headed by their own Kings, Queens, Presidents and Prime Ministers who dream of a European President and European Constitution. Can you imagine a ship commanded by two Masters perhaps one female and one male in these days of political correctness, also known as bovine scatology. In this mess of political porridge the Spanish have thrown out a Socialist Government and given an absolute majority to a Centre-Right Party. In France their coming election will no doubt toss out a Centre-Right Party (well their version of one) and put in a Socialist Party (well their version of one). As to other EU countries who knows there is such confusion, so many parties, an obsession with entitlements that one never quite knows how things will go. As one can see they are all clearly on the path to nirvana socialism - or is that a bloody great mess ahead - in the fog of such politics it is nearly impossible to tell.

This is what the Obama Administration dreams about in its "White House" actually that's our White House it belongs to "We The People". Whatever!! Then we have that Congressional Super Committee which cannot get its act together and are so ashamed they brush past reporters when they leave the Room - after the Stock Markets have closed of course. Excuse me but that's "We The People" again you numbskull's represent us so do not dare to brush past me without explaining your behaviour.

Anthropomorphism? Well you see it is called The United States Congress and conveniently the same term is used to describe one of the most repulsive and obnoxious creatures in nature, a Congress of Baboons.

Good Watch

Those 400 of our fellow seafarers are still held captive by pirates off the coast of Somalia, as we at home are held captive by lazy, self-centred governments. Which may be why they have not been rescued yet.

Congress at work:

Here we see the Congress of Baboons stripping Mr. Public trapped in his car, this is known as being car-ried away by Congress.

Here we see the Congress of Baboons coming or going, they and we do not know which, on a long road leading nowhere.

NLIN #47

2011-11-21T08:05:00.001-05:00

The United Kingdom Hydrographic Office has published Issue 3 of its news. There is a link to UKHO in 'My Link List'. Contact may also be made via e-news@ukho.gov.uk The UKHO publishes these e-news Issues at rather irregular intervals throughout the year.

Good Watch

Once again we would remind you that 400 of our fellow seafarers are being held captive by pirates off Somalia. Some are now going to be spending their second Christmas in this sordid captivity. What really bothers NAUTICAL LOG is that most of you who publish maritime blogs do not really seem to care. Not a single one of the various maritime blogs adds a note with each Post as we do. Only gCaptain posts a weekly Piracy Report.

This lack of interest is both puzzling and disappointing to NAUTICAL LOG. Not even Bill O'Reilly the "Senior Deacon of the Church of Perpetual Outrage" has ever mentioned on his show our fellow seafarers held in captivity who are as deserving of his attention as the "Wounded Warriors" which through his generosity he raises considerable funds for with his books, t-shirts, pens and doormats.

NLIN #46 - M NOTICES

2011-11-17T16:48:00.001-05:00

The following M-Notices are now available at www.dft.gov.uk/mca contact the M-Notice Administrator on 023 8032 9391 for assistance.

MIN 420 (M+F) M-Notice Consultation

MIN 421 (M) Approved Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA) Small Vessel Certifying Authorities

MSN 1734 Amendment 5 (M+F) Approval of Marine Equipment (EC Notified Bodies)

MSN 1735 Amendment 5 (M+F) Type-Approval of Marine Equipment (UK Nominated Bodies

Good Watch.

Some 400 of our fellow seafarers are still held captive by pirates off the coast of Somalia.

56,000 AND COUNTING

2011-11-16T19:16:00.001-05:00

Having been a bit busy with various things NAUTICAL LOG just noted it was several days since we had written a Post. Wondering who had been looking at the Blog during that time was easy, refer to Sitemeter® but it is surprising to see how many countries the visitors came from. Lets have a look:

Australia
Belgium
United Kingdom
Canada
Hungary (the 56,000th.)
Ireland
Pakistan
Netherlands
Egypt
Norway
Portugal
Sweden
Singapore
India
New Zealand
United States

Pretty much up and down and across our World. Wonder if they are all interested in ships, the references seem to indicate at least some interest. Thank you for visiting, drop by any time.

Good Watch.

Sadly those fellow seafarers of ours are not getting any attention though for over a year now NAUTICAL LOG has been trying. There are still some 400 held captive by pirates off the coast of Somalia. Now the pirates are planning to stop squabbling amongst themselves and join forces against the Puntland Authorities.

VETERANS DAY 11/11/2011

2011-11-11T08:34:00.001-05:00

USS Biscayne AVP-11

Today here in the United States we remember all the Veteran's both ours and around the World. As a Veteran NAUTICAL LOG is thinking of those who did not come home with us, who have passed on since, are still serving in various parts of the World for various political reasons and by no means least those who came home wounded. They are the ones who need our help most of all. The politicians who got us into action in the first place, by not being astute enough to avoid war as a political solution, are again the ones letting-down the returned wounded Veterans. Why do we who served tolerate such people? So far in the history of the World nobody has come up with the answer.

The USS Biscayne AVP-11 was named after Biscayne Bay, Miami FL. While she never served down here she did at Anzio, Italy. In the new military museum under construction in Miami, FL she will be recognized by her own monument.

Best wishes to you all and

Good Watch

Captain the Count D. Peter Boucher, Kt. SMOM, MN (Ret.)

Do not forget that 400 of our fellow seafarers are still held captive by pirates off the coast of Somalia. According to reports groups of the pirates are now fighting and killing each other so the captives are placed at even greater risk.

KRISTALLNACHT

2011-11-09T09:05:00.001-05:00

Kristallnacht results

Coming up on Friday is the "Eleventh Hour" known in the United States as Veteran's Day. The famous remark made at the time was "today the guns fell silent on the Western Front" the time of cease fire for World War 1, the 11th. hour of the 11th. day of the 11th. month, 1100/11/11/1918. Sadly it did not last for just 20 years later things had fallen apart once again in Europe and World War 2 started.

It was acts like Kristallnacht (Broken Glass Night) 73 years ago today which fanned the flames of animosity and outright hatred. NAUTICAL LOG was nearly two years old at the time, living in Europe, so began the greatest influence on my life. Kristallnacht was a major act in what led to Shoah, the event that led to the destruction of nations, the formation of nations, formation of the United Nations, the European Union and deeply influenced world political thinking.

Friends of my parents who had fought in WW1 now served once again in WW2. On the start of a career at sea in 1953 all the Masters and Senior Officers had served in WW2 either on the British or German sides. Both groups were fine people from whom one could learn a great deal with an open, interested and inquiring mind.

As we approach an Election Year in the United States it is well to reflect on all this, many will have to learn about it, for already we have seen specialised groups trying to influence whom is elected using public rants, revealing past improprieties, and street violence. All these were tactics in Europe between WW1 and WW2 which led to groups of people being blamed for events and made the scapegoats for the quality of everyone's lives. Does this remind you of today - it should.

We get whom we elect, that is what we have in the present Administration of politicians who will keep power at any price even if it leads to destroying the United States as we know it. We are led now by politicians who blame the same group of people as the Germans and others did in the 1930's - the recent overheard conversation regarding Benjamin Netanyahu at G20 is an example that tends to proves that point.

Good Watch

Pirates still hold captive some 400 of our fellow seafarers off the coast of Somalia. Are you helping to free them or just saying "oh that's awful" as in 1930's Germany?

SEAFARER SUPPORT

2011-11-07T19:29:00.000-05:00

NAUTICAL LOG does not usually recommend fundraising efforts or the support of charities. On this occasion however we wish to inform readers of a British charity SEAFARER SUPPORT which is duly registered under British Law as No. 212799.

Seafarers are not necessarily the best with finances and their families can find themselves suddenly in difficult situations. Also retired or injured seafarers all too easily find themselves needing support. Even in the socialist welfare state of the United Kingdom (or perhaps because of it) they may need a helping hand.

The organisation Seafarer Support www.seafarersupport.org Telephone: 0800 121 4765 is for working and former seafarers and their families as well as people who work to improve the lives of seafarers and their families.

Please visit and inform yourself of their work and it may be that you can help seafarers less fortunate than yourselves.

Good Watch

One group of seafarers that need help are the 400 held captive by pirates off the coast of Somalia.

NLIN #45 - M NOTICES

2011-11-04T16:12:00.002-04:00

The following United Kingdom M-Notices are available at www.dft.gov.uk/mca. If you experience any difficulties contact 023 8032 9391.

MIN 416 (M) Approved Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA) Small Vessel Certifying Authorities

MIN 418 (M) Advice Regarding Reefer Container Incidents.

Illustration by NAUTICAL LOG

a reefer container

**Note reefer containers that had been reported serviced in Vietnam exploded causing the deaths of port workers.**

Good Watch

Armed guards may now be carried by vessels in defence against pirates. 400 of our fellow seafarers are being held captive by pirates off the coast of Somalia. They need to be rescued immediately please do what you can to expedite this.

DIRE STRAITS

2011-11-02T21:15:00.004-04:00

Victoria the only one of his five ships to return

Hernando Magellan Railcar
1480 - 1521

Several decades ago NAUTICAL LOG had a maritime consulting firm named Magellan Enterprises. Magellan was a excellent navigator who for some strange reason sailed close too but never really made serious discoveries on his way to the Phillipines. Magellan Enterprises had much the same luck, however one contract did lead to NAUTICAL LOG meeting a Chilean lady, we have now been married for 42 years with children and grandchildren - so one never knows.

Of course the Strait of Magellan runs along the coast of Patagonia, through southern Argentina and Chile in the area known by Chileans as the Chilean Antarctic Territory. It is also the name of a Sea, Space, and recently Posts of rather liberal-socialist political and economic opinions, Blog called "Strait of Magellan". However there is not anything about the Strait of Magellan in that Blog. If you would like to know something or all about this important channel go the Chilean Navy Hydrographic Service at www.shoa.cl/ it is available in Spanish and English. The Chilean HS navigation chart for the area is No.11100 Estrecho de Magallanes, 2007 being the latest edition, and that should be corrected up to the most recent Chilean 'Notice to Mariners' before it is used to navigate. The United Kingdom Hydrographic Office www.ukho.gov.uk/ also produce charts covering the region, these can be found in BA Folio 97, there is an automatic BA 'Notice to Mariners' update service available. The Folio 97 charts should be used with NP6 South America Pilot Book, Volume 2 that details the region.

The Strait of Magellan runs SW from the Atlantic Ocean at 53° 30' South Latitude - 68° 30' West Longitude to 54° S. - 71° W. then NW to the Pacific Ocean at 53° 30' South Latitude - 74° 30' West Longitude. In the NAUTICAL LOG navigational library there is a copy (in Spanish and English) of Alberto Mantellero's "Yachtsman's Navigator Guide to the Chilean Channels." Rear-Admiral Alberto Mantellero, Armada de Chile (Ret) is highly experienced both as a Southern seas naval officer and Magallanes pilot. His book even has drink and food recipes the Chileans do not mess around with the important things of life - sea, drink, food. Buen Provecho!

Good Watch.

Armed pirates are holding 400 of our fellow seafarers captive off the coast of Somalia. Finally the European vessels led by the British Merchant Navy can obtain a license to carry their own armed guards. This is actually nothing new as in the early 20th. Century right up to World War 2 British vessels trading in the Far East carried Sikh guards as protection against South China Sea pirates. While on the Indian coast in the 1950's and 1960's it was quite usual to employ Gurkha watchmen who travelled from Port to Port with the ship.

ANOTHER MILESTONE REACHED

2011-11-01T08:08:00.003-04:00

As regular readers know NAUTICAL LOG does not have Facebook®, Twitter®, RSS® or some such so our numbers are direct visitors from the Internet who know of or have found our website. Today we reached 55,000 the 55,000th. visitor being from Kristainsund, More og Romsdal, Norway.

We have now decided to continue publishing NAUTICAL LOG, it will continue to be an activist maritime blog, a courteous one but on occasions shall stir-things-up, perhaps even 'rant' when we feel moved to the occasion. Also we are back to commenting in response to other Blogs Posts when we feel that is warrented - so be warned.

Thank you for visiting, enjoy the Posts, please comment and make suggestions following our Blog rules!!

Good Watch

Armed guards are now officially sailing in many ships that of necessity have to transit the Horn of Africa piracy region. However we must not forget that 400 of our fellow seafarers are still held captive by pirates off the coast of Somalia. Puntland does seem to be trying to make an effort to reduce attacks so perhaps it is time to give them some support and training by involving them in the Naval Patrols serving the region.

BOATING SAFELY - DIVING

2011-10-31T10:49:00.002-04:00

Sport diving operations flag

International Code diving operations day flag signal display 'Alpha'

International Code diving operations night light signal display 'Alpha'

One of the aspects of boating safely is diving safely. Living in South Florida most times when we go boating we meet up with divers. It is popular sport in this area with many marked locations for divers - would that the divers were as well marked as those locations.

NAUTICAL LOG is not a diver so in an effort to learn more about things we made visits to the diving section of local marine chandlers and dive shops themselves. It is an eye-opener sometimes to see the state of the shop with equipment, tools scattered about, little organisation, with tanks connected up every-which-way. Also the people doing the work in such a place makes one wonder at the quality of that work. Usually amongst seafarers the 'turn out' of the person gives an accurate indication of the quality of their work.

It seems that the USCG are also concerned as there is a report published this morning "Diving deaths spike in Florida." On Thursday 10/27 a training exercise was held in Biscayne Bay, FL. As usual in this type of Post we quote directly:

"The number of injured-diver incidents has risen in Florida this year with 60 so far compared to 44 for all of 2010, the U.S. Coast Guard said. Most of the incidents occurred in South Florida. Coast Guard Sector Miami, which goes up to Fort Pierce, had 43 of those 2011 dive incidents. Thirteen (13) divers have died off Sunshine State shores so far this year with nine (9) fatalities in South Florida."

What is being done about all this, well the Coast Guard strongly urges divers to take safety classes and make performance checks on their equipment. NAUTICAL LOG would add to that check out those dive-shops and compare them before entrusting your equipment to their hands because you are also entrusting your life.

Good Watch.

Now that British Merchant Navy vessels and those of other Nations are going to have armed guards perhaps we can expect a reduction in the numbers of piracy attacks. Since extreme prejudice has been authorised perhaps the numbers of pirates will also be reduced. However let us not forget that 400 of our fellow seafarers are held captive by pirates off Somalia. It now becomes even more important that they are rescued.

PROTECTING UK SHIPS

2011-10-30T17:31:00.003-04:00

Armed guard on starboard Bridge wing

Further to the NAUTICAL NOTES comment regarding defence against piracy, we quote from a BBC News report with editing by NAUTICAL LOG:

"Ships sailing under a British flag will be able to carry armed guards to protect them from pirates, the Prime Minister has announced."

As one might expect there are comments attached to the report most of which show either an ignorance of operating ships in pirate infested waters, are against the Prime Minister Mr. Cameron from a political standpoint or a combination of both. Putting that aside as having no real value in dealing with the piracy issue and the decision taken, we quote further.

"Under the plans the British Home Secretary would be given the power to license armed guards for ships. Of 53 hijackings last year 49 took place off the coast of Somalia. No ship carrying armed security has yet been hijacked, the government claims. Up to 200 vessels flying the Red Ensign - the British Merchant Navy flag - sail (through the Horn of Africa area) close to Somalia. Officials estimate that about 100 of those would apply for permission to have armed guards. It is thought that many British registered ships already carry armed guards because they feel they have no alternative."

Arrangements will still have to made with some countries however there seems to be a general agreement that the situation has declined so that this measure has to be taken. Overall it must be carefully monitored.

For months now Post after Post NAUTICAL LOG has written a reminder in RED about the 400 seafarers held captive by pirates off the coast of Somalia. We can only be pleased therefore that the British have the moral courage to take this step - which is controversial. No doubt other maritime nations will also now consider the issue and might decide to also carry armed guards. Once the piracy stops it will then not be necessary to carry armed guards thus it can be viewed as a temporary measure to solve a specific problem.

Good Watch.

Let's not forget that the 400 seafarers are STILL held captive by pirates off the coast of Somalia.

NAUTICAL NOTES - ILLUSTRATED

2011-10-30T08:54:00.005-04:00

HMAS Broome

MS Vega Fynen

The Broome that brushed

The PR folder brought lots of interesting news this morning as NAUTICAL LOG catches up on things after a busy day and tropical downpour yesterday.

The HMAS Broome went 146 miles at best speed (25+ knots) to assist the MS Vega Fynen which had lost power and drifted towards Ragelapra Reef, Papua New Guinea. On arrival the C/O and Master conferred, it was decided to take the drifting vessel in tow by passing a stern to stern towline. At that time the Phillipine crewed container ship was 700 metres from grounding on the Reef. The tow effort lasted six (6) hours until the arrival of a commercial tug better suited for the task at hand. HMAS Broome then returned to berth at Alotau, Papua New Guinea having averted a brush with an environmental disaster.

MS Schelde Trader

Not again!

It seems container ships are not having a very good time in New Zealand. At the Port of Tauranga, NZ the MS Schelde Trader also lost power and went aground on the rocks off Mount Maunganui. The vessel had a Port Pilot on board and an escort tug at the time. We wonder how escort tugs escort in NZ - no doubt the investigation will reveal their secret system - and yes we are being sarcastic. The vessel was refloated (perhaps by that escort tug?) and berthed at Mount Maunganui wharves. No oil leaked and there will be an inspection and investigation. This incident occurred at a Port near where the MS Rena is aground and breaking up on Astrolabe Reef, NZ.

Voith Steam Trac

Operating principle graphic

Back to the future

Voith have announced a steam engine which can be operated in connection with diesel engines using the heat to raise steam. Using a waste heat recovery system it acts as a turbo connecte to provide additional driving power to the vessel. The application seems to be directed towards smaller vessels and ferries. NAUTICAL LOG is still learning about the system from Voith.

PLAN hospital ship heading to berth at Kingston.

Harmonious Mission progresses

The Chinese hospital ship PLAN Daishandao/Peace Ark left Havana, Cuba on Thursday 10/27 and arrived in Kingston, Jamaica on Saturday 10/29 for a six day visit. During this time she will offer medical services and interact with the local Chinese community who welcomed the vessel with traditional Chinese greetings and dragon dancers.

Anti-Piracy

Finally some good news Mr. Cameron the British PM has authorised armed teams and response in British Flag ships due to the ever increasing attacks by pirates off the Horn of Africa. Hopefully this will lead to other Flag States following the British Merchant Navy example.

Good Watch

As usual we remind you that 400 of our fellow seafarers are being held captive by pirates off Somalia. By this time we had hoped that they would have been rescued and released.

WHEN VESSELS ENCOUNTER

2011-10-28T09:17:00.000-04:00

M16672.2D

Reading through some of the other maritime themed blogs is often interesting. While we do see Posts about the latest adventures of "Lego-Man" - he was at Sarasota Beach, FL this past week - there are also more serious Posts. There is one about vessel encounters entitled "When vessels encounter drunks". It is by an experienced Master currently in Command of a large ocean-going car carrier if one remembers correctly. No it is not wrong but the approach struck NAUTICAL LOG as a little different perhaps even strange. But then NAUTICAL LOG does not have the greatest sense of humour or is even faintly amused when it comes to vessel encounters and the Navigation Rules not being followed.

Living in South Florida on the edge of Biscayne Bay one encounters all too frequently BUI boaters and while the Maritime Law Enforcement Agencies do the best job they can the real answer is personal responsibility - unfortunately it is sadly lacking being in a large part due to the cult of 'machismo' prevalent to the area That coupled with little or complete lack of knowledge of the NAVIGATION RULES as laid down in USCG M16672.2D (or latest edition). This is the only book in the United States that counts to learn from, fully understand and follow. Yes there are others designed to be helpful, make money for the author, however they are not the official word.

The article by the above mentioned Master quotes a Mr.Crawford's book who uses the medium of the theater as an aide memoire to the learning of the Navigation Rules. The article quotes Rule 2 and then says, quote: "then be ready to 'ad lib' " when the Navigation Rules are not followed.

This is very bad advice indeed. The Navigation Rules cover just about every situation that can occur between two or more vessels on the High Seas or Inland Waterways. They even cover those situations where things go very wrong indeed, far from 'Ad Libbing' they give precise instructions on how to behave. It is 'Ad Libbing' from those precise instructions that gets seafarers into serious trouble. From appearing to be in the right they find themselves in left field and handing in their respective License/Certificate to their Maritime Authority.

So as well as following the Navigation Rules on what to do in a particular situation at sea know also what to do when things go wrong. The solutions are found in Rule 2 (b), Rule 8 (e), Rule 17 (b) and of course in Rule 1 - General Application - how to follow the Navigation Rules as per USCG M16672.2D (or latest edition).

"A Collision can Spoil your whole Day."

Good Watch

There are still nearly 400 of our fellow seafarers held captive by pirates off the coast of Somalia. Simulation programmes, however well intended and useful for training, will not help a single one of them. Skilled rescue using extreme prejudice would have a marked effect on piracy per se. NAUTICAL LOG fully supports armed vessel protection and response.

WHALE OF A TRIP

2011-10-26T09:57:00.002-04:00

Map of Whale Trail sites

Ferry and Terminal poster

Up in the northwest is the State of Washington and the famous Washington State Ferry System. During the trips between the Salish Sea islands and mainland there is something new and interesting to do - other than trying to keep warm. In the Fall the orcas travel in Puget Sound and the Washington State Ferries and Whale Trail have developed a poster which will be displayed both on board the ferries and in the Terminals.

The signs provide descriptions of orcas, gray whales, Dall's porpoise, harbor seals and California sea lions. It also explains the habitat needed for the mammals to remain healthy in the region. the Whale Trail has established 20 sites in Puget Sound, the Strait of Juan de Fuca and the Washington coast and more are planned.

Shown above is a map of those sites and the poster displayed on board the Ferries and in the Terminals. So if you ride the WSF have a whale of a trip.

"Develop a discerning eye in all matters."

Good Watch

Read the Somalia Report to get the latest piracy news from the Horn of Africa and remember 400 of our fellow seafarers are held captive by pirates off the coast of Somalia.

ONCE MORE INTO THE BREACH

2011-10-25T19:19:00.002-04:00

Mothership with attack craft types

Large attack craft

From the NAUTICAL LOG PR folder comes this gem, an anti-piracy simulation. The Transas® Group well known for training equipment and programs has developed an anti-piracy simulation training program. The idea is to make nautical students aware of what pirates off the Horn of Africa look like, techniques to avoid attacks and being hijacked. While it most certainly serves a training purpose it does nothing to prevent piracy or being hijacked - why? The program continues the current political approach and says nothing about armed response. It covers the range of the pirates known weapons, changes of speed and course, best angles of approach, and speed and courses for closing and engaging pirates. Engaging them with what? Since a no weapons response is recommended by the UN-IMO NAUTICAL LOG wonders just what is the point of this training.

Hopefully, because thats all we have at present, by the time these students become Masters the issue will have been solved. It is the present day Masters who need training because many do not seem to know either the capabilities of their vessels, have the knowledge or interest to aviod or prevent an attack. Most seem to run to the 'citadel' (the latest piece of bovine scatology) at the first suspicious sign and hope that someone will turn up to resolve the problem for them. They have also received orders from their shipowner employer to basically just 'give up' - it is all rather pathetic. Some have even been given orders not to report an attack at all because of possible increased Marine Insurance premiums.

So good luck with the Transas® anti-piracy simulation but it is not going to stop a single hijacking. The way things are these days the Somali pirates more than likely already have their own copy of the simulation, have figured counter-measures to it and of course they ARE armed.

"Know the Ways of all occupations."

Good watch.

Those pirates are still holding 400 of our fellow seafarers off the coast of Somali, perhaps they watch the Transas Simulation together on the vessels equipment.

WORTHY OF THE NAME

2011-10-25T13:37:00.003-04:00

USCG Cadets using the sextant

This week NAUTICAL LOG has been catching up on his reading including a series on Celestial Navigation in another maritime themed blog. It is quite interesting to see the different approach taken by today's navigators to the way we were trained. For example when NAUTICAL LOG served with the Union Steamship Company of New Zealand (1959-1961) the cargo vessels were not fitted with either gyro compass or radar. The TSS Tamahine (Built 1925) ferry carrying passengers, cars and PMG mail also did not have gyro or radar in spite of running across Cook Strait between Wellington, North Island to Picton, South Island daily, with some night transits at weekends.

The point that caught my eye was the article about Ex-Meridians which included remarks about Amplitudes. This Post is not meant to be critical (well maybe just a little bit) of the Article titled "Ex-Meridians for USCG exams" but to show the difference between today's OOW/navigator, who apparently uses Celestial Navigation only as means to check his/her electronic wonderland of a Bridge, to my generation of Navigators which used Celestial Navigation to navigate the oceans worldwide - well and safely too.

The writer states quote: "This topic is beyond the scope of even what we normally teach as "advanced celestial navigation". However esoteric though it is, it shows up on USCG licensing exams for 1600 ton Mate Oceans and above".

He further goes on to describe an Amplitude: "which is basically useless"

Yet further on Ex-Meridian's he states: "no modern navigator worthy of the name would ever use the ex-meridian sight".

Ouch! Now that hurt my 60 years experience.

How things change and professionally maybe not for the better. When NAUTICAL LOG served in the British Merchant Navy there was a daily procedure for the Navigation Day's Work (similar to USN refer OPNAV 3530/1 and 30-44).  The Navigator was usually the 2nd. Officer, however passenger vessel rankings were slightly different.

The day at sea ran from Noon to Noon and the Noon (LAN) Sight was a Merchant Navy religious event with several Officers all with their personal sextants lined up on the Bridge wing to watch the sun reach its highest point. Once this had been agreed upon, if the Master was in attendance his "that seems to be it gentleman" indicated the Latitude should be quickly calculated, the savvy Navigator having worked up his 'magic number' ahead of time, immediately stated the Latitude, the Longitude was run-up, the Noon position for that day, distance, the days run average speed, ETA to next Port all calculated.   Other than the OOW the Bridge Party could then retire to the Masters Dayroom for a gin before lunch.

How was all this arrived at - by that daily procedure. The morning star sight and Amplitude were taken by the 0400-0800 OOW, the morning sunline and azimuth by the 0800-1200 OOW, Noon Sight (LAN) by all Deck Officers, afternoon sunline and azimuth by the 1200-1600 OOW, and evening star sight and Amplitude by 1600-2000 OOW.  The Amplitudes gave an instant compass error confirming the working of those Azimuths. Now do you still think an Amplitude is "basically useless" - not for my generation of Navigators.

But what about the Ex-Meridian which started out this Article.   If the Navigator saw that the Noon Bridge Party was going to be disappointed because of cloud cover or rain he would get an Ex-Meridian so as to have a quite decent Noon Position to give to the Master - and perhaps get a gin at the same time.   If there had been no luck before LAN then maybe after and see how that compared with the Latitude chosen for Noon Position.

Personally NAUTICAL LOG privately used the Stars to Stars positions for all navigational calculations and based answers to the Master's questions on that information. A personal preference that worked out well over the years.

"Touch upon all the arts."

Good Watch

There remain some 400 of our fellow seafarers held captive by pirates off Somalia. Lets us continue to work for their release.

LOST TALENT

2011-10-22T14:55:00.000-04:00

With the death of CAPT. William Cummins one of the Waterford 'boys' who went to sea with Irish Shipping Ltd. (ISL) one is reminded that we are a passing generation. Also we are a unique generation coming from a variety of schools across Ireland ranging from Clongowes to the Christian Brothers. Not that it really mattered where ones parents sent us to get our education it was the same for all due to the Irish education system in which every student did the three national examinations of Primary, Intermediate, and Leaving Certificate. Thus when competing for a place in University or employment all were equally qualified. For those of us who chose to go to sea there was ISL and for the first time the Irish could sail under their Tricolour as all the ISL ships were registered in Irish ports.

When we sailed overseas many times Irish families would arrive to visit the ship never having seen a vessel flying the National Colours of Ireland on the stern. Many of the Irish religious had their only contact with Ireland during a lifetime of overseas religious service - it seems impossible to imagine such a sacrifice today. Such a wonderful thing and a credit to the country - all to be thrown away by ISL bad management combined with a stupid and ignorant Irish government.

ISL trained four (4) or even six (6) in the SS Irish Cedar Deck Apprentices, a national treasure of well educated young men ready to serve the country in the Maritime Industry. Instead of a selection being sent to University to complete degrees in Business Management, Transportation and Maritime Law nothing was done. Once the Apprenticeship was completed ISL seemed to loose interest. The result was ill chosen vessels, bad contracts and the collapse of ISL with unemployment and terrible hardship. This was repeated again with coastal companies. Instead of reorganizing companies and building on us the generation they had trained the Irish Merchant Service faded to nothing. If a Merchant Service had been properly built what a complement to the Irish Nautical College, young Irish Merchant Service and Irish Naval Officers could not only educate together but go on to sail together. The experience gained in ocean-going vessels could be applied to both services with the Irish Merchant Service Officers being also Irish Naval Service Reserve Officers, a highly motivated and professional maritime entity.

As does NAUTICAL LOG (CAPT. D. Peter Boucher), CAPT. John Molloy and others of our generation the recently deceased CAPT. William Cummins felt much the same and we quote him from past interviews:

"Capt. Cummins is thankful to him Eamon Rothwell, John de Courcy Ireland and Tom McSweeney (Seascapes RTE) for their great endeavours in the cause of Irish maritime affairs. As an island maritime nation ---it is a shame to see so many, if not all Irish shipping companies sailing no more.-----they (ISL) had 21 ships many of them carrying four cadets but that type of four year training is lost forever and successive Irish governments have failed to halt the situation----- going now to foreign shipping companies to serve their apprenticeships."

At this present time the Celtic Tiger has long made its last growl and is silent. It is time for the current Irish government to rebuild the Irish Merchant Service as they rebuild the nation. It can and should have both a coastal fleet and an ocean-going fleet of vessels registered in Irish ports and flying the Tricolour. It will well serve the country's needs and motivate Irish youth to again serve the Nation as our generation did. Hopefully none of them will then have to go overseas to make a successful career at sea never to return to work again in Ireland - NAUTICAL LOG speaks from first hand experience on that issue. Of 60 years in the maritime industry only six (6) were under the Irish National Colours - 54 years in foreign service.

Good Watch
There remain some 400 of our fellow seafarers held captive by pirates ashore and off the coast of Somalia and in deplorable conditions. We hope you will join us in working for their freedom.

PAST MASTER

2011-10-22T13:41:00.003-04:00

CAPT. William Cummins

From our correspondent CAPT. John Molloy, William Street, Waterford, Ireland comes news of the death of CAPT. William Cummins, Viewmount Park, Waterford at the Waterford Regional Hospital. As was NAUTICAL LOG he was a Deck Apprentice in Irish Shipping Ltd. joining the SS Irish Poplar in November 1956. It turns out we had things in common, his first Master was CAPT. E.C.G. Horne and he was the Master when NAUTICAL LOG joined the SS Irish Elm in December 1953, and we both had an interest in the Law.

CAPT. Cummins after serving in ISL obtained his Master's Certificate of Competency and settled into the coastal passenger vessels between Ireland, and the United Kingdom. He received a command in B+I Line and ended up commanding in turn all their vessels. When B+I Line went the way of ISL he found his position with Irish Ferries which took on the inter-island passenger service. He went on there to command one of the largest, 34,00 tonnes, ferries in the world and the largest vessel to enter Rosslare Harbour, Co.Wexford to berth at the Ferry Terminal.

Like NAUTICAL LOG ,who was in the group of Deck Apprentices ahead of him in ISL, he was one of the unique group of Irishmen and later women who could serve under the Flag of their country. All ISL ships flew the Tricolour and were registered in Irish Ports including our homeport of Waterford, Ireland. As our generation passes there will soon be none of us left who had this experience due to the demise of the Irish Merchant Service.

Arrangements have been made for CAPT. Cummins and you are directed to the Waterford and National newspapers of Ireland for those details. We express our deepest sympathy to the Cummins family.

Good Watch

NAUTICAL NOTES - ILLUSTRATED

2011-10-21T12:40:00.002-04:00

The saga of the MS Rena continues in New Zealand as salvage operations progress the main operation being the removal of oil from her tanks. The crew were removed ten days ago and on October 12, 2011 the Master was charged under NZ's Maritime Transport Act Section 65 with "for operating a vessel in a manner causing unnecessary danger or risk". It is likely that as the overall operation and investigation proceeds there will be additional charges laid. NAUTICAL LOG understands the Second Officer, who was OOW at the time of impacting Astrolabe Reef, has also been detained. We further understand that both the Master and Second Officer are Filipino Nationals however since we are 'Forbidden' by our server from access to Marine Cafe Blog (MCB) cannot use this first hand information source, it would seem both Officers are products of the 'Pinoy Seafaring Factory' to use the MCB term. CAPT. Alex van Wijngaarden the NZ National OSC said about 200 tonnes of fuel had been removed of the 772 tonnes in number 5 port fuel tank. The Maritime NZ website www.maritimenz.govt.nz/ has regular updates and there is a link in 'My Link List'.

Approaching berth

Passing El morro, Havana, Cuba

From Prensa Latina Havana, Cuba comes news that the Chinese hospital ship Daishandao/Peace Ark has docked there. this is the first stop on a tour that will take her to Jamaica, Trinidad-Tobago, and Costa Rica. To quote the Chinese: "The Peace Ark's missions include promoting fraternal links with Caribbean countries and improving the capacity of Chinese Navy to fulfill multiple tasks". The hospital ship will stay in Cuba until October 24, 2011.

Marie Dedieu

The weekly piracy reports continue, mainly they are about East Africa as the incidents spread up and down that coast. However there are not weekly reports of action taken to free those captured by pirates and held captive. Sadly one captive did die this week, a french woman taken from Kenya if one remembers correctly. Perhaps now the FFL will be allowed to execute (one uses the term precisely) an action using extreme prejudice in response to this murder. Some 400 of our fellow seafarers remain captive in deplorable conditions off the coast of Somalia.

Good Watch

NAUTICAL NOTES - ILLUSTRATED

2011-10-18T10:18:00.001-04:00

NAUTICAL NOTES is a new feature of NAUTICAL LOG which will be added too from time-to-time.

There is a M-Notice MIN 417 (M) issued by the UK-MCA regarding the survey of carbon fibre masts and spars in Large Sailing Yachts. NAUTICAL LOG would suggest to Operators of such vessels to inspect this equipment prior to an official survey. The standards of managing and operating STV's is clearly in need of Auditing. The knowledge of STV Masters and Officers in Ship Stability and its associated calculations from the vessel Stability Book is clearly in need of assessment and testing. Operators, Managers, Masters, Officers and crews would do well to read, study and take-to-heart the Report on the knockdown and sinking of STV Concordia by TSB Canada. Lack of a Designated Person Ashore (DPA), as required by the ISM Code, for the Operators caused complications after her abandonment. Lack of Stability knowledge by her Master and Officers led to her knockdown and sinking off Brazil. Those Organizations planning to place persons in STV's for sea experience and training must conduct an Audit of each individual vessel prior to doing so - these are human lives we are dealing with not playing "sailor-at-sea" games.

PLAN Daishandao 866

The Chinese hospital ship PLAN Daishandao/Peace Ark has crossed the Pacific and arrived in the Gulf of Panama on Friday October 14, 2011. She is on a mission to several Caribbean Nations and will transit the Panama Canal. The hospital ship refuelled from the coastal tanker MT Lorenzo Sea in the Pacific side anchorage area. On the evening of October 15 she transited the Panama Canal to the Atlantic side. She is now in the Caribbean on "Harmonious Mission" which includes a visit to Cuba and several other Caribbean Nations.

The U.S.Government is making arrangements to inspect the Spanish oil rig which will be conducting operations off the northern coast of Cuba. In the event of any incident that requires response the USCG will have to able to conduct its response to protect the U.S. coastline. Due to the Gulf Stream spills will quickly be swept along the Florida Keys and up the Florida coastline with the possibility of disastrous results.

suspect speedboat

In a first attempt by Somalis and African Union Officials to restrict piracy off East Africa a speed boat with seven (7) aboard, AK-47's, RPG's, and ammunition was arrested at sea. We shall await to see what happens now.

As always please remember that there are 400 of our fellow seafarers held captive by pirates both ashore and off the coast of Somalia.

Good Watch.

MIGRATION NAVIGATION

2011-10-17T17:38:00.000-04:00

As a Navigator NAUTICAL LOG was always fascinated by bird migrations and how they found their way coming to the conclusion, several decades ago, that it was by following the Earth's magnetic field. Of course it is not quite that simple as one size does not fit all there are several types of bird movement some quite short. However some migrate from Northern Canada to Southern South America - now there's a thought wonder if such birds tweet in french, English and Spanish. Seriously living here in South Florida we are on a major migration route and this is evident this month as the NAUTICAL LOG patio bird feeders are extremely busy. Florida lies between an Agonic Line and Isogonic Line 10° so it seem to make sense that the long distance migratory birds do make use of the Earth's magnetic field. The short distance migratory birds likely use the Sun as a compass as most fly by day and rest at night. However Warblers are night fliers so they reinforce for NAUTICAL LOG the magnetic field navigation system theory.

Just this weekend there was an interesting article in the local paper about all this and coupled with observations of the patio bird feeder got the brain cells working. In the State of Florida it is possible to observe some 485 species and of those just this last couple of weeks we have seen:

Northern Cardinal

Blue Jay

Spot-breasted Oriole

Painted Bunting

Red-bellied Woodpecker

Savannah Sparrow

House Sparrow

Palm Warbler

Boat-tailed Grackle

Red-Bellied Woodpecker

Northern Cardinal

Painted Bunting

Spot Breasted Oriole

Blue Jay

Boat-tailed Grackle

Palm Warbler

House sparrow

Savannah sparrow

For those of you who travel keeping alert to the countryside there are quite a few places for bird-watching both formal and informal NAUTICAL LOG is an informal watcher:

Apalachicola National Forest

St. George Island State Park

St. Marks National Wildlife Refuge

Paynes Prairie Preserve State Park

Ocala National Forest

Lake Apopke Restoration Area

Honeymoon Island State Park

Caladesi Island State Park

Fort De Soto Park

Oscar Scherer State Park

Myakka River State Park

Lake Kissimmee State Park

Three Lakes Management Area

Kissimmee Prairie Preserve State Park

J.N."Ding" Darling National Wildlife Refuge

Stormwater Treatment Area 5

Arthur R. Marshall Loxahatchee National Wildlife Refuge

Big Cypress National Preserve

Corkscrew Swamp Sactuary

Everglades National Park

Dry Tortugas National Park

That should keep you busy!!

Good Watch

While we enjoy these birds let us not forget that 400 of our fellow seafarers are held captive by pirates both ashore and off the coast of Somalia.

NLIN #44 - M NOTICES

2011-10-17T14:53:00.005-04:00

The following M-Notices are available at www.dft.gov.uk/mca/ If you experience any problems call the M notice Administrator at 023 8032 9391

MIN 415 (M) Changes to Requirements for Inland Waterways Non-Passenger Vessels in the UK

MIN 417 (M) Large Yachts: Examination and Inspection of Carbon Fibre Masts and Spars Survey of Composite Masts and Spars Used on Large Yachts

MGN 436 (M+F) WHOLE-BODY VIBRATION: Guidance on Mitigating Against the Effects of Shocks and Impacts on Small Vessels

Good Watch

We remain hopeful that the 400 of our fellow seafarers held captive by Somali pirates well soon be rescued.

WHATS IN A NAME - MORE

2011-10-14T16:03:00.003-04:00

Lace Line   A line used to secure a sail to its yard or spar

Larboard The old name for 'Port' or the left side of a vessel

Lateen A trangular fore-aft sail on a long yard

Lazarette   A small hold or locker usually in the stern used for stowage

League An old measure of three nautical miles

Letter of Marque   A Royal license authorizing a non-naval vessel to act as a 'warship' under the Royal flag

Lewis Bolt   An eyebolt socketed and wedged under deck for extra strength.  Usually fitted when a breakbulk cargo vessel had a heavy-lift derrick

Limbers Holes   Holes in the frames at bilges level to allow drainage

Loblolly A porridge usually served to sick crew

Loblolly Boy A surgeons assistant in a naval vessel

Lobscouse   A hash served to crews

Long Stay A term used for a long anchor rode

Loof The taper of the hull toward the bow and stern

Lubber An ackward or not to bright sailor

Lubber's Hole The hole in a square-rigger through which the shroud heads pass to the mast

Lyle Gun A small cannon used to fire a projectile to pass a light line, such as a Breeches Buoy rescue rig

Manhelper A long pole to which at paintbrush or scraper can be attached

Manifest A master document of a merchant ship listing her cargo, passengers with details

Mitten Money The extra pilotage fee charged in very cold weather

Mother Carey's Chicken A seafaring name for stormy petrels

Mouse To enclose a hook with small line or wire to prevent it jumping free

Good Watch

There still remain some 400 of our fellow seafarers held ashore and off the coast of Somalia. There are now quite a few shoddy security outfits trying to make money from this misery.

WHATS IN A NAME - CONTINUES

2011-10-12T16:08:00.000-04:00

Hog A craft that sags downward at her bow and stern

Hooker A term describing any older vessel - also a small two-masted craft such as an Irish Galway Hooker

Horns Protrusions on the sides of a rudder to prevent it turning beyond an allowable angle

In Irons A sailing craft caught dead to wind and unable to fill her sails on a new tack

Isobar A line of equal barometric pressure on a weather map

Jack   A small flag flown at the bow, correctly flown only when not underway

Jackass   A plug for a hawsepipe

Jacobs Ladder The type of ladder used as a "Pilot's Ladder"

Jews Harp A shaped shackle for stock anchors

Jigger The name of a fore-aft sail rigged aft on the mizzen mast

Jumbo Name of the heavy lift derricks of 100 tonnes or more seen on breakbulk cargo ships

Jury A temporary or makeshift arrangement repairing damage

Keckling Old line served around the rope anchor cable before chain cables

Kenning   Term for the distance (about 20 miles) from which high land could be sighted at sea. Kennen sketches were common on the British Admiralty (BA) coastal charts.

Kentledge Inboard ballast (¡¡does not include useless crewmembers!!)

Kevel   A large cleat or pair of bitts in sailing vessels

Killick A simple anchor - also the nickname of a British Royal Navy Leading Rate as it is his rating insignia

Kippage All the apparel and personnel of a vessel

Knock Off Stop all work or whatever task is at hand

Good timing - lets knock off for now.

Good Watch

Some 400 of our fellow seafarers are still being held captive by pirates off the coast of Somalia. Let us work to bring them home.

PUNTLAND PIRATES

2011-10-09T10:51:00.003-04:00

Puntland fishermen - we think!

Puntland has been famous and had the same name since the days of the Pharaohs - today it is infamous for its pirates. However there is a solution at least according to Dr. Mohamed Farah Aadan, the Minister responsible for Fishing in Puntland. We quote him:

"We know that pirate activities in the region have caused fear among local fishermen, so we need to help them. We will issue them uniforms and ID cards. First we will register all local fishermen in Puntland. We have already begun in Bosaso and all coastal lands in Bari region. We will inform our coast guards and international warships that there will be a clear difference between the pirates and fishermen."

Is it only NAUTICAL LOG or has just about everybody lost their collective minds about dealing with the Horn of Africa piracy. This gentleman clearly has absolutely no grasp of the overall picture. The pirates can just dress in those uniforms and cause even more confusion when they approach a vessel to hijack. Once again this idea shows the necessity of extreme prejudice response to this ever growing situation. Most likely the pirates have already registered as "fishermen" and been issued one of Minister Aadan's ID cards - so international forces can pretty much discount those already. As to the Puntland "coast guards" they largely consist of the pirates themselves or so we have been told.

What a load of nonsense - an absolute idioctic response in a country with no effective government, wide spread hunger and a refugee problem.

Good Watch

Held captive by these Puntland pirates are some 400 of our fellow seafarers off the coast of Somalia. With thinking like that quoted above not much hope of their release exists. Unfortunately armed response with extreme prejudice to the issue is now the only really effective solution.

FORBIDDEN

2011-10-08T18:13:00.001-04:00

¿What's all this about?

"You don't have permission to access /mcblog/ on this server. Additionally, a 404 Not Found error was encountered while trying to use an ErrorDocument to handle the request."

"Apache mod_fcgid.2.3.6 mod_auth_passthrough/2.1 mod_bwlimited/1.4 FrontPage/5.0.2.2635 Server at marine-cafe.com Port 80"

Wow that's pretty impressive stuff and NAUTICAL LOG has absolutely no idea what it all means - enlightenment please!!

Marine Cafe Blog was a pretty good maritime themed blog apparently based in the Philippines and commented quite scathingly at times about the "Pinoy Seafaring Factory" as they called it. After a short break they reappeared but were rather anti-American in some of the comments responding to an article of theirs. Of course NAUTICAL LOG jumped on them, for not being fair and balanced, in our Post Friday Update "the price to pay". Then they had an article by a guest which we were quite harsh about in our Post "Maritime Insecurity".

Earlier this week we checked to see what they were writing about and lo and behold we got the above message. Trying to link through other maritime themed blogs we got the same message. and it is still coming up. It has been suggested by some really informed computer persons that NAUTICAL LOG has been blocked from access to the Marine Cafe Blog website. If this is true what a strange reaction to a critic instead of allowing one to see a counter-reaction to reinforce their viewpoint. Is not that one of the reasons one writes an activist blog to express ones viewpoint in the first place. If you then block your publishing to critics what is the point of writing it at all?

Of course it has also been pointed out to me that in this world of post 9/11 maybe some authority took offense and has cut them off - NAUTICAL LOG thinks that rather unlikely. Wonder what they are saying now that some politician has put his big stupid foot in it about sex tourism in the Republic of the Philippines. Who ever heard of that - hmmm!

Love to read about it all in Marine Cafe Blog but its Forbidden.

Good Watch.

There are 400 of our fellow seafarers, many from the Philippines, held captive by pirates off the coast of Somalia lets continue to work really seriously for their release.

THE AUTHORITIES

2011-10-05T15:58:00.002-04:00

For seafarers dealing with "The Authorities" for immigration, customs, agriculture and safety is an every port occurrence for the Master. As a young Officer he or today she, learns the procedure over the years in accordance with country and the part of the world it is situated in. Most seafarers are pretty cynical about entering into a port and know that a "consideration" necessary in one country can be cause for years in prison for "bribing-an-officer" in another. To us it is all pretty much a routine - or is it?

Recently we have seen the release from prisons in two very different parts of the world of young Americans. However the dramatic behaviour and posturing of the Authorities involved was, surprisingly, not that different. It is therefore food-for-thought about what seafarers might expect if and when we find ourselves involved in a situation in a country other than our own. These days it is not far away only as far as our vessels Flag State. We sail in vessels which have a Flag State different from the Passport we hold. We now must obtain the Maritime Qualifications of that Flag State and therefore have placed yourselves under the jurisdiction of that Flag State. Seafarers today must know the law of their Flag State, how it applies to them and how the Flag State will apply it under a maritime situation - some do not have any system but "consider" the matter!!

When NAUTICAL LOG taught maritime law the point was made to explain that issue to the students. For example there are different legal systems each of which has an entirely different way of applying its law in its Courts. The three most prominent systems are Common Law, most used of all as the last vestige of an empire on which "the sun never set". Sharia Law, used by countries whose population are followers of Islam. The Code Napoleon used by most European Union, Central and South American and African countries in several differing forms. Brehon Law was used in Ireland and NAUTICAL LOG considers it a great tragedy that it was overtaken by Common Law during the 800 years of occupation by the British.

Most seafarers might think that the problems with the Authorities mostly occurred outside Europe mainly in Africa, the Middle and Far East. However as we have seen just this last weekend this may not be entirely true. In the European Union Italy has the most law enforcement agents per capita of all the countries, in fact it has twice as many agents as the United Kingdom for the same population size, some 325,000 officers. They are divided into seven (7) different police services - all superbly uniformed, driving Alfa Romeo's and in one case Subaru's. There is overlapping authority in maritime affairs so it is possible to meet several agencies when arriving in an Italian Port. At one time most all were paramilitary forces but since 2000 some have been transferred to Civilian status.

The seven (7) are:

Arma dei Carabinieri

Guardia di Finanza

Polizia di Stato

Poliza Penitenziaria

Corpo Forestale dello Stato

Polizia Provinciale

Polizia Municipale

In addition there is:

Corpo dello Capitanerie di porto - Guardia costiera

The Italian Coastguard is a division of the Italian Navy which seafarers will also probably meet up with as well. Amazingly with all this policing the Italian Justice System seems to have great trouble with its investigations, the proper taking of evidence, the preserving of such evidence, and securing of such evidence. It also suffers from overly dramatic Court behaviour even for the rather expressive Italian culture. These are all things for Masters and Officers to be aware of should a maritime incident occur.

Good Watch.

There are still some 400 of our fellow seafarers held captive by pirates ashore and off the coast of Somalia. They hope for release - get involved to reduce the trauma they and their families suffer.

OFF TO SEA

2011-10-04T09:24:00.002-04:00

Some of the Japan Fisheries Agency vessels which could possibly escort the Japan Whaling Fleet

The NAUTICAL LOG Press Release folder held a report from BBC NEWS Asia-Pacific that the Japanese are off whaling again this season 2010-2011.

Titled "Japan confirms whaling fleet to sail" it continues:
"Fisheries Minister Michiko Kano said extra ships would escort the fleet to the Antarctic to guard against harassment from anti-whaling activists."

Last year Japan cut short its whaling season because of harassment. Australia which is challenging Japan's whaling in the International Court condemned the announcement.

"There is widespread concern in the international community at Japan's programme and widespread calls for it to cease" Foreign Minister Kevin Rudd said.

There has been a ban on commercial whaling for 25 years but it is poorly enforced - including by Australia which does not even patrol its own Southern Ocean Whale Sanctuary - leaving it up to the Sea Shepherd Conservation Society (SSCS) to do so. Japan catches about 1000 whales each season under the guise of a "scientific research program".

Mr. Kano continued in his announcement "Japan will conduct the research whaling while strengthening measures against acts of sabotage, including Fisheries Agency escort ships."

The SSCS has already announced they will organize anti-whaling activism under their "Operation Divine Wind " which if it is anything like last years operation will be mainly hot air. The aging and according to SSCS internal reports unwell 'Wats-his-name' is a recognised expert at dramatically worded hot air reports.

Good Watch

Please remember the 400 of our fellow seafarers held captive by pirates. Let us work for their freedom together.

AMAZING

2011-10-03T18:10:00.000-04:00

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The bored to death conference group

Frankly NAUTICAL LOG is irritated and at the same time amazed by the number of meetings, conferences, programs and reports the piracy situation generates. Surely these people have better things to do and surely they must be embarrassed by all these phony political performances.

The latest is a conference to develop a new programme to help seafarers and their families cope with the physical and mental trauma caused by being captured by pirates. The deplorable behaviour they go through as a result includes phone calls to these families.

Recently there was a conference of security companies in Switzerland which produced a Code which we addressed in a recent Post. In turn this produced an article by a security company planning to 'cash-in' on the situation aboard ships transiting the Horn of Africa sea area. The proposal was totally ridiculous and showed virtually no knowledge of the maritime industry, maritime law or the operation of ships.

If all the monies spent on these meetings, conferences, reports et cetera, et cetera was made available for an 'extreme prejudice' operation to be mounted we just might get some effective results. This would resolve the crews and their families trauma by releasing the crews and at the same time getting rid permanently of the pirates. But no the wonderful socialist European Union just has its meetings, conferences, reports et cetera which is what that type of administration always does - talk, more talk, with little or no action.

Good Watch

Meanwhile the 400 of our fellow seafarers remain as captives of pirates both ashore and off the coast of Somalia.

WHATS IN A NAME - AGAIN

2011-10-02T20:10:00.003-04:00

Some more "Mystical" sea terms;

A-Burton Stowage of casks with their axis athwartships.

Arse An old term for the fall side of a block, also called the choke.

Baldheaded Rig A gaff-rigged schooner with no topmasts.

By and Large A vessel that is a good sailer on all points.

Corposant A ball or streak of lightening sometimes seen aloft, caused by static electricity.

Dog-and-Bitch Thimble A specially shaped thimble to allow a block to be brought up close to a fitting.

Ephemeris An astronomical almanac containing data on celestial bodies.

Felloe The segments a wooden ship's wheel is made-up from.

Golliwobbler The nickname of a large main staysail used in a schooner in light winds.

Gundalow A small boat used as a riverine gunboat.

Good Watch

Lets not forget our 400 fellow seafarers held captive by pirates ashore and off the coast of Somalia.

WHATS IN A NAME?

2011-10-02T16:59:00.004-04:00

Sometimes terms are used in the maritime world which are no longer suitable for use due to changes in the society in which we live.

At present there has been a Media stirred up controversy about the name of a hunting camp used by Gov. Perry's family in Texas. Mr. Herman Cain called the name insensitive - today is so considered. We shall not quote it here but refer readers to "Origins of Sea Terms" ISBN 0-913372-31-5 by John G. Rogers page 120 (fourth word down) published by Mystic Seaport Museum.

However all parties concerned may be interested to know that the name is a sea term given to the "gipsy head" on a winch or windlass aboard ship or a large single bollard ashore for a mooring rope eye. The American term was never used in Europe as we always used gipsy head or bollard.

Working with tugs in the United States however NAUTICAL LOG has heard the term used in the distant past by tug and barge crew.

Of course with the Media always looking for the worst in people's lives, rather than good points, no doubt considerable effort and research went into finding and developing this issue which in and of itself is pointless.

Good Watch

What is NOT pointless is working towards the release of 400 of our fellow seafarers held captive by pirates in deplorable conditions ashore and off the coast of Somalia. Perhaps the Media could raise that subject with the candidates.

MARITIME INSECURITY

2011-09-30T20:14:00.000-04:00

As regular readers of NAUTICAL LOG know we are very concerned about piracy and our fellow seafarers held captive. It might even be said we are quite obsessed, indeed this could well be true, better that than ignoring the campaign to free them like other maritime themed blogs.

FTS logo

So when another maritime themed blog Marine Cafe Blog (which is currently blocked for some reason) has an article about the piracy it lands on our desk via the Press Release Folder. One that came to light today was as a result of a Conference in Switzerland which produced the International Code of Conduct for Private Security Service Companies (ICoC). One of the firms guided by this is FTS Marine Security www.ftsmarsec.com/ a State of Florida licensed company. They were invited to write an article published in another maritime themed blog, it was written by a James M. Canning Sr. By using the link one can visit and read the article which NAUTICAL LOG is not going to publish other than raise some points.

James M. Canning Sr. FTS Company President

To say that Mr. Canning has little or no knowledge of maritime affairs is putting it mildly. According to the website data his background is Army National Guard training with service in Iraq with the U.S. Army National Guard. His profession seems to be that of a Correctional Officer/Prison Guard. How this translates to maritime affairs is not explained but his own remarks indicate complete lack of understanding of even the basics of maritime law.

Amongst other extraordinary remarks he suggests that the International Maritime Organisation (IMO) set up Courts to bring pirates to Trial. Apparently he is unaware that there are in place both National and International Maritime Courts to do just that. Continuing on this theme he suggests that there could be "security vessels" flying their own company logo flag (known in the maritime world as a House flag) and the IMO flag. In the light of 60 years as a seafarer NAUTICAL LOG is not aware that the IMO registers vessels or can legally do so - as to this IMO Flag State we are bewildered!! Perhaps Mr. Canning would be kind enough to explain this to us.

The UN-IMO flag

He would do well to contact a United States Coast Guard Legal Officer who will explain International vessel registry to him. He could also use the guidance of a really good maritime law firm - he has a great deal to learn about the maritime world before he starts trying to secure it.

The rest of the points raised in his article you will have to read for yourselves. Mr. Canning seems to be a fellow resident of the Sunshine State of Florida as his security company license and firearms training are under the laws of the State of Florida.

This is perhaps a prime example of amateurs developing businesses when National Governments and International Maritime Authorities shirk their legal duties to their Citizens.

Good Watch

And yes the pirates still hold 400 of our fellow seafarers captive both ashore and off the coast of Somalia.

FRIDAY JOTTINGS

2011-09-30T08:07:00.000-04:00

No more ears or tail

This has been a sad week in Catalonia as last Sunday the last bullfight to be held. Thanks to the animal-rights activists bullfighting has finished in Barcelona. The activists were outside the Ring celebrating with sparkling wine. So far there are not activists preventing wine making as cruel behaviour to grapes - but stick around, in the European Union someone will get to that also. There were of course some differences of opinion and the Police had to break up some fights between the aficionados and the wine drinking activists. Of course in all this nobody has asked the bulls how they felt - too much bullshit no doubt!

Piracy continues

All is well with this growth industry on both the West African coast and the Horn of Africa. In addition the pirates seem to be striking further south as they have been active in the Mozambique Channel. Expansion is a sign of business success and no doubt the percentages were transferred to those financing these scumbags and to those in the maritime industry turning a Nelson's eye. Why not - besides making weekly reports which are published in other nautical themed blogs, but not by NAUTICAL LOG who really cares about us seafaring second class citizens.

It was good to see the human element addressed in a Post in gCAPTAIN on Thursday, which in the confused world of the United Nations celebrated World Maritime Day on September 29, 2011 but had listed it for September 22, 2011. Seems par-for-the-course of the UN.

Well NAUTICAL LOG does and will after each and every Post make a statement - when the captives come home someday we shall have done the best we can to help that happen. Going to be a good feeling!!

More great names

The Chinese successfully launched this week their first space lab module named Tiangong-1or Heavenly Palace-1. So now we have the Peace Ark heading for the Caribbean while the Heavenly Palace-1 circles above in space. Fascinating meld of old world China and 21st. Century technology

Not Again!

Yes indeed - in the case of the loss of the STV Concordia on February 20, 2010 the Transportation Safety Board of Canada has found poor training the root cause. The "Duty Officer" (OOW?) failed to notice the weather effect on the vessel and her heeling both of which eventually caused a knock-down of the vessel and her loss.

This is pattern in sail training which needs immediate addressing and correction by the Association of Sail Training Organisations (ASTO) and the individual National Sail Training Organisations. TSB Canada also stated that clear International standards need to be put in place. However NAUTICAL LOG considers these are already in place - they are called "Certificates of Competency" these must be required to be held by STV Officers and displayed on board all STV's for public examination.

In the case of STV Concordia it would seem there as little or considerable lack of, stability knowledge an examination in that subject is included in the Certificates of Competency examinations. A clear understanding and the application of, the vessel's "Stability Book" must be known to all STV Officers.

NAUTICAL LOG would therefore urge all operators of Sail Training Vessels and their Organisation to thoroughly review the qualifications of their Masters and Officers in Stability knowledge. Their understanding of the "Stability Book", its correct usage and their ability to make the necessary calculations. Another STV incident might just be averted.

Not again 2!

Never fails does it - the SSCS has announced today that they are off to the Southern Ocean to save the whales again this season to oppose the JWF with "Operation Divine Wind ". They should know that the kamakazi in WW2 were not really that successful overall as an operation. But that fits in with what the SSCS have been doing these last whaling seasons - farting about without really accomplishing anything constructive!!

Good Watch

We would remind our fellow mariners that 400 of us are held captive by pirates ashore and off the coast of Somalia. While those Catalan bulls are now protected nobody cares a jot about the seafarers.

FARCE

2011-09-28T15:49:00.001-04:00

Kilo Class

Vosper Marine frigate

coastal supply ship

In the news today is that of the Iranian Navy which is possibly planning a series of "patrols" along the East Coast of the United States and entering the Gulf of Mexico.

Well now it is quite possible to suppose they could actually accomplish this but rather unlikely. The vessels that would be used would be their Kilo Class submarines consisting of :

Tareq 901 built 1992
Noor 902 built 1993
Yunes 903 built 1997

In turn these could be supported by the British Vosper Marine frigates:

Alvand 71 built 1971
Alborz 72 built 1971
Sabalam 73 built 1972
Jamaran 76 built in Iran 2010

There are a jumble of other vessels acquired from several different countries all of which require differing spare parts and training to operate them. Also there are reversed engineered Iranian built vessels. It is hard to assess the level of training and the overall skills of the Officers and crews of these vessels. It seems reasonable to NAUTICAL LOG to suspect that it is not of a high calibre and very unlikely to be of the level for extensive ocean voyaging. Certainly it is extremely unlikely that the Iranian Navy currently has the skills to patrol the East Coast of the United States and enter the Gulf of Mexico.

The word "FARCE" is defined as "a style of comedy marked by broad humour and extravagant wit; ridiculous or empty show" it just might be that FARSI is the current language of "ridiculous or empty show."

However having said all that remember how the Chinese quickly and rather efficiently built, trained and manned a large coastal and ocean Navy. But even they do not "patrol" the East Coast and enter the Gulf of Mexico unless invited - at least not yet.

Good Watch.

Once again we draw attention to the 400 of our fellow seafarers held captive by pirates both ashore and off the coast of Somalia. One day they will be released and NAUTICAL LOG will be proud to have done our bit to achieve that release - care to join us other nautical themed blogs?

FOUND

2011-09-27T19:49:00.003-04:00

S.S. Gairsoppa

Recent Sonar picture

KptLt. Ernst MENGERSON U-101

An ocean exploring organisation has found the wreck of a British-India Line vessel lost in WW2. The vessel was on passage from India via South Africa to the United Kingdom. The S.S. Gairsoppa (Captain Gerald Hyland) was a British cargo ship travelling in convoy but had to leave due to fuel shortage. The decision was made to proceed to Galway in Ireland, a neutral port during WW2, to seek assistance. In the approximate position 50.00 N. 14.00W. she was spotted by the German submarine U-101 (MENGERSON) torpedoed and sunk with only one crew surviving. NAUTICAL LOG understands this was the 2nd. Officer.

What makes this vessel of particular interest is that amongst her cargo of tea and iron ingots there was a large shipment of silver ingots worth a considerable fortune today. Her British Officers are listed on the Tower Hill Merchant Navy War Memorial and her Indian crew on the Bombay and Chittagong Indian Merchant Navy War Memorials.

Good Watch

Still being held captive in deplorable conditions are 400 of our fellow seafarers both ashore and off the coast of Somalia. Little or nothing is being done to rescue them.

NAMIBIAN OMBUDSMAN

2011-09-25T17:52:00.000-04:00

The Seal Representitive of Namibia asleep during presentations

The letter Namibia produced and sent to Stakeholders

Ombudsman John R. Walters of Namibia with SSCS attendees

Here is a photo of the Namibian Representitive "hard at work" during the recent Seal Conference. Afterwards the Namibian Ombudsman produced and transmitted to Stakeholders the above letter.

Is this how a modern African Nation "works" politically?

Good Watch

While it is all well and good to be concerned for the seals 400 of our fellow seafarers languish in deplorable conditions as captives of pirates both ashore and off the coast of Somalia. Is anyone EVER going to do something about their release - like using extreme prejudice to do so?

KEY WEST FLORIDA "DESTROYED"

2011-09-24T11:42:00.000-04:00

The "Quiet Warrior" himself at Pearl Harbor, HI 1943

USS Spruance DDG111 at Key West, FL September 23, 2011.

Relax, relax it is still there but that caught your attention right!

Key West was for several decades a Navy town, after the Navy left except for the Key West Naval Air Station they still have a Coast Guard Base and the Navy visits. However it is a cruise and tourist town nowadays.

On Friday September 23, 2011 the Destroyer USS Spruance DDG111 arrived for a visit and her commissioning on Saturday October 01, 2011. USS Spruance DDG 111 is the 61st. Arleigh-Burke-Class guided missile destroyer building of the Class started in the 1980's the vessels have a 40 year life expectancy.

With the demise of "Don't ask Don't tell" what better place than Key West, it is an open town that welcomes all tourists and has something for everyone. However the vessel's welcome to Key West was not quite perfect and a little thoughtless. She was assisted alongside by two local tugs which did not cover their black bumpers with white cloths as they do for the cruise ships when they are assigned to assist them. The result was black rubber marks on the pristine grey hull. The Navy crew were soon overside cleaning those off - bet the tug crews got an earful - maybe they should buy the "Quiet Warriors" a few cases of beer.

After her commissioning the USS Spruance DDG111 will depart Key West, call at Ports in Columbia, Mexico, and transit the Panama Canal on her way to her homeport of San Diego, CA. Later once the vessel and crew are fully trained and 'up-to-standard' she will be assigned to an overseas fleet.

Somewhat unusual these days with security concerns the vessel will be open to the public from 1300 to 1600 today Saturday September 24, and again on Friday September 30, 2011.

Good Watch

This could be a strong addition to the Persian Gulf Fleet as she could be used to protect seafarers some 400 of whom are held captive by pirates both ashore and off the coast of Somalia.

FIRST DAY OF FALL

2011-09-23T08:30:00.000-04:00

Chart and Publications production graphic

NOAA Charts

There is a change in the production of NOAA charts and publications as can be seen in the graphic above. What this means in practical terms to seafarers is that the system now speeds chart updates to users, presents opportunities for private industry development of products and improves data exchange for multiple maritime uses. As a result of the new system Coast Survey can now produce more navigational products with flexible access to data and without an increased cost.

The new system went to work this month and the transition of data covering all U.S. Waters will take several years. Under the new system cartographers will enter the same data for a single system producing both paper charts and electronic charts. At present there are two different systems for producing these charts. The chart production will thus be increased as the transition progresses.

USNS JHSV

MSC Joint high-Speed Vessel (JHSV)

USNS Spearhead the Navy's first of 10 (3 are optional), high-speed vessel has (JHSV) been christened and is under the Command of CAPT. Douglas D. Casavant, Jr. USNS. With a civilian crew of 22 she will be engaged in fleet support transporting troops and equipment. JHSV's are aluminum catamarans 338 feet OA designed to be fast, flexible and maneuverable in shallow waters as well as deep sea.

Flag Change

Two vessels now preparing for their maiden voyages under the Marshall Islands Flag will in November 2011 complete the process to change to the U.S.Flag. They are the MS Maersk Illinois and MS Maersk Texas these 19,00DWT vessels are capable of lifting 480 metric tonnes with their cranes combined.

PLAN Daishandao - Peace Ark

Harmonious Mission 2011

You gotta love the Chinese for these names!! The Peoples Liberation Army Navy (PLAN) Hospital Ship Daishandao also known by its civilian name Peace Ark has sailed from China bound for the Caribbean. She will visit, one presumes to offer medical care and comfort, to several countries such as Cuba, Jamaica, Trinidad & Tobago, and Costa Rica. So keep your eyes open for this splendid ship when in the Caribbean between now and Christmas.

Piracy Continues

As a growth industry the weekly reports on piracy show it continues unabated, the personnel go unpunished and it is increasing. With the industry success off the Horn of Africa the Malacca Straits and the West Coast of Africa is picking up nicely. Just maybe someone will get as pissed-off as NAUTICAL LOG is about it all and activate extreme prejudice to deal with these scumbags.

Good Watch.

We are still hopeful that an attempt to rescue the 400 of our fellow seafarers, held captive by pirates both ashore and off the coast of Somalia in deplorable conditions, will be put into effect. Note we are not encouraged but just hopeful.

FRIDAY UPDATE

2011-09-16T08:00:00.003-04:00

It is hard to believe that a week has gone by since we wrote our 'EDITORIAL'. This is a method of expressing our opinion on a purely personal basis that we shall be using more in the future. Also we have gone through both MY BLOG LIST and MY LINK LIST as a result a few websites have been transferred or edited out altogether. One maritime themed blog in particular has been edited from MY BLOG LIST and removed from NAUTICAL LOG altogether.

The Price to Pay

The Blog in question started out addressing issues with regard to the Philippine Maritime Industry, which it calls "the seafarer factory" and many times was quite courageously critical. Of course it was probably too good to last!! Bucking the powerful and indeed dangerous Philippine Maritime Mafia one can only go so far. Sure enough there was silence for a few weeks - then suddenly they published again from a "new location". However there is now a difference in the tone of their Posts. With Post comments from the also locally based their regular toady commentator they are now very anti-American. Is this the price that had to be paid to the PMM to survive? Be careful of Philippine coffee it has a bitter taste - the comments that go with it are cheap, and shoddy.

Of course one is quite free to express any views one has in whatever manner and equally one is quite free to choose not to publish them or a link to those views. We at NAUTICAL LOG have chosen not to contribute to their anti-American views and those of their toady commentator BC.

Marine Incidents

MS Spice Islander

MS Nordlys

Two accidents occurred this week both with loss of life. The Tanzanian ferry with heavy losses will in the culture of the area not really be investigated and absolutely nothing will be done or change. The other in Norway will be fully and correctly dealt with by professional Maritime Authority in the culture of that area. There is no point to in the first and no need to in the second for NAUTICAL LOG to comment further.

Piracy

This being one of the world's more successful industries it has been revived with success in West Africa. Kidnapping the crew and stealing a tanker - but then who cares, seafarers are only counted as second class citizens (if we are lucky) so we do not really matter.

Celestial Navigation 101

After our experience as described in 'The Price to Pay' we are a little reluctant to recommend any Blogs. However STRAIT OF MAGELLAN seems genuine enough and the series they have started suggests a visit will be interesting and worthwhile to those wanting to know about Navigation. Perhaps one should give them a try.

Crew Training

Along with several other maritime themed blogs NAUTICAL LOG has posted on this subject several times. The latest is concern that with today's sophisticated engine-rooms many countries are unable to train engineers to the level now required. Considering recent Posts regarding the deplorable training conditions within the Philippine 'seafarer factory system' by locally based Blogs plus the scathing reports from the Europeans this is a country quite unable to train engineers for modern engine-rooms. India on the other hand seems quite able to handle both the training of engineers and doing the job itself.

Finally an updated format is being considered so there may be some minor changes in layout and believe it or not NAUTICAL LOG has gone mobile.

Good Watch.

The acts of piracy continue to occur on the coast of West Africa and the Horn of Africa. 400 of our fellow seafarers are held captive by pirates in deplorable conditions. We are only second class citizens but still it would be nice for them to be rescued and home with their families.