50-foot yachts destroyed in 2-alarm fire at Edmonds Marina

From KOMO news:
31 December 2011

EDMONDS, Wash. - Two 50-foot motor yachts were destroyed in a spectacular two-alarm fire at the Edmonds Marina early Saturday morning.

Fire crews responded to the scene just before 4 a.m. and found towering flames spewing from the two boats, lighting up the early morning sky.

The fire was called in by a janitor working in a nearby business.

"Two boats moored next to each other were engulfed in flames when firefighters arrived and flames were shooting 50 feet in the air," said Leslie Hynes of Snohomish County Fire District 1.

No one was aboard the burning boats, but a man and a woman staying overnight in another boat moored at the same dock had to be rescued by firefighters, Hynes said.

She said the burning boats were moored in the first two slips of the dock, and the flames cut off the couple's access to the shore.

"They were stuck at the far end of the dock in the smoke until they were rescued by the fire department boat," Hynes said.

The man and woman were taken to Swedish-Edmonds Hospital, where they were both treated for minor smoke inhalation and released a few hours later.

Firefighters from Lynnwood and Shoreline responded to assist Fire District 1. At the peak of the fire, about 40 firefighters were on the scene.

"The docks were very icy and slippery, which was a challenge for firefighters as they worked to put out the fire," Hynes said. "They used an overhead water stream from a ladder truck and firefighting foam to smother the flames."

It took firefighters about 30 minutes to get the fire under control, but crews continued to battle hot spots for about an hour as the boats smoldered and fuel ignited. One of the boats sank as the firefighting effort continued.

Damage to both yachts and the dock is expected to total more than $600,000.

Fire investigators are working to determine how the fire started. "The boat where the fire started sank and will have to be raised. Investigators do not expect to have a cause today," Hynes said.

As firefighters were putting out hot spots, crews from the Port of Edmonds set up containment booms. The state Department of Ecology is on the scene working to control and prevent environmental damage.

Icebreaker Aids Stricken Fishing Vessel

27 December 2011
The Associated Press

WELLINGTON, New Zealand — A South Korean polar research ship on Monday reached a leaking Russian fishing vessel that has been stuck in the frigid waters off Antarctica for the past 10 days, New Zealand officials said.
The Sparta, with 32 crew on board, hit underwater ice on Dec. 16 that tore a 30-centimeter hole in its hull and caused it to list at 13 degrees. Several rescue ships had been hampered by heavy ice in the Ross Sea off the northern Antarctica coast before the icebreaker Araon finally pushed through and reached the Sparta on Monday, New Zealand Rescue Coordination Center spokeswoman Rosalie Neilson said.
The arrival was a relief to the crew, which had been desperately pumping out near-frozen sea water while awaiting rescue. At one point, more than half of those on board were forced onto life rafts.
The crew is made up of 15 Russians, 16 Indonesians and one Ukrainian.
A New Zealand air force cargo plane had previously made two parachute drops of pumps and hull patching gear that had helped keep the single-hulled Sparta from sinking.
The survival drama on the edge of the Antarctic ice shelf is taking place about 3,700 kilometers southeast of New Zealand.

Like the Railroads, but better.

From Professional Mariner
08 December 2011
(NASHVILLE, Tenn.) -- America's barge industry is entering the spotlight in an effort to win more federal dollars, National Public Radio reported. Waterborne infrastructure needs an estimated $8 billion worth of work. The industry said barge transportation is "like railroads but better." One critic argues that private business should pay for the improvements.    For the original NPR broadcast click here.

3rd Fast Response Cutter Launched Today

WASHINGTON — The Coast Guard announced Wednesday the launch of its third Sentinel-class, Fast Response Cutter, the William Flores, at Bollinger Shipyards, Lockport, La.
The launch of the William Flores into the waters of Bayou Lafourche marks a production milestone as the Fast Response Cutter readies for sea trials, delivery, crew training and eventual commissioning.
“The Coast Guard’s new Fast Response Cutters are national assets, unique to the United States and uniquely equipped to respond to all threats and all events in times of crisis,” said Cmdr. Chris O’Neil, chief of media relations for the U.S. Coast Guard. “The Sentinel-class Fast Response Cutters will be capable of speeds in excess of 28 knots and operating in seas up to 18-feet. Armed with a 25-mm chain gun and four, .50 caliber machine guns, the speed, stability and firepower of the Fast Response Cutter deliver tremendous lifesaving, law enforcement and homeland security capabilities in the same package. Like the Island-class patrol boats the Fast Response Cutters replace, the fleet of 58 Sentinel-class cutters will serve as the workhorses of America's littoral, maritime fleet.”
Seaman Apprentice William Flores, namesake of the cutter, posthumously received the Coast Guard Medal, the service’s highest award for heroism not involving combat, for his unselfish acts and sacrifice Jan. 28, 1980, following the collision between the Coast Guard Cutter Blackthorn and the tanker Capricorn. Flores and another crewmember threw life jackets to their shipmates who had jumped into the water. Later, when his companion abandoned ship as the Blackthorn began to submerge, Flores, who was less than a year out of boot camp, remained behind and used his belt to strap open the life jacket locker door, allowing additional life jackets to float to the surface. Even after most crewmembers abandoned ship, the 19-year-old Flores remained aboard Blackthorn to assist trapped shipmates and to comfort those who were injured and disoriented. Seaman Apprentice William Ray “Billy” Flores and 22 other Coast Guardsmen perished as the Blackthorn capsized and sank near the entrance of Tampa Bay, Fla. Twenty seven of his shipmates survived.
After commissioning, the William Flores will be homeported in Miami, with a crew of 24 to conduct alien migrant interdiction operations, port, waterways and coastal security patrols, search and rescue and national defense missions.
Named for enlisted Coast Guard heroes, Fast Response Cutters have an overall length of 154 feet, a beam of 26 feet and are capable of speeds in excess of 28 knots. The Fast Response Cutter also features a stern launch ramp for rapid and safe deployment of its 7.9-meter small boat. The William Flores is scheduled to be delivered and commissioned in 2012.
For more information about the Fast Response Cutter visit http://www.uscg.mil/acquisition/sentinel/default.asp or to learn more about the recapitalization of Coast Guard assets visit http://www.uscg.mil/acquisition/programs/pdf/CG9recap.pdf.

Clipper Daisy diverts to rendezvous with sailboat and medevac man

The following is the text of a press release issued by the U.S. Coast Guard: 25 November 2011 (PORTSMOUTH, Va.) -- Crewmembers aboard two merchant ships responded to the Coast Guard’s call for assistance to medevac a Canadian man reportedly experiencing signs of a heart attack aboard his sailboat 170 miles southwest of Bermuda, Thursday. Watchstanders at the Coast Guard 5th District Command Center, internationally known as Rescue Coordination Center Norfolk, coordinated the rescue using the Automated Mutual–Assistance Vessel Rescue System after receiving notification from Nicole Gaudreault, an amateur radio operator from Montreal. The wife of the man experiencing the symptoms initially called Gaudreault stating she was a nurse and believed her husband needed to be medevaced. She also said they were aboard the Argo V, a 36-foot sailboat and were en route to St. Martin. Two AMVER vessel crews responded to the Coast Guard’s enhanced group call. A crewmember from aboard the merchant vessel Mary Ann Hudson stated they were approximately 120 miles from the Argo V, were willing to divert and the crewmember also said they had heart medication aboard. The crew of the Clipper Daisy also responded to the call for assistance saying they did not have heart medication but were willing to divert to the Argo V’s position to take the man aboard and transport him to Bermuda. The wife aboard Argo V altered her course to head toward Bermuda, but was unable to continue because of strong winds and 6-foot seas. The crew of the Clipper Daisy rendezvoused with the Argo V at approximately midnight Thursday and took the man aboard. The man is currently being transferred to Bermuda then to a local hospital. “This case is a prime example of the outstanding coordination using various tools in the search and rescue system to include amateur radio operators, AMVER system and Rescue Coordination Center Bermuda,” said Lt. Cmdr. James Klein, chief of the Rescue Coordination Center Norfolk.

Barge Breaks Lose, Runs Aground

From a US Coast Guard Press Release:
25 November 2011

MILWAUKEE — Personnel from U.S. Coast Guard Sector Lake Michigan are conducting a marine casualty investigation after a barge broke free while being towed by a tug and ran aground in Lake Michigan near Sheboygan, Wis., Nov. 24, 2011.

Marine investigators from Sector Lake Michigan arrived on scene on Friday Morning and are monitoring the situation until the barge can be re-floated and examined. The barge is reportedly carrying a cargo of rocks. There are no reports of pollution or environmental hazards.

U.S. Coast Guard photo.

MILWAUKEE — Personnel from U.S. Coast Guard Sector Lake Michigan are conducting a marine casualty investigation on a tug-and-barge, after a barge being towed broke free and ran aground in Lake Michigan near Sheboygan, Wis., Nov. 24, 2011.

The Coast Guard advises that people stand clear of the salvage area until the barge is free of the lake bottom.

The empty barge broke away from the tugboat Donald C during a routine transit toward Manitowoc, Wis., Thursday evening. The crew of the Donald C was unable to regain control of the barge because of rough seas and heavy winds.

Marine investigators from Sector Lake Michigan arrived on scene on Friday Morning and are monitoring the situation until the barge can be re-floated and examined. The barge is reportedly carrying a cargo of rocks. There are no reports of pollution or environmental hazards.

For more information contact Lt. Casey Steuer, Coast Guard Sector Lake Michigan, at 414-747-7151.

Multiple River Bars Closed in Oregon and Washington

Coast Guard says Columbia River is among the closures 
(11/25/2011)


The following is the text of a press release issued by the U.S. Coast Guard:

(SEATTLE) -- The Coast Guard Captain of the Port (COTP) Sector Columbia River, in Astoria, Ore., and the COTP Sector Puget Sound in Seattle issued the closure of multiple river bars within Oregon and Washington due to hazardous conditions Thursday. The bars at Quillayute River, Wash., Grays Harbor, Wash., and the Columbia River are closed.

The bar closure applies to all vessels and any request to transit the bars prior to reopening must be approved by the COTP, Sector Columbia River. Mariners may contact the Coast Guard on VHF-FM Channel 16 or Sector Columbia River by telephone at (503) 861-6211 or Coast Guard Sector Puget Sound at 206-217-6001 for further information or to request crossing.

The Coast Guard will re-evaluate the bar closure on an ongoing basis and will re-open the waterway as soon as the offshore weather improves.

The Coast Guard understands the effects these closures have on commerce and will make every effort to re-open these waterways as soon as they are considered safe for navigation.

Wärtsilä completes unique conversion of vessel to LNG operation

We recently published an article on the conversion of Washington State Ferries to LNG propulsion. This seemed like an appropriate follow up for that article which was based on a study by the Glosten Associates.

Wärtsilä Corporation, Trade & Technical Press release, 23 November 2011

The product tanker ‘Bit Viking’ was the first vessel ever to undergo a conversion by Wärtsilä from heavy fuel oil to liquefied natural gas (LNG) operation. The conversion enables the ‘Bit Viking’ to qualify for lower nitrogen oxide (NOX) emission taxes under the Norwegian NOX fund scheme.

The unique fuel conversion of the product tanker ‘Bit Viking’, from heavy fuel oil to gas operation, has been finalised and in October the vessel was handed over to the customer, Tarbit Shipping. The re-commissioned vessel is operated by Statoil along the Norwegian coastline, and the conversion carried out by Wärtsilä enables it to qualify for lower NOX emission taxes under the Norwegian NOX fund scheme. The fund is a cooperative effort whereby participating companies may apply for financial support in return for introducing NOX reducing measures. Furthermore, liquefied natural gas (LNG) operation means lower carbon oxide emissions, and virtually no sulphur oxide or particle emissions whatsoever.

First marine dual fuel (DF) conversion

This is the first marine installation in the world to involve converting Wärtsilä 46 engines to Wärtsilä 50DF engines, and the first 50DF marine installation with mechanical propulsion. By operating on LNG, the ‘Bit Viking’ becomes one of the most environmental friendly product tankers in the world.

In August 2010, Wärtsilä announced that it had signed a turnkey project with Tarbit Shipping to convert the ‘Bit Viking’ to LNG operation. The scope of the conversion package from Wärtsilä included deck-mounted gas fuel systems, piping, two six-cylinder Wärtsilä 46 engines converted to Wärtsilä 50DF units with related control systems and all adjustments to the ship’s systems necessitated by the conversion. The vessel’s classification certificate was also updated. The engines are connected directly to the propeller shafts through a reduction gearbox, thus avoiding the electrical losses that are an unavoidable feature of diesel-electric configurations. This enables a significant improvement in propulsion efficiency, reduced fuel consumption, and corresponding reductions in emissions. This is the first LNG fuelled vessel to be classified by Germanischer Lloyd.

New LNG storage system

The ‘Bit Viking’ utilises Wärtsilä’s new LNGPac system, which enables the safe and convenient onboard storage of LNG. The two 500 cubic metre LNG storage tanks are mounted on the deck to facilitate bunkering operations and permit the bunkering of LNG at a rate of 430 cubic metres per hour. The storage tanks provide the vessel with 12 days of autonomous operation at 80 per cent load, with the option to switch to marine gas oil if an extended range is required. When visiting EU ports, which have a 0.1 per cent limit on sulphur emissions, the vessel operates on gas.

“Wärtsilä’s unique expertise and experience with dual fuel technology, as well as with fuel conversion projects, were the main reasons for us choosing them. We appreciate the technological efficiency of the Wärtsilä solutions and the expert way in which this conversion project has been handled. We are proud that the ‘Bit Viking’ is now one of the world’s most environmentally sustainable tankers in operation,” says Anders Hermansson, Technical Manager, Tarbit Shipping.

“This is a major step for Wärtsilä in consolidating its market leading position in LNG solutions for the shipping industry. The successful sea trials with this vessel provide yet further validation of the viability of LNG as the marine fuel of the future. We anticipate that this development will rapidly accelerate during the coming few years,” says Sören Karlsson, General Manager, Gas Applications, Ship Power Technology

Did you forget to winterize your boat?

Get an Engine Compartment Heater!

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We offer two different models the Boatsafe 250 Watt Heater for $349.00 and the Xtreme Heater 600 Watt Heater for $399.99! These are great deals!

Every year, an estimated 4,000 pleasure vessels fall victim to either fire or explosion.

Of this number approximately 400 are either a total loss or are extremely costly to rebuild.

Blaze Hits 8 Boats on Lake Norman

... According to several reports, eight boats were involved in the fire. Four boats suffered major damage, according to fire officials at the scene. There are several reports that one boat sank. Fire investigators say they will question boat owners, in an effort to determine how the blaze might have started. One possibility being mentioned this morning is that a boat owner might have left a heater operating on a craft overnight.

Source: Charlotte Observer (Charlotte, NC)

 

Portable Electric Heater identified as heat source in a Multi-boat Fire

A fire that started by a portable electric heater on a boat docked in a covered marina spread to several other boats, fanned by high winds that impeded fire ground operations. The boats were moored at a wooden dock that had a wood frame and a metal roof overhang. The boat on which the fire started was at the end of a dock, several slips of which were occupied by other boats. The marina had no detection or sprinkler system and was closed for the night when the fire broke out.

Although a portable heater was identified as the heat source for the unintentional fire, the exact cause and the ignition sequence was unknown, The flames spread to the boat's interior and from there, to the roof overhang and several other boats before firefighters arrived.

Cautionary Tales from Other Boat Owners:

"My next door neighbor put a small electric space heater on his boat (an Islander 32) and set it to its lowest setting. As the weather got colder the heater cycled on-off until the extension cord melted and set the boat on fire. The fire gutted the entire inside of the boat until another neighbor saw the smoke and put the fire out. The boat was a total loss. It was 5 feet from my boat in the next slip. My neighbor scares me."
--Mike

"I used to use a light bulb in the winter until the cheapo housing slipped and the whole light came to rest on my holding tank. It was kind of scary to see the burnt marks in the ABS where the plastic had smoldered. I have no idea why the boat did not burn down. The plastic had obviously burned in places. You could not pay me to put a light bulb in my engine compartment now. They were not made for boats and are just too risky."
--Brett

Coast Guard closes Columbia River Bar due to hazardous weather

The following is the text of a press release issued by the U.S. Coast Guard:

22 November 2011

(SEATTLE) -- The Coast Guard Captain of the Port (COTP) Sector Columbia River, in Astoria, Ore., issued the closure of the Columbia River, Ore., bar entrance due to hazardous conditions at approximately 9 p.m., Monday.

The bar closure applies to all vessels and any request to transit the bars prior to reopening must be approved by the COTP, Sector Columbia River. Mariners may contact the Coast Guard on VHF-FM Channel 16 or Sector Columbia River by telephone at (503) 861-6211 for further information or to request crossing.

The Coast Guard will re-evaluate the bar closure on an ongoing basis and will re-open the waterway as soon as the offshore weather improves.

The bar is anticipated to re-open by 8 a.m., Wednesday, based on current weather predictions.

The Coast Guard understands the effects these closures have on commerce and will make every effort to re-open these waterways as soon as they are considered safe for navigation.

Priority for standard private armed guards contract

From the Baltic and International Maritime Council (BIMCO)
21 November 2011


With the increasing use of armed guards on ships and the fear that second-rate security firms may take advantage of the piracy situation, BIMCO is forging ahead with the development of a standard contract for the employment of armed guards. The new contract, which will be drafted by a team of experts of shipowners, lawyers and underwriters, and with the assistance of the International Group of P&I Clubs, will require private security firms offering armed guards to follow the IMO Guidelines for owners on the used privately contracted armed security personnel on board ships (MSC Circular 1405). Of major importance is ensuring that security contractors have in place proper and sufficient public and employers’ liability insurance – which is a concern recently raised by the International Group of P&I Clubs. While much of the new BIMCO contract will deal with operational aspects of employing armed security guards, issues of liability and responsibility will be of prime importance.
New private maritime security firms are springing up almost daily to meet shipowners’ growing demands for their services for vessels operating in high risk areas. It is very important that this new sector is regulated and that harmonised terms are developed and agreed. BIMCO has given this project the highest priority so that the standard contract can be published as soon as possible – most likely within the next two months.

Mobile Content and Your Boat

Earlier this year I received an Android phone as a birthday gift. Of course the first thing you do when you get a smart phone is go searching for the best Apps available. There are Apps that do useful things like track your bank accounts, and there are Apps that do useless mind-numbing things like blowing bubbles.

Eventually, once I began to comprehend how my phone works, I started looking for Boating related applications. There are actually more than I thought there would be. There are Navigational applications (my favorite is still from Navionics), tidal information, weather data, and quite a few others.

I’ve even read a couple articles about applications that control various functions of the boat itself. This is where I become a bit leery of the how fast things are advancing. The fact is that paper charts have not been completely replaced , yet people are willing to allow their phone to control things like auto-pilots and power distribution panels.

The National Marine Electronics Association(NMEA)  has made incredible progress in getting a protocol established that enables most marine electronics to interface. While the people at Apple, Google and Microsoft are all very bright – I'm not certain that any thought has been given to whether any of these programmers have even been on a boat, let alone piloted one.

The London P&I Club, one of the world’s leading mutual marine liability insurers, published in their StopLoss Bulletin that, “Onboard communication has improved significantly over the last few years, with technological advances enabling crew to use mobile phones and laptops to stay in contact with family and friends ashore. However, the use of such equipment at inappropriate moments may distract crew from the navigation or operation of the ship.

“Another issue is the risk of being exposed to excessive information and simply being unable to process it all. Bridge equipment is increasingly sophisticated and it can provide the crew with access to extensive information regarding the relative positions of other ships. But, unless it is used in a focused manner, it can confuse, rather than clarify, and ultimately prove counter-productive.”

There have been accidents on inland waterways, as well as intra-coastal waterways caused by the distractions of Skype calls, streaming news reports, and Email/Texting. Often, these  activities are being conducted on equipment either adjacent to or on the same screen as chartplotters, AIS displays or RADAR supplies.

There is no doubt that great advances have been made in what is possible to accomplish with technology, particularly within the marine industry. In 2004, the idea of linking different systems together seemed like something from the realm of "Star Trek." Now, in the world of tech, there is an app for everything it seems. The question isn't whether we “can” control a boat from an iPhone, Droid, Blackberry or Windows Phone – rather “should” we take this step. Eventually, sure but this is where the NMEA should monitor closely what the mobile device developers are “attaching” to boats. The most dangerous of the four major smart phone’s to the marine industry is the Droid phones – because anybody can make an application for them. This is great for the general public, but can mean disaster to mariners.

We’ve all had that person checking their Twitter or Facebook account cut us off on the road – boats are not quite as responsive. Already there are apps that are trying to replicate the functionality of AIS systems. What happens when somebody loses reception, or they forgot to plug in their phone the night before when they happen to be in a very busy port? Call me a cynic – but I can see bad things happening.

The bottom line is that there always seems to be a trade off for progress made to quickly.

As always, I appreciate any comments.

Coast Guard, partner agencies continue preparations for international offshore drilling

From a US Coast Guard Press Release:
Date: November 18, 2011

Contact: Public Affairs Office
(305) 415-6683


MIAMI — The U.S. Coast Guard continues to work closely with federal, state and local agencies as well as maritime industry officials to update contingency plans to ensure readiness to respond to any potential oil spills in international waters that could potentially impact U.S. waters and coastline.
At the local-level, Coast Guard Sectors Jacksonville, Miami, Key West and St. Petersburg are updating their respective Area Contingency Plan, which will have specific response guidance pertaining to, the near and on-shore response efforts to be conducted along all of the State of Florida coastline that is within the 7th Coast Guard District’s area of responsibility.
On a broader scale, the Coast Guard is overseeing work on an Offshore Drill Response Plan and Regional Contingency Plan that focuses on response operations; strategies and tactics that will be employed out at sea to combat a spill and other response operations.
"Our primary focus for the past several months has been updating our contingency plans, ensuring they are ready to be activated in the event an incident was to occur that posed a substantial risk to our marine environment, and ensuring that lessons learned from the Deepwater Horizon oil spill are incorporated into our plans," said Capt. John Slaughter, chief of planning, readiness, and response for the 7th Coast Guard District.
Another important focus has been ongoing interagency engagement. More than 80 Coast Guard representatives and officials from South Florida coastal counties, Departments of Commerce, Defense, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, Bureau of Safety and Environmental Enforcement, Department of Treasury, Environmental Protection Agency, the State of Florida Department of Environmental Management and Department of Environmental Protection, and maritime industry held a table top exercise Thursday utilizing response plans to address a fictitious international spill off the coast of Florida. The exercise allowed participants to discuss sensitive environmental areas, planning strategies, likely issues and response coordination principles that responders would face, as well as gather additional information to use in future planning.
"Our engagement with these preparedness efforts has been and continues to be far reaching and therefore includes a host of federal, state, and local and private entities," added Slaughter.
The exercise is one of the many actions to ensure readiness and mutual cooperation among the U.S. response community. As the designated federal on scene coordinator for any coastal spill, the Coast Guard's objective is to ensure the response community has the opportunity to review plans, identify needed updates and be ready for proposed offshore drilling outside U.S. waters.
“Protecting the marine environment from accidental oil and chemical spills is a key mission of the U.S. Coast Guard," said Rear Adm. Bill Baumgartner, commander of the 7th Coast Guard District. "These efforts are ongoing and the U.S. Coast Guard will continue to maximize information sharing, preparation, and training with all involved to ensure sound strategies and liaisons are built to prepare for and respond to any potential environmental threat to U.S. waters.”

Coast Guard Warnings For Winter Storm

This is a press release from the Coast Guard's 13th District. There is a major storm front heading towards the Pacific Northwest and these are measures to prepare that the Coast Guard is recommending.


SEATTLE — With severe weather approaching and forecasts of strong winds and heavy surf, the Coast Guard reminds boaters and beach-goers to be prepared and stay aware; and reminds mariners to take the necessary steps to ensure that their boats are properly secured.
“During the fall and winter storms in this region, the Coast Guard receives several reports of vessels adrift in Puget Sound, Washington and Oregon coasts. These adrift vessels not only represent a possible loss of property for the owners, they are significant hazards to navigation and pose a serious environmental threat as chemicals and fuels onboard can spill should the vessels break apart,” said Capt. David Klipp, 13th Coast Guard District’s Chief of Response. “Coast Guard crews are also put at risk when responding to these boats in rough waters.”
Boaters, beach-goers and those living in areas with a potential for flooding should follow these guidelines to ensure their safety:
Watch the weather forecast closely and pay attention to small craft advisories issued by the National Weather Service. Small craft advisory conditions are dangerous to even the most seasoned professional mariner in the most seaworthy vessels.
Exercise extreme caution on beaches and jetties: Sudden, powerful waves can engulf the entire beach, knocking people down or throwing them violently against nearby rocks. Once in the water, strong currents can pull people out to sea. Beachgoers should also stay away from driftwood floating in the water or resting on shore. Logs can weigh several tons and can quickly be picked up by an unexpected wave and tossed onto people. Jetties are also dangerous due to unstable surfaces and slippery conditions. Large gaps in jetty structures can also trap people who slip and fall while walking on the rocks. Be aware of rising tides – high tides can trap people on rock formations and in coves. Always let someone know where you are going, walk with a buddy and be weather and surf aware.
If it has been raining hard for several hours, or steadily raining for several days, be alert to the possibility of a flood.
Minimize contact with flood water – Standing water from flooding can carry diseases and hazardous chemicals. If you get your water from a well and water floods into your pump house – check to see if water from the ground went down your well. If so, or if you’re not sure, boil your water before using it for drinking or cooking for yourself or your pets. If water floods your septic system, minimize your use of water for washing and wait for the water level to drop. If you come in contact with standing water, wash carefully before you eat or drink.
Assemble a disaster preparedness kit – a good disaster kit should include: a first aid kit and essential medications, canned food and a can opener, at least three gallons of water per person, protective clothing, rain gear, and bedding or sleeping bags, battery-powered radio, flashlight, and extra batteries, special items for infants, elderly, or disabled family members, written instructions for how to turn off electricity, gas and water if authorities advise you to do so (remember, you’ll need a professional to turn them back on.)
Stay high and dry – move to higher ground away from rivers, streams, creeks, and storm drains. Do not drive around barricades, they are there for your safety. If your car stalls in rapidly rising waters, abandon it immediately and climb to higher ground.
Vessel owners should take the following precautions to assure their vessels are secure:
Cover your boat: Heavy rains can flood boats and even cause sinking in extreme cases. Protect your boat and be sure your vessel is adequately covered when it is moored up to prevent flooding. If you can’t bring your boat onto shore, make sure it is securely fastened to its dock. Vessels that break free from their moorings can become a hazard to navigation and endanger the lives of those who must retrieve them.
Check all of your anchor and mooring lines. Double the lines up for added strength. Ensure all lines and tackle are in good condition.
Ensure you have a storm anchor. The anchor that comes with a boat is often inadequate for the storms in the Pacific Northwest. An improper or inadequate anchor can cause your boat to drift and may lead to unnecessary search-and-rescue calls.
Small boats should be removed from the water and moved to a secure location well above tidal and flood areas to ensure they are not washed out to sea.
Ensure boat registration numbers are updated with correct owner information. Consider keeping owner contact information on vessel itself. With this information, agencies responding to adrift vessels can promptly return the vessel to its owner.
If you are going to be underway, you should take the following precautions:
Wear Personal Floatation Devices: Life jackets – bring one for each person. History has shown that the chance of survival greatly increases if an individual is wearing a personal floatation device. For more information on life jacket requirements visit: http://www.uscgboating.org/command/initiative/jacket.htm
Have a Marine Radio: Investing in a good VHF radio is a smart purchase. Cell phones should not be used as a primary means of emergency communication on the water where reception may be poor or unavailable. A VHF radio has a strong signal and distress calls are received by everyone monitoring a VHF radio in range, whereas cell phone communications are point-to-point. Use VHF Channel 16 for emergencies. For more in-depth information about radios and terminology visit the link below. http://www.uscgboating.org/safety/metlife/radio.htm
Float Plan: A float plan is a written statement of the details of an intended voyage usually filed with a friend, neighbor and/or marina operator or; a document that specifically describes the vessel, equipment, crew, and itinerary of a planned voyage. Leave a copy with a friend, relative or local marina before heading out on the water. If a vessel has an emergency or is overdue, pertinent information will be available to provide local marine police or the Coast Guard. If delayed, boaters should inform those with the float plan, and be sure to notify them upon returning so the float plan can be "closed out" and an unnecessary and costly search avoided. An example of a float plan can be found at http://www.uscgboating.org/safety/fedreqs/floatplan.pdf.
For a detailed coastal weather forecast, click the National Weather Service link for your area:
Western Washington – http://www.weather.gov/seattle or http://www.ndbc.noaa.gov/data/Forecasts/FZUS56.KPQR.html
South Washington/Central/Northern Oregon Coasts – http://www.weather.gov/portland
South Oregon Coast – http://www.weather.gov/medford or http://www.ndbc.noaa.gov/data/Forecasts/FZUS56.KPQR.html

LNG Freight Gains on Trinidad Cargoes

From Bloomberg Business News:
14 November 2011

Demand for tankers that haul liquefied natural gas is set to climb as much as 3 percent as Trinidad and Tobago ships more cargoes to Europe and Asia amid rising U.S. shale-gas production, Lorentzen & Stemoco AS said.
About 7 million metric tons of Trinidadian LNG will travel three or four times farther as imports into the U.S. decline, creating demand for up to 12 more ships a year, Knut Stangebye Olsen, a gas analyst at the Oslo-based shipping consultant, said by phone today. A fleet of about 350 tankers carries 217 million tons of the fuel a year, he said.
The longer distances will support single-voyage charter rates for LNG carriers, which now exceed $100,000 a day, according to Stangebye Olsen, a former manager at tanker owner BW Gas Ltd. The percentage of ships at work, or fleet utilization, is at least 95 percent, he said.
“When you go past 90 percent utilization and you have some extra demand generated, the impact on the spot market rate is very substantial,” Stangebye Olsen said. “That’s why you get so much effect out of this.”
Trinidad and Tobago, the largest exporter of LNG to the U.S., is now sending 25 percent of its shipments to the country, down from 75 percent three years ago, Energy Minister Kevin Ramnarine said yesterday. Cargoes previously shipped to the U.S. are going to South America and Asia, Ramnarine said. The Caribbean nation exports 15 million tons of the fuel a year.
Japanese utilities imported 20 percent more LNG in October than a year earlier as operating rates at nuclear plants fell to the lowest levels in at least 34 years.
LNG is natural gas that’s been chilled to minus 260 degrees Fahrenheit (minus 162 degrees Celsius) to put it in a liquid state for shipping by tanker.
To contact the reporter on this story: Isaac Arnsdorf in London at iarnsdorf@bloomberg.net
To contact the editor responsible for this story: Alaric Nightingale at anightingal1@bloomberg.net

Cracks found in year-old Chetzemoka's propellers

M/V Chetzemoka has problems. Supposedly it is just out of the manufacturer's warranty period.Hopefully Vigor does right by the State of Washington. The ship was actually built by Todd Shipyards which was acquired by Vigor.

 

From KOMO News: 

By Ray Lane Published: Nov 9, 2011 at 5:26 PM PST Last Updated: Nov 9, 2011 at 6:49 PM PST

 

»Play Video

SEATTLE -- Thousands of dollars in repairs are in the works after cracks were found on the propellers of Washington state's newest and most expensive ferry boat.

The ferry Chetzemoka was built by Vigor Industrial, which was formally known as Todd Pacific Shipyards.But the propellers were built by Rolls-Royce Marine.

Both businesses say they're trying to figure out what happened.

The Chetzemoka is running with patched-up propellers. Washington State Ferries says the ferry had been in dry dock in Anacortes for scheduled repairs for more than three weeks, during which time inspectors found hairline cracks on one of the 8,000-pound propellers.

Additional tests showed that each of the five blades on both propellers had cracked near the hub. The ferry system says it appears that improperly cast stainless steel is to blame for the problems. Officials believe a high-carbon content made the metal too porous and too brittle.

"These are big ships plowing the waters of Puget Sound in salt water. Stuff happens," said David Moseley of WSF. "That's why we are diligent about the maintenance of these boats, and that's why we're diligent every time we take them out of the water."

Vigor Industrial says two other new ferries of the same class - the Salish and Kennewick - have different, variable-pitch bronze propellers, and therefore should not have the same problems.

One year ago, when the $77 million Chetzemoka made its inaugural run from Whidbey Island to Port Townsend, it was heralded as a new lifeline that could handle the rough waters of Puget Sound.

Transportation officials defended the cost, and the companies that constructed it.

"We have tremendous builders in Washington state and they will help us maintain and preserve these boats for the 60-plus years they're in life," said Transportation Secretary Paula Hammond.

Replacement propellers are now being made for the Chetzemoka, but they won't be ready until April.

The state says it'll file a warranty claim against Vigor Industrial to pay for the new props, which cost $70,000 per piece.

Navico Introduces Broadband 4G™ Radar

From a Navico Press Release:
Date: 10/27/2011 

Revolutionary New Dual-Range Radar System Features ‘Beam Sharpening’ For Unprecedented Target Resolution

Tulsa, Okla. — Navico — the world leader in recreational marine electronics and parent company to the Lowrance, Simrad Yachting and B&G brands — announced today its next-generation, solid-state Frequency Modulated Continuous Wave (FMCW) radome, the Lowrance, Simrad and B&G Broadband 4G™ Radar models. Offering unparalleled performance, Broadband 4G Radar redefines what is possible in radar-based navigation and collision avoidance.

Joining the award-winning and world’s first recreational marine FMCW Broadband Radar™ line, 4G radar delivers 50-percent greater range and target detection than Broadband 3G Radar. All 4G radar models feature revolutionary Beam Sharpening technology that provides the sharpest-possible radar images. When networked with most display options, the new Simrad and B&G Broadband 4G models also have the unprecedented ability to present dual-range radar returns from a single scanner, combined with the benefits of greater high-speed operation.*

The new Lowrance, Simrad and B&G Broadband 4G Radar models are compatible, respectively, with the award-winning Lowrance HDS®, Simrad NSO Offshore, NSE Expert and NSS Sport, and B&G Zeus™ multifunction displays.

For optimal target separation, Broadband 4G Radar is the world’s first dome radar to use Beam Sharpening, which significantly improves azimuth resolution — the effective horizontal beam width of the radar signal. The result is a resolution that is equivalent to a 3.5-foot open array radar. When combined with a Simrad NSE, NSO or B&G Zeus multifunction display, the system’s user-defined, target-separation control allows users to adjust the level of separation to meet specific navigational needs.

The Simrad and B&G Broadband 4G Radars’ exclusive dual-range functionality — available with Simrad NSE, NSO and B&G Zeus displays — makes them the only recreational radars capable of displaying distances from 200 feet to 36 nautical miles — all from a single dome. The ultimate navigational safety tool, Broadband 4G Radar allows boaters to see a buoy 200 feet away on the multifunction display, while simultaneously monitoring coastal projections up to 36 nautical miles. In addition, Simrad and B&G Broadband 4G Radar models can track up to 10 MARPA targets per range — each with independent control, for a total of 20 tracked targets in split-screen mode.

All Broadband 4G Radars provide an unequalled number of working ranges, 18, for premier performance and navigational awareness. Providing intuitive and easy-to-use operation, each model also features smart, pre-defined Offshore and Harbor modes on all ranges without requiring special tuning knowledge.

Broadband 4G Radar not only raises the bar in radome performance by providing far superior resolution at long-range distances, it also delivers the same exceptional close-range capability signature to Broadband Radar. The system marks objects within 6.5 feet (2 meters) of the boat, providing target definition and separation in close quarters where traditional pulse radar is blind.

“Broadband 4G Radar will change the way boaters navigate,” said Louis Chemi, COO for Navico Americas. “With unrivalled close-range visibility and new groundbreaking long-distance capability, this latest addition to the Lowrance, Simrad Yachting and B&G Broadband Radar lineup provides the sharpest radar images of any radome in the world for best-in-class situational awareness on the water.”

Maintaining high-sensitivity and clarity in all weather conditions, the radar provides easy-to-view detail of targets even in high-sea states. Additional Broadband 4G Radar safety and convenience features include: revolution speeds up to 36 rpm for Lowrance HDS and Simrad NSS, and 48 rpm for Simrad NSE, NSO and B&G Zeus — providing near-instant updates at ranges less than 1 nautical miles; directional sidelobe-clutter suppression to reduce clutter and echoes caused by large targets; accurate chart overlay and MARPA; display networking; extremely low emissions (less than 1/5th the energy of a mobile phone); flexible antenna-placement options for safe and easy installation almost anywhere on a boat; InstantOn™ — allowing the radar to power up immediately from cold start and standby; and incredibly low power consumption.

Broadband 4G Radar’s compact 18-inch radome measures 11.02-inches high x 19.28-inches in diameter (280 mm x 489 mm), weighs 16.3 pounds (7.4 kg), and installs quickly with an easy-to-route 0.5-inch (13.5 mm) diameter scanner cable. Drawing only 20 watts of power during operation (21 watts in dual range mode) and 2.9 watts in standby, Broadband 4G Radar has an operating temperature range of -13 to +131 degrees Fahrenheit (-25 to +55 degrees Celsius) and can operate in winds up to 100 knots. Broadband 4G™ Radar is waterproof to the IPX6 standard and is protected by a two-year parts and labor warranty and the Lowrance, Simrad Yachting and B&G Advantage Program.

Price & Availability: Available in November 2011 from authorized dealers and distributors throughout the United States and Canada, the new Lowrance Broadband 4G Radar has a minimum advertised price of US $1,899, while the Simrad and B&G Broadband 4G Radars have a suggested retail price of US $2,299. For more information on Lowrance, Simrad and B&G Broadband 4G Radar, or their entire line of performance marine electronics, contact 800-324-1356 (toll-free) in the USA or 800-661-3983 (toll-free) in Canada or visit www.lowrance.com, www.simrad-yachting.com and www.bandg.com, for details on brand-specific models.

*Available with the Simrad NSE and NSO and B&G Zeus multifunction displays.

ACR ResQLink Awarded Five Year US Coast Guard Contract For Up To 5,000 Personal Locator Beacons

Press Release From Cobham Commercial Systems:

October 28, 2011

Buy Yours Now!FORT LAUDERDALE, Florida - Cobham has been awarded a US Coast Guard contract to supply up to 5,000 406 MHz ACR Electronics Personal Locator Beacons (PLBs), called ResQLink™. ACR, a business unit of Cobham Commercial Systems, will provide up to 1,000 units per year under this five year contract, with a contract extension possible after the fifth year.

The ResQLink™ is small and light enough to hold comfortably in one hand yet powerful enough to guide rescuers to within 100 meters or less of the user's position in a life-threatening emergency. Many of the GPS-enabled ResQLink™ PLBs are to be used by the US Coast Guard's small and medium response boat crews.

"ACR Electronics has over many years equipped the US Coast Guard and other branches of the military with satellite detectible beacons and a variety of rescue lights and strobes," said Michael Wilkerson, ACR's General Manager. "It's a relationship built on quality, performance and trust."

The ResQLink™ offers great capability in the smallest and lightest package available today. It combines ease of use and ACR technology to give pilots, boaters, and outdoors enthusiasts a powerful and accurate safety companion, ready for action at the simple push of a button.

The ResQLink™ broadcasts a unique registered distress signal that not only tells rescuers where the sender is, but who they are.  The onboard 66 channel GPS can quickly fix the sender's position to within 100 meters and then utilizes a powerful 406 MHz signal to relay the distress call to orbiting satellites. As local Search and Rescue is deployed, a separate homing signal and integrated LED strobe light guide rescuers to the sender's exact position.

About Cobham

Cobham specializes in meeting the insatiable demand for data, connectivity and bandwidth in defence, security and commercial environments. Offering a technically diverse and innovative range of technologies and services, the Group protects the lives and livelihoods, responding to customer needs with agility that differentiates it.  The most important thing we build is trust. Employing more than 11,000 people on five continents, the Group has customers and partners in over 100 countries, with annual revenue of £1.9bn/US$3 billion.

About Cobham Commercial Systems

Cobham Commercial Systems is a leading provider of integrated avionics systems, emergency locator systems and radar and missile electronics for military and civil customers.  Cobham's avionics systems can be offered individually or integrated to provide an entire cockpit.  Its synthetic vision Electronic Flight Instrument System (EFIS) revolutionised safety in low-level flight operations and is now approved on more than 700 aircraft and helicopter models. 

Cobham's new Helicopter Stability Augmentation System (HeliSAS) adds to its extensive range of fixed wing auto-pilot solutions and brings added safety within the reach of a host of operators for whom such systems were previously too expensive and heavy. Cobham Commercial Systems is also an acknowledged expert in Emergency Locator Transmitter and Personal Locator Beacon technologies, from personal units to Original Equipment Manufacturer mounted systems on airliners and helicopters.  Its radar and missile RF front end electronics are part of many radars, missiles, and space and commercial radar systems as well as leading edge Active Electronically Scanned Array (AESA) solutions.

About ACR Electronics

ACR designs and manufactures a complete line of safety and survival products including EPIRBs, PLBs, AIS, SART, Strobe Lights, Life Jacket Lights, Search Lights and safety accessories.  The quality systems of this facility have been registered by UL to the ISO 9001:2008 Series Standards.  Recognized as the world leader in safety and survival technologies, ACR has provided safety equipment to the aviation and marine industries as well as to the military since 1956. The company is headquartered in Fort Lauderdale, Florida and employs 147 at its manufacturing facility.

Horizon Lines hit by third quarter losses.

Here's a follow up to an article from IFW talking about Horizon.

Source: IFW

Kizzi Nkwocha | Tue, 8 Nov 2011

Company hopes refinancing and exit from the trans-Pacific market will 

bring stability

 

Horizon Lines, the US’s busiest domestic ocean shipping company, sustained considerable losses of $126.5 million from continuing operations in the third quarter, the company has revealed.









The huge losses compared with a $8.2 million net profit a year earlier. In a defiant statement issued yesterday Horizon said it expects its recent refinancing and exit from the trans-Pacific market to stabilize future results despite “challenging” economic conditions.

Last month , as the US’s largest shipping line announced its decision to discontinue its Five Star Express (FSX) transpacific container shipping service between the US west coast, Guam and China, President and CEO Stephen Fraser said: “Our decision to exit this highly volatile market will allow Horizon to focus on our core domestic ocean shipping services, and provide the opportunity to produce a more profitable and stable financial performance over time.”

The results, announced yesterday included a $117.5 million goodwill impairment charge stemming mainly from the shutdown of the trans-Pacific service and deteriorating earnings.
Horizon said the amount of the goodwill impairment is an estimate that may be adjusted during the fourth quarter.

The company said it expects the shutdown of the trans-Pacific service to produce a pretax restructuring charge of $105 million to $110 million in the fourth quarter, following negative adjusted earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization of approximately $43.7 million for the year’s first nine months.

Horizon launched the trans-Pacific service last December after Maersk Line did not renew a take-or-pay agreement for eastbound capacity on the backhaul of Horizon’s service from the U.S. mainland to Guam. Horizon is laying up the service’s five chartered ships, each with capacities of 2,824 20-foot-equivalent units, and seeking to subcharter them.

Earlier this year Horizon Lines completed a complicated $650 million financial restructure that saved the shipping line from bankruptcy and will left bondholders with most of the company’s stock.

The carrier had struggled to straighten its finances since pleading guilty last March to price-fixing in the Puerto Rico trade.

Horizon operates between the US mainland and Puerto Rico, Alaska, Hawaii and Guam, and between China and the US west coast.

Holiday Parade Warnings from the Coast Guard.

Risks include illegal charters, overloaded vessels, Christmas lights

(11/8/2011)

The following is the text of a press release issued by the U.S. Coast Guard: (SAN PEDRO, Calif.) -- With the holiday boat parade season upon us, the Coast Guard wants to remind boaters and observers of certain safety pointers. General safety hazards for ALL boat operations: Illegal charters Overloaded or unsafe electrical systems due to Christmas lights Too many passengers affect stability of vessels – ensure compliance with maximum capacity Recreational boats cannot charge passengers to board their vessels – illegal, resulting in fines 5 knot speed limit strictly enforced during all boat parades Spot checks may be conducted on certified T-Boats: Adequate number of lifejackets Merchant Mariner licenses onboard Adequate number of crewmembers Compliance with vessel security plans Just like in past years, Coast Guard marine inspectors will be conducting additional inspections of vessels involved in the parades and evening trips.