NAUTICAL LOG

Something quite different from NAUTICAL LOG this time.  My mother always had a camera with her when we went anywhere.  It was a " box " Brownie Kodak camera and she had been taking photos since childhood.  Going through some of them to build an album NAUTICAL LOG came across a rather unique photo of one of Ireland's wandering workmen a " spailpín  fánach " in our Gaelic language.   Life in Ireland when my mother was growing up was quite difficult and not made any easier by the rather vicious laws imposed by the British Administration.  The life of an itinerant farm worker into the 20th. Century was particularly harsh.  Hard physical work, low wages and maltreatment by landowners ( not always the British ones unfortunately ) had to be endured.  Even the word from Gaelic "s pailpín " means a low person or one of poor character.  Both men and women could be found wandering the countryside looking for work and carrying a colle...

When navigation rules were originally developed amongst seafarers the vessels were sailing ships so that when steam-driven vessels came on the scene Rules had to be developed to cover them also.  At London's Trinity House the issue was addressed and this resulted in the British Parliament passing the Steam Navigation Act of 1846 .  Other Nations adopted these Trinity House Rules which became known as the International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea .  They have been reviewed and changed several times over the years 1972, 1981 amendments took effect in 1989 and the latest International Amendments in 1993 which came into Maritime Law in 1995 . Two definitions were found to be necessary when two power-driven vessels meet one is designated the " give-way vessel " and the other the " stand-on vessel ". International: Rule 16:   Defines the action to be taken by the Give-way Vessel. Rule 17:   Defines the action by the Stand-on Vessel. ...

As the Series continues on with Section II of the Steering and Sailing Rules we now come to what most of us are involved with that is power-driven vessels.  The International and Inland Rules differ here so be careful when learning them. International: Rule 14:   Addresses the " head-on situation " when two power-driven vessels meet.  There are three (3) points that guide you in the correct procedure to follow. Rule 15:   Addresses the " crossing situation " when two power-driven vessels meet. Inland: Rule 14:   The " head-on situation" has four (4) points to guide boat operators.  Point (d) addresses the upbound and downbound vessels and who has the "right-of-passage". Rule 15:   The " crossing situation " has two points to guide the boat operator and point (d) addresses " ascending and descending " vessels on the river.  ( Guess they got bored using upbound and downbound!!) Tip: We have several more of the St...

The BTR Series now comes to Section II of the Steering and Sailing Rules which covers Conduct of Vessels in Sight of One Another. International: Rule 11:   States that this section applies to vessels in sight of one another.  This is done for legal definition. Rule 12:   Instructs how two sailing vessels should conduct themselves if risk of collision is involved in accordance with the wind direction.  This is somewhat complex if you are not a sailor so careful study is needed. Rule 13:   Covers overtaking and has four (4) points to guide mariners.  Point (a) refers to the Rules of Part B, Sections I and II. Inland: Rule 11:   States the legal definition of this Section under Inland Rules. Rule 12:   Is the same as for the International Rules. Rule 13:    Covers overtaking and has four (4) points to guide mariners BUT point (a) refers to Rules 4 through 18 of the Inland Rules.    Be careful to understand the di...

The following M-Notices are now available at www.dft.gov.uk/mca .  If you experience any difficulties contact 023 8032 9391. MIN 478 (M)   Amendments to the International Convention on Load Lines, 1966, as modified by Protocol of 1988. MIN 480 (M)   New Requirements for Security Training for Shipboard Personnel MIN 483 (M)   Written examination dates 2014/2015: Deck and engineer officers (Merchant Navy) MIN 484 (M)   Written examination dates 2014/2015: Engineer officers (yachts and sail training vessels) MGN 506 (M) Navigation: Deep-Sea Pilotage in the North Sea, English Channel and the Skagerrak Good Watch.

Here we introduce something new it is Rule 10 which applies to Traffic Separation Schemes .  NAUTICAL LOG is quite sure many perhaps most of you know nothing about them.  Introduced due to the increasing  traffic in the Dover Strait between France and England, the crossing high speed ferries all in addition to fishing vessels from every country in Europe.        In 1967 the first scheme was approved and laid out on the Dover Strait chart.  From then on the schemes grew rapidly and by the end of the 20th. Century just about every Port and every strait had a traffic separation scheme.  Off the Ports they usually involve the Pilotage berthing area and they are laid in a roundabout form.  It is of course necessary to have a navigational chart of the area to see how the scheme works and very necessary to follow the rules of the Traffic Separation Schemes in Rule 10. International: Rule 10:   There are twelve (12) point...

Refer to your copy of the NAVIGATION RULES and open it at Rule 9 which covers Narrow Channels.  Mostly these narrow channels are in Inland Waters and those sailing on the oceans are not much affected by them.  However to get to the open seas means leaving the confines of the Marina and travelling through " narrow channels".  Both the International and Inland Rules cover these in detail. International: Rule 9:   Instructs that a vessel proceeding along a narrow channel shall keep to the starboard (right) side of the channel.  There are seven (7) points to learn and follow some of which address sound signals which must be made. Inland: Rule 9:   Similar to the International Rule 9 the Inland Rule gives more detail in the first of the seven (7) points.  (a) has a long paragraph about power-driven vessels operating on the Great Lakes, Western Rivers or waters specified by Secretary ( this has a specific legal meaning ).  For those of you...

Rule 8 is the Steering and Sailing Rule that tells boat operators how to avoid collision with another vessel.  Using your copy of the NAVIGATION RULES you should study them carefully and become fully familiar with the actions to take. International: Rule 8:   States that any action taken to avoid collision must be taken in accordance with these Rules.  Therefore you must read, know, understand and follow these Rules to avoid a collision.  There are six (6) points that will instruct you as what action to take when meeting other vessels. Inland: Rule 8:   States exactly the same instructions as to what action to take to avoid collision. Tips: There are quite a few things to remember to bring to and check in the boat before setting off.  It is a good idea to prepare a checklist, seal it in plastic, keep one at home and another handy aboard so that you do not forget anything.  The person who is operating the boat has the respo...

Rule 7 of the Steering and Sailing Rules addresses Risk of Collision which when you think about it is a continual situation when underway in boating. International: Rule 7:   The boat operator must use every means available to assess the risk of collision.  If in doubt about a particular situation then risk of collision must be deemed to exist.  The Rule lists four (4) points to guide your assessment. Inland: Rule 7:   States uses exactly the same wording as one might expect.  Remember when boating inland there is usually much less room to manoeuvre your boat. You may have to slow down or even stop to allow tugs and tows to manoeuvre around river bends. Tips: Always carry and learn how to use a First Aid kit. Learn to use Tidal Current Tables, remember while the Range ( low to high ) of a tide may not be too great the current can still be quite strong. As you advance in boating knowledge learn how to navigate by plotting your position on the c...

Continuing the series of the Steering and Sailing Rules  and some tips. Travelling too fast on the water can quickly get boat operators into trouble.  International: Rule 6:   Every vessel shall at all times proceed at a safe speed so that she can take proper and effective action to avoid collision.  It then goes on to list six (6) points that will help to assess that safe speed.  In addition it lists a further six (6) points for vessels that have operational radar. Rule 7:   Every vessel shall be able to access if risk of collision exists and which vessel must be the first to react  to the situation.  It includes the use of radar information. Inland: Rule 6:   Again the Inland Rules address this same issue in the same manner. Rule 7:   Once again the Inland Rules say the same thing and make the same points of responsibility. Tips: Before leaving the dock file a Float Plan , there is usually a box at the Harbor or D...

In this the first of the series we shall look at the Steering and Sailing Rules which instruct vessels in sight of each other how to conduct themselves.  You should now open your copy of the NAVIGATION RULES COMTINST ,  read and understand the actual wording.    International: Rule 4:   States that these Rules always apply. Rule 5:   States that you must always keep a proper look-out. Inland: Rule 4:   States that these Rules always apply. Rule 5:   States that you must always keep a proper look-out. So there is the message for all boating in all waters follow the Rules and keep fully alert to what is happening around you. Tips: If you are the boat operator ALWAYS wear your lifejacket as there will not be time for you to put it on and look after other persons in the boat if something does go wrong.  Of course all children should have their jackets in CHILD size and be wearing them.  NAUTICAL ...

Quoting from CHAPMAN " Piloting & Seamanship " - If every skipper knew the " Rules of the Road " as they should, it would do much to bring calm to what can otherwise be chaotic situations. With the Memorial Day Weekend coming up the boating season will get into full swing.  Unfortunately, in spite of the best efforts of the USCG and the various States Safe Boating organizations, there will be incidents some of which will be fatal.  Boating under the influence (BUI) is a leading cause of these incidents often coupled with lack of nautical knowledge. In support of Federal and State Educational and Safety Boating efforts NAUTICAL LOG is starting a series which will give Boating Tips and cover the NAVIGATION RULES COMDTINST M16672 (latest edition) Steering and Sailing Rules for International and Inland Waters - yes there ARE differences between them - these must be known, understood and followed to avoid incidents.  There are also differences b...

This month saw the commissioning into the Irish Naval Service of a new Class of Irish Naval vessel more of the Frigate size than the previously Corvette size.  However they are all classed as Patrol vessels, the new vessel is LÉ Samuel Beckett P61. NAUTICAL LOG wishes her well and a successful service.               LÉ  Samuel Beckett P61  The older vessels saw unbelievable service and value for money the first being commissioned in 1979 and continued through the '80's and 90's into the 21st. Century.  During those years in addition to patrolling the stormy seas around the rugged Irish coast they made passages across the Western Ocean to the United States and Canada, south to South America as far as Argentina, and east to Asia as far as Korea.  Such passages are really remarkable for such small vessels and show the competence of Irish seafarers who as Naval Officers and Merchant Marine Office...

UPDATE: On Tuesday the County Commission eliminated from contention the Port of Miami publicly owned site for a soccer stadium.  This came about during a discussion for the future of Port development.  Now it remains to get rid of the "stupider" site. Both the County Government of Miami-Dade County and the City of Miami seem to be living up to their reputations of being barely competent and self-aggrandizement, with incidents of corruption. In the " Miami Herald " this morning was a headline " Boat slip top soccer choice " which went on to state that the retired British soccer player and his local business partners had finally got the message from the Miami Seaport Alliance that a soccer stadium at a seaport was idiotic and not going to happen.  Now we have to remove them from this latest choice which will mean filling in a " boat slip " which is actually a berth for visiting naval vessels and overflow cruise ships. ( see the map attached...

Realizing that some of my nautical library needed updating a visit to the bookshop was called for and  NAUTICAL LOG ended up with a new edition of Chapman Piloting and Seamanship .  It is always interesting reading and amongst many useful knowledge reminders was the importance of local knowledge - how true indeed. Here in South Florida and most particularly Miami-Dade County which is 65% Hispanic local knowledge in recreational boating is very different.  For those of you now preparing your boats after the northern winter, anything north of Lake Okeechobee is " northern " to us here!!  Perhaps your cruising will bring you to Miami and the Keys - some surprises await. You may see recreational boats travelling at speed and though they will have the proper Florida registration letters on their bow flying large Cuban flags.  No it is not a terrorist raid by some followers of the Castro brothers it is most likely the locals celebrating their National Origin...

While this is largely a local issue NAUTICAL LOG was involved with the original development of the site at issue.  We have added a link in our Blog List to the Miami Seaport Alliance , a visit to their website will explain the purposes of their organization. A retired British soccer/football player has formed a business partnership with local South Florida business people.  The idea is to bring a professional soccer team to Miami-Dade County, FL.  Various sites have been discussed but for some reason unknown to NAUTICAL LOG the site most put forward is one at the south-west corner of the Port of Miami.  It would be hard to find a more unsuitable site in the entire County.  This retired British soccer player is not an American Citizen - at least not yet - he has been critical of our way of life and thinks we should at least in Miami-Dade County leap into the 21st. Century by having a Major League Soccer team with him at the head of i...

Amongst the News Reports which land on my desk each morning was one very good piece of maritime news from the " Irish Times ".    In Houston, TX this week a contract will be signed with Chevron for the National Maritime College of Ireland (NMCI) www.nmci.ie to train all their junior Deck Officers and Engineer Officers.  Some 450 Officers from around the world will come to the College at Ringaskiddy County Cork.  The NMCI currently trains Merchant Navy Officers from both Ireland and other countries in addition to training the Irish Naval Service Officers and Ratings in their non-military disciplines. This new agreement shows the high regard in which the NMCI is held by international maritime ship operators.  As a result of this agreement it is expected that the NMCI will expand in both training equipment and living quarters. Good Watch.

As the Korean investigators arrest anyone they can find who were crew in the Korean ferry and involved in its operation the relevant Minister of the Korean Government has stated that a complete review of operating procedures and safety protocols will be conducted.  One might ask - by whom? A spokesperson for the Korean Register of Shipping stated that the organization does not have authority over coastal shipping.  If not who does?  The ferry was overloaded and basically unstable which latter was the responsibility of the KRS when the shipyard work was completed and before that work was done to review the plans for the conversion.  This might be a " heads-up " for all maritime authorities internationally before we have another similar accident.  The latest was a DFDS French flagged ferry fire at Dover, England after the passengers had disembarked.  It was successfully extinguished by the ships fire-fighting team   Here in the United...