Wednesday, May 19, 2004
Blessing of the Fleet set for Whitsun
In 1770, James Cook mistakenly named the Whitsunday Islands after Whitsun, the seventh Sunday after Easter. As Cook had crossed the then unknown dateline, he should have called them the Whitmondays. It was still early days navigation wise.
Whitsun is also called Pentecost Sunday so Pentecost Island was the first island in the Whitsunday group to be named and the only one in the group named by Cook, in June 1770 with the phrase "More remarkable than the rest".
This year the Whitsunday Sailing Club will again host the annual Blessing of the Fleet on Whitsunday, May 30th. A multi-denominational service will be conducted on the club lawns, overlooking Pioneer Bay, starting at 1100hrs.
The Blessing of the Fleet Sailpast will include offbeach dinghies and catamarans, privately owned offshore yachts and cruisers, bareboats, day charter boats and fishing boats. It is easy to participate in the Sailpast.
What else is happening? The Whitsunday Sailing Club Open Day and the Marine Swap Meet.
Would you like to come down and try sailing?
The WSC Marine Swap Meet may well be your chance to sell or swap gear that you are not using, or to pick up a bargain for your boat or home. Bring along that unused or unusual boating or fishing gear and set up a table or stall. Details 4946 6138.
Boaters get arty for show
$6,000 in prize money is the lure for painters and photographers from the 175,000 residents of Central Queensland able to compete at the Oceanic Whitsunday Boat and Leisure Show in June.
The Rotary Club of Airlie Beach have added an art exhibition based on marine themes and sponsored by The Shipowners Club of London.
"We thought that a first-class exhibition of marine art would interest some of the thousands that attended last year, particularly those that go along with Dad but may not be that keen on boats, ropes and hopes of fair weather" curator of the exhibition, Mr Tony Fossey, said
"To keep in line with the main theme of the weekend, we chose plain, simple, 'marine' as the subject to portray. The majority of visual artists and photographers in Central Queensland should find plenty of beautiful marine subjects here to portray. We have defined marine as being ' Of, From, Beside, For use on - the sea" Mr Fossey added.
Primary pirates art
Primary pirates in shire schools are taking part in art and writing competitions with prizes worth working for from BeachWorx. The competition closes on June 1, so get your entry in.
Pirates of the Whitsundays: The basics
Pirate lingo is rich and complicated, sort of like a good stew. Here are the five basic words that you cannot live without.
Ahoy! - "Hello!"
Avast! - Stop and give attention. It can be used in a sense of surprise.
Aye! - "Why yes, I agree most heartily with everything you just said or did."
Aye aye! - "I'll get right on that sir."
Arrr! Or Arrrgh. "Arrr!" can mean, variously, "yes," "I agree," "I'm happy," "I'm enjoying this XXXX, "That was a clever remark you or I just made." Moreover, those are just a few of the myriad possibilities of Arrr!
Traditional sailors set sail for Show
Traditional sailors and their beautiful sailing ships will take part at the show.
" Rotary are featuring these magnificent traditional ships sailed by iron men and women at our show this year" says Club President Michael Elliott.
Traditional Ships regatta information on 4948 2186 or tradships@hotmail.com
ProSail - Ten years
Whitsunday charter boat operator ProSail celebrates ten years in business this week. Prosail has grown to become the largest skippered and catered sailing holiday company in Australia and employs over 100 staff says the operator.
Established 1994 by Simon Latchford, ProSail now creates 40,000 meals a month, and delivers 54,000 bed nights a year.
The latest edition of two America's Cup 12 metre yachts 'Australia' and 'Steak N' Kidney' has taken the fleet to 19 yachts, and has seen its founder Simon Latchford's dream become a reality.
"We believe that what ProSail offers is unique," Mr Latchford said.
On Saturday night ProSail will celebrate their ten years with a massive celebration in the company of those people who have helped make a difference and enabled Prosail to become one of the largest independent travel brands and highly demanded luxury crewed sailing charter operators in Australia.
"We look forward to the next ten years!" Mr Latchford said.
Sailor mongering
The Greenpeace organisation is on trial in the United States accused of breaking a law against 'sailor mongering' last used 114 years ago.
Sailor mongering was rife in the 19th century when unsavoury establishments sent demimondaines laden with booze to lure sailors off their ships as they made their way to harbour. The sailors then held in bondage to pay off their lodging, food and indebtedness.
The sailor mongering law, only used twice and last applied in 1890, makes it a crime to board a ship without authorisation.
Greenpeace members boarded a freighter carrying illegally harvested Amazon mahogany off Miami in 2002.
Hayman lights out
Mariners are advised that the following lighted beacons located at Hayman Island have been reported unlit: - No 1 and No 3 Starboard Lateral Mark Beacon at Hayman. Mariners should use caution whilst navigating in this area. Charts Affected: AUS 252, 254, 825
'Great opportunities to help others seldom come, but small opportunities surround us every day.'
Fair winds to Ye!
Cap'n Dan
Tuesday, May 11, 2004
Learning lessons from marine incidents
Maritime Safety Queensland has been addressing boating safety by highlighting marine incidents so you will not experience the mistakes of other boaters.
The safety reports are summaries of marine incidents that actually occurred in Queensland. The reports are displayed on the MSQ web site at www.msq.qld.gov.au/.
The cases presented are representative only, and have been selected for the learning points that may benefit mariners confronted with similar circumstances.
For easy reference, the safety reports have been classified according to the type of ship that was involved in the marine incident.
Some of the recent additions include; It's not my fault!; Crewman has thumb severed by anchor line; Interstate visitor runs his vessel aground; Lookout? and Weather sense and common sense.
The Safety reports are prepared by the Investigations Unit, Executive Services and Compliance Branch, Maritime Safety Queensland. Safety reports are intended to draw the attention of the marine community to the lessons arising out of investigations into marine accidents. Consequently, the reports do not assign fault or blame nor do they determine liability.
Top tools
The secret is out. You need only two tools: WD-40 and duct tape. If it doesn't move and it should, use WD-40. If it moves and shouldn't, use the duct tape.
Around the world in 63 days
The World Speed Sailing Record Council confirms the time of 63 days 13 hours 59 minutes and 46 seconds achieved by Olivier de Kersauson in Geronimo for the Jules Verne Trophy. From John Reed, Secretary to the WSSR Council.
Crab thieves nipped
The unsavoury practice of stealing crab pots or crabs from other crabber's pots, known as 'share farming' is being targeted by Fisheries and Police.
After a spate of incidents, the Department of Primary Industries and Fisheries and the Queensland Police have warned that people caught stealing crab pots will be prosecuted.
Hervey Bay-based Queensland Boating and Fisheries Patrol (QBFP) district officer Carl Shurey said anyone caught interfering with or stealing crab pots faced a hefty fine and possible prosecution.
"There have been a series of thefts of crab pots as well as people removing crabs from pots," he said.
"These are all offences under the Fisheries Act and anyone found breaking the regulations will be dealt with accordingly."
Officer-in-charge of the Hervey Bay Water Police Sergeant Greg Dixon said stealing crab pots is an offence under the Criminal Code.
"Anyone found stealing pots will be brought before the courts," he said.
Mr Shurey said people needed to be aware of all the current crabbing regulations including crab pot rules as well as the size and take and possession limits. "There is a take and possession limit of 10 male mud crabs and a minimum size limit of 15cm," he said.
"People are also only allowed to use four crab pots. They need to be clearly marked with the owner's name and address and, if using a float, must also have the owner's name on it."
"Rules are in place to protect and conserve mud crab stocks. By following the regulations these valuable fisheries resources will be around for current and future generations of Queenslanders," he said.
For more information about fisheries rules and regulations, call the DPI Call Centre of 13 25 23 or visit the DPI Fishweb site at www.dpi.qld.gov.au/fishweb
In a Jif
A 'jiffy' is an actual unit of time for 1/100th of a second.
Cid Island beacon unlit
Mariners are advised that the landfall beacon with an all round white light Fl.6s on the southern end of Cid Island in approximate position Latitude 20°16.50' S, Longitude 148°54.53' E has been reported unlit.
Mariners should use caution when navigating in the area. Charts affected: AUS 253, 824
Once again
"Failure is the opportunity to begin again more intelligently."
--Henry Ford
Fair winds to Ye!
Cap'n Dan
Maritime Safety Queensland has been addressing boating safety by highlighting marine incidents so you will not experience the mistakes of other boaters.
The safety reports are summaries of marine incidents that actually occurred in Queensland. The reports are displayed on the MSQ web site at www.msq.qld.gov.au/.
The cases presented are representative only, and have been selected for the learning points that may benefit mariners confronted with similar circumstances.
For easy reference, the safety reports have been classified according to the type of ship that was involved in the marine incident.
Some of the recent additions include; It's not my fault!; Crewman has thumb severed by anchor line; Interstate visitor runs his vessel aground; Lookout? and Weather sense and common sense.
The Safety reports are prepared by the Investigations Unit, Executive Services and Compliance Branch, Maritime Safety Queensland. Safety reports are intended to draw the attention of the marine community to the lessons arising out of investigations into marine accidents. Consequently, the reports do not assign fault or blame nor do they determine liability.
Top tools
The secret is out. You need only two tools: WD-40 and duct tape. If it doesn't move and it should, use WD-40. If it moves and shouldn't, use the duct tape.
Around the world in 63 days
The World Speed Sailing Record Council confirms the time of 63 days 13 hours 59 minutes and 46 seconds achieved by Olivier de Kersauson in Geronimo for the Jules Verne Trophy. From John Reed, Secretary to the WSSR Council.
Crab thieves nipped
The unsavoury practice of stealing crab pots or crabs from other crabber's pots, known as 'share farming' is being targeted by Fisheries and Police.
After a spate of incidents, the Department of Primary Industries and Fisheries and the Queensland Police have warned that people caught stealing crab pots will be prosecuted.
Hervey Bay-based Queensland Boating and Fisheries Patrol (QBFP) district officer Carl Shurey said anyone caught interfering with or stealing crab pots faced a hefty fine and possible prosecution.
"There have been a series of thefts of crab pots as well as people removing crabs from pots," he said.
"These are all offences under the Fisheries Act and anyone found breaking the regulations will be dealt with accordingly."
Officer-in-charge of the Hervey Bay Water Police Sergeant Greg Dixon said stealing crab pots is an offence under the Criminal Code.
"Anyone found stealing pots will be brought before the courts," he said.
Mr Shurey said people needed to be aware of all the current crabbing regulations including crab pot rules as well as the size and take and possession limits. "There is a take and possession limit of 10 male mud crabs and a minimum size limit of 15cm," he said.
"People are also only allowed to use four crab pots. They need to be clearly marked with the owner's name and address and, if using a float, must also have the owner's name on it."
"Rules are in place to protect and conserve mud crab stocks. By following the regulations these valuable fisheries resources will be around for current and future generations of Queenslanders," he said.
For more information about fisheries rules and regulations, call the DPI Call Centre of 13 25 23 or visit the DPI Fishweb site at www.dpi.qld.gov.au/fishweb
In a Jif
A 'jiffy' is an actual unit of time for 1/100th of a second.
Cid Island beacon unlit
Mariners are advised that the landfall beacon with an all round white light Fl.6s on the southern end of Cid Island in approximate position Latitude 20°16.50' S, Longitude 148°54.53' E has been reported unlit.
Mariners should use caution when navigating in the area. Charts affected: AUS 253, 824
Once again
"Failure is the opportunity to begin again more intelligently."
--Henry Ford
Fair winds to Ye!
Cap'n Dan
Tuesday, May 04, 2004
Ahoy! Pirates of the Whitsundays comp for kids
Pirates of the Whitsundays are renowned as colourful and exciting people. It takes talent to be a Pirate too! Yer can't be a landlubber all yer life if yer lives 'ere, so the Oceanic Whitsunday Boat and Leisure Show committee is running a special competition for the Primary Pirates in our schools.
Pirates of the Whitsundays is the competition theme, with categories for three age groups. Colouring Competition for Preps to Grade 2, Design a Treasure Map for Grades 3 to 5 and A Short Story for Grades 6 and 7.
Plot a Treasure Map around the Whitsunday Islands is open to Grades 3 to 5 and involves an outline of Islands ending at Abel Point after locating all the Treasure.
The Top 20 from each Category will go on display at the Oceanic Whitsunday Boat and Leisure Show, June 12 and 13. Airlie BeachWorx has sponsored the prizes, with the main prize for the short story being a $200 gift voucher.
Competition details are on Entry Forms available from local schools in the coming weeks, says Rotary organiser Tony Fossey.
Rules? Yaarrgh! All of Yer entries will get judged, me buckaroos. Judges decision is final; whinge an yer can walk the plank. Them what make it arty-like will get their stuff shown at the Oceanic Whitsunday Boat and Leisure show on the weekend of 12th and 13th June 2004.
The winning entries from each category will be notified by cannonball and summoned to the show to collect their bootie. Mum and Dad can help (but not too much). Limit one entry per Primary Pirate. All treasures to be lobbed to Yer Art or English Master for collection.
So, come on Primary Pirate Kids and join in the fun. You can win some great Prizes and be part of the Oceanic Whitsunday Boat and Leisure Show 2004.
COTS control
Crown of Thorns Starfish research vessel Foundation One docked in Airlie Beach on Sunday after a successful ten days at Bait Reef.
Had a yarn to the crew who had a good voyage and said a gauge of the ongoing work is shown by the 2,600 COTS killed in those ten days.
Beer compass
The invisible device that ensures your safe arrival home after a booze cruise, even though you're too full to remember where you live, how you got there, or where you've come from.
Not the definition!
EPIRB: Empty Petrol I Require Boat!
Fish are jumping
"Last week the Coral Trout were jumping into the boat and now the Spanish mackerel are following them. We enjoyed our first week of decent weather this year with some 10-knot sea breezes coupled with small tides and very blue waters.
"Most of the mackerel were over the 10-kilo mark and a couple made it to 20-kilo's. This is a very good sign for the beginning of our Mackerel season."
Cheers Capt Ken on Marlin Blue
Visitor's radio
A report from the Wireless Institute of Australia (WIA) says an issue discussed recently with Australian Communications Authority has been the operation of amateur radio stations on board foreign yachts whilst alongside or at anchor in Australian ports.
The WIA are waiting for a definitive statement from ACA, however, in the interim, the Northern Regional Manager sets out the ACA position that is if boat clears customs - operator must have VK (Australian) callsign.
There has also been some concern expressed from WIA at the lack of ACA follow up to complaints of illegal operation, etc. The WIA Liaison Committee are seeking advice from ACA on how to best address this problem.
Boat Hot spots
The Boating Industry Association of Queensland has identified the state's top 10 boating communities, based on registrations in local authority areas.
The hot spots, as of December 30, are: Brisbane: 22,520 -12,572 (Southside) and 9958 (north side); Gold Coast: 21,950; Redlands: 8725; Caboolture: 7,560; Cairns: 7,388; Mackay: 7240; Maroochy: 5,904: Logan: 5,418: Townsville: 5,413; Caloundra: 4912.
BIAQ General Manager, Barry Hibberd, said total registrations were now more than 180,000 and growing at approximately five per cent annually.
Boat ownership in Queensland is growing at twice the rate of population growth in the state.
Mr Hibberd said 90 per cent of all registered boats are six metres or less in length.
Boats 3-4 metres represented 33 per cent of new registrations, followed by boats 4-4.5 metres (27 per cent) and boats 5-6 metres (13 per cent).
Consider this
"Not what we have, but what we enjoy, constitutes our abundance."
--John Petit-Senn
Fair winds to Ye!
Cap'n Dan
Pirates of the Whitsundays are renowned as colourful and exciting people. It takes talent to be a Pirate too! Yer can't be a landlubber all yer life if yer lives 'ere, so the Oceanic Whitsunday Boat and Leisure Show committee is running a special competition for the Primary Pirates in our schools.
Pirates of the Whitsundays is the competition theme, with categories for three age groups. Colouring Competition for Preps to Grade 2, Design a Treasure Map for Grades 3 to 5 and A Short Story for Grades 6 and 7.
Plot a Treasure Map around the Whitsunday Islands is open to Grades 3 to 5 and involves an outline of Islands ending at Abel Point after locating all the Treasure.
The Top 20 from each Category will go on display at the Oceanic Whitsunday Boat and Leisure Show, June 12 and 13. Airlie BeachWorx has sponsored the prizes, with the main prize for the short story being a $200 gift voucher.
Competition details are on Entry Forms available from local schools in the coming weeks, says Rotary organiser Tony Fossey.
Rules? Yaarrgh! All of Yer entries will get judged, me buckaroos. Judges decision is final; whinge an yer can walk the plank. Them what make it arty-like will get their stuff shown at the Oceanic Whitsunday Boat and Leisure show on the weekend of 12th and 13th June 2004.
The winning entries from each category will be notified by cannonball and summoned to the show to collect their bootie. Mum and Dad can help (but not too much). Limit one entry per Primary Pirate. All treasures to be lobbed to Yer Art or English Master for collection.
So, come on Primary Pirate Kids and join in the fun. You can win some great Prizes and be part of the Oceanic Whitsunday Boat and Leisure Show 2004.
COTS control
Crown of Thorns Starfish research vessel Foundation One docked in Airlie Beach on Sunday after a successful ten days at Bait Reef.
Had a yarn to the crew who had a good voyage and said a gauge of the ongoing work is shown by the 2,600 COTS killed in those ten days.
Beer compass
The invisible device that ensures your safe arrival home after a booze cruise, even though you're too full to remember where you live, how you got there, or where you've come from.
Not the definition!
EPIRB: Empty Petrol I Require Boat!
Fish are jumping
"Last week the Coral Trout were jumping into the boat and now the Spanish mackerel are following them. We enjoyed our first week of decent weather this year with some 10-knot sea breezes coupled with small tides and very blue waters.
"Most of the mackerel were over the 10-kilo mark and a couple made it to 20-kilo's. This is a very good sign for the beginning of our Mackerel season."
Cheers Capt Ken on Marlin Blue
Visitor's radio
A report from the Wireless Institute of Australia (WIA) says an issue discussed recently with Australian Communications Authority has been the operation of amateur radio stations on board foreign yachts whilst alongside or at anchor in Australian ports.
The WIA are waiting for a definitive statement from ACA, however, in the interim, the Northern Regional Manager sets out the ACA position that is if boat clears customs - operator must have VK (Australian) callsign.
There has also been some concern expressed from WIA at the lack of ACA follow up to complaints of illegal operation, etc. The WIA Liaison Committee are seeking advice from ACA on how to best address this problem.
Boat Hot spots
The Boating Industry Association of Queensland has identified the state's top 10 boating communities, based on registrations in local authority areas.
The hot spots, as of December 30, are: Brisbane: 22,520 -12,572 (Southside) and 9958 (north side); Gold Coast: 21,950; Redlands: 8725; Caboolture: 7,560; Cairns: 7,388; Mackay: 7240; Maroochy: 5,904: Logan: 5,418: Townsville: 5,413; Caloundra: 4912.
BIAQ General Manager, Barry Hibberd, said total registrations were now more than 180,000 and growing at approximately five per cent annually.
Boat ownership in Queensland is growing at twice the rate of population growth in the state.
Mr Hibberd said 90 per cent of all registered boats are six metres or less in length.
Boats 3-4 metres represented 33 per cent of new registrations, followed by boats 4-4.5 metres (27 per cent) and boats 5-6 metres (13 per cent).
Consider this
"Not what we have, but what we enjoy, constitutes our abundance."
--John Petit-Senn
Fair winds to Ye!
Cap'n Dan
Wednesday, April 28, 2004
Stiff winds greet Lady Skipper's and crews
The three-race Lady Skipper Series was held over the ANZAC weekend in blustery conditions. The popular annual event has drawn a good fleet for many years now with the girls enjoying their own camaraderie on the water and at the presentations.
Janner II skippered by Kathryn Borer, won the perpetual trophy on handicap. She was a bit unlucky in the first race when her main sail tore along the lower panel seam and had to take in a single reef to complete the race. She was lucky for the 20+ knot winds over the next two days, so the single tuck, with both Yankee and staysail helped Kathryn maintain good boat speed.
Heather Sievers with Tina, Nellie, Judy and Diane in Idyll Time, won the all ladies crew trophy. They jury-rigged the spinnaker halyard in Molle Passage on the second race when their jib halyard broke.
No one was quite sure what happened to Vicky Applegate in Triple Vision on the start of the last race but it became evident that they were 'sail testing" around Cid Island and fell into a hole just managing to get to the start line very late.
Deception helmed by Caroline Murray and Triple Vision had their own race at the front while the other four yachts traded positions around Pioneer Pt and Funnel Bay on the race home -- depending on whom the wind gusts favoured.
Shearwater steered by Roslyn Booth and skipper Linda Howells in Sky Trim made up the six-boat fleet.
Make no bones
Pirates of the Whitsundays have been playing up recently with a raid by Dog on the skull and crossbones of the Cap'n. Dog was salty wet an still laughin when he surfaced wit der Cap'n's flag in his clutches. The Cap'n owes 'im a rum.
Said around the islands, Yer don't have ter say yer a pirate, Ye just Aaarrgh one!
What'a yer reckon?
"If we had to overcome every possible objection before we got started, then nothing--absolutely nothing--would ever get accomplished."
Fair winds to Ye!
Cap'n Dan
The three-race Lady Skipper Series was held over the ANZAC weekend in blustery conditions. The popular annual event has drawn a good fleet for many years now with the girls enjoying their own camaraderie on the water and at the presentations.
Janner II skippered by Kathryn Borer, won the perpetual trophy on handicap. She was a bit unlucky in the first race when her main sail tore along the lower panel seam and had to take in a single reef to complete the race. She was lucky for the 20+ knot winds over the next two days, so the single tuck, with both Yankee and staysail helped Kathryn maintain good boat speed.
Heather Sievers with Tina, Nellie, Judy and Diane in Idyll Time, won the all ladies crew trophy. They jury-rigged the spinnaker halyard in Molle Passage on the second race when their jib halyard broke.
No one was quite sure what happened to Vicky Applegate in Triple Vision on the start of the last race but it became evident that they were 'sail testing" around Cid Island and fell into a hole just managing to get to the start line very late.
Deception helmed by Caroline Murray and Triple Vision had their own race at the front while the other four yachts traded positions around Pioneer Pt and Funnel Bay on the race home -- depending on whom the wind gusts favoured.
Shearwater steered by Roslyn Booth and skipper Linda Howells in Sky Trim made up the six-boat fleet.
Make no bones
Pirates of the Whitsundays have been playing up recently with a raid by Dog on the skull and crossbones of the Cap'n. Dog was salty wet an still laughin when he surfaced wit der Cap'n's flag in his clutches. The Cap'n owes 'im a rum.
Said around the islands, Yer don't have ter say yer a pirate, Ye just Aaarrgh one!
What'a yer reckon?
"If we had to overcome every possible objection before we got started, then nothing--absolutely nothing--would ever get accomplished."
Fair winds to Ye!
Cap'n Dan
Monday, April 26, 2004
Protecting our Whitsunday turtles and dugongs
It is an easy call to tell our tourist guests they will see turtles in some of the bays around the Whitsunday Islands. Indeed, Tongue Bay on Whitsunday Island always puts on a good display of turtles for guests.
Turtles are often sighted in many inshore areas of the Whitsunday region of the Great Barrier Reef but those shy Dugongs are much harder to spot.
Dugongs and turtles are threatened species and are protected in all waters of the Great Barrier Reef.
The Great Barrier Reef is home to six of the world's seven species of marine turtles.
It is believed there are 90,000 dugongs in Australian waters with approximately 14,000 of these on the Great Barrier Reef, however dugong numbers are only 3% of what they were in the 1960s.
All people who use the Reef need to be aware of and follow best environmental and safety practices particularly when in an area that contains dugong or turtles.
We need to be aware that litter on the Reef, particularly plastics and fishing line, can harm dugongs and turtles. Turtles often mistake plastics for food and may choke on plastic bags and other rubbish.
There are a few simple practices you should follow when boating on the Great Barrier Reef to avoid harming or killing dugong or turtles. These are:
· Be alert and watch for dugongs and turtles at all times
· Make sure you give dugongs and turtles plenty of space in the water
· Reduce your vessel speed to minimise the risk of collision in areas where dugong or turtles have been sighted
· Be quiet when you are around a dugong or turtle in the water
· Take all rubbish home with you. Do not throw used fishing line or any other litter in the sea or allow it to be washed into the sea/stormwater drains.
· Do not get in the water if you see a dugong or turtle. If you are already in the water do not disturb, chase or block the path of a dugong or turtle and if possible, return to your vessel
· If there is a sudden change in dugong or turtle behaviour, move away immediately
· Report sick, injured, stranded or dead dugongs and turtles to the Marine Animal Hotline on 1300 360 898.
Top marks for region's fishers
Queensland Boating and Fisheries Patrol (QBFP) field officers were kept busy during the Easter break but were impressed by the excellent level of compliance with fishing and boating regulations.
Department of Primary Industries and Fisheries patrols operating out of Mackay, Yeppoon and Gladstone all reported that the windy weather had restricted Central Queensland's recreational fishers and boats to the more sheltered estuarine waters.
Acting district officer Brenda Stevenson said that during the four days, the officers had spoken to dozens of fishers and inspected 42 recreational vessels.
"Our officers issued just two fisheries infringement notices and five infringement notices for boating offences all of which attracted on-the-spot fines," Ms Stevenson said.
Two QBFP teams at Mackay worked from Proserpine through to Cape Palmerston and issued just three infringement notices to boaties exceeding the 6-knot speed limit in gazetted areas. There were only three fisheries infringements for undersize mud crabs, undersize sweet lip and unmarked crab pots.
Gladstone field officers who carried out inspections from Port Alma to the Town of 1770 as well as patrolling Gladstone Harbour Festival aquatic activities, issued 15 boating regulation and three fisheries infringement notices.
Ms Stevenson said the bulk of the Central region's boating regulation offences were related to failure to display navigation lights, lack of mandatory safety equipment including insufficient lifejackets for the passengers on board and for the use of unregistered vessels.
"Our officers also issued a number of cautions for fisheries offences including failure to correctly mark crab pots.
"Most on-the-spot fisheries fines which ranged from $150 up to $375 related to undersize fish and failure to mark crab pots. Three unmarked pots were seized in the Capricorn region," Ms Stevenson said.
Marine Notice: Laguna Quays
Dredging operations are being carried out in the entrance to Laguna Quays (20 36'.0 S 148 41'.4 E).
Works will be carried out by a cutter suction dredge daily from 0600 to 1800 hours. The dredge will be secured to three anchors at a radius of 100 metres from the dredge. A dumb barge will be in attendance during the works.
Mariners should contact Laguna Quays Port Control on VHF Ch16 prior to transiting the entrance. Mariners are advised to navigate with caution in the area.
Think about it
'Why not go out on a limb? Isn't that where the fruit is?'
Fair winds to Ye!
Cap'n Dan
It is an easy call to tell our tourist guests they will see turtles in some of the bays around the Whitsunday Islands. Indeed, Tongue Bay on Whitsunday Island always puts on a good display of turtles for guests.
Turtles are often sighted in many inshore areas of the Whitsunday region of the Great Barrier Reef but those shy Dugongs are much harder to spot.
Dugongs and turtles are threatened species and are protected in all waters of the Great Barrier Reef.
The Great Barrier Reef is home to six of the world's seven species of marine turtles.
It is believed there are 90,000 dugongs in Australian waters with approximately 14,000 of these on the Great Barrier Reef, however dugong numbers are only 3% of what they were in the 1960s.
All people who use the Reef need to be aware of and follow best environmental and safety practices particularly when in an area that contains dugong or turtles.
We need to be aware that litter on the Reef, particularly plastics and fishing line, can harm dugongs and turtles. Turtles often mistake plastics for food and may choke on plastic bags and other rubbish.
There are a few simple practices you should follow when boating on the Great Barrier Reef to avoid harming or killing dugong or turtles. These are:
· Be alert and watch for dugongs and turtles at all times
· Make sure you give dugongs and turtles plenty of space in the water
· Reduce your vessel speed to minimise the risk of collision in areas where dugong or turtles have been sighted
· Be quiet when you are around a dugong or turtle in the water
· Take all rubbish home with you. Do not throw used fishing line or any other litter in the sea or allow it to be washed into the sea/stormwater drains.
· Do not get in the water if you see a dugong or turtle. If you are already in the water do not disturb, chase or block the path of a dugong or turtle and if possible, return to your vessel
· If there is a sudden change in dugong or turtle behaviour, move away immediately
· Report sick, injured, stranded or dead dugongs and turtles to the Marine Animal Hotline on 1300 360 898.
Top marks for region's fishers
Queensland Boating and Fisheries Patrol (QBFP) field officers were kept busy during the Easter break but were impressed by the excellent level of compliance with fishing and boating regulations.
Department of Primary Industries and Fisheries patrols operating out of Mackay, Yeppoon and Gladstone all reported that the windy weather had restricted Central Queensland's recreational fishers and boats to the more sheltered estuarine waters.
Acting district officer Brenda Stevenson said that during the four days, the officers had spoken to dozens of fishers and inspected 42 recreational vessels.
"Our officers issued just two fisheries infringement notices and five infringement notices for boating offences all of which attracted on-the-spot fines," Ms Stevenson said.
Two QBFP teams at Mackay worked from Proserpine through to Cape Palmerston and issued just three infringement notices to boaties exceeding the 6-knot speed limit in gazetted areas. There were only three fisheries infringements for undersize mud crabs, undersize sweet lip and unmarked crab pots.
Gladstone field officers who carried out inspections from Port Alma to the Town of 1770 as well as patrolling Gladstone Harbour Festival aquatic activities, issued 15 boating regulation and three fisheries infringement notices.
Ms Stevenson said the bulk of the Central region's boating regulation offences were related to failure to display navigation lights, lack of mandatory safety equipment including insufficient lifejackets for the passengers on board and for the use of unregistered vessels.
"Our officers also issued a number of cautions for fisheries offences including failure to correctly mark crab pots.
"Most on-the-spot fisheries fines which ranged from $150 up to $375 related to undersize fish and failure to mark crab pots. Three unmarked pots were seized in the Capricorn region," Ms Stevenson said.
Marine Notice: Laguna Quays
Dredging operations are being carried out in the entrance to Laguna Quays (20 36'.0 S 148 41'.4 E).
Works will be carried out by a cutter suction dredge daily from 0600 to 1800 hours. The dredge will be secured to three anchors at a radius of 100 metres from the dredge. A dumb barge will be in attendance during the works.
Mariners should contact Laguna Quays Port Control on VHF Ch16 prior to transiting the entrance. Mariners are advised to navigate with caution in the area.
Think about it
'Why not go out on a limb? Isn't that where the fruit is?'
Fair winds to Ye!
Cap'n Dan
Wednesday, April 14, 2004
Avast, me hearties, our day is coming
Every now and then, some visionary comes along with a concept so original and revolutionary that your immediate reaction is: "Why didn't I think of that?"
What about 'Talk Like a Pirate Day'. As the name suggests, everybody would talk like a pirate for the day. Is that a great idea, or what? There are so many practical benefits I can't even begin to list them all.
Recently I watched the movie "Pirates of the Caribbean" and wished to be aboard for the fun. Rum and hard tack with weevils and walking the plank. Aargh!
So lets throw our support behind Talk Like a Pirate Day, to be observed in September.
Talking like a pirate will infuse your everyday conversations with romance and danger. Join the crew on September 18. Don't answer the phone with "hello", try "Ahoy, me hearty!"
I truly think this idea could bring us, as a nation, closer together. But not TOO much closer. Some of us will have swords.
Of course, your Waterfront writer has always answered the phone with "Ahoy!" and Mrs Cap'n Dan claims there are many interpretations of 'aaargh'.
Pommy piranha
A piranha, native to South America was found in the River Thames at London. Boat crew said a seagull dropped the 10-cm piranha onto the boat's deck.
"We imagine it was probably released by someone and then floated to the surface, where it was picked up by one of the very hungry seagulls," London Aquarium curator Paul Hale said.
A passing seagull dropped the red-bellied piranha onto the deck of a boat built to oxygenate the river. The Thames was declared "dead" in the 1960s but is now home to over a hundred types of fish.
"It was very fresh and had obviously only just died. You could see the marks made by the seagull's beak on its back," fisheries officer Tom Cousins said.
Experts were quick to reassure Londoners they need not fear marauding shoals of meat-eating fish. The reputation of the piranha is worse than its bite and despite global warming; the Thames remains too cold to support such warm-water fish.
Native fish compared
Department of Primary Industries and Fisheries are educating people of all ages about native fish and their use in ornamental ponds and aquariums with new information brochures.
Most fish used in aquariums and ornamental ponds are exotic and have the potential to cause serious environmental damage if released into local creeks or streams.
The new information brochures include the Native Fish Activity Book for primary school children; the Native Fish for Aquariums brochure aimed at aquarists and pet shops; and the first brochure in a series of regional guides to selecting native fish for ornamental ponds.
Queensland Fisheries Service fisheries biologist Aimee Burton said many native fish have spectacular fins, beautiful colours and interesting behaviours and are comparable to many exotic fish.
"Many people may not consider using native fish. These new information brochures will help people select the right type of native fish for their aquarium or ornamental pond," she said.
"People who are interested in the new educational material can call the DPI.
"Teachers and parents are encouraged to call for copies of the Native Fish Activity Book, which has activities for primary school children about looking after waterways and the fish that inhabit them."
Ham radio saved the day
An amateur 'Ham' radio operator was talking to a friend and heard a weak signal from a radio operator aboard a Ukrainian registered schooner sailing from Wellington NZ to Sydney. The ship had trouble as sails had blown out and they were making slow progress of just on four knots.
At that speed, they had calculated that they would run out of fuel before reaching port, the shore-side Ham operator ascertained there were 6 people on board, but no EPIRB! (Emergency Position Indication Radio Beacon) All information was relayed to Sea Safety Canberra.
With the schooner's satellite communication system also out of action, the Ham aboard operating with a low power of 5 watts was the only contact.
Sea Safety Canberra was unable to make contact as their Transmitter was in Charleville, SW Queensland.
At a later sked, things were a lot better, radio and safety wise, the schooner expected in Sydney ahead of previously estimated time.
Sydney Water Police stayed in contact with the Ham, keeping abreast of the situation, as they had no HF facilities!
As the radio operator said...
" I hadn't realised you can now call MAYDAY on the various DISTRESS frequencies but nobody is listening any more. Since the advent of GMDSS, a computer scans the frequencies looking for encoded tones.
"If it finds one it attracts human intervention."
Foiled again
Lawyers are appealing a court case in which a US basketball player was caught trying to sneak marijuana wrapped in Alfoil through airport metal detectors. Duh!
Ahoy!
This old traditional greeting for hailing other vessels was originally a Viking battle cry.
Fair winds to Ye!
Cap'n Dan
Every now and then, some visionary comes along with a concept so original and revolutionary that your immediate reaction is: "Why didn't I think of that?"
What about 'Talk Like a Pirate Day'. As the name suggests, everybody would talk like a pirate for the day. Is that a great idea, or what? There are so many practical benefits I can't even begin to list them all.
Recently I watched the movie "Pirates of the Caribbean" and wished to be aboard for the fun. Rum and hard tack with weevils and walking the plank. Aargh!
So lets throw our support behind Talk Like a Pirate Day, to be observed in September.
Talking like a pirate will infuse your everyday conversations with romance and danger. Join the crew on September 18. Don't answer the phone with "hello", try "Ahoy, me hearty!"
I truly think this idea could bring us, as a nation, closer together. But not TOO much closer. Some of us will have swords.
Of course, your Waterfront writer has always answered the phone with "Ahoy!" and Mrs Cap'n Dan claims there are many interpretations of 'aaargh'.
Pommy piranha
A piranha, native to South America was found in the River Thames at London. Boat crew said a seagull dropped the 10-cm piranha onto the boat's deck.
"We imagine it was probably released by someone and then floated to the surface, where it was picked up by one of the very hungry seagulls," London Aquarium curator Paul Hale said.
A passing seagull dropped the red-bellied piranha onto the deck of a boat built to oxygenate the river. The Thames was declared "dead" in the 1960s but is now home to over a hundred types of fish.
"It was very fresh and had obviously only just died. You could see the marks made by the seagull's beak on its back," fisheries officer Tom Cousins said.
Experts were quick to reassure Londoners they need not fear marauding shoals of meat-eating fish. The reputation of the piranha is worse than its bite and despite global warming; the Thames remains too cold to support such warm-water fish.
Native fish compared
Department of Primary Industries and Fisheries are educating people of all ages about native fish and their use in ornamental ponds and aquariums with new information brochures.
Most fish used in aquariums and ornamental ponds are exotic and have the potential to cause serious environmental damage if released into local creeks or streams.
The new information brochures include the Native Fish Activity Book for primary school children; the Native Fish for Aquariums brochure aimed at aquarists and pet shops; and the first brochure in a series of regional guides to selecting native fish for ornamental ponds.
Queensland Fisheries Service fisheries biologist Aimee Burton said many native fish have spectacular fins, beautiful colours and interesting behaviours and are comparable to many exotic fish.
"Many people may not consider using native fish. These new information brochures will help people select the right type of native fish for their aquarium or ornamental pond," she said.
"People who are interested in the new educational material can call the DPI.
"Teachers and parents are encouraged to call for copies of the Native Fish Activity Book, which has activities for primary school children about looking after waterways and the fish that inhabit them."
Ham radio saved the day
An amateur 'Ham' radio operator was talking to a friend and heard a weak signal from a radio operator aboard a Ukrainian registered schooner sailing from Wellington NZ to Sydney. The ship had trouble as sails had blown out and they were making slow progress of just on four knots.
At that speed, they had calculated that they would run out of fuel before reaching port, the shore-side Ham operator ascertained there were 6 people on board, but no EPIRB! (Emergency Position Indication Radio Beacon) All information was relayed to Sea Safety Canberra.
With the schooner's satellite communication system also out of action, the Ham aboard operating with a low power of 5 watts was the only contact.
Sea Safety Canberra was unable to make contact as their Transmitter was in Charleville, SW Queensland.
At a later sked, things were a lot better, radio and safety wise, the schooner expected in Sydney ahead of previously estimated time.
Sydney Water Police stayed in contact with the Ham, keeping abreast of the situation, as they had no HF facilities!
As the radio operator said...
" I hadn't realised you can now call MAYDAY on the various DISTRESS frequencies but nobody is listening any more. Since the advent of GMDSS, a computer scans the frequencies looking for encoded tones.
"If it finds one it attracts human intervention."
Foiled again
Lawyers are appealing a court case in which a US basketball player was caught trying to sneak marijuana wrapped in Alfoil through airport metal detectors. Duh!
Ahoy!
This old traditional greeting for hailing other vessels was originally a Viking battle cry.
Fair winds to Ye!
Cap'n Dan
Wednesday, April 07, 2004
Boat safety with difference launched in Whitsunday
'Look closely before you agree to get onboard'
Maritime Safety Queensland and local charter boat operators launched an education campaign this week in Airlie Beach concerning backpackers targeted by unlicensed charter boat operators. Unlicensed, illegal operators have generated a series of complaints about sexual harassment and unsafe and unsavoury boating practises for some time.
"The education campaign has been well received" Maritime Safety Queensland (MSQ) Education Officer Caitlin Bryant told On the Waterfront this week.
"The response has been positive, particularly with travel agents and local pubs. The feedback is interesting as everyone has their own story to tell about incidents" Miss Bryant said.
"There have been a handful of convictions, but it has been hard to get offenders into court due often to the transient nature of the offences." She added.
Legitimate operators are concerned that these 'rogue' operators tarnish the image of charter boat operators and unfairly compete for potential customers.
The Whitsunday Charter Boat Industry Association will assist Maritime Safety Queensland in disseminating the information and promoting the key message.
The issue has been prevalent for a number of years. In 1998, the Education Unit successfully launched a campaign called "At Sea ...No One Can Hear You Scream". The campaign was developed to educate backpackers, in particular young women, of the existence of illegal charters operating in the Cairns and Whitsunday areas and why they should avoid these 'cheap charters'.
Research undertaken to assess the effectiveness of the first campaign has indicated that while the incidence of sexual harassment has dramatically reduced, there are still illegal charters operating in the region.
'Look Closely Before You Get Onboard". If you are unsure, check with the local Maritime Safety Queensland office or travel agents before you agree to get onboard.
The Whitsundays Charter Boat Association has developed the 'Tick of Approval'. Vessels that display a Tick Sticker are Certified Members of the WCBIA. MSQ and the WCBIA both recommend that travellers look for the tick of approval before agreeing to get onboard.
Mid-week sailing
"The last race was a 'smashing time' with Spud Gun loosing it's carbon fibre mast half way up the first beat, and 007 having to withdraw because of a large T-bone to it's port side during a port - starboard altercation with Out of Africa" say Bob and Kathryn on the sailing club start boat.
Here are the final Scores for the Queensland Yacht Charters series.
Div 1. Multihulls: 1/ ADIOS, STEVE HALTER 9pts: 2/ SKATE, ROBERT MOHLE 12pts: 3/ SPUD GUN, PETER MILLAR 13pts.
Div 2. 1/ SANDPIPER, C NICOLL 6pts; 2/ LORNA ROSE TOO, P MITCHILSON 19pts; 3/ QLD MARINE SERVICE, J GALLOWAY 20pts.
Div 3. 1/ TREASURE, H MENELAUS 11pts; 2/ BLUE DIAMOND, C HILLIER 12pts; 3/ MOOCHA, R NELSON 19pts.
Hayman & Langford lights restored
Mariners are advised that the following lighted beacons located at Hayman Island have been restored to normal:
No 3 Hayman Reef in approximate position Latitude 20°04.3248'S Longitude 148°53.7631'E. Starboard Lateral Mark beacon Fl.G.2.5s
No 4 Cockatoo Point in approximate position Latitude 20°04.7109'S Longitude 148°54.0523'E. Port Lateral Mark beacon Fl.R.2.5s
Langford Reef - Mariners are advised that the lighted South Cardinal Mark beacon Q (6) + LF1. 15s in approximate position Latitude 20°05.7865'S Longitude 148°52.5938'E on Langford Reef has been restored to normal.
Charts affected: AUS 252, 254, 825.
President Bush on national security . . .
"You can't see what you think is a threat and hope it goes away. You used to could when the oceans protected us . . ."
Fair winds to Ye!
Cap'n Dan
'Look closely before you agree to get onboard'
Maritime Safety Queensland and local charter boat operators launched an education campaign this week in Airlie Beach concerning backpackers targeted by unlicensed charter boat operators. Unlicensed, illegal operators have generated a series of complaints about sexual harassment and unsafe and unsavoury boating practises for some time.
"The education campaign has been well received" Maritime Safety Queensland (MSQ) Education Officer Caitlin Bryant told On the Waterfront this week.
"The response has been positive, particularly with travel agents and local pubs. The feedback is interesting as everyone has their own story to tell about incidents" Miss Bryant said.
"There have been a handful of convictions, but it has been hard to get offenders into court due often to the transient nature of the offences." She added.
Legitimate operators are concerned that these 'rogue' operators tarnish the image of charter boat operators and unfairly compete for potential customers.
The Whitsunday Charter Boat Industry Association will assist Maritime Safety Queensland in disseminating the information and promoting the key message.
The issue has been prevalent for a number of years. In 1998, the Education Unit successfully launched a campaign called "At Sea ...No One Can Hear You Scream". The campaign was developed to educate backpackers, in particular young women, of the existence of illegal charters operating in the Cairns and Whitsunday areas and why they should avoid these 'cheap charters'.
Research undertaken to assess the effectiveness of the first campaign has indicated that while the incidence of sexual harassment has dramatically reduced, there are still illegal charters operating in the region.
'Look Closely Before You Get Onboard". If you are unsure, check with the local Maritime Safety Queensland office or travel agents before you agree to get onboard.
The Whitsundays Charter Boat Association has developed the 'Tick of Approval'. Vessels that display a Tick Sticker are Certified Members of the WCBIA. MSQ and the WCBIA both recommend that travellers look for the tick of approval before agreeing to get onboard.
Mid-week sailing
"The last race was a 'smashing time' with Spud Gun loosing it's carbon fibre mast half way up the first beat, and 007 having to withdraw because of a large T-bone to it's port side during a port - starboard altercation with Out of Africa" say Bob and Kathryn on the sailing club start boat.
Here are the final Scores for the Queensland Yacht Charters series.
Div 1. Multihulls: 1/ ADIOS, STEVE HALTER 9pts: 2/ SKATE, ROBERT MOHLE 12pts: 3/ SPUD GUN, PETER MILLAR 13pts.
Div 2. 1/ SANDPIPER, C NICOLL 6pts; 2/ LORNA ROSE TOO, P MITCHILSON 19pts; 3/ QLD MARINE SERVICE, J GALLOWAY 20pts.
Div 3. 1/ TREASURE, H MENELAUS 11pts; 2/ BLUE DIAMOND, C HILLIER 12pts; 3/ MOOCHA, R NELSON 19pts.
Hayman & Langford lights restored
Mariners are advised that the following lighted beacons located at Hayman Island have been restored to normal:
No 3 Hayman Reef in approximate position Latitude 20°04.3248'S Longitude 148°53.7631'E. Starboard Lateral Mark beacon Fl.G.2.5s
No 4 Cockatoo Point in approximate position Latitude 20°04.7109'S Longitude 148°54.0523'E. Port Lateral Mark beacon Fl.R.2.5s
Langford Reef - Mariners are advised that the lighted South Cardinal Mark beacon Q (6) + LF1. 15s in approximate position Latitude 20°05.7865'S Longitude 148°52.5938'E on Langford Reef has been restored to normal.
Charts affected: AUS 252, 254, 825.
President Bush on national security . . .
"You can't see what you think is a threat and hope it goes away. You used to could when the oceans protected us . . ."
Fair winds to Ye!
Cap'n Dan
Saturday, April 03, 2004
Olympic flame lit as games loom on horizon
With the lighting of the Olympic flame in ancient Olympia last week the Athens games are looming large on the horizon.
' As in the daytime there is no star in the sky warmer and brighter than the sun, likewise there is no competition greater than the Olympic Games' Pindar, Greek poet, 5th century BC'
Stalin's 'Red Army' invades Europe
Hordes of giant Pacific crabs, whose ancestors were brought to Europe by Joseph Stalin in the 1930s, are marching south along Norway's coast, devouring everything in their path.
The monster crabs, which can weigh up to 25lbs and have a claw-span of more than three feet, are proving so resilient that scientists fear they could end up as far south as Gibraltar.
Energised by a mysterious population explosion a decade ago, whole armies of the crustaceans - known as the Kamchatka or Red King Crabs - have already advanced about 400 miles along the roof of Europe, overwhelming the ports of northern Norway.
They now number more than 10 million and have reached the Lofoten Islands off north-west Scandinavia, leaving in their wake what one expert described as "an underwater desert".
In a graphic display of the extent of the crab's submarine domination, some photographs of the ocean floor in Kirkenes in northern Norway show a writhing mass of the ugly, spiny animals.
Northern clams and other shellfish, once so numerous that divers could scoop up handfuls, have almost been eliminated.
Lars Petter Oie, a Norwegian diver who lives nearby, has seen the fjord outside his front door taken over by the crabs.
Plunging through a hole in the ice, another diver surfaced within two minutes with a huge specimen. A snap of its claw is enough to remove a man's finger.
Mr Oie said: "I have been to conferences on the crab and one thing the experts agree on is that they have rarely come across a species that is so adaptable.
"It can survive on almost anything: kelp, dead fish, seaweed and fish eggs. It even eats crushed shells to get the calcium it needs for its shell."
The relentless advance of the crabs has led to calls from some Norwegian marine experts for a government-subsidised "blitz" to try to halt their relentless march south.
At present, some Norwegian fishermen have been granted seasonal licences to catch the Kamchatka crab but stiff regulations on the size of the boat used and other criteria mean they are few in number.
Aasmund Bjordal, of the Department of Marine Resources in the western Norwegian town of Bergen, said: "We're between two policies. One is to get rid of the crabs. The other is to manage it as a fishing resource.
"In the meantime, it's already become an important source of income for some fishermen in the north. The problem is that it may be destroying the fishing stock."
Transporting the monster crabs to the Barents Sea was originally part of a Stalinist era scheme to provide food for populations in the north-western Soviet Union.
Norwegian officials dismiss suggestions that the crabs might sometime be slicing off the toes of swimmers as far south as Portugal after conquering beaches in Sweden and Spain, with side trips to Britain, Ireland and the Baltic Sea.
Yuri Orlov, a Russian who helped transport crabs by plane and train from the Pacific, reckons the species could reach the mouth of the Mediterranean. "It will keep going as far as Gibraltar," he told the Norwegian daily Aftenposten.
Orlov led a project to bring 2,000 female crabs, 1,000 males and 10,000 young from the Pacific in the 1960s. No one knows what caused the population to rocket in the 1990s.
The crab plan was launched under Soviet dictator Josef Stalin in the 1930s. Most died on early trips until Orlov hit on a survival of the fittest test - meaning the new crab stock may be even tougher than their Pacific cousins.
"I put the crabs on their backs and if they managed to turn over quickly, they were strong enough to make the trip," he said.
Fisherman Bye shrugged off the disputes. "The crabs can be a pest, but they're easy to catch," he said.
Huts Galore
A sailor was marooned on a deserted island for 20 years. He was finally rescued by a merchant marine ship.
As the sailor was packing his meager belongings the captain of the ship asked, "I noticed you have built four huts. You are the only person on the island. What are they for?"
Well, said the sailor, "This one is my residence, the second is my church and that third is my microbrewery where I make coconut beer."
"That's very interesting", said the captain, " but, what about the fourth hut?" Oh", said the sailor, "That was the church I belonged to before I started drinking Coconut Beer."
Sailing on Wednesday
Whitsunday Sailing Club QUEENSLAND YACHT CHARTERS Wednesday Twilight Series
RACE 3 [24/03/04]
Division 2 Keel Boats; 1 DECEPTION M.SANDERS; 2 SANDPIPER C NICOLL; 3 DEHLER MAGIC; C PREEN.
Div Three; 1 ELYARA, BROWN; BLUE DIAMOND C. HILLIER; BREAKAWAY R.DAVIS.
Code @ Morse
Recently a new character has been added to morse code for the 'at' symbol as used in email address. This new sign, known as the "commat," consists of the signals for "A" (dot-dash) and "C" (dash-dot-dash-dot), with no space between them.
It seems this new sign is the first in at least several decades, possibly much longer. Among Morse code aficionados, no one could remember any other addition.
Some operators wouldn't mind more changes to spice up the language. Although Morse code has a period, a question mark and even a semicolon, it offers no simple way to articulate excitement.
Now the 'push' is on to add a character for the exclamation point, to express an emotion that's difficult to get across any other way.
Boat Show Art
Entry forms for the Oceanic Whitsunday Boat and Leisure Show 2004 Art Competition and Exhibition are available from El Dorado Galleries in Proserpine.
Them's the facts
Facts do not cease to exist because they are ignored. --Aldous Huxley
Fair winds to Ye!
Cap'n Dan
With the lighting of the Olympic flame in ancient Olympia last week the Athens games are looming large on the horizon.
' As in the daytime there is no star in the sky warmer and brighter than the sun, likewise there is no competition greater than the Olympic Games' Pindar, Greek poet, 5th century BC'
Stalin's 'Red Army' invades Europe
Hordes of giant Pacific crabs, whose ancestors were brought to Europe by Joseph Stalin in the 1930s, are marching south along Norway's coast, devouring everything in their path.
The monster crabs, which can weigh up to 25lbs and have a claw-span of more than three feet, are proving so resilient that scientists fear they could end up as far south as Gibraltar.
Energised by a mysterious population explosion a decade ago, whole armies of the crustaceans - known as the Kamchatka or Red King Crabs - have already advanced about 400 miles along the roof of Europe, overwhelming the ports of northern Norway.
They now number more than 10 million and have reached the Lofoten Islands off north-west Scandinavia, leaving in their wake what one expert described as "an underwater desert".
In a graphic display of the extent of the crab's submarine domination, some photographs of the ocean floor in Kirkenes in northern Norway show a writhing mass of the ugly, spiny animals.
Northern clams and other shellfish, once so numerous that divers could scoop up handfuls, have almost been eliminated.
Lars Petter Oie, a Norwegian diver who lives nearby, has seen the fjord outside his front door taken over by the crabs.
Plunging through a hole in the ice, another diver surfaced within two minutes with a huge specimen. A snap of its claw is enough to remove a man's finger.
Mr Oie said: "I have been to conferences on the crab and one thing the experts agree on is that they have rarely come across a species that is so adaptable.
"It can survive on almost anything: kelp, dead fish, seaweed and fish eggs. It even eats crushed shells to get the calcium it needs for its shell."
The relentless advance of the crabs has led to calls from some Norwegian marine experts for a government-subsidised "blitz" to try to halt their relentless march south.
At present, some Norwegian fishermen have been granted seasonal licences to catch the Kamchatka crab but stiff regulations on the size of the boat used and other criteria mean they are few in number.
Aasmund Bjordal, of the Department of Marine Resources in the western Norwegian town of Bergen, said: "We're between two policies. One is to get rid of the crabs. The other is to manage it as a fishing resource.
"In the meantime, it's already become an important source of income for some fishermen in the north. The problem is that it may be destroying the fishing stock."
Transporting the monster crabs to the Barents Sea was originally part of a Stalinist era scheme to provide food for populations in the north-western Soviet Union.
Norwegian officials dismiss suggestions that the crabs might sometime be slicing off the toes of swimmers as far south as Portugal after conquering beaches in Sweden and Spain, with side trips to Britain, Ireland and the Baltic Sea.
Yuri Orlov, a Russian who helped transport crabs by plane and train from the Pacific, reckons the species could reach the mouth of the Mediterranean. "It will keep going as far as Gibraltar," he told the Norwegian daily Aftenposten.
Orlov led a project to bring 2,000 female crabs, 1,000 males and 10,000 young from the Pacific in the 1960s. No one knows what caused the population to rocket in the 1990s.
The crab plan was launched under Soviet dictator Josef Stalin in the 1930s. Most died on early trips until Orlov hit on a survival of the fittest test - meaning the new crab stock may be even tougher than their Pacific cousins.
"I put the crabs on their backs and if they managed to turn over quickly, they were strong enough to make the trip," he said.
Fisherman Bye shrugged off the disputes. "The crabs can be a pest, but they're easy to catch," he said.
Huts Galore
A sailor was marooned on a deserted island for 20 years. He was finally rescued by a merchant marine ship.
As the sailor was packing his meager belongings the captain of the ship asked, "I noticed you have built four huts. You are the only person on the island. What are they for?"
Well, said the sailor, "This one is my residence, the second is my church and that third is my microbrewery where I make coconut beer."
"That's very interesting", said the captain, " but, what about the fourth hut?" Oh", said the sailor, "That was the church I belonged to before I started drinking Coconut Beer."
Sailing on Wednesday
Whitsunday Sailing Club QUEENSLAND YACHT CHARTERS Wednesday Twilight Series
RACE 3 [24/03/04]
Division 2 Keel Boats; 1 DECEPTION M.SANDERS; 2 SANDPIPER C NICOLL; 3 DEHLER MAGIC; C PREEN.
Div Three; 1 ELYARA, BROWN; BLUE DIAMOND C. HILLIER; BREAKAWAY R.DAVIS.
Code @ Morse
Recently a new character has been added to morse code for the 'at' symbol as used in email address. This new sign, known as the "commat," consists of the signals for "A" (dot-dash) and "C" (dash-dot-dash-dot), with no space between them.
It seems this new sign is the first in at least several decades, possibly much longer. Among Morse code aficionados, no one could remember any other addition.
Some operators wouldn't mind more changes to spice up the language. Although Morse code has a period, a question mark and even a semicolon, it offers no simple way to articulate excitement.
Now the 'push' is on to add a character for the exclamation point, to express an emotion that's difficult to get across any other way.
Boat Show Art
Entry forms for the Oceanic Whitsunday Boat and Leisure Show 2004 Art Competition and Exhibition are available from El Dorado Galleries in Proserpine.
Them's the facts
Facts do not cease to exist because they are ignored. --Aldous Huxley
Fair winds to Ye!
Cap'n Dan
Wednesday, March 24, 2004
Whitsunday Boat Show gets art show
Artistic painters and photographers from the 175,000 residents of Central Queensland will be able to compete for $6,000 in prize money at the Oceanic Whitsunday Boat and Leisure Show in June.
The Rotary Club of Airlie Beach as organisers of the annual event have added an art exhibition based on marine themes.
"Being primarily a boat show to exhibit some very beautiful boats and other 'boys toys', we thought that a first-class exhibition of marine art would also interest some of the thousands that attended last year, particularly those that go along with Dad but may not be that keen on boats, ropes and hopes of fair weather" the curator of the exhibition, Mr Tony Fossey, said
"To keep in line with the main theme of the weekend, we chose plain, simple, 'marine' as the subject to portray. The majority of visual artists and photographers in Central Queensland should find plenty of beautiful marine subjects here to portray. We have defined marine as being ' Of, From, Beside, For use on - the sea" Mr Fossey added.
"The Shipowners Club of London as the exhibition major sponsor have reported from their headquarters in the United Kingdom, that they are ecstatic that the entries will come from an area encompassing 600 kilometres of the most beautiful coastline and boating area in Australia."
Artists from along the coast will have a choice of entering into three divisions of the exhibition. An 'Open' section for any age and any medium. 'Open Miniature' section for any age and any medium, and Photographic.
The exhibition will be on display at the Oceanic Whitsunday Boat and Leisure Show at Abel Point Marina, Airlie Beach.
Topless shock
In 1935, the police in Atlantic City, New Jersey, arrested 42 men on the beach. They were cracking down on topless bathing suits worn by men.
Weather, climate and water
World Meteorological Day 2004 held this week celebrates the entry into force on 23 March 1950 of the Convention creating the World Meteorological Organization (WMO), as the successor to the International Meteorological Organization (IMO) established in 1873.
"The theme "Weather, climate and water in the information age" is selected in recognition of the vital role of technology in advancing meteorological, hydrological and related geophysical sciences that enable National Meteorological and Hydrological Services (NMHSs) to contribute to socio-economic development and to the protection of the environment. WMO therefore relies on, and actively promotes, the application of such technologies to the monitoring, understanding and prediction of the behaviour of the atmospheric and oceanographic systems and the water cycle." Says Mr M. Jarraud Secretary-General of WMO
Today, the world is changing faster than ever. There is greater awareness of the sensitivity of the economy to weather, climate and water that influence virtually all-human activities. For example, there is growing concern about the impact of natural hazards. Statistics over the last decade show that over 80 per cent of all natural disasters are of meteorological or hydrological origin.
Indeed, at no time in history has so much been expected from the sciences of meteorology, hydrology and related geophysical sciences in addressing the challenges associated with sustainable development in areas such as disaster mitigation, food security, water resources management, transportation, tourism and pollution control.
Achievements have been possible primarily due to major scientific breakthroughs and technological developments in observing, telecommunications and computer capability.
Apart from monitoring the ocean through ships and buoys, WMO sponsors the deployment of more technologically advanced measurements, which contribute to improving the understanding of air-sea interactions and the provision of services for marine users. For example, profiling floats (Argo floats) give temperature profiles down to 2 000 metres in the ocean, measure subsurface currents, and transmit accumulated data by satellite relay.
These modern systems of observations, supported by powerful computers and telecommunications facilities, have enabled the development of Numerical Weather Prediction techniques that have permitted significant improvements in real-time forecasts of various types of weather phenomena.
As for severe tropical storms, for example, forecasts and warnings involve satellite images for detection and tracking, computer models of the atmosphere-ocean system to predict their intensification decay as well as their trajectory and up-to-date telecommunication facilities for dissemination to all categories of users.
Steady improvements in predictions of tropical cyclones up to three days in advance, effective dissemination of warnings and preparedness measures have led to a dramatic decrease in related deaths.
There is also growing recognition of the economic and social value of weather and climate as a resource. Indeed, weather, climate and water information are vital for most socio-economic activities. For example, weather and hydrological forecasts are used to enhance agricultural production, manage water resources, combat desertification, ensure safe and efficient transportation, control pollution, and schedule the production and distribution of electricity, support leisure activities and the insurance industry.
The opportunities offered by the 'Information Age' to meteorological, hydrological and related geophysical sciences should enable WMO and its Members to address a growing number of challenges that relate to improved protection of life and property through better preparedness and vulnerability assessment as well through contributions to sustainable development and poverty reduction.
"In order to address these challenges successfully, it is my hope that this year will mark wider recognition of the need to modernize National Meteorological and Hydrological Services."
"For this reason, I would call on national authorities, the scientific communities, partner organizations, non-governmental organizations, the private sector and the public to ensure that, along with the modernization, they are also equipped with the necessary facilities to access and use the information provided under the umbrella of WMO in meeting effectively the environmental and developmental challenges of the 21st century" Mr M. Jarraud said.
Cutting-Edge Research
Prof. Trevor Cox (University of Salford in England) and fellow acoustics researchers concluded that, contrary to prevailing wisdom, a duck's quack does have an echo. And biologist Nette Levermann (Copenhagen's Zoological Museum), whose team monitored 100 walruses near Greenland, concluded that the animals use their right flippers more than their left. And an aerodynamics expert at Britain's Open University, aided by an Oxford engineering student, designed and machine-tested a beer coaster to produce the ideal model and conditions for winning at the British pub game of coaster-flipping. [The Guardian, 9-8-03] [Associated Press, 10-24-03] [BBC News, 11-3-03]
Good idea?
"If an idea is worth having once, it's worth having twice" -- Tom Stoppard
Fair winds to Ye!
Cap'n Dan
Artistic painters and photographers from the 175,000 residents of Central Queensland will be able to compete for $6,000 in prize money at the Oceanic Whitsunday Boat and Leisure Show in June.
The Rotary Club of Airlie Beach as organisers of the annual event have added an art exhibition based on marine themes.
"Being primarily a boat show to exhibit some very beautiful boats and other 'boys toys', we thought that a first-class exhibition of marine art would also interest some of the thousands that attended last year, particularly those that go along with Dad but may not be that keen on boats, ropes and hopes of fair weather" the curator of the exhibition, Mr Tony Fossey, said
"To keep in line with the main theme of the weekend, we chose plain, simple, 'marine' as the subject to portray. The majority of visual artists and photographers in Central Queensland should find plenty of beautiful marine subjects here to portray. We have defined marine as being ' Of, From, Beside, For use on - the sea" Mr Fossey added.
"The Shipowners Club of London as the exhibition major sponsor have reported from their headquarters in the United Kingdom, that they are ecstatic that the entries will come from an area encompassing 600 kilometres of the most beautiful coastline and boating area in Australia."
Artists from along the coast will have a choice of entering into three divisions of the exhibition. An 'Open' section for any age and any medium. 'Open Miniature' section for any age and any medium, and Photographic.
The exhibition will be on display at the Oceanic Whitsunday Boat and Leisure Show at Abel Point Marina, Airlie Beach.
Topless shock
In 1935, the police in Atlantic City, New Jersey, arrested 42 men on the beach. They were cracking down on topless bathing suits worn by men.
Weather, climate and water
World Meteorological Day 2004 held this week celebrates the entry into force on 23 March 1950 of the Convention creating the World Meteorological Organization (WMO), as the successor to the International Meteorological Organization (IMO) established in 1873.
"The theme "Weather, climate and water in the information age" is selected in recognition of the vital role of technology in advancing meteorological, hydrological and related geophysical sciences that enable National Meteorological and Hydrological Services (NMHSs) to contribute to socio-economic development and to the protection of the environment. WMO therefore relies on, and actively promotes, the application of such technologies to the monitoring, understanding and prediction of the behaviour of the atmospheric and oceanographic systems and the water cycle." Says Mr M. Jarraud Secretary-General of WMO
Today, the world is changing faster than ever. There is greater awareness of the sensitivity of the economy to weather, climate and water that influence virtually all-human activities. For example, there is growing concern about the impact of natural hazards. Statistics over the last decade show that over 80 per cent of all natural disasters are of meteorological or hydrological origin.
Indeed, at no time in history has so much been expected from the sciences of meteorology, hydrology and related geophysical sciences in addressing the challenges associated with sustainable development in areas such as disaster mitigation, food security, water resources management, transportation, tourism and pollution control.
Achievements have been possible primarily due to major scientific breakthroughs and technological developments in observing, telecommunications and computer capability.
Apart from monitoring the ocean through ships and buoys, WMO sponsors the deployment of more technologically advanced measurements, which contribute to improving the understanding of air-sea interactions and the provision of services for marine users. For example, profiling floats (Argo floats) give temperature profiles down to 2 000 metres in the ocean, measure subsurface currents, and transmit accumulated data by satellite relay.
These modern systems of observations, supported by powerful computers and telecommunications facilities, have enabled the development of Numerical Weather Prediction techniques that have permitted significant improvements in real-time forecasts of various types of weather phenomena.
As for severe tropical storms, for example, forecasts and warnings involve satellite images for detection and tracking, computer models of the atmosphere-ocean system to predict their intensification decay as well as their trajectory and up-to-date telecommunication facilities for dissemination to all categories of users.
Steady improvements in predictions of tropical cyclones up to three days in advance, effective dissemination of warnings and preparedness measures have led to a dramatic decrease in related deaths.
There is also growing recognition of the economic and social value of weather and climate as a resource. Indeed, weather, climate and water information are vital for most socio-economic activities. For example, weather and hydrological forecasts are used to enhance agricultural production, manage water resources, combat desertification, ensure safe and efficient transportation, control pollution, and schedule the production and distribution of electricity, support leisure activities and the insurance industry.
The opportunities offered by the 'Information Age' to meteorological, hydrological and related geophysical sciences should enable WMO and its Members to address a growing number of challenges that relate to improved protection of life and property through better preparedness and vulnerability assessment as well through contributions to sustainable development and poverty reduction.
"In order to address these challenges successfully, it is my hope that this year will mark wider recognition of the need to modernize National Meteorological and Hydrological Services."
"For this reason, I would call on national authorities, the scientific communities, partner organizations, non-governmental organizations, the private sector and the public to ensure that, along with the modernization, they are also equipped with the necessary facilities to access and use the information provided under the umbrella of WMO in meeting effectively the environmental and developmental challenges of the 21st century" Mr M. Jarraud said.
Cutting-Edge Research
Prof. Trevor Cox (University of Salford in England) and fellow acoustics researchers concluded that, contrary to prevailing wisdom, a duck's quack does have an echo. And biologist Nette Levermann (Copenhagen's Zoological Museum), whose team monitored 100 walruses near Greenland, concluded that the animals use their right flippers more than their left. And an aerodynamics expert at Britain's Open University, aided by an Oxford engineering student, designed and machine-tested a beer coaster to produce the ideal model and conditions for winning at the British pub game of coaster-flipping. [The Guardian, 9-8-03] [Associated Press, 10-24-03] [BBC News, 11-3-03]
Good idea?
"If an idea is worth having once, it's worth having twice" -- Tom Stoppard
Fair winds to Ye!
Cap'n Dan
Wednesday, March 17, 2004
Port of Airlie core study advances project
Work is progressing on the Port of Airlie Marina development in Boathaven Bay, Airlie Beach with a drilling rig barge currently on the site.
The drilling rig is taking core samples around the site as part of the Environmental Impact Study (EIS) being conducted.
The study is the final stage before work can start on the multi-million dollar marina according to a Whitsunday Sailing Club spokesman.
"I expect to hear in a couple of weeks if the Federal Government's Environment Australia are happy with the EIS to date" Sailing Club President David McMahon told On the Waterfront this week.
"The project has been signed off by the State Government and the club is awaiting final approvals," Mr McMahon added.
Join us for... Reef Discovery Month
Here in the Whitsundays, May is officially Reef Discovery Month. Each week of May, you will have the opportunity to attend an entertaining and informative presentation on the Great Barrier Reef. Topics will include Whales, Turtles, Dugongs, Sharks, Corals, Reef Fish and more.
For all those people who live and work in the Whitsundays, this will be a great chance to increase your knowledge and awareness of our most important resource, the Great Barrier Reef.
And for those who are really keen, you will also learn how to become involved in helping protect the reef through a number of projects run by volunteer groups right here in the Whitsundays.
The OUCH Volunteers are planning a Reef Discovery Month for May this year. This is something that the whole community can get behind and benefit from. This project needs community support.
If you have any constructive comments or would like to get involved in the program, just give Tony Fontes a shout. The OUCH Volunteers welcome all the help they can get. Reef Discovery Month is brought to you by the OUCH Volunteers -- "Working to Protect the Great Barrier Reef"
Contact, OUCH Volunteers 4946-7435
Fish talk
A fish communication researcher has discovered that fish can communicate using sounds, a report in the prestigious New Scientist publication says.
A team of researchers that included Ben Wilson of the University of British Columbia, Vancouver reported that herring communicate with each other via a high-pitched, "raspberry"-like sound emitted from their anuses. Since the sounds were frequent, whether the herring had eaten or not, the researchers concluded that the noise was not produced by digestive gases.
"The density of water means the fish need a certain pitch to be heard at a distance," the researcher said.
"Further research may show that the herrings use the sounds to organise their shoaling behaviour and this may relate to advanced studies of group behaviour in homo sapiens"
Kiss not just a kiss
An 8-year-old boy was suspended from his elementary school in Branson, Mississippi, because he kissed a girl on the cheek during a chase game and was therefore guilty of sexual harassment.
Far out
Astronomers announced they have found another most distant object in the universe, this one 13.2 billion light years away, for those keeping track.
Lights reported unlit
Mariners are advised that the lighted South Cardinal Mark beacon Q (6) + LFl. 15s in approximate position Latitude 20°05.7865'S Longitude 148°52.5938'E on Langford Reef has been reported to be unlit.
Mariners are advised that the following lighted beacons located at Hayman Island have been reported unlit:-
No 3 Hayman Reef in approximate position Latitude 20°04.3248'S Longitude 148°53.7631' the Starboard Lateral Mark beacon Fl.G.2.5s
No 4 Cockatoo Point in approximate position Latitude 20°04.7109'S Longitude 148°54.0523'E Port Lateral Mark beacon Fl.R.2.5s
Mariners should use caution whilst navigating in this area. Charts affected: AUS 252, 254, 825
Read his lips
"I understand small business growth. I was one."
President Bush on the economic recovery
Fair winds to Ye!
Cap'n Dan
Work is progressing on the Port of Airlie Marina development in Boathaven Bay, Airlie Beach with a drilling rig barge currently on the site.
The drilling rig is taking core samples around the site as part of the Environmental Impact Study (EIS) being conducted.
The study is the final stage before work can start on the multi-million dollar marina according to a Whitsunday Sailing Club spokesman.
"I expect to hear in a couple of weeks if the Federal Government's Environment Australia are happy with the EIS to date" Sailing Club President David McMahon told On the Waterfront this week.
"The project has been signed off by the State Government and the club is awaiting final approvals," Mr McMahon added.
Join us for... Reef Discovery Month
Here in the Whitsundays, May is officially Reef Discovery Month. Each week of May, you will have the opportunity to attend an entertaining and informative presentation on the Great Barrier Reef. Topics will include Whales, Turtles, Dugongs, Sharks, Corals, Reef Fish and more.
For all those people who live and work in the Whitsundays, this will be a great chance to increase your knowledge and awareness of our most important resource, the Great Barrier Reef.
And for those who are really keen, you will also learn how to become involved in helping protect the reef through a number of projects run by volunteer groups right here in the Whitsundays.
The OUCH Volunteers are planning a Reef Discovery Month for May this year. This is something that the whole community can get behind and benefit from. This project needs community support.
If you have any constructive comments or would like to get involved in the program, just give Tony Fontes a shout. The OUCH Volunteers welcome all the help they can get. Reef Discovery Month is brought to you by the OUCH Volunteers -- "Working to Protect the Great Barrier Reef"
Contact, OUCH Volunteers 4946-7435
Fish talk
A fish communication researcher has discovered that fish can communicate using sounds, a report in the prestigious New Scientist publication says.
A team of researchers that included Ben Wilson of the University of British Columbia, Vancouver reported that herring communicate with each other via a high-pitched, "raspberry"-like sound emitted from their anuses. Since the sounds were frequent, whether the herring had eaten or not, the researchers concluded that the noise was not produced by digestive gases.
"The density of water means the fish need a certain pitch to be heard at a distance," the researcher said.
"Further research may show that the herrings use the sounds to organise their shoaling behaviour and this may relate to advanced studies of group behaviour in homo sapiens"
Kiss not just a kiss
An 8-year-old boy was suspended from his elementary school in Branson, Mississippi, because he kissed a girl on the cheek during a chase game and was therefore guilty of sexual harassment.
Far out
Astronomers announced they have found another most distant object in the universe, this one 13.2 billion light years away, for those keeping track.
Lights reported unlit
Mariners are advised that the lighted South Cardinal Mark beacon Q (6) + LFl. 15s in approximate position Latitude 20°05.7865'S Longitude 148°52.5938'E on Langford Reef has been reported to be unlit.
Mariners are advised that the following lighted beacons located at Hayman Island have been reported unlit:-
No 3 Hayman Reef in approximate position Latitude 20°04.3248'S Longitude 148°53.7631' the Starboard Lateral Mark beacon Fl.G.2.5s
No 4 Cockatoo Point in approximate position Latitude 20°04.7109'S Longitude 148°54.0523'E Port Lateral Mark beacon Fl.R.2.5s
Mariners should use caution whilst navigating in this area. Charts affected: AUS 252, 254, 825
Read his lips
"I understand small business growth. I was one."
President Bush on the economic recovery
Fair winds to Ye!
Cap'n Dan
Tuesday, March 16, 2004
SeaWeek: 'Discover me in the sea'
This week is SeaWeek and the theme 'Discover me in the sea' enables us all to encourage the investigation and exploration of the amazing plants and animals that live and inhabit the sea.
During SeaWeek and through the year, make time to reflect on our seas, oceans and marine environments and the amazing environments that they are.
A new campaign from the Australian Government will support the safe use of plastic and the importance of keeping it out of the sea with the call 'Keep the sea plastic free'.
The issue of reducing the use of plastic bags will be supported by the campaign and help highlight the problem of plastic bags harming the marine environment.
Communications 150 years
Wednesday last, March 3rd a re-enactment of the sending of the first Morse coded message in the Southern Hemisphere between Melbourne and Williamstown took place.
In the early 1850's, getting a message from Melbourne to the port of Williamstown took several hours by horse. All that changed on March 3 1854 when the telegraph arrived and messages became almost instantaneous.
Students at Williamstown Primary School also joined in the celebrations watching the re-enactment by video and simultaneously sending SMS's between the two venues.
The Tropical Shirt Regatta
"We are delighted to be able to announce the hosting of the 2004 National Trailerable Yacht and Sportsboat Championships at Hog's Breath Race Week" Regatta Director Andrew Palfrey said this week.
"The Sportsboats added to the event in 2003. We look forward to having the involvement of plenty more trailerables this year this event will be held in conjunction with the existing race week program of one-design keelboats, IRC, PHS and Cruising divisions, scheduled for 13-19 August."
Known as the Tropical Shirt Regatta, Hog's Breath Race Week is gearing up for more fun in the sun, as well as a high standard of regatta management. Mt Gay Rum and Tooheys New are back to support HBRW and enjoy the post race dockside parties with this year's competitors. The newly completed land based facilities at Abel Point Marina will compliment the modern marina extensions.
Competitors will be able to relax after racing in the competitor's marquee whilst enjoying the renowned yachtie band, The Wolverines. Other shore-based activities will include radio controlled mini regattas using Blowfly One Metre yachts. After a stunning debut at Hog's 2003, Mucka's Coconut Lotto will be back again after a stunning debut at Hog's 2003 (Note: for those not present during Hog's 2003, try to picture lotto using "Mucka's" concrete mixing truck and coconuts. It's very Queensland).
Each day, the crew from Blowfly Yachts will offer demonstrations, tuition, racing and the chance for everyone at Hog's the chance to get a hands-on experience using one of the 10 identical boats. These activities will take place after racing in the "pond" in front of the Competitors Marquee. This is sailing without getting wet (unless you spill your drink).
Boss Hog Cruising
It will be a "gentlemen's cruise to Mooloolaba" when Boss Hog Don Algie's new Warwick 66 Storm 2 makes its ocean racing debut in this year's FKP Limited Sydney Mooloolaba Yacht Race on March 31.
With its home theatre, air conditioning, plasma TV screen and icemaker on board, the crew will no doubt be fighting for the navigator's position - but they'll have to get past Don's navigator of 15 years, Keith 'Vasco' Collicoat, also from Queensland.
Sydney sailors, many from Sydney Yachts which custom built this fast cruising sloop, will also join Don, a resident of Airlie Beach for 20 years and the founder of the Hog's Breath Café chain of restaurants.
Mostly retired from his business, although he does work from his onboard office while at sea, Don is the first to admit he is a "warm-blooded sailor" who rarely ventures south of the QLD/NSW border.
But last month he had to bring the boat to Sydney to have some work completed and given the FKP Limited Sydney Mooloolaba Race is "on the way home"; he's put in an entry for the 469 nautical mile race.
Designed by New Zealand's Alan Warwick and built of carbon composite with a full carbon rig, this high-tech luxury cruiser was launched eight months ago to replace Algie's previous boat Storm, which he bought in South Africa and owned for 18 years. Storm 2 will sail under the same Royal Cape Yacht Club sail number as Storm - SA10.
Pirates assist youth
Pirates' Day at RANSA at Rushcutters Bay, Sydney will raise funds for the Sir David Martin Foundation to assist youth in crisis. Boats get underway for nautical mayhem before lunch March 21 - returning to RANSA for a BYO at 2:00pm. Afternoon events include Rescue the Wench, Treasure Hunt and Tug O' War (not hauling a cannon!) with a prize giving at 3:30pm. Pirate costume and language is encouraged. Aargh!
Langford Reef light
Mariners are advised that the lighted South Cardinal Mark beacon has been re-established in position. Charts affected: AUS 254, 825.
Editor alarmed
The bells were ringing when the relieving editor of the beach newspaper arrived to allegedly to do some work. It appears nobody on the staff had advised him of the burglar alarm system. It is unknown at press time if he has spoken to police regarding the matter.
Winners
"People with winning attitudes . . . win."
Fair winds to Ye!
Cap'n Dan
This week is SeaWeek and the theme 'Discover me in the sea' enables us all to encourage the investigation and exploration of the amazing plants and animals that live and inhabit the sea.
During SeaWeek and through the year, make time to reflect on our seas, oceans and marine environments and the amazing environments that they are.
A new campaign from the Australian Government will support the safe use of plastic and the importance of keeping it out of the sea with the call 'Keep the sea plastic free'.
The issue of reducing the use of plastic bags will be supported by the campaign and help highlight the problem of plastic bags harming the marine environment.
Communications 150 years
Wednesday last, March 3rd a re-enactment of the sending of the first Morse coded message in the Southern Hemisphere between Melbourne and Williamstown took place.
In the early 1850's, getting a message from Melbourne to the port of Williamstown took several hours by horse. All that changed on March 3 1854 when the telegraph arrived and messages became almost instantaneous.
Students at Williamstown Primary School also joined in the celebrations watching the re-enactment by video and simultaneously sending SMS's between the two venues.
The Tropical Shirt Regatta
"We are delighted to be able to announce the hosting of the 2004 National Trailerable Yacht and Sportsboat Championships at Hog's Breath Race Week" Regatta Director Andrew Palfrey said this week.
"The Sportsboats added to the event in 2003. We look forward to having the involvement of plenty more trailerables this year this event will be held in conjunction with the existing race week program of one-design keelboats, IRC, PHS and Cruising divisions, scheduled for 13-19 August."
Known as the Tropical Shirt Regatta, Hog's Breath Race Week is gearing up for more fun in the sun, as well as a high standard of regatta management. Mt Gay Rum and Tooheys New are back to support HBRW and enjoy the post race dockside parties with this year's competitors. The newly completed land based facilities at Abel Point Marina will compliment the modern marina extensions.
Competitors will be able to relax after racing in the competitor's marquee whilst enjoying the renowned yachtie band, The Wolverines. Other shore-based activities will include radio controlled mini regattas using Blowfly One Metre yachts. After a stunning debut at Hog's 2003, Mucka's Coconut Lotto will be back again after a stunning debut at Hog's 2003 (Note: for those not present during Hog's 2003, try to picture lotto using "Mucka's" concrete mixing truck and coconuts. It's very Queensland).
Each day, the crew from Blowfly Yachts will offer demonstrations, tuition, racing and the chance for everyone at Hog's the chance to get a hands-on experience using one of the 10 identical boats. These activities will take place after racing in the "pond" in front of the Competitors Marquee. This is sailing without getting wet (unless you spill your drink).
Boss Hog Cruising
It will be a "gentlemen's cruise to Mooloolaba" when Boss Hog Don Algie's new Warwick 66 Storm 2 makes its ocean racing debut in this year's FKP Limited Sydney Mooloolaba Yacht Race on March 31.
With its home theatre, air conditioning, plasma TV screen and icemaker on board, the crew will no doubt be fighting for the navigator's position - but they'll have to get past Don's navigator of 15 years, Keith 'Vasco' Collicoat, also from Queensland.
Sydney sailors, many from Sydney Yachts which custom built this fast cruising sloop, will also join Don, a resident of Airlie Beach for 20 years and the founder of the Hog's Breath Café chain of restaurants.
Mostly retired from his business, although he does work from his onboard office while at sea, Don is the first to admit he is a "warm-blooded sailor" who rarely ventures south of the QLD/NSW border.
But last month he had to bring the boat to Sydney to have some work completed and given the FKP Limited Sydney Mooloolaba Race is "on the way home"; he's put in an entry for the 469 nautical mile race.
Designed by New Zealand's Alan Warwick and built of carbon composite with a full carbon rig, this high-tech luxury cruiser was launched eight months ago to replace Algie's previous boat Storm, which he bought in South Africa and owned for 18 years. Storm 2 will sail under the same Royal Cape Yacht Club sail number as Storm - SA10.
Pirates assist youth
Pirates' Day at RANSA at Rushcutters Bay, Sydney will raise funds for the Sir David Martin Foundation to assist youth in crisis. Boats get underway for nautical mayhem before lunch March 21 - returning to RANSA for a BYO at 2:00pm. Afternoon events include Rescue the Wench, Treasure Hunt and Tug O' War (not hauling a cannon!) with a prize giving at 3:30pm. Pirate costume and language is encouraged. Aargh!
Langford Reef light
Mariners are advised that the lighted South Cardinal Mark beacon has been re-established in position. Charts affected: AUS 254, 825.
Editor alarmed
The bells were ringing when the relieving editor of the beach newspaper arrived to allegedly to do some work. It appears nobody on the staff had advised him of the burglar alarm system. It is unknown at press time if he has spoken to police regarding the matter.
Winners
"People with winning attitudes . . . win."
Fair winds to Ye!
Cap'n Dan
Wednesday, March 03, 2004
Collisions disturb boating industry
The Queensland boating industry wants boaties to brush up on navigation rules, following the release of insurance statistics revealing the high level of boat collisions with underwater objects.
According to NRMA Insurance, collisions account for nearly half (46 per cent) of all boat claims in Queensland and New South Wales, and underwater objects are involved with many of these incidents.
The Boating Industry Association of Queensland believes wrong navigation could be responsible for the large number of underwater collisions.
BIAQ General Manager, Barry Hibberd, said the statistics were disturbing, given that all major Queensland waterways were navigable and clearly marked.
"The high level of underwater collisions indicates many boats are travelling outside these safe areas," Mr Hibberd said.
"While submerged hazards, such as floating trees and logs, could be partly to blame, it seems sandbars and rocks could be the main culprits."
Mr Hibberd said a quick review of the international navigation system of buoys; beacons and markers by owners would keep most boats out of trouble.
Show invites Trad boats
Tall timber ships sailed by iron men and women will feature at the third annual Oceanic Whitsunday Boat & Leisure Show to be staged on the June Queen's Birthday weekend at Able Point Marina
"We are featuring Traditional Boats and all things associated with the history of the marine industry at our boat show this year," says Rotary Club of Airlie Beach President Michael Elliott.
"We have invited the wooden boat group and the Townsville Maritime Museum to exhibit at our boat show,"
"We expect a large contingent of Traditional Boats to sail a Regatta with a chance for the public to sail on some of these magnificent ships" Mr Elliott added.
Organisers expect to have about 8000 visitors coming from south of Mackay to north of Townsville and local areas over the two days of the boat show.
Look forward to the Oceanic Whitsunday Boat & Leisure Show presented by The Rotary Club of Airlie Beach on The Queen's Birthday weekend 12th & 13th June 2004 at Able Point Marina.
Historic ships register
Vessels, large and small, are the most complex, fascinating and appealing artefacts of maritime history, yet by nature and because of the marine environment, they are less permanent than other historic relics.
The Australian National Maritime Museum is establishing an Australian Register of Historic Vessels (ARHV), to reveal the first national picture of the size, distribution and condition of historic vessels in Australia.
The Australian Register of Historic Vessels will be a valuable source of reference information available to boat owners, museums, clubs, researchers and enthusiasts, nationally and internationally. It will record details of construction, ownership, use and condition of historic vessels across Australia, and help marshal more efficient use of scarce resources in identifying priorities in the expensive task of vessel preservation.
The Register will appear as a multimedia database, capable of combining text; historic and contemporary still photographs, drawings, moving video, and even the voices of boat owners and builders.
Information will be sought on a standard format Vessel Nomination Form sent to boat owners, museums, associations and clubs to record their historic vessels. This will be easy to read and fill out. It will guide people through a series of questions to evaluate their own vessel's significance, assessed by independent experts drawn from a National Consultative Committee.
Future stages of the project's development will include a hard-copy illustrated manual to explain the Register and provide practical information for owners on documentation and conservation principles and techniques. The Register will be capable of distribution on interactive multimedia computer software, as hard copy, CD-ROM and on the Internet. Personal details will remain confidential.
The project is targeted to owners of historic sail and powered boats and enthusiasts - museums, yacht clubs and boat clubs.
By providing information about their vessels boat owners will benefit for the ARHV project:
* Receive certificates rewarding their active participation in heritage conservation
* Recognition for their boat in the form of a statement of significance, putting it into historical context
* Contacts with other boat owners and clubs
For information and to receive a Vessel Nomination Form contact On the Waterfront via The Guardian.
Good news wanted
Do you have a good news story that would like to share with others?
"Have you been out of the region promoting The Whitsundays," asks Liz Stewart Manager, Membership Services at Tourism Whitsunday.
"We'd love to know about it for inclusion in the Sea News Out of the Blue Newsletter"
You may contact Liz at Tourism Whitsunday and tell everyone the good news.
Able Pt lights & work
Mariners are advised that the navigation aids are now permanently established to mark the new marina channel entrance.
The construction of the new rock wall is still progressing with the entrance to Shingley Beach at the southern end of the rock wall remaining closed to navigation until further notice.
Charts affected: AUS 252, 253, 268
Smell the flowers
A cynic is a man who, when he smells flowers, looks around for a coffin.
- H. L. Mencken
Fair winds to Ye!
Cap'n Dan
The Queensland boating industry wants boaties to brush up on navigation rules, following the release of insurance statistics revealing the high level of boat collisions with underwater objects.
According to NRMA Insurance, collisions account for nearly half (46 per cent) of all boat claims in Queensland and New South Wales, and underwater objects are involved with many of these incidents.
The Boating Industry Association of Queensland believes wrong navigation could be responsible for the large number of underwater collisions.
BIAQ General Manager, Barry Hibberd, said the statistics were disturbing, given that all major Queensland waterways were navigable and clearly marked.
"The high level of underwater collisions indicates many boats are travelling outside these safe areas," Mr Hibberd said.
"While submerged hazards, such as floating trees and logs, could be partly to blame, it seems sandbars and rocks could be the main culprits."
Mr Hibberd said a quick review of the international navigation system of buoys; beacons and markers by owners would keep most boats out of trouble.
Show invites Trad boats
Tall timber ships sailed by iron men and women will feature at the third annual Oceanic Whitsunday Boat & Leisure Show to be staged on the June Queen's Birthday weekend at Able Point Marina
"We are featuring Traditional Boats and all things associated with the history of the marine industry at our boat show this year," says Rotary Club of Airlie Beach President Michael Elliott.
"We have invited the wooden boat group and the Townsville Maritime Museum to exhibit at our boat show,"
"We expect a large contingent of Traditional Boats to sail a Regatta with a chance for the public to sail on some of these magnificent ships" Mr Elliott added.
Organisers expect to have about 8000 visitors coming from south of Mackay to north of Townsville and local areas over the two days of the boat show.
Look forward to the Oceanic Whitsunday Boat & Leisure Show presented by The Rotary Club of Airlie Beach on The Queen's Birthday weekend 12th & 13th June 2004 at Able Point Marina.
Historic ships register
Vessels, large and small, are the most complex, fascinating and appealing artefacts of maritime history, yet by nature and because of the marine environment, they are less permanent than other historic relics.
The Australian National Maritime Museum is establishing an Australian Register of Historic Vessels (ARHV), to reveal the first national picture of the size, distribution and condition of historic vessels in Australia.
The Australian Register of Historic Vessels will be a valuable source of reference information available to boat owners, museums, clubs, researchers and enthusiasts, nationally and internationally. It will record details of construction, ownership, use and condition of historic vessels across Australia, and help marshal more efficient use of scarce resources in identifying priorities in the expensive task of vessel preservation.
The Register will appear as a multimedia database, capable of combining text; historic and contemporary still photographs, drawings, moving video, and even the voices of boat owners and builders.
Information will be sought on a standard format Vessel Nomination Form sent to boat owners, museums, associations and clubs to record their historic vessels. This will be easy to read and fill out. It will guide people through a series of questions to evaluate their own vessel's significance, assessed by independent experts drawn from a National Consultative Committee.
Future stages of the project's development will include a hard-copy illustrated manual to explain the Register and provide practical information for owners on documentation and conservation principles and techniques. The Register will be capable of distribution on interactive multimedia computer software, as hard copy, CD-ROM and on the Internet. Personal details will remain confidential.
The project is targeted to owners of historic sail and powered boats and enthusiasts - museums, yacht clubs and boat clubs.
By providing information about their vessels boat owners will benefit for the ARHV project:
* Receive certificates rewarding their active participation in heritage conservation
* Recognition for their boat in the form of a statement of significance, putting it into historical context
* Contacts with other boat owners and clubs
For information and to receive a Vessel Nomination Form contact On the Waterfront via The Guardian.
Good news wanted
Do you have a good news story that would like to share with others?
"Have you been out of the region promoting The Whitsundays," asks Liz Stewart Manager, Membership Services at Tourism Whitsunday.
"We'd love to know about it for inclusion in the Sea News Out of the Blue Newsletter"
You may contact Liz at Tourism Whitsunday and tell everyone the good news.
Able Pt lights & work
Mariners are advised that the navigation aids are now permanently established to mark the new marina channel entrance.
The construction of the new rock wall is still progressing with the entrance to Shingley Beach at the southern end of the rock wall remaining closed to navigation until further notice.
Charts affected: AUS 252, 253, 268
Smell the flowers
A cynic is a man who, when he smells flowers, looks around for a coffin.
- H. L. Mencken
Fair winds to Ye!
Cap'n Dan
Thursday, February 26, 2004
Winter sailing season: choices for skippers and crew
This winter Australia's offshore yachties will have to choose between the many races up the east coast to the Whitsunday regattas or to cruise to Darwin for the race to Dili in Timor and cruising in Indonesia.
First in the calendar is the Multihull Club's biennial Australian Multihull Offshore Championships (AMOC), Barrier Reef Series. The race will begin in Brisbane on Good Friday, April 9, stopping at Gladstone, Keppel Bay, Mackay, Hamilton Island and finishing at Airlie Beach on Saturday 17 April.
Mackay Marina will be playing host to entrants from Wednesday 14 April to Friday 16 April with Thursday 15th a designated lay day. This will give contestants time to relax and enjoy the facilities at Mackay, which include waterfront restaurants and bars and thriving yacht and surf clubs.
Next up is the Capricornia Cruising Yacht Club's annual Yeppoon to Mackay Yacht Race on Saturday 3 May. Mackay Marina will provide participants in the race with the first night's berthing free with the second and third nights charged at half price. The race is the club's only overnight race and is the perfect opportunity for crews to visit Mackay Marina and see for themselves what the facility has to offer.
The first annual Australian East Coast Challenge will take place during June/ July with contestants sailing from Wollongong to the Whitsundays stopping at seven ports, including Mackay, along the way. Participating crews will be tested with challenging offshore legs mixed with tight inshore races on an extremely tight schedule which leaves little time for rest and forces crews to rely on mental and physical toughness to produce results. The organisers hope the race will bring sailing and the community together in each port of call.
The fourth race is the second annual Southport to Mackay 530 nm Bluewater Classic on Friday 6 August. Last year's race was an overwhelming success perfectly timed to coincide with the Sydney Gold Coast Race on Saturday July 31 and Hogs Breath Race Week from August 13. It attracted entrants from all over the country with world-championship racing yacht Nicorette taking line honours.
The 480 nautical mile Darwin to Dili yacht race will sail on Saturday July 31 say the organisers The Democratic Government of Timor Leste (East Timor) and the Dili Yacht Club.
On the Darwin end, the race is sponsored by Dinah Beach Cruising Yacht Association located on a beach originally used by pearling luggers.
The Club features the Dilly Baggins Bar named after the only dog known to have been admitted as a member of a waterfront club in Darwin.
The dog, owned by a member, was smuggled onto Darwin Sailing Club premises in a dilly bag and was proposed as a member under the name Dilly Baggins.
The dog caused no suspicion and the Club unwittingly accepted its first four-legged member.
Crew needed
"Lots of crew will be needed as most crew won't be able to take off all the time needed to deliver a boat and compete in all events," says former Whitsunday resident and Boating OZ editor Kathy McKenzie.
"Personality, training, experience and being in the right place at the right time will help you to become crew. But if you too have limited time and you want to ensure you have a sailing holiday in winter, boats are available for charter for groups and individuals."
Bowen Harbour
Mariners are advised that there will be a smoke float demonstration at the Bowen Tug Harbour at 1000 hours on Friday, 27th February 2004. Chart Affected: AUS 268
Fixers defined
"This is defining of the most professional distance sailors. They can fix things at sea where normally we would have to retire to the nearest port"
Sailor and adventurer Steve Fossett
Fair winds to Ye!
Cap'n Dan
This winter Australia's offshore yachties will have to choose between the many races up the east coast to the Whitsunday regattas or to cruise to Darwin for the race to Dili in Timor and cruising in Indonesia.
First in the calendar is the Multihull Club's biennial Australian Multihull Offshore Championships (AMOC), Barrier Reef Series. The race will begin in Brisbane on Good Friday, April 9, stopping at Gladstone, Keppel Bay, Mackay, Hamilton Island and finishing at Airlie Beach on Saturday 17 April.
Mackay Marina will be playing host to entrants from Wednesday 14 April to Friday 16 April with Thursday 15th a designated lay day. This will give contestants time to relax and enjoy the facilities at Mackay, which include waterfront restaurants and bars and thriving yacht and surf clubs.
Next up is the Capricornia Cruising Yacht Club's annual Yeppoon to Mackay Yacht Race on Saturday 3 May. Mackay Marina will provide participants in the race with the first night's berthing free with the second and third nights charged at half price. The race is the club's only overnight race and is the perfect opportunity for crews to visit Mackay Marina and see for themselves what the facility has to offer.
The first annual Australian East Coast Challenge will take place during June/ July with contestants sailing from Wollongong to the Whitsundays stopping at seven ports, including Mackay, along the way. Participating crews will be tested with challenging offshore legs mixed with tight inshore races on an extremely tight schedule which leaves little time for rest and forces crews to rely on mental and physical toughness to produce results. The organisers hope the race will bring sailing and the community together in each port of call.
The fourth race is the second annual Southport to Mackay 530 nm Bluewater Classic on Friday 6 August. Last year's race was an overwhelming success perfectly timed to coincide with the Sydney Gold Coast Race on Saturday July 31 and Hogs Breath Race Week from August 13. It attracted entrants from all over the country with world-championship racing yacht Nicorette taking line honours.
The 480 nautical mile Darwin to Dili yacht race will sail on Saturday July 31 say the organisers The Democratic Government of Timor Leste (East Timor) and the Dili Yacht Club.
On the Darwin end, the race is sponsored by Dinah Beach Cruising Yacht Association located on a beach originally used by pearling luggers.
The Club features the Dilly Baggins Bar named after the only dog known to have been admitted as a member of a waterfront club in Darwin.
The dog, owned by a member, was smuggled onto Darwin Sailing Club premises in a dilly bag and was proposed as a member under the name Dilly Baggins.
The dog caused no suspicion and the Club unwittingly accepted its first four-legged member.
Crew needed
"Lots of crew will be needed as most crew won't be able to take off all the time needed to deliver a boat and compete in all events," says former Whitsunday resident and Boating OZ editor Kathy McKenzie.
"Personality, training, experience and being in the right place at the right time will help you to become crew. But if you too have limited time and you want to ensure you have a sailing holiday in winter, boats are available for charter for groups and individuals."
Bowen Harbour
Mariners are advised that there will be a smoke float demonstration at the Bowen Tug Harbour at 1000 hours on Friday, 27th February 2004. Chart Affected: AUS 268
Fixers defined
"This is defining of the most professional distance sailors. They can fix things at sea where normally we would have to retire to the nearest port"
Sailor and adventurer Steve Fossett
Fair winds to Ye!
Cap'n Dan
Tuesday, February 17, 2004
(Forgot to grab a photo. Will get one this evening! Look for me waving from New Horizon - only a 97-foot schooner- at about 6-6:30 this evening.)
Biggest, most expensive cruise ship visits Whitsunday
The 109,000-ton Star Princess - the second sister ship to Princess' groundbreaking Grand Princess, is more than the biggest, most expensive cruise ship ever.
Built at a cost of over $430 million, Star Princess has more ways to relax, dine, shop, play, swim, sun, dance and indulge than you can imagine. Nine different places to dine and three shows from which to choose nightly, you can do what you want, when you want, say the owners.
Star Princess features Princess' trademark Personal Choice Cruising, an unstructured, individualized approach to cruising that offers passengers a wide variety of dining, entertainment and activity options, including Personal Choice Dining, the only program in the cruise industry where passengers have a choice between traditional assigned-seating dining or restaurant-style seating.
Cap'n Dan reports Live from the Bridge of Star Princess
Well almost! A web camera image live from the bridge of Star Princess is automatically updated every 60 seconds via satellite. Star Princess, the largest and most amenity-filled ship ever will became the largest cruise ship to visit Whitsunday and to sail in Australian/New Zealand waters.
Aussie Awards Club Development
The Australian Sports Commission Club Development Network supports the development and management capacity of sporting clubs so they can deliver the best possible service to their members.
One award will be presented to a member of the Club Development Network who has demonstrated improvements in one of four areas of leadership, planning, people and members.
Examples of the type of improvements that a club may have initiated include:
* Leadership - improvements in the leadership of a club to ensure the needs of its members are met by effective and efficient resource management. Good leadership provides inspiration and guides the direction of the club.
* Planning - improvements in the planning process that engage the broader membership in identifying and addressing the needs of the club. Plans help to identify the club's goals and ways to monitor and evaluate its success in meeting them.
* People - improvements in developing motivated, committed and satisfied volunteers or staff. These people are more likely to make a positive contribution towards meeting the needs and expectations of the members they interact with and serve.
* Members - improvements in either services or activities that meet the needs of members. Satisfied members are more likely to return to a club and to tell others about their positive experiences.
Nominees are encouraged to refer to their Club Development Network checklist to help with their nomination. They should outline the type of initiatives, programs or activities undertaken by the club and the results.
All nominations will be assessed on how well the initiative improved the club's ability to deliver the best possible service to its members.
For more information, including how to nominate and nomination forms please contact Australian Sports Commission Active Australia provider Maritime Skills Whitsunday c/ The Guardian.
Sailors calendar
The Whitsunday Sailing Club has issued their sailing calendar for this year. It's good to see events like the Mooloolaba to Airlie back on the calendar along with the Lady Skippers, Two-handed series and the popular Multihull Rendezvous.
Twilight sailing every Wednesday on Pioneer Bay with details available from the sailing club.
So close . . .
Without using precision instruments, Eratosthenes measured the radius of Earth in the third century B.C., and came within 1 percent of the value determined by today's technology.
Two cycles out
No oil burning, smoky exhaust two-cycle engines are allowed in Singapore. The license fee for a new car is small, about $5, but as the vehicle grows older, the fee increases. When the auto reaches eight years old, it is no longer allowed on the streets. This is the opposite of the license-fee structure in most countries. While strict, Singapore's auto law has virtually wiped out vehicle sourced air pollution in the country.
Captain's cat
An Irish woman worked on ferries crossing the Irish Sea to pay for her trip to Australia. She told a good story of a new crewperson who was told to go to the bridge to feed the captain's cat.
Dutifully, our new crew got a bowl of milk and went up to the bridge. While walking around in the semi-darkness, going "here puss, puss" the captain asked her what she was doing.
"I'm after yer cat to feed 'em," said the new crew lass.
"I don't have a cat" was the gruff reply. "I think your crew mates have sent you on an adventure"
Every industry has their games and traps for newcomers that give the old hands a laugh.
Be yourself!
"Do not go where the path may lead, go instead where there is no path and leave a trail."
Author Ralph Waldo Emerson
Fair winds to Ye!
Cap'n Dan
Biggest, most expensive cruise ship visits Whitsunday
The 109,000-ton Star Princess - the second sister ship to Princess' groundbreaking Grand Princess, is more than the biggest, most expensive cruise ship ever.
Built at a cost of over $430 million, Star Princess has more ways to relax, dine, shop, play, swim, sun, dance and indulge than you can imagine. Nine different places to dine and three shows from which to choose nightly, you can do what you want, when you want, say the owners.
Star Princess features Princess' trademark Personal Choice Cruising, an unstructured, individualized approach to cruising that offers passengers a wide variety of dining, entertainment and activity options, including Personal Choice Dining, the only program in the cruise industry where passengers have a choice between traditional assigned-seating dining or restaurant-style seating.
Cap'n Dan reports Live from the Bridge of Star Princess
Well almost! A web camera image live from the bridge of Star Princess is automatically updated every 60 seconds via satellite. Star Princess, the largest and most amenity-filled ship ever will became the largest cruise ship to visit Whitsunday and to sail in Australian/New Zealand waters.
Aussie Awards Club Development
The Australian Sports Commission Club Development Network supports the development and management capacity of sporting clubs so they can deliver the best possible service to their members.
One award will be presented to a member of the Club Development Network who has demonstrated improvements in one of four areas of leadership, planning, people and members.
Examples of the type of improvements that a club may have initiated include:
* Leadership - improvements in the leadership of a club to ensure the needs of its members are met by effective and efficient resource management. Good leadership provides inspiration and guides the direction of the club.
* Planning - improvements in the planning process that engage the broader membership in identifying and addressing the needs of the club. Plans help to identify the club's goals and ways to monitor and evaluate its success in meeting them.
* People - improvements in developing motivated, committed and satisfied volunteers or staff. These people are more likely to make a positive contribution towards meeting the needs and expectations of the members they interact with and serve.
* Members - improvements in either services or activities that meet the needs of members. Satisfied members are more likely to return to a club and to tell others about their positive experiences.
Nominees are encouraged to refer to their Club Development Network checklist to help with their nomination. They should outline the type of initiatives, programs or activities undertaken by the club and the results.
All nominations will be assessed on how well the initiative improved the club's ability to deliver the best possible service to its members.
For more information, including how to nominate and nomination forms please contact Australian Sports Commission Active Australia provider Maritime Skills Whitsunday c/ The Guardian.
Sailors calendar
The Whitsunday Sailing Club has issued their sailing calendar for this year. It's good to see events like the Mooloolaba to Airlie back on the calendar along with the Lady Skippers, Two-handed series and the popular Multihull Rendezvous.
Twilight sailing every Wednesday on Pioneer Bay with details available from the sailing club.
So close . . .
Without using precision instruments, Eratosthenes measured the radius of Earth in the third century B.C., and came within 1 percent of the value determined by today's technology.
Two cycles out
No oil burning, smoky exhaust two-cycle engines are allowed in Singapore. The license fee for a new car is small, about $5, but as the vehicle grows older, the fee increases. When the auto reaches eight years old, it is no longer allowed on the streets. This is the opposite of the license-fee structure in most countries. While strict, Singapore's auto law has virtually wiped out vehicle sourced air pollution in the country.
Captain's cat
An Irish woman worked on ferries crossing the Irish Sea to pay for her trip to Australia. She told a good story of a new crewperson who was told to go to the bridge to feed the captain's cat.
Dutifully, our new crew got a bowl of milk and went up to the bridge. While walking around in the semi-darkness, going "here puss, puss" the captain asked her what she was doing.
"I'm after yer cat to feed 'em," said the new crew lass.
"I don't have a cat" was the gruff reply. "I think your crew mates have sent you on an adventure"
Every industry has their games and traps for newcomers that give the old hands a laugh.
Be yourself!
"Do not go where the path may lead, go instead where there is no path and leave a trail."
Author Ralph Waldo Emerson
Fair winds to Ye!
Cap'n Dan
Wednesday, February 11, 2004
Sewage management legislation in force
Vessel-sourced sewage legislative requirements commenced on 1 January 2004 to minimise the likelihood of impacts from sewage generated onboard vessels reports Maritime Safety Queensland.
The sewage management requirements, detailed in the Transport Operations (Marine Pollution) Act 1995 and Transport Operations (Marine Pollution) Regulation 1995 (Regulation) will affect many boat owners.
These requirements apply to all vessels which have a toilet fitted and can discharge sewage.
The first phase will apply to identified nil-discharge waters. These areas are marinas, boat harbours, canals and some river systems and designated areas of state marine parks. From 1 January 2004, vessel owners will need to ensure that no sewage is discharged in these waters. Sewage management measures can include, always using onshore toilets when docked, encouraging passengers to use onshore facilities before heading out, containing sewage in a sewage holding device, and being aware of the designated areas in marine parks where discharge is prohibited.
The legislative direction was developed following public consultation and discussions with key stakeholders.
The legislation will assist in the protection of Queensland waterways and waterway users from vessel-sourced sewage.
More extensive onboard sewage management requirements will commence on 1 July 2004.
Maritime Safety Queensland say educational messages and materials will be widely distributed over the coming months. Vessel owners must be aware of the legislative requirements and, where appropriate, adopt onboard sewage management measures say MSQ.
Boat-car road wreck
Friends out for a late-night cruise on a new, 20-foot Baja boat, which has top speeds of about 55 knots, hit the Interstate 77 causeway north of Exit 30, went airborne and landed upside down in the path of an oncoming car.
Lucas Croft, a 19-year-old college student, suddenly saw a flying boat land right in front of his car hitting the spinning vessel.
"It fell out of the sky in front of him," said North Carolina Officer Bobby Blackwell. "He never saw anything but the boat coming down."
Blackwell and N.C. Highway Patrol Trooper Myron Byrd are investigating what caused the unprecedented boat-car collision.
They found empty beer cans in the Baja and are awaiting toxicology reports. They are also trying to determine who was driving the boat and how fast it was going.
All three boaters work in the motorsports industry. Jones is lead mechanic for MB2 Motorsports' No. 01 Winston Cup team, Bills works for Penske-Jasper Engines and Wade for the Richard Petty Driving Experience.
"That is very amazing. I've worked fatal accidents where the top speed was 10 mph. This was a mess." Officer Bobby Blackwell said.
The boat struck the bank, which Blackwell described as a "21-foot ramp."
"The boat slid up the bank before it went airborne," he said.
At the top of the ramp, the boat jumped the guardrail, flipped in the air and landed upside down in the southbound lanes. A half-second later, Blackwell said, the medium-size Ford struck the spinning boat.
Aussie sports awards
The Australian Sports Commission will conduct the Ausport Awards for the second year in 2004.
The 2004 Ausport Awards will Recognise, reward and showcase good practice in sport.
The awards will acknowledge and reward individuals, clubs, community organisations, schools, local agencies and national and state sporting organisations for demonstrating their commitment to good practice in sport, grass-roots participation, innovative and inclusive programs, quality sports business management, and excellence in sport performance.
Nominations are now open and close on March 31 2004.
Further information is available locally from active Australia provider Maritime Skills Whitsunday.
Log near reef
Michaelmas Reef: Mariners are advised that a semi-submerged log 25 metres long has been reported in position Latitude 16°36.560'S, Longitude 145°55.050'E which is approximately 3 nautical miles West of Michaelmas Reef on Tuesday 10th February 2004 at 1015 hours. Mariners are advised to navigate with caution in this vicinity. Chart affected: AUS 830
Dangerous door!
"It's a dangerous business going out your front door."
J. R. R. Tolkien, The Fellowship of the Ring
Fair winds to Ye!
Cap'n Dan
Vessel-sourced sewage legislative requirements commenced on 1 January 2004 to minimise the likelihood of impacts from sewage generated onboard vessels reports Maritime Safety Queensland.
The sewage management requirements, detailed in the Transport Operations (Marine Pollution) Act 1995 and Transport Operations (Marine Pollution) Regulation 1995 (Regulation) will affect many boat owners.
These requirements apply to all vessels which have a toilet fitted and can discharge sewage.
The first phase will apply to identified nil-discharge waters. These areas are marinas, boat harbours, canals and some river systems and designated areas of state marine parks. From 1 January 2004, vessel owners will need to ensure that no sewage is discharged in these waters. Sewage management measures can include, always using onshore toilets when docked, encouraging passengers to use onshore facilities before heading out, containing sewage in a sewage holding device, and being aware of the designated areas in marine parks where discharge is prohibited.
The legislative direction was developed following public consultation and discussions with key stakeholders.
The legislation will assist in the protection of Queensland waterways and waterway users from vessel-sourced sewage.
More extensive onboard sewage management requirements will commence on 1 July 2004.
Maritime Safety Queensland say educational messages and materials will be widely distributed over the coming months. Vessel owners must be aware of the legislative requirements and, where appropriate, adopt onboard sewage management measures say MSQ.
Boat-car road wreck
Friends out for a late-night cruise on a new, 20-foot Baja boat, which has top speeds of about 55 knots, hit the Interstate 77 causeway north of Exit 30, went airborne and landed upside down in the path of an oncoming car.
Lucas Croft, a 19-year-old college student, suddenly saw a flying boat land right in front of his car hitting the spinning vessel.
"It fell out of the sky in front of him," said North Carolina Officer Bobby Blackwell. "He never saw anything but the boat coming down."
Blackwell and N.C. Highway Patrol Trooper Myron Byrd are investigating what caused the unprecedented boat-car collision.
They found empty beer cans in the Baja and are awaiting toxicology reports. They are also trying to determine who was driving the boat and how fast it was going.
All three boaters work in the motorsports industry. Jones is lead mechanic for MB2 Motorsports' No. 01 Winston Cup team, Bills works for Penske-Jasper Engines and Wade for the Richard Petty Driving Experience.
"That is very amazing. I've worked fatal accidents where the top speed was 10 mph. This was a mess." Officer Bobby Blackwell said.
The boat struck the bank, which Blackwell described as a "21-foot ramp."
"The boat slid up the bank before it went airborne," he said.
At the top of the ramp, the boat jumped the guardrail, flipped in the air and landed upside down in the southbound lanes. A half-second later, Blackwell said, the medium-size Ford struck the spinning boat.
Aussie sports awards
The Australian Sports Commission will conduct the Ausport Awards for the second year in 2004.
The 2004 Ausport Awards will Recognise, reward and showcase good practice in sport.
The awards will acknowledge and reward individuals, clubs, community organisations, schools, local agencies and national and state sporting organisations for demonstrating their commitment to good practice in sport, grass-roots participation, innovative and inclusive programs, quality sports business management, and excellence in sport performance.
Nominations are now open and close on March 31 2004.
Further information is available locally from active Australia provider Maritime Skills Whitsunday.
Log near reef
Michaelmas Reef: Mariners are advised that a semi-submerged log 25 metres long has been reported in position Latitude 16°36.560'S, Longitude 145°55.050'E which is approximately 3 nautical miles West of Michaelmas Reef on Tuesday 10th February 2004 at 1015 hours. Mariners are advised to navigate with caution in this vicinity. Chart affected: AUS 830
Dangerous door!
"It's a dangerous business going out your front door."
J. R. R. Tolkien, The Fellowship of the Ring
Fair winds to Ye!
Cap'n Dan
Friday, February 06, 2004
Top Whitsunday event gets bigger
The 15th annual Hog's Breath Race Week Notice of Race is now available for the event to be enjoyed August 13 until 19.
The schedule at this year's race week is extended to include an extra day of racing for all divisions.
Hog's Breath Race Week 2004 will be providing a social program in keeping with what has made this event such a great success over the past 15 years. Details will finalised soon, but the Party goes something like this!
Friday August 8 Final Registration and Briefing at the Whitsunday Sailing Club including the 'meet the fleet' drinks.
Saturday Aug. 9: Will see and hear the Wolverines playing at the Tooheys New Marquee at the marina. The same venue will see the Coconut Lotto and daily presentations at after racing
Sunday Aug. 10 Wolverines, Coconut Lotto, Crew BBQ and drinks, live entertainment and fireworks display
Monday Aug. 11: Lay Day, Hog Heaven, Owners & Sponsors brunch, Beach Party at Whitsunday Sailing Club, Sky Diving, Coconut Lotto, Team Tug-o-War, live band
Toomey New Marquee, Entertainment & BBQ
Each day will have Wolverines playing Coconut Lotto and daily presentations at marina after racing.
Thursday Aug. 14: Final races then mid afternoon presentation of trophies followed by a couple of drinks and a Foam Party.
Extra day includes racing for all classes: IRC Yachts, PHS Racing Yachts, Cruising Yachts (with spinnakers) PHS handicaps, Cruising Yachts (without spinnakers) PHS handicaps, Premier Cruising Yachts (handicapped using IRC Rule, Big Boats (60'+ handicapped using IRC Rule, Sports Boats, One Design Classes Minimum of 6 entries per class, Sydney 38, Farr 40.
A premier event 15 years in the Whitsundays. See your there!
Notices to Mariners.
Mariners are advised to use caution whilst navigating the following areas.
Reef Point Light, Whitsunday Isld.
Mariners are advised that a lighted Port Lateral Mark beacon (Fl R 2.5s) has been established at Reef Point on the south west side of Whitsunday Island in approximate position Latitude 20°17.4768'S, Longitude 148°54.7064'E to mark the entrance to Fitzalan Passage. Charts affected: AUS 252, 253, 254, 824
East Langford Reef light
Mariners are advised that a lighted buoy (Fl G 2.5s) has been temporarily established on Langford Reef, in approximate position Latitude 20°05.2730'S, Longitude 148°52.5936'E.
Charts affected AUS 252, 254, 825
Seaforth Creek
Mariners are advised that a lighted buoy (Fl G 2.5s) has been established at the entrance to Seaforth Creek in approximate position Latitude 20°53.7592'S, Longitude 148°58.6455'E to temporarily replace the lighted Starboard Lateral Mark beacon. The lighted Port Lateral Mark beacon (Fl R 2.5s) has been restored to normal. Charts affected: AUS 251, 824
Criticism is prejudice made plausible. -- H. L. Mencken
Fair winds to Ye!
Cap'n Dan
The 15th annual Hog's Breath Race Week Notice of Race is now available for the event to be enjoyed August 13 until 19.
The schedule at this year's race week is extended to include an extra day of racing for all divisions.
Hog's Breath Race Week 2004 will be providing a social program in keeping with what has made this event such a great success over the past 15 years. Details will finalised soon, but the Party goes something like this!
Friday August 8 Final Registration and Briefing at the Whitsunday Sailing Club including the 'meet the fleet' drinks.
Saturday Aug. 9: Will see and hear the Wolverines playing at the Tooheys New Marquee at the marina. The same venue will see the Coconut Lotto and daily presentations at after racing
Sunday Aug. 10 Wolverines, Coconut Lotto, Crew BBQ and drinks, live entertainment and fireworks display
Monday Aug. 11: Lay Day, Hog Heaven, Owners & Sponsors brunch, Beach Party at Whitsunday Sailing Club, Sky Diving, Coconut Lotto, Team Tug-o-War, live band
Toomey New Marquee, Entertainment & BBQ
Each day will have Wolverines playing Coconut Lotto and daily presentations at marina after racing.
Thursday Aug. 14: Final races then mid afternoon presentation of trophies followed by a couple of drinks and a Foam Party.
Extra day includes racing for all classes: IRC Yachts, PHS Racing Yachts, Cruising Yachts (with spinnakers) PHS handicaps, Cruising Yachts (without spinnakers) PHS handicaps, Premier Cruising Yachts (handicapped using IRC Rule, Big Boats (60'+ handicapped using IRC Rule, Sports Boats, One Design Classes Minimum of 6 entries per class, Sydney 38, Farr 40.
A premier event 15 years in the Whitsundays. See your there!
Notices to Mariners.
Mariners are advised to use caution whilst navigating the following areas.
Reef Point Light, Whitsunday Isld.
Mariners are advised that a lighted Port Lateral Mark beacon (Fl R 2.5s) has been established at Reef Point on the south west side of Whitsunday Island in approximate position Latitude 20°17.4768'S, Longitude 148°54.7064'E to mark the entrance to Fitzalan Passage. Charts affected: AUS 252, 253, 254, 824
East Langford Reef light
Mariners are advised that a lighted buoy (Fl G 2.5s) has been temporarily established on Langford Reef, in approximate position Latitude 20°05.2730'S, Longitude 148°52.5936'E.
Charts affected AUS 252, 254, 825
Seaforth Creek
Mariners are advised that a lighted buoy (Fl G 2.5s) has been established at the entrance to Seaforth Creek in approximate position Latitude 20°53.7592'S, Longitude 148°58.6455'E to temporarily replace the lighted Starboard Lateral Mark beacon. The lighted Port Lateral Mark beacon (Fl R 2.5s) has been restored to normal. Charts affected: AUS 251, 824
Criticism is prejudice made plausible. -- H. L. Mencken
Fair winds to Ye!
Cap'n Dan
Tuesday, January 27, 2004
The 168th Australia Day Regatta.
Sydney turned on the biggest on-the-water Australia Day celebration since the 1988 bicentenary, with official estimates at 3000 vessels on the water and 200,000 spectators around the foreshores to watch events that included the colourful Ferry Race, an Australia Day Parade of craft of all shapes and sizes, the Tall Ships Race, and the 168th Australia Day Regatta.
In addition, an estimated 300 dinghies, catamarans and small keelboats competed in satellite Australia Day regattas on waterways in NSW.
Locally the Whitsunday Sailing Club fleet went to Monte's Reef Resort of the weekend.
Prevent tilapia spread
The Department of Primary Industries is urging the public to be on the look out for the noxious fish tilapia and help prevent the spread of this pest species.
The Queensland Fisheries Service (QFS) is encouraging people to report any suspected findings of tilapia, a declared noxious fish species.
QFS fisheries biologist Aimee Burton said tilapia could threaten native fish populations and the environment and were able to dominate waterways due to their highly efficient reproductive strategies, simple food requirements and flexible habitat preferences.
Ms Burton said that although noxious fish such as tilapia had established populations in a number of river systems throughout Queensland there were still many catchments that were tilapia free.
In North Queensland, the Johnstone, Barron, Mulgrave-Russell and Black catchments are infested with tilapia while catchments such as the Tully and Murray are thought to be tilapia free.
Ms Burton said it was vital tilapia were not introduced into these catchments as eradicating established populations was unlikely.
"People need to act responsibly to prevent tilapia spreading further throughout Queensland waterways," she said.
"More often than not members of the public introduce the fish to waterways not realising the environmental damage they can cause.
"For example, some people use tilapia as bait which even when dead have the potential to spread."
Ms Burton said the danger was some species such as Mozambique mouthbrooders hatched their eggs inside their mouths with the eggs and fry able to remain alive for a period of time.
"Even when the fish is dead the eggs and fry remain alive and can escape when the fish is disposed of," she said.
Ms Burton said to help prevent the spread of tilapia; any fish caught should be disposed of away from the waterway.
If they need to be identified, they should be humanely killed by being placed in ice slurry and frozen.
She said Mozambique mouthbrooders were pale olive to silver grey with two to five dark blotches on their sides.
They could grow to more than 40cm and breeding males became almost black with red edging on their fins.
Fines of up to $150,000 apply to people in possession of tilapia or using them as bait, live or dead.
Anyone who thinks they may have found a tilapia should contact the DPI Call Centre on 13 25 23.
Brits see red over Ensign
In response to news of possible changes to legislation that would require the Ensign to bear the Euro flag the Royal Yachting Association are incensed that the changes, if implemented, would make it necessary for the European flag to be displayed in a corner of the ensign.
"Most British yachtsmen cherish our maritime traditions. This is an important part of our culture, and the RYA would absolutely oppose any plan to scrap our Red, White and Blue Ensigns" Edmund Whelan, RYA Legal and Government Affairs Manager said.
Yachts are classified as British merchantmen and as such are entitled to wear the Red Ensign. The Merchant Shipping Acts state that all vessels (unless registered fishing vessels) must wear their proper national colours when entering or leaving a foreign port. Even if the Red Ensign is not being worn, it should be carried on board at all times.
The Ensign is the most important flag on a boat. Therefore, it must be the most prominently displayed on board and must be in the most important position preferably on its own special staff.
The after part of a ship is considered to be the most important part since in the times of sailing ships the officers were accommodated aft and the ship was commanded from the poop and quarter decks. This is why the Ensign is flown aft.
Sailors tend to fly the Ensign constantly when at sea, although the strict rule states that it must be flown when land or other ships are in sight.
There seems to be some confusion about what is or is not an illegal Ensign. The Euroflag is not an Ensign, nor is the Union Flag nor the Welsh Dragon nor any of the other home country flags. The Red Ensign, or a Special Ensign if entitled, is the only correct Ensign to be worn on board British vessels.
The Union Flag (sometimes incorrectly called the Union Jack - unless it is being flown at the jackstaff of one of HM Ships) is not a recognised flag for a yacht to fly and foreign yachtsmen should not fly it as a courtesy flag - again the Red Ensign is the correct flag for this purpose. Only ships of the Royal Navy or HM Air Force vessels may fly the Union Flag. Merchant ships or yachts should never wear the Union Flag.
The RYA has no power to police the wearing of Ensigns other than by spreading the word about flag etiquette and encouraging good practice as vigorously as possible.
Too serious
I have come to the conclusion that politics are too serious a matter to be
left to the politicians. -- Charles De Gaulle
Fair winds to Ye!
Cap'n Dan
Sydney turned on the biggest on-the-water Australia Day celebration since the 1988 bicentenary, with official estimates at 3000 vessels on the water and 200,000 spectators around the foreshores to watch events that included the colourful Ferry Race, an Australia Day Parade of craft of all shapes and sizes, the Tall Ships Race, and the 168th Australia Day Regatta.
In addition, an estimated 300 dinghies, catamarans and small keelboats competed in satellite Australia Day regattas on waterways in NSW.
Locally the Whitsunday Sailing Club fleet went to Monte's Reef Resort of the weekend.
Prevent tilapia spread
The Department of Primary Industries is urging the public to be on the look out for the noxious fish tilapia and help prevent the spread of this pest species.
The Queensland Fisheries Service (QFS) is encouraging people to report any suspected findings of tilapia, a declared noxious fish species.
QFS fisheries biologist Aimee Burton said tilapia could threaten native fish populations and the environment and were able to dominate waterways due to their highly efficient reproductive strategies, simple food requirements and flexible habitat preferences.
Ms Burton said that although noxious fish such as tilapia had established populations in a number of river systems throughout Queensland there were still many catchments that were tilapia free.
In North Queensland, the Johnstone, Barron, Mulgrave-Russell and Black catchments are infested with tilapia while catchments such as the Tully and Murray are thought to be tilapia free.
Ms Burton said it was vital tilapia were not introduced into these catchments as eradicating established populations was unlikely.
"People need to act responsibly to prevent tilapia spreading further throughout Queensland waterways," she said.
"More often than not members of the public introduce the fish to waterways not realising the environmental damage they can cause.
"For example, some people use tilapia as bait which even when dead have the potential to spread."
Ms Burton said the danger was some species such as Mozambique mouthbrooders hatched their eggs inside their mouths with the eggs and fry able to remain alive for a period of time.
"Even when the fish is dead the eggs and fry remain alive and can escape when the fish is disposed of," she said.
Ms Burton said to help prevent the spread of tilapia; any fish caught should be disposed of away from the waterway.
If they need to be identified, they should be humanely killed by being placed in ice slurry and frozen.
She said Mozambique mouthbrooders were pale olive to silver grey with two to five dark blotches on their sides.
They could grow to more than 40cm and breeding males became almost black with red edging on their fins.
Fines of up to $150,000 apply to people in possession of tilapia or using them as bait, live or dead.
Anyone who thinks they may have found a tilapia should contact the DPI Call Centre on 13 25 23.
Brits see red over Ensign
In response to news of possible changes to legislation that would require the Ensign to bear the Euro flag the Royal Yachting Association are incensed that the changes, if implemented, would make it necessary for the European flag to be displayed in a corner of the ensign.
"Most British yachtsmen cherish our maritime traditions. This is an important part of our culture, and the RYA would absolutely oppose any plan to scrap our Red, White and Blue Ensigns" Edmund Whelan, RYA Legal and Government Affairs Manager said.
Yachts are classified as British merchantmen and as such are entitled to wear the Red Ensign. The Merchant Shipping Acts state that all vessels (unless registered fishing vessels) must wear their proper national colours when entering or leaving a foreign port. Even if the Red Ensign is not being worn, it should be carried on board at all times.
The Ensign is the most important flag on a boat. Therefore, it must be the most prominently displayed on board and must be in the most important position preferably on its own special staff.
The after part of a ship is considered to be the most important part since in the times of sailing ships the officers were accommodated aft and the ship was commanded from the poop and quarter decks. This is why the Ensign is flown aft.
Sailors tend to fly the Ensign constantly when at sea, although the strict rule states that it must be flown when land or other ships are in sight.
There seems to be some confusion about what is or is not an illegal Ensign. The Euroflag is not an Ensign, nor is the Union Flag nor the Welsh Dragon nor any of the other home country flags. The Red Ensign, or a Special Ensign if entitled, is the only correct Ensign to be worn on board British vessels.
The Union Flag (sometimes incorrectly called the Union Jack - unless it is being flown at the jackstaff of one of HM Ships) is not a recognised flag for a yacht to fly and foreign yachtsmen should not fly it as a courtesy flag - again the Red Ensign is the correct flag for this purpose. Only ships of the Royal Navy or HM Air Force vessels may fly the Union Flag. Merchant ships or yachts should never wear the Union Flag.
The RYA has no power to police the wearing of Ensigns other than by spreading the word about flag etiquette and encouraging good practice as vigorously as possible.
Too serious
I have come to the conclusion that politics are too serious a matter to be
left to the politicians. -- Charles De Gaulle
Fair winds to Ye!
Cap'n Dan
Marine radio licences for small boat operators
The Australian Communications Authority has warned Australia's small boat owners that they must hold a certificate of proficiency if they are using a VHF marine radio.
While it is not mandatory for 27 MHz CB-type marine radios, the ACA also called on small boat owners using 27 MHz marine radios to consider obtaining a certificate of proficiency.
ACA's Dr Horton said the warning came because of persistent reports that many recreational boat owners have become careless and do not comply with responsible radio operating practices, including those that apply to distress frequencies.
Delinquent radio behaviour on Australian waterways is on the rise; In addition, penalties for operating a VHF radio without a certificate included fines of up to $165,000 and even imprisonment.
Brits see red over Ensign
In response to news of possible changes to legislation that would require the Ensign to bear the Euro flag the Royal Yachting Association are incensed that the changes, if implemented, would make it necessary for the European flag to be displayed in a corner of the ensign.
"Most British yachtsmen cherish our maritime traditions. This is an important part of our culture, and the RYA would absolutely oppose any plan to scrap our Red, White and Blue Ensigns" Edmund Whelan, RYA Legal and Government Affairs Manager said.
Yachts are classified as British merchantmen and as such are entitled to wear the Red Ensign. The Merchant Shipping Acts state that all vessels (unless registered fishing vessels) must wear their proper national colours when entering or leaving a foreign port. Even if the Red Ensign is not being worn, it should be carried on board at all times.
The Ensign is the most important flag on a boat. Therefore, it must be the most prominently displayed on board and must be in the most important position preferably on its own special staff.
The after part of a ship is considered to be the most important part since in the times of sailing ships the officers were accommodated aft and the ship was commanded from the poop and quarter decks. This is why the Ensign is flown aft.
Sailors tend to fly the Ensign constantly when at sea, although the strict rule states that it must be flown when land or other ships are in sight.
There seems to be some confusion about what is or is not an illegal Ensign. The Euroflag is not an Ensign, nor is the Union Flag nor the Welsh Dragon nor any of the other home country flags. The Red Ensign, or a Special Ensign if entitled, is the only correct Ensign to be worn on board British vessels.
The Union Flag (sometimes incorrectly called the Union Jack - unless it is being flown at the jackstaff of one of HM Ships) is not a recognised flag for a yacht to fly and foreign yachtsmen should not fly it as a courtesy flag - again the Red Ensign is the correct flag for this purpose. Only ships of the Royal Navy or HM Air Force vessels may fly the Union Flag. Merchant ships or yachts should never wear the Union Flag.
The RYA has no power to police the wearing of Ensigns other than by spreading the word about flag etiquette and encouraging good practice as vigorously as possible.
TV amp interference
Poorly installed or badly maintained television antenna amplifiers may be causing unnecessary interference to television reception and mobile phone services, particularly in rural areas, according to the Australian Communications Authority (ACA).
ACA's Acting Chairman Dr Bob Horton said the best way to avoid causing interference problems was to have a reputable antenna installer / technician install the cabling for the antenna and the amplifier.
"We also strongly recommend that old or deteriorating amplifiers, cable or connectors be replaced," he said.
Causing this type of interference may also breach Section 197 of the Radiocommunications Act 1992. Under the Act, the owner of a faulty amplifier is legally responsible for its operation and must fix the problem once officially notified.
St Bees light
Mariners are advised that the North Cardinal Marker on the northern end of St Bees Island, in approximate position Latitude 20° 54.0887'S Longitude 149° 25.9716'E has been reported as unlit. Mariners should use caution when navigating in this area. Charts Affected: AUS 823
Not a failure
"I have not failed. I've just found 10,000 ways that won't work."
Inventor Thomas Alva Edison
Fair winds to Ye!
Cap'n Dan
The Australian Communications Authority has warned Australia's small boat owners that they must hold a certificate of proficiency if they are using a VHF marine radio.
While it is not mandatory for 27 MHz CB-type marine radios, the ACA also called on small boat owners using 27 MHz marine radios to consider obtaining a certificate of proficiency.
ACA's Dr Horton said the warning came because of persistent reports that many recreational boat owners have become careless and do not comply with responsible radio operating practices, including those that apply to distress frequencies.
Delinquent radio behaviour on Australian waterways is on the rise; In addition, penalties for operating a VHF radio without a certificate included fines of up to $165,000 and even imprisonment.
Brits see red over Ensign
In response to news of possible changes to legislation that would require the Ensign to bear the Euro flag the Royal Yachting Association are incensed that the changes, if implemented, would make it necessary for the European flag to be displayed in a corner of the ensign.
"Most British yachtsmen cherish our maritime traditions. This is an important part of our culture, and the RYA would absolutely oppose any plan to scrap our Red, White and Blue Ensigns" Edmund Whelan, RYA Legal and Government Affairs Manager said.
Yachts are classified as British merchantmen and as such are entitled to wear the Red Ensign. The Merchant Shipping Acts state that all vessels (unless registered fishing vessels) must wear their proper national colours when entering or leaving a foreign port. Even if the Red Ensign is not being worn, it should be carried on board at all times.
The Ensign is the most important flag on a boat. Therefore, it must be the most prominently displayed on board and must be in the most important position preferably on its own special staff.
The after part of a ship is considered to be the most important part since in the times of sailing ships the officers were accommodated aft and the ship was commanded from the poop and quarter decks. This is why the Ensign is flown aft.
Sailors tend to fly the Ensign constantly when at sea, although the strict rule states that it must be flown when land or other ships are in sight.
There seems to be some confusion about what is or is not an illegal Ensign. The Euroflag is not an Ensign, nor is the Union Flag nor the Welsh Dragon nor any of the other home country flags. The Red Ensign, or a Special Ensign if entitled, is the only correct Ensign to be worn on board British vessels.
The Union Flag (sometimes incorrectly called the Union Jack - unless it is being flown at the jackstaff of one of HM Ships) is not a recognised flag for a yacht to fly and foreign yachtsmen should not fly it as a courtesy flag - again the Red Ensign is the correct flag for this purpose. Only ships of the Royal Navy or HM Air Force vessels may fly the Union Flag. Merchant ships or yachts should never wear the Union Flag.
The RYA has no power to police the wearing of Ensigns other than by spreading the word about flag etiquette and encouraging good practice as vigorously as possible.
TV amp interference
Poorly installed or badly maintained television antenna amplifiers may be causing unnecessary interference to television reception and mobile phone services, particularly in rural areas, according to the Australian Communications Authority (ACA).
ACA's Acting Chairman Dr Bob Horton said the best way to avoid causing interference problems was to have a reputable antenna installer / technician install the cabling for the antenna and the amplifier.
"We also strongly recommend that old or deteriorating amplifiers, cable or connectors be replaced," he said.
Causing this type of interference may also breach Section 197 of the Radiocommunications Act 1992. Under the Act, the owner of a faulty amplifier is legally responsible for its operation and must fix the problem once officially notified.
St Bees light
Mariners are advised that the North Cardinal Marker on the northern end of St Bees Island, in approximate position Latitude 20° 54.0887'S Longitude 149° 25.9716'E has been reported as unlit. Mariners should use caution when navigating in this area. Charts Affected: AUS 823
Not a failure
"I have not failed. I've just found 10,000 ways that won't work."
Inventor Thomas Alva Edison
Fair winds to Ye!
Cap'n Dan
Friday, January 16, 2004
Outriggers come of age at Whitsunday destination
Hamilton Island hosts Australia's oldest, largest and richest outrigger canoe race and will commemorate a coming of age with its 21st staging in June 2004.
More than 2000 paddlers from all over the world are attracted to The Coca Cola Hamilton Island Cup for a four-day event (4 - 8 June) that includes a combination of sprint and marathon canoe paddling.
Sprint races take place over a 500m course off Catseye Beach followed by short marathons of 16km around the island. The flagship event is a gruelling 53-kilometre marathon that circumnavigates six Whitsunday Islands and draws the best teams from around the world.
After the final event of the last day is complete, a huge closing celebration happens in the Marina Village.
Another outstanding event in our Whitsunday wonderland!
Breakdown calls
In 2002, volunteer marine rescue groups responded to 2559 call outs for assistance statewide, 64 per cent were for breakdowns. Earlier reports showed similar results. This demonstrates the importance of engine and battery maintenance - prevention is better than cure. Source: 2002 Marine Safety Incidents Annual Report
Fishing studies
CRC Reef Research Centre, James Cook University is conducting a number of studies into fishing.
A 4-year project will investigate the impact of line fishing on the survival of some Queensland reef fish.
The research project will focus on the effects of:
* Capture Depth - fish caught in deep water often show signs of barotrauma, caused by gas in the fish's body expanding as it is brought to the surface, causing internal injuries.
* Hook Type & Size - hook size influences the number of undersize fish caught and styles of hooks can affect where the hook lodges.
Anglers involved in the project will not only tag the fish but will have to record additional information.
Why fishing? Most surveys of recreational fishers collect catch and effort data but little is known (by scientists) on why people go fishing. This study will take a closer look at social values surrounding recreational fishing in Queensland, the reasons why people go fishing and the benefits they receive from their fishing activity.
Fair winds to Ye!
Cap'n Dan
Hamilton Island hosts Australia's oldest, largest and richest outrigger canoe race and will commemorate a coming of age with its 21st staging in June 2004.
More than 2000 paddlers from all over the world are attracted to The Coca Cola Hamilton Island Cup for a four-day event (4 - 8 June) that includes a combination of sprint and marathon canoe paddling.
Sprint races take place over a 500m course off Catseye Beach followed by short marathons of 16km around the island. The flagship event is a gruelling 53-kilometre marathon that circumnavigates six Whitsunday Islands and draws the best teams from around the world.
After the final event of the last day is complete, a huge closing celebration happens in the Marina Village.
Another outstanding event in our Whitsunday wonderland!
Breakdown calls
In 2002, volunteer marine rescue groups responded to 2559 call outs for assistance statewide, 64 per cent were for breakdowns. Earlier reports showed similar results. This demonstrates the importance of engine and battery maintenance - prevention is better than cure. Source: 2002 Marine Safety Incidents Annual Report
Fishing studies
CRC Reef Research Centre, James Cook University is conducting a number of studies into fishing.
A 4-year project will investigate the impact of line fishing on the survival of some Queensland reef fish.
The research project will focus on the effects of:
* Capture Depth - fish caught in deep water often show signs of barotrauma, caused by gas in the fish's body expanding as it is brought to the surface, causing internal injuries.
* Hook Type & Size - hook size influences the number of undersize fish caught and styles of hooks can affect where the hook lodges.
Anglers involved in the project will not only tag the fish but will have to record additional information.
Why fishing? Most surveys of recreational fishers collect catch and effort data but little is known (by scientists) on why people go fishing. This study will take a closer look at social values surrounding recreational fishing in Queensland, the reasons why people go fishing and the benefits they receive from their fishing activity.
Fair winds to Ye!
Cap'n Dan
Wednesday, January 07, 2004
Coming up: Big year on the water for sailors
The Whitsunday Islands are the focus for a fabulous year ahead as our excellent events draw the best Aussie and overseas sailors to our shores.
This year will see the 15th annual Hog's Breath Race Week kick off on Friday, August 13.
It is amazing to your Waterfront writer that it is 15 years since Boss Hog Don Algie said he wanted to start a race week that would "have fun, good partying and oh yeah, great sailing."
The Hog's Week includes the famous Beach Party on the Monday and following the presentation crews will sail to Hahn Premium Hamilton Island Race Week sailed from 20 - 29 August.
There are few places in the world that can offer such a great yachting facility, regatta management and good-hearted wholesome fun to match the healthy feeling that exists at Hamilton Island Race Week.
This year is the 21st anniversary of 'Race Week'. Last year around 170 yachts competed in the week-long regatta with more than half of the entries escaping the cold winter of Sydney and Melbourne.
Apart from the exciting week of racing last year, the event featured a magnificent Moet and Chandon lunch and the Hahn Beer Dinner. The 'Whitehaven Beach Party' attracted around 3,500 people to the pristine shores of Whitehaven Beach to play touch football and beach cricket with members of the Australian cricket team.
The event constantly attracts the world's best sailors including an array of America's Cup, Admiral Cup, Olympic and World Champions mixing with sailing enthusiasts from all over Australia and the world.
In the lead-up to these events will be the Rotary Club of Airlie Beach 'Oceanic Whitsunday Boat & Leisure Show' on the 12-13 June Queen's birthday weekend and the Annual Blessing of the Fleet on Whit Sunday/Pentecost Sunday May 30.
But wait, there's still more! Waterfront will keep you posted during this fabulous year.
Breakdown calls
In 2002, volunteer marine rescue groups responded to 2559 call outs for assistance statewide, 64 per cent were for breakdowns. Earlier reports showed similar results. This demonstrates the importance of engine and battery maintenance - prevention is better than cure. Source: 2002 Marine Safety Incidents Annual Report
Fishing studies
CRC Reef Research Centre, James Cook University is conducting a number of studies into fishing.
A 4-year project will investigate the impact of line fishing on the survival of some Queensland reef fish.
The research project will focus on the effects of:
Capture Depth - fish caught in deep water often show signs of barotrauma, caused by gas in the fish's body expanding as it is brought to the surface, causing internal injuries.
Hook Type & Size - hook size influences the number of undersize fish caught and styles of hooks can affect where the hook lodges.
Anglers involved in the project will not only tag the fish but will have to record additional information.
Why fishing? Most surveys of recreational fishers collect catch and effort data but little is known on why people go fishing. This study will take a closer look at social values surrounding recreational fishing in Queensland, the reasons why people go fishing and the benefits they receive from their fishing activity.
Brits see red over Ensign
In response to news of possible changes to legislation that would require the Ensign to bear the Euro flag the Royal Yachting Association are incensed that the changes, if implemented, would make it necessary for the European flag to be displayed in a corner of the ensign.
"Most British yachtsmen cherish our maritime traditions. This is an important part of our culture, and the RYA would absolutely oppose any plan to scrap our Red, White and Blue Ensigns" Edmund Whelan, RYA Legal and Government Affairs Manager said.
"However, legislation allowing individual yachtsmen to opt for the Euro Ensign on a voluntary basis could well be acceptable, and we would welcome consultation on that basis."
Parliament's Transport and Regional Affairs Committee have voted by 27 votes to 22 in favour of the legislation.
The Ensign is the national maritime flag and denotes a vessel's country of registration. Generally, but not always, this will follow the nationality of the owner.
In the UK, the statutory regulations regarding the wearing of Ensigns are the Merchant Shipping Acts and Queen's Regulations for the Royal Navy.
Yachts are classified as British merchantmen and as such are entitled to wear the Red Ensign. The Merchant Shipping Acts state that all vessels (unless registered fishing vessels) must wear their proper national colours when entering or leaving a foreign port. Even if the Red Ensign is not being worn, it should be carried on board at all times.
The Ensign is the most important flag on a boat. Therefore, it must be the most prominently displayed on board and must be in the most important position preferably on its own special staff.
The after part of a ship is considered to be the most important part since in the times of sailing ships the officers were accommodated aft and the ship was commanded from the poop and quarter decks. This is why the Ensign is flown aft.
Sailors tend to fly the Ensign constantly when at sea, although the strict rule states that it must be flown when land or other ships are in sight.
There seems to be some confusion about what is or is not an illegal Ensign. The Euroflag is not an Ensign, nor is the Union Flag nor the Welsh Dragon nor any of the other home country flags. The Red Ensign, or a Special Ensign if entitled, is the only correct Ensign to be worn on board British vessels.
The Union Flag (sometimes incorrectly called the Union Jack - unless it is being flown at the jackstaff of one of HM Ships) is not a recognised flag for a yacht to fly and foreign yachtsmen should not fly it as a courtesy flag - again the Red Ensign is the correct flag for this purpose. Only ships of the Royal Navy or HM Air Force vessels may fly the Union Flag. Merchant ships or yachts should never wear the Union Flag.
The RYA has no power to police the wearing of Ensigns other than by spreading the word about flag etiquette and encouraging good practice as vigorously as possible.
Rubbish!
More than 45,000 pieces of plastic debris float on every square mile of ocean a report says.
Marine radio concerns
The Australian Communications Authority has warned Australia's small boat owners that they must hold a certificate of proficiency if they are using a VHF marine radio.
While it is not mandatory for 27 MHz CB-type marine radios, the ACA also called on small boat owners using 27 MHz marine radios to consider obtaining a certificate of proficiency.
ACA's Dr Horton said the warning came because of persistent reports that many recreational boat owners have become careless and do not comply with responsible radio operating practices, including those that apply to distress frequencies.
Delinquent radio behaviour on Australian waterways is on the rise; In addition, penalties for operating a VHF radio without a certificate included fines of up to $165,000 and even imprisonment.
TV amp interference
Poorly installed or badly maintained television antenna amplifiers may be causing unnecessary interference to television reception and mobile phone services, particularly in rural areas, according to the Australian Communications Authority (ACA).
ACA's Acting Chairman Dr Bob Horton said the best way to avoid causing interference problems was to have a reputable antenna installer / technician install the cabling for the antenna and the amplifier.
"We also strongly recommend that old or deteriorating amplifiers, cable or connectors be replaced," he said.
Causing this type of interference may also breach Section 197 of the Radiocommunications Act 1992. Under the Act, the owner of a faulty amplifier is legally responsible for its operation and must fix the problem once officially notified.
Not a failure
"I have not failed. I've just found 10,000 ways that won't work."
Inventor Thomas Alva Edison
Fair winds to Ye!
Cap'n Dan
The Whitsunday Islands are the focus for a fabulous year ahead as our excellent events draw the best Aussie and overseas sailors to our shores.
This year will see the 15th annual Hog's Breath Race Week kick off on Friday, August 13.
It is amazing to your Waterfront writer that it is 15 years since Boss Hog Don Algie said he wanted to start a race week that would "have fun, good partying and oh yeah, great sailing."
The Hog's Week includes the famous Beach Party on the Monday and following the presentation crews will sail to Hahn Premium Hamilton Island Race Week sailed from 20 - 29 August.
There are few places in the world that can offer such a great yachting facility, regatta management and good-hearted wholesome fun to match the healthy feeling that exists at Hamilton Island Race Week.
This year is the 21st anniversary of 'Race Week'. Last year around 170 yachts competed in the week-long regatta with more than half of the entries escaping the cold winter of Sydney and Melbourne.
Apart from the exciting week of racing last year, the event featured a magnificent Moet and Chandon lunch and the Hahn Beer Dinner. The 'Whitehaven Beach Party' attracted around 3,500 people to the pristine shores of Whitehaven Beach to play touch football and beach cricket with members of the Australian cricket team.
The event constantly attracts the world's best sailors including an array of America's Cup, Admiral Cup, Olympic and World Champions mixing with sailing enthusiasts from all over Australia and the world.
In the lead-up to these events will be the Rotary Club of Airlie Beach 'Oceanic Whitsunday Boat & Leisure Show' on the 12-13 June Queen's birthday weekend and the Annual Blessing of the Fleet on Whit Sunday/Pentecost Sunday May 30.
But wait, there's still more! Waterfront will keep you posted during this fabulous year.
Breakdown calls
In 2002, volunteer marine rescue groups responded to 2559 call outs for assistance statewide, 64 per cent were for breakdowns. Earlier reports showed similar results. This demonstrates the importance of engine and battery maintenance - prevention is better than cure. Source: 2002 Marine Safety Incidents Annual Report
Fishing studies
CRC Reef Research Centre, James Cook University is conducting a number of studies into fishing.
A 4-year project will investigate the impact of line fishing on the survival of some Queensland reef fish.
The research project will focus on the effects of:
Capture Depth - fish caught in deep water often show signs of barotrauma, caused by gas in the fish's body expanding as it is brought to the surface, causing internal injuries.
Hook Type & Size - hook size influences the number of undersize fish caught and styles of hooks can affect where the hook lodges.
Anglers involved in the project will not only tag the fish but will have to record additional information.
Why fishing? Most surveys of recreational fishers collect catch and effort data but little is known on why people go fishing. This study will take a closer look at social values surrounding recreational fishing in Queensland, the reasons why people go fishing and the benefits they receive from their fishing activity.
Brits see red over Ensign
In response to news of possible changes to legislation that would require the Ensign to bear the Euro flag the Royal Yachting Association are incensed that the changes, if implemented, would make it necessary for the European flag to be displayed in a corner of the ensign.
"Most British yachtsmen cherish our maritime traditions. This is an important part of our culture, and the RYA would absolutely oppose any plan to scrap our Red, White and Blue Ensigns" Edmund Whelan, RYA Legal and Government Affairs Manager said.
"However, legislation allowing individual yachtsmen to opt for the Euro Ensign on a voluntary basis could well be acceptable, and we would welcome consultation on that basis."
Parliament's Transport and Regional Affairs Committee have voted by 27 votes to 22 in favour of the legislation.
The Ensign is the national maritime flag and denotes a vessel's country of registration. Generally, but not always, this will follow the nationality of the owner.
In the UK, the statutory regulations regarding the wearing of Ensigns are the Merchant Shipping Acts and Queen's Regulations for the Royal Navy.
Yachts are classified as British merchantmen and as such are entitled to wear the Red Ensign. The Merchant Shipping Acts state that all vessels (unless registered fishing vessels) must wear their proper national colours when entering or leaving a foreign port. Even if the Red Ensign is not being worn, it should be carried on board at all times.
The Ensign is the most important flag on a boat. Therefore, it must be the most prominently displayed on board and must be in the most important position preferably on its own special staff.
The after part of a ship is considered to be the most important part since in the times of sailing ships the officers were accommodated aft and the ship was commanded from the poop and quarter decks. This is why the Ensign is flown aft.
Sailors tend to fly the Ensign constantly when at sea, although the strict rule states that it must be flown when land or other ships are in sight.
There seems to be some confusion about what is or is not an illegal Ensign. The Euroflag is not an Ensign, nor is the Union Flag nor the Welsh Dragon nor any of the other home country flags. The Red Ensign, or a Special Ensign if entitled, is the only correct Ensign to be worn on board British vessels.
The Union Flag (sometimes incorrectly called the Union Jack - unless it is being flown at the jackstaff of one of HM Ships) is not a recognised flag for a yacht to fly and foreign yachtsmen should not fly it as a courtesy flag - again the Red Ensign is the correct flag for this purpose. Only ships of the Royal Navy or HM Air Force vessels may fly the Union Flag. Merchant ships or yachts should never wear the Union Flag.
The RYA has no power to police the wearing of Ensigns other than by spreading the word about flag etiquette and encouraging good practice as vigorously as possible.
Rubbish!
More than 45,000 pieces of plastic debris float on every square mile of ocean a report says.
Marine radio concerns
The Australian Communications Authority has warned Australia's small boat owners that they must hold a certificate of proficiency if they are using a VHF marine radio.
While it is not mandatory for 27 MHz CB-type marine radios, the ACA also called on small boat owners using 27 MHz marine radios to consider obtaining a certificate of proficiency.
ACA's Dr Horton said the warning came because of persistent reports that many recreational boat owners have become careless and do not comply with responsible radio operating practices, including those that apply to distress frequencies.
Delinquent radio behaviour on Australian waterways is on the rise; In addition, penalties for operating a VHF radio without a certificate included fines of up to $165,000 and even imprisonment.
TV amp interference
Poorly installed or badly maintained television antenna amplifiers may be causing unnecessary interference to television reception and mobile phone services, particularly in rural areas, according to the Australian Communications Authority (ACA).
ACA's Acting Chairman Dr Bob Horton said the best way to avoid causing interference problems was to have a reputable antenna installer / technician install the cabling for the antenna and the amplifier.
"We also strongly recommend that old or deteriorating amplifiers, cable or connectors be replaced," he said.
Causing this type of interference may also breach Section 197 of the Radiocommunications Act 1992. Under the Act, the owner of a faulty amplifier is legally responsible for its operation and must fix the problem once officially notified.
Not a failure
"I have not failed. I've just found 10,000 ways that won't work."
Inventor Thomas Alva Edison
Fair winds to Ye!
Cap'n Dan
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