________________________________________________________________

 

 

_______________________________________________________________

 

 

It appears that the Littoral Combat Ship program has a few detractors.  One comment: "...ill-suited for combat operations against anything but small, fast boats not armed with anti-ship missiles."  The cost per vessel has risen from $220 million to $440 million with a projected purchase of 52!  With a 104 foot beam, it is said that it poses "...a challenge in narrow waterways and tight harbors." Take a look and you be the judge!  See SPENDING.

 

5/19/13

______

 

 

A must see article for anyone with a TWIC.  The study to evaluate the effectiveness of the TWIC is interesting.  Additional references appear at the end of the article.  See TWIC.

 

5/19/13

______

 

 

The Artemis pitchpoled during a practice run for the America's Cup in San Francisc resulting in the death of olympic sailing medalist, Andrew Simpson.  The 72 foot catamaran carried a 131 foot carbon wing sail and was capable of 40 knots.  See GUSTY AND 15-20 KNOTS.

 

5/19/13

______

 

 

The Captain of the COSTA CONCORDIA was dealt a legal setback in his plea.  Four other officers and the COSTA CRUISES Crisis Coordinator had their pleas accepted.  Captain Schettino will have his day in court.  See SCHETTINO.

 

5/19/13

______

 

 

Probably should spend more time boating.  This is an announcement which you should save for next winter!  The one-day roundtrip between Port Everglades and Grand Bahama will be easier now.  Arrival back to Port Everglades is changing. See TAKE ME TO THE BAHAMAS.

 

5/19/13

______

 

 

The first is a story of a DUCK on fire and the second is a job offer.  Don't quite know how the USCG license might be helpful?  See DUCK ON FIRE and LOOKING FOR A DUCKCAPTAIN.

 

5/7/13

_____

 

 

The latest report on tracking ship-borne invasive species conducted by scientists in the UK and Germany. Where are the most likely destinations and what is the overall impact?  See

TRACKING THE INVASIVES.

 

5/7/13

_____

 

 

Which is best for you?  Is either?  What are the differences when you purchase one or the other?  This is definitely a read for anyone contemplating buying a business.  See LLC.

 

5/7/13

_____

 

 

Italy has agreed to accept a $1.3 million settlement for the groiunding of the Concordia.  Other legal issues i.e. Captain responsibility, passenger claims have not been resolved.  See MILLIONS.

 

4/10/13

______

 

 

She hopped the fence and tried to sail away!  The Scripps Research Ship had a complement of crew ... asleep!  See DID YOU POST A WATCH?

 

4/10/13

______

 

 

A marina renter is concerned that someone else pays less for the same size slip.  Do they have a legal grounds for receiving a reduced rate because of discrimination?  See YOUR RIGHTS.

 

4/10/13

______

 

 

A near drowning on a Disney Cruise raises the question.  Are warning signs enough?  See DEBATE ON CHILD SAFETY. 

 

4/10/13

______

 

 

The Environmental Protection Agency has modified reporting requirements but strengthened anti-invasive species regulations.  See EPA.

 

4/05/13

______

 

 

VIDEO taken of the Carnival Triumph as it is blown free of its mooring.  See ANOTHER EPISODE.

 

4/05/13

______

 

 

The parbuckling project for the CONCORDIA continues.  This installment contains photos!  See PARBUCKLE.

 

4/05/13

______

 

 

The US Navy has a few job openings.  The leadership team has been removed!  Impact on skipper, XO, assistant navigator and officer of the watch.  See ASHORE. 

 

4/05/13

______

 

 

A new cruise ship was originally designed for Hannibal Gaddafi and included plans for 'sharks'.  See SALTWATER TANK.

 

3/31/13

______

 

 

The final section of the grounded vessel, Guardian, was removed by contractors and the U.S. Navy from the Tubbataha Reef.  See DEPARTURE.

 

3/31/13

______

 

 

Can a protest committee determine fault in a collision?  Maybe this has never happened to you but then again, maybe you want to keep a copy.  See ATTORNEY.

 

3/31/13

______

 

 

Don't look at this if you can't stand sailboats traveling at 40 knots!  The foils provide a new burst of speed.  See ORACLE.

 

3/25/13

______

 

 

Unless you are hanging in the tropics, you would probably like to take a look at some great pictures.  See SCENES TO REMEMBER.

 

3/22/13

______

 

 

The Jones Act governs commerce between the mainland United States and Puerto Rico. See FOREIGN V. DOMESTIC SHIPPING.

 

3/22/13

______

 

 

Oil for transport vessels is rising.  Here is a unique way to save money and arrive at your destination.  See HEY LOOK, NO ENGINES.

 

3/21/13

______

 

 

Have some GPS coordinates and wonder where they belong? Try this handy converter which can be read on Google maps.  See WHERE AM I?

 

3/15/13

______

 

 

Carnival is having a little issue.  It is hard to keep track of all of the problems. The study is still being written but we now know that there is no redundancy for some 'hotel' functions i.e. toilets and elevators.  See ADRIFT OR MOORED.  For an ongoing mariner forum on Carnival, see PLUGGED TOILETS.  Carnival is also being SUED.

 

3/15/13

______

 

 

The Supreme Court weighed in on the issue of house boats.  The question focused on the definition of a vessel, but we have to take a second look.  A tow has no mechanical power but it is a vessel.  Did they tow the houseboat and was it a vessel?  See ATTORNEY.

 

3/14/13

______

 

 

Don't miss your fix of great pictures and stories. This edition contains comments on WW II propaganda and films. See the latest MARITIME MONDAY.

 

3/14/13

______

 

 

Absolutely best review of novels about the sea!  Take a look and start your reading.  See GREATEST BOOK REVIEW.

 

3/07/13

______

 

 

A person who wanted to sell a yacht contracted with two brokers.  The second broker told the first to back off! The first has an offer, who receives the commission.  See ASK THE ATTORNEY.

 

3/06/13

______

 

 

Five Somali 'gentlemen' mistook the USS Ashland for a merchant vessel.  According to testimony: "The attack was quickly "handled" by the heavily armed crew of the Ashland who then appprehended the suspects and sank the skiffs."  See WHO IS SORRY NOW?

 

3/02/13

______

 

 

Chamber President, Pete Bardunias, shares his thoughts on the canal in the era of high transportation costs and a green environment.  Pete has been a strong advocate for boating and establishing a maritime presence at the Chamber since his arrival.  Businesses would be smart to support his efforts and come 'on board'.  The Chamber will have a booth at the Canal Fest (May 11, 2013 - Waterford) and at the Capital Region Maritime Center in Alplaus on July 13, 2013 for the Gateway Canal Fest. See FUTURE OF CANAL.

 

3/01/13

______

 

 

Our partner, Kevin, piloted Red Heart (J 24) to first place overall in the Wreckers Cup on February 24, 2013. "The vessels sailed with balmy winds blowing out of the south at 7-8 knots and moderate seas. Racers were helped at the start with an ebbing tide. The crews had the delight of dolphins leaping in their bow wakes under sunny skies." (The Key West Citizen)  The field consisted of 34 entries from 8 classes including multihulls, schooners (America 2.0 and Jolly II Rover) and monohulls over 40 feet!

 

Yes, Kevin will be back to teach and share his expertise in our Captain Option2 course beginning on April 13!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2/28/13

______

 

 

A major catastrophe was reported by the Chivas Brothers of Dumbarton, Scotland. Thousands of litres are gone! See CATASTROPHE FOR SAILORS.

 

2/28/13

______

 

 

Eight days of testimony have concluded concerning the sinking of the HMS Bounty. The link provided with this note allows the reader to review all of the reports.  The message is one that should not be missed on anyone interested in responsibility for a vessel on the water.  See RESPONSIBILITY FOR LIVES. 

 

2/26/13

______

 

 

Argument over WHO owns 'Gilligan's Island' used by "pot-smokers, partiers, poets and picknikers" just a short sail from Schooner Wharf (NAV-ED's Captain Kevin's winter sail instructor base!). The feds rented it for SEAL training, guess they didn't know the title was clear! See WISTERIA.

 

2/25/13

______

 

 

How much does a soccer ball-sized piece of ambergris fetch on the market?  See what the DOG FOUND.

 

2/25/13

______

 

 

Study of life after mariner careers conducted by a UK-based recruitment company.  See the best careers and locations.  UK-STUDY

 

2/25/13

______

 

 

The cast adrift cruise ship is working its way across the Atlantic Ocean.  See WHERE IS ORLOVA?

 

2/25/13

______

 

 

The comments about the testimony during the HMS Bounty hearings are difficult to read because of the number of issues on the vessel heading into the storm.  The article inludes links to other days of testimony which are similar but instructive. The HMS Bounty was considered a 'moored attraction vessel'!  See TRAINING.

 

2/19/13

______

 

 

I have a verbal offer on my boat but the 'buyer' decided to back down.  What legal recourse do I have?  See ATTORNEY.

 

2/19/13

______

 

 

A new word for us -- googan defined and a list of maritime 'formalities' that should be followed. Take a look at something which is pure fun. See GOOGAN.

 

2/11/13

______

 

 

NAV-ED Services Group of Ballston Lake, New York received approval to operate a new Captain course combining independent study with 4 eight hour class sessions.  The program is designed for individuals who want to complete the license sequence but have reduced time.  See NEW COURSE.

 

2/11/13

______

 

 

The USCG announced a civil penalty for a charter boat 'Captain' on Lake Champlain who continued to operate without a license after multiple warnings.  See SHOULD'VE HAD A LICENSE.

 

2/11/13

______

 

 

M/V Lyubov Orlova was under tow but is now abandoned east of Canada.  Salvage opportunities? See CRUISE TO NOWHERE.

 

2/07/13

______

 

 

The US Navy minesweeper which ran aground in the Philippines on January 17 will be 'hung up' for a little longer.  See AGROUND.

 

2/07/13

______

 

 

Check and see what the lawyers say about disclosing fire damage when selling a vessel.  Then take a look at whether a Captain is liable for negligent engine damage when working the owner's vessel.  See DAMAGE.

 

2/07/13

______

 

 

The USS Guardian is still hard aground on the reef.  See PHOTOS.

 

1/26/13

______________________________________

 

 

The race is coming to a conclusion!  Winner expected tomorrow. Take a look at the tracking results.  See VENDEE GLOBE.

 

1/26/13

______________________________________

 

 

The latest winner of the Gold-Headed Cane is the Mississauga Express!  The award was awarded on January 3, 2013 in Montreal.  See WHY?

 

1/24/13

______________________________________

 

 

The Panama Canal is undergoing a major reconstruction.  The Canal Authority is negotiating with participating parties concerning a new fee formula.  See FAIR FEE?

 

1/24/13

_______________________________________

 

 

The USCG responded to an EPIRB from the research vessel, Seaprobe.  Rescue was coordinated between two stations and resulted in 'rescue swimmers' in the water!  See RESCUE.

 

1/24/13

________________________________________

 

 

Questions were immediately raised when the passenger vessel came to a quick stop with resulting injuries.  What was the cause for the allision ... propulsion machinery or underwater obstruction? See REPORT.

 

1/24/13

_________________________________________

 

 

The USS Guardian is hard aground with the crew evacuated.  Take a look at the reef.  See USS GUARDIAN.    See TODAY'S STORY.

 

1/18/13

__________________________________________

 

 

 

The application, medical evaluation, evaluation of fitness for entry level ratings, small vessel sea service and periodic drug testing forms have been updated.  Submissions after April 30, 2013 must be made using the revised forms.  See UPDATED FORMS.

 

1/18/13

___________________________________________

 

 

Recent announcement (yesterday!) .... looking for a 50 ton Master with sail endorsement.  Attention NAV-ED graduates who want a summer gig in the sailing capital of the NorthEast!  See LOOKING FOR A CAPTAIN.

 

01/17/13

___________________________________________

 

 

This week the Supreme Court decided a case involving a Florida houseboat.  Is it a vessel and thus subject to maritime law or is is a house rental?  Interesting if you intend to live on a houseboat or if you like to follow Supreme Court decisions.  See SUPREME HOUSEBOAT.

 

01/17/13

____________________________________________

 

 

A NAVY minesweeper hit a reef!  The Finnish Captain was 'indisposed' during his adventure.  See NAVY and LOCKED IN.

 

01/17/13

____________________________________________

 

 

An empty raft came ashore.  Questions were raised about the passengers but the mystery was apparently solved! See CUBAN RAFT.

 

01/13/13

_____________________________________________

 

 

Enjoy a night at the movies .... See USCG VIDEOS.

 

01/13/13

______________________________________________

 

 

Comments on the memorial for the CONCORDIA.  See MIAMI HERALD.

 

01/13/13

_______________________________________________

 

 

The recovery is slower than projected.  Take a look at the latest pictures and update on the project.  See CONCORDIA.

 

01/13/13

_______________________________________________

 

 

The Kulluk is aground on Sitkelidak Island.  Why did Shell decide to move the rig when they did? See DECEMBER MOVE.

 

01/06/13

_______________________________________________

 

 

The life of a Mississippi River towboat Captain turned a little to the dark side when he was attacked by one of his crew!  He was rescued but the motive for the assault is unclear. See TOW ATTACK.

 

01/06/13

________________________________________________

 

 

There was a short debate about the number of safety violations.  The bigger question remains ... did they ever pick up the two crew in the water?  See LAUNCH.

 

01/06/13

__________________________________________________

 

 

How many sushi can you carve from a 489 pound tuna?  The auction results are in ... See the TUNA RESULTS.

 

01/06/13

___________________________________________________

 

 

gCaptain surveyed and found the following INCIDENT photos.  Of course, the CONCORDIA made the cut but so did nine other maritime incidents.  See PHOTOS.

 

12/30/12

____________________________________________________

 

 

gCaptain provides the best of the best for your review!  This batch includes the HMS Bounty, the vessel drawing water off of Ft. Lauderdale and the CONCORDIA! See VIDEOS.

 

12/30/12

______________________________________________________

 

 

Steve Jobs had commissioned a yacht prior to his death.  The superyacht was impounded in Amsterdam because of failure to pay bills! Take a look at the size and design. See YACHT.

 

12/30/12

_______________________________________________________

 

 

Interesting discussion on tracking ownership when the owner is deceased.  It appears extremely complex but YOU should take a look.  See ASK AN ATTORNEY.

 

12/30/12

_______________________________________________________

 

 

On December 3, 2012, the Department of Transportation (DOT) issued a compliance notice regarding the state-passed initiatives for marijuana usage and its regulation concerning the use of Schedule I drugs by safety-sensitive transportation workers. DOT writes: "It remains unacceptable for any safety-sensitive employee subject to drug testing under the Department of Transportation's drug testing regulations to use marijuana."  See COMPLIANCE NOTICE.

 

12/17/12

_________________________________________________________

 

 

The Vendee Globe race has entered its 37th day.  The boats are receiving the latest on potential ice in their path.  See ICE SIGHTINGS.

 

12/16/12

____________________________________________________________

 

 

The Royal National Lifeboat Institution provides a video of their rescues.  The video will make you want to return to the water.  See LIFEBOATS IN ACTION.

 

12/16/12

_____________________________________________________________

 

 

What do you call it when a sistership of the COSTA Concordia hits the pier?  See COSTA MISHAP.

 

12/16/12

______________________________________________________________

 

 

You signed a lease and now the marina closes.  What rights do you have? Do you have protection similar to that of an apartment dweller?  See ASK AN ATTORNEY.

 

12/16/12

_______________________________________________________________

 

 

Last week, we featured a story about a sailboat speed record.  Not to be left behind (pun intended!), we highlight a personal watercraft record.  See PWC SPEED.

 

11/30/12

_______________________________________________________________

_

 

Sometimes, we really think we need a day off!  Sometimes, we need to get a hold of ourselves!  This gentleman 'kinda' forgot he was on a nuclear submarine but expects to have 20 years to think about it!  See NO MORE TIME OFF FOR AWHILE.

 

11/30/12

________________________________________________________________

 

 

The number of vessels (on the pleasureboat side) that sustained damage as a result of the SUPERSTORM is still being tallied.  You may be surprised at the count to November 14!  See SANDY DAMAGE.

 

11/30/12

_________________________________________________________________

 

 

 

This report reviews data for multiple types of watercraft and matches by State.  The data suggest lower theft rates but also indicate that recovery rates have also dropped.  Which is the most-often stolen vessel and what is the liklihood that it will be recovered?  See NATIONAL INSURANCE CRIME BUREAU.

 

11/27/12

___________________________________________________________________

 

 

Here is the newest lake toy.  This vehicle is half quad and half personal watercraft.  It is fun but there is great possibilities for emergency responders.  See QUADSKI.

 

11/27/12

____________________________________________________________________

 

 

Take a look at a few locations under the sea.  Hawaii, the Great Barrier Reef and the Philippines to name a few.  See GOOGLE OCEAN.

 

11/27/12

_____________________________________________________________________

 

 

The Vestas Sailrocket 2 averaged 59.38 knots with a top speed of 64.78 knots.  Take a look at the sailboat, you will not believe it possible!  See SAILROCKET.

 

11/25/12

______________________________________________________________________

 

 

The island has been on charts in the Pacific for years.  A team went to find it and it was gone!  What does this say for nautical charts?  Interesting comment in the article refers to 'phantom' streets on land maps to deter copyright violations.  See MISSING ISLAND.

 

11/25/12

______________________________________________________________________

 

 

There is a current lawsuit to determine if certain streams in the Adirondacks are open to canoeists even if the streams cut through private property.  When is a stream considered open to the public?  Is recreational use sufficient to classify the stream as navigable waters?   See NAVIGABLE STREAMS. 

 

11/17/12

______________________________________________________________________

 

 

The Argentine Tall Ship ARA Libertad is being held in port in Ghana until the Argentinians post a $20 million bond.  The country of Argentina has a few outstanding obligations to satisfy some of the creditors who were not willing to accept 33 cents on the dollar.  See LIBERTAD.

 

11/15/12

______________________________________________________________________

 

 

The ocean-going community is engaged in an active 'forum' of comments concerning the actions of the master of the HMS Bounty.  Take a look to see what his peers believe of his conduct and decision to leave port.  See FORUM.

 

11/14/12

______________________________________________________________________

 

 

The skippers from the Vendee Globe single-handed, non-stop round the world race send a daily comment on their progress.  One of the skippers has already hit another boat and is returning to the starting line.  Others are describing conditions that make you realize this is not 'lake' sailing. See VENDEE GLOBE.

 

11/14/12

______________________________________________________________________

 

 

How large can a vessel be to be able to benefit from sailpower.  This article provides a great discussion of how to save money on marine transport while abiding by fuel emission standards. See SAIL.

 

11/14/12

______________________________________________________________________

 

 

This is the website of preference for engineer's and others who are facinated by plans and construction.  PARBUCKLING is the term.  Want to know more .... see RAISING THE CONCORDIA.

 

11/14/12

______________________________________________________________________

 

 

This source contains a lot of background information with video and photo included.  Includes links to many other sources and articles.  A resource which is worth reviewing.  See HMS BOUNTY.

 

11/11/12

______________________________________________________________________

 

 

This week signaled the beginning of the Vendee Globe which challenges 20 skippers as they solo sailboats around the world.  Keep in contact with the race and events.  See VENDEE GLOBE.

 

11/11/12

______________________________________________________________________

 

 

An applicant asked whether there was a chance of applying commercial experience toward the OUPV requirement even though s/he didn't have a license.  The answer is interesting because it rests on the fact that the deckhand position on vessels less than 100 tons is not licensed!  The document also discusses the Captain's responsibility for training crew. See USCG DECISION.

 

11/11/12

______________________________________________________________________

 

 

Here is the scenario, two vessels collide and the second vessel accepts responsibility.  The first Captain has an estimate but the second insurance company disputes the figures!  How does this work out? See ASK THE ATTORNEY.

 

11/11/12

______________________________________________________________________

 

 

License holders who are either unable (medical or other reasons) or unwilling (delayed in beginning a charter company, etc.) may want to consider asking for a document of continuity.  See NATIONAL MARTIME CENTER.

 

11/11/12

______________________________________________________________________

 

 

Employment as a Captain or crew should be a concern of everyone seeking a license.  If anything, scanning the classifieds provides the job seeker with a knowledge of the market and the possibilities.  Our search has uncovered a site which provides worldwide opportunities in various job titles including moving construction workers to sites, working in Disney and crewing on 100+ meter yachts.  The site adds and deletes job listings on a daily basis.  See MARITIME OPPORTUNITIES.

 

11/02/12

______________________________________________________________________

 

 

Secretary Janet Napolitano issued a Jones Act waiver for foreign-flagged vessels from the Gulf of Mexico to respond to the fuel crisis on the East Coast.  See JONES ACT WAIVER.  The action was supported by the American Maritime Partnership which represents Jones Act vessels.  The Partnership responded to the Secretary's action in correspondence to President Obama.  See AMERICAN MARITIME PARTNERSHIP.

 

11/02/12

______________________________________________________________________

 

 

There were conflicting reports on the movement of 3 carriers toward New York.  The initial report indicated they would be used as platforms for the helicopters which were conducting rescue and support missions in the New York City area.  A subsequent report indicated that they would have a different mission.  See CARRIER SUPPORT.

 

11/02/12

____________________________________________________________________

 

 

One of the tragic stories coming from Hurricane Sandy is the sinking of the HMS Bounty and the loss of life. The USCG formally announced the beginning of an investigation to determine the cause of the sinking.  Among other issues, the investigation will determine whether the USCG or other agencies were at fault. See HMS BOUNTY.

 

11/02/12

_____________________________________________________________________

 

 

One of the competitor (French) vessels slipped her mooring one night during the recent Cup preliminaries in San Francisco Bay.  The catamaran was discovered and towed to its slip by a Boston Whaler!  The 'Good Samaritan' wants $200,000 for his troubles.  How are charges determined in these cases and what about the arrest?  See ASK THE ATTORNEY.

 

11/02/12

_____________________________________________________________________

 

 

 

 

 

Latest updates from the New York State government regarding the status of preparations for the upcoming storm.  See NYS Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services.

 

10/26/12

 

No one knows the weather for next week, yet.  However, as the time approaches, the predictions become more certain. We have added two sources for readers to access for information on the weather predictions for HURRICANE SANDY.  See The National Weather Service or The Weather Channel.

 

10/26/12

 

Wind is an important feature in storms.  Keep in touch with the latest predictions.  Set your own site!  See Windfinder.

 

10/26/12

 

 

See HURRICANE SANDY FLORIDA PHOTOS.

 

10/21/12

______________________________________________________________________

 

 

You wanted to buy a used boat that you heard about but didn't have the time to see her in person. So ... you hired a surveyor, received the report, bought the boat and now see many obvious issues.  What to do?  See NOT SO GREAT USED BOAT.

 

10/21/12

______________________________________________________________________

 

 

The entire United States Coast Pilots are available for downloading from the internet.  The pilots provide navigational information for the country's waterways.  Take a look ... NOAA.

 

10/21/12

______________________________________________________________________

 

 

Captain Schettino's recount of his activities are questioned by the prosecutors.  There is a difference of opinion concerning who was ultimately in charge!  See INTERVENTION.

 

10/21/12

______________________________________________________________________

 

 

Captain Schettino formerly of the COSTA Concordia has sued.  He believes that he deserves his job back while still under house arrest!  The Captain explains how his actions saved lives. See SCHETTINO'S WORDS.

 

10/10/12

______________________________________________________________________

 

 

We have all probably heard of the dangers of swimming off of marina docks.  BoatUS provides a rather frightening view of the issue while providing some solutions.  This is a MUST read for freshwater boaters who love to swim off of their marina's dock after a day on the water.  See ELECTRIC SHOCK DROWNING.

 

10/10/12

______________________________________________________________________

 

 

The U.S. Supreme Court has accepted a case which will define vessels.  The argument is from Florida and in no surprise involves a houseboat!  See SUPREMES AND THE HOUSEBOAT.

 

10/10/12

______________________________________________________________________

 

 

The America's Cup is working it's way through the preliminaries.  The difference is in the boats. Take a look at the boats, the schedule, and the action by monitoring the home of America's Cup action.  See AMERICA'S CUP.

 

10/10/12

______________________________________________________________________

 

 

 

NAV-ED is located within a few short miles of the barge canal.  Although we climbed aboard the canal schooner, Lois McClure, a few years ago when it was berthed in Waterford, New York, we joined a guided tour on September 25, 2012!  The McClure was visiting Halfmoon, New York after a season of more than 100 days.  Congrats to the crew for their work and for the time they shared with their visitors. See LAKE CHAMPLAIN MARITIME MUSEUM.

 

09/26/12

_____________________________________________________________________

 

 

As would be expected, the COSTA Concordia raised some questions about passenger safety. Here is the latest article on the changes which have been implemented.  See CRUISE.

 

09/24/12

_____________________________________________________________________

 

 

This question opens a new area for licensed Captains.  Check out the logic and the regulations which control in this issue.  Is the boat underway?  Does it really matter?  You have to read this! See ASK THE ATTORNEY.  (Remember that there might be a $35,000 fine in YOUR future, if you don't have the appropriate license. That is an expensive party!)

 

09/13/12

_____________________________________________________________________

 

 

The scenario is that the Captain has 1/2 interest in the commercial vessel.  He was in command when injured and would like to sue his partner.  See ASK THE ATTORNEY.

 

09/13/12

_____________________________________________________________________

 

 

 

We remember the Costa Concordia when it ran aground in January, 2012.  The Captain has a slightly nuanced view of the accident.  See Captain Schettino.

 

09/13/12

_____________________________________________________________________

 

 

How many times do boaters question repairs.  This boater had repairs completed on his boat and it sank twice! Check out the attorney's response.  See ASK THE ATTORNEY.

 

08/24/12

_____________________________________________________________________

 

 

The USCG reiterated its requirement that Masters of UPV's (Uninspected Passenger Vessels) in passenger for hire situations are responsible in ensuring that the vessel meets federal laws and regulations.  See USCG Office of Auxiliary and Boating Safety.

 

08/24/12

_____________________________________________________________________

 

 

The USCG provided information concerning the civil penalties which may be assessed for mariner violations. A penalty of $35,000 may be levied for unlicensed operation of a vessel for hire.  Penalties are also listed for not being able to produce a license to a USCG boarding officer as well for failure to hire licensed individuals.  See USCG Information

 

08/10/12

______________________________________________________________________

 

 

One of the earliest lessons we learn about boating is that the captain is responsible for damage caused by his/her vessel.  But .... how do we prove whose damage? ASK THE ATTORNEY

 

08/01/12

______________________________________________________________________

 

 

An interesting story about failure to pay a tow boat service ... a stolen boat ... and your rights. ASK THE ATTORNEY

 

08/01/12

_______________________________________________________________________

 

 

Beautiful photos of naval vessels in formation during the Rim Of the Pacific (RIMPAC) exercises off of Hawaii.  See RIMPAC.

 

08/01/12

_______________________________________________________________________

 

 

A paper: "Visibility Factors in Small Boat Collisions" was presented at the 2012 International Marine Forensics Symposium.  They reported that "Seventy-five percent of the powerboat operators first reported seeing "paddle flash" when they saw the boat."  The authors concluded their paper with a series of recommendations.

 

07/04/12

_______________________________________________________________________

 

 

In the recent past there have been various updates on the use and applicability of the TWIC.  This latest announcement provides fee and renewal options.  See TWIC UPDATE

 

06/21/12

______________________________________________________________________

 

 

NAV-ED Services Group is writing a weekly series, 'On the Water', published in the Sacandaga Express on the Great Sacandaga Lake.  The intial articles focus on boater safety and provide a basis for boaters who will be taking the FREE NYS Boater Safety courses offered by NAV-ED around the lake during the summer.  See SACANDAGA EXPRESS.

 

06/05/12

______________________________________________________________________

 

 

Read the latest New York State health advisory statement on fish before you have your next meal!  The listing includes type of fish and catch location.  See ENJOY YOUR FISH DINNER.  

 

06/05/12

______________________________________________________________________

 

 

The BBC assembled what has to be the greatest collection of pictures you will ever see.  Our favorite is the one with the crew in yellow jackets!  You will probably recognize vessels which you have seen while you were on the water!  See PHOTOS.

 

06/05/12

______________________________________________________________________

 

 

A Miami boat surveyor made a few bad choices which may land him in jail!  It appeared that he didn't expect too much scrutiny for his reports.  We are not talking small boats.  Check SURVEYOR. 

 

05/30/12

______________________________________________________________________

 

 

What are some of the reasons to have an attorney assist and what are some of the often-overlooked issues?  Shall we form an LLC or should we not?  What about shared use and maintenance costs?  See ASK AN ATTORNEY.

 

05/30/12

______________________________________________________________________

 

 

The best way to find out if you happen to be wrestling with a recall or a defect is to check the database!  How long could it take?  Tell everyone about the USCG Boating Safety Resource Center.

 

05/21/12

______________________________________________________________________

 

 

If you have an iPad/iPhone read for the latest wayto keep track of the right whale migration on the U.S. east coast with a simple app.  Stay your distance!  Take a look at Right Whales.

 

05/21/12

______________________________________________________________________

 

 

What are the list of items to be considered prior to launching your charter business on federal waters?  We all know a license is necessary but what kind?  Are we talking Captain or should we try for a Master?  What are the advantages of each?  What about insurance and how about another Captain for overnight trips?  See CHARTER ESSENTIALS.

 

05/15/12

______________________________________________________________________

 

 

There is nothing more important than an accurate wind and weathere forecast.  You owe it to your self to keep track of the conditions.  If you don't have a favorite by now ... try WINDFINDER or WUNDERGROUND.  Select your favorite location(s) and stay with the sites that work!

 

05/15/12

______________________________________________________________________

 

 

The USCG National Maritime Center provides a great number of services through their website.  The NMC maintains contact with the mariner beginning in the application process through mariner document renewal. Take a look at the APPLICATION STATUS TOOL.

 

04/28/12

______________________________________________________________________

 

 

 

An interesting question was raised by a boater in California who purchased a vessel originally documented in Canada.  He wanted to use the boat for a Six-Pack Charter and wondered if the federal requirement for 'built in the USA' was a factor.  The response from the attorney is interesting because it covers the entire range of ownership/documentation issues for commercial ventures and concludes with a caution!  See ASK THE ATTORNEY.

 

04/28/12

______________________________________________________________________

 

 

NAV-ED has a few engineer alumni and others who revel in technology.  NOAA has released a new viewer for the ocean floor which provides a series of overlays and screens worthy of note.  The challenge is there.  Take a look at NOAA Article.

 

04/22/12

_____________________________________________________________________

 

 

Have you ever asked a mechanic to check your boat with the intention of receiving an estimate of charges? Has the mechanic completed the work before you could receive a second estimate?  Take a look at ASK A MARITIME ATTORNEY.

 

03/16/12

_____________________________________________________________________

 

 

It probably is not a good idea to begin a course of instruction if you don't have a list of the eligibility requirements!  We have provided a tab (#5) above as a reference for the information. NAV-ED will also provide assistance in interpreting the requirements, if needed.  Good luck on your mariner education.

 

03/15/12

_____________________________________________________________________

 

 

iPhones are everywhere! We thought we would return the favor by sharing an article with some of the iPhone Apps of interest to boaters and 'iPhoners'. iPhone Apps

 

03/07/12

______________________________________________________________________

 

 

The serious mariner better take a look at these ocean-going apps.  Never know when they might come in handy. iPad Charting Apps

 

03/07/12

_____________________________________________________________________

 

 

Mariners may subscribe to the New York State emergency notification system to receive incident specific emergency messages.  Individuals can learn more about the sytem and the enrollment process by checking: NY-ALERT

 

02/24/12

_____________________________________________________________________

 

 

Questions about the rights of kayaks and canoes on the waters in the Northeast are not rhetorical.  Is there an overriding rule in both federal and state statutes that address this issue? The Navigation Center responds directly to this question in their FAQ.

 

02/05/12

_____________________________________________________________________

 

 

It is fairly easy to check on a cruise ship or other vessel's safety record by accessing the United States Coast Guard Maritime Information Exchange and selecting Incident Investigation Reports.  At that point, enter the name of the vessel and its parent company.  For general overview of reports, select the vessel type from the drop down menu.

 

01/28/12

_____________________________________________________________________

 

 

The USCG issued CG-543 Policy Letter No. 11-15 on December 19, 2011 with new policy on the requirement for a TWIC for certain mariners during the initial application and renewal phases.  The text is available at NEW TWIC Policy.

 

12/28/11

________________________________________________________________________

 

 

The TSA administers the TWIC as well as other mariner programs.  Information is available on their SITE.

 

12/08/11

________________________________________________________________________