September 2009
122 posts
August 2009
132 posts
Missing boaters clung to thread of hope →
Rescue 21: SAR in 30 minutes or less →
Here is a story that I came across that attribute the successful efforts of the USCG to the new implementation of the Rescue 21 system. From Houston’s KTRK-TV: Click link
On which side of a channel will you find a nun?...
@CGAUXDrumPoint
Buoys are floating aids that come in many shapes and sizes. They are moored to the seabed by concrete sinkers with chain or synthetic rope moorings of various lengths connected to the buoy’s body. They are intended to convey information to the boater by their color and shape, by the characteristics of visible or audible signal, or a combination of two or more such features.
The...
Does a beacon have a light?
@CGAUXDrumPoint
Beacons are aids to navigation structures that are permanently fixed to the earth’s surface. The range from lighthouses to small, single-pile structures and may be located on land or in the water. Lighted beacons are called lights; unlighted beacons are called day-beacons. Beacons exhibit a day-mark to make them readily visible and easily identifiable against background...
Am I required to have Radar?
Radar is not required on vessels under 1600 GT (Title 33 CFR part 164.35), however, Rule 7states that proper use shall be made of radar equipment if fitted and operational. In other words, whoever has one must use it. The Navigation Rules are not meant to discourage the use of any device, rather they expect prudent mariners to avail themselves of all available means appropriate…as to...
Video: Coast Guard employs new technology →
The U.S. Coast Guard is responsible for thousands of miles of coastline, a massive area when it comes to searching for missing or endangered boaters. However, the Coast Guard has some new technology
This is video of a coast guard rescue from just two weeks ago.
“A May Day call came in,” said Captain Jim Whitehead of the U.S. Coast Guard.
Click link for more!
Photo Release: USCG & Canadian Coast Guard Train... →
Click link for photos and more.
Boston cutter helps Gloucester fishing crew →
Coast Guard Cutter Escanaba responded to a call for help from the crew of the Dianne Lynn II who was taking on water about 40 miles east of Gloucester, Mass., Wednesday.
Click link for more.
What is a safe passing distance for vessels?
According to Rule 16 there is no specified distance one must keep when crossing, meeting, or overtaking another vessel, other than, as the give-way vessel, you are to keep well clear. As to what distance a vessel may be required to take action to avoid collision, it will vary, however it should be in accordance with Rule 6, Safe Speed, and Rule 8, Action to Avoid Collision. These rules which...
Coast Guard: Lady D master shouldn't have sailed... →
The U.S. Coast Guard released Monday the final report of investigation into the March 2004 capsizing of the passenger vessel Lady D in the northwest harbor of the Patapsco River, Baltimore. Five passengers aboard the Lady D died in the accident. The report states the accident was initiated by the master’s unsafe decision to depart the dock at Fort McHenry in the face of an approaching...
What's a nautical mile?
App. 6,076 feet, about 1/8 longer than statute mile of 5280 feet. Equal to one minute of latitude.
Navigation Rules Simplified →
Traffic Laws of the Waterways
Collisions can be prevented easily if every vessel operator fulfills three major responsibilities. Practice good seamanship. It is the responsibility of every boat operator to take all necessary action to avoid a collision, taking into account the weather, vessel traffic and the limits of other vessels. Such action should be taken in ample time to avoid a...
The “hijacking” of the Arctic Sea? →
Hurricane Bill’s gone… how’d the Coast Guard do? →
Hurricane Bill is all but gone from U.S. waters and on it’s way to visit Cape Race, Newfoundland most likely as a tropical storm. And now that we can say there was little damage or loss of life compared to past hurricanes of its size it’s now time to play Monday morning quarterback on the stance of the Coast Guard and other agencies- and hey, look, it’s actually Monday!
Click link for more.
Photos and video of Coast Guard rescue in Hull,... →
President Barack Obama lands at Coast Guard Air... →
Am I required to carry a copy of the Navigation...
According to the Inland section of Annex V after January 1, 1983, the operator of each self-propelled vessel 12 meters or more in length shall carry on board and maintain for ready reference a copy of the Inland Navigation Rules.
Editorial: Boat crash - Choppy Waters at best.
A speed limit might prevent replay of Clear Lake collision
var collab_title = 'PD Editorial: Boat crash';
Published: Friday, August 21, 2009 at 6:00 p.m. Last Modified: Friday, August 21, 2009 at 5:01 p.m.
We can’t say we were surprised that a Lake County jury quickly acquitted a man who was arrested after his sailboat was rammed by a speedboat driven by an off-duty deputy sheriff....
What "vessels" are required to comply with the...
What “vessels” are required to comply with the Navigation Rules? In Rule 3 the word vessel includes every description of watercraft, including non-displacement craft, WIG craft, and seaplanes, used or capable of being used as a means of transportation on water. Courts have interpreted transportation to not just include passengers, but also goods or services. The Navigation Rules...
