Monday, May 31, 2004

Blessing of the Fleet this weekend

On Sunday morning, 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.
If you want to take part on the water, it is easy. Just be on board your yacht or dinghy by 1030hrs. Put up all decoration or bunting and flags that you have, and sail from the direction of Coral Sea Resort towards the Sailing Club into Boat Haven Bay. If you feel you may need a little more protection (or absolution) participants are welcome to recircle to assure themselves that the job's done properly.
If you want to take part on land, come along to the Whitsunday Sailing Club Open Day run in conjunction with the Blessing of the Fleet. Bring that neglected offbeach boat, or bring your sailing clothes and have a go at sailing with experienced sailors.
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. Info 49467138.

Boat licences change

Police charges against a boat licence examiner have prompted a review of recreational boaties' licences issued statewide according to Transport Minister Paul Lucas.
Mr Lucas said that following police charges of official corruption against an authorised examiner, Maritime Safety Queensland had begun a review of all examiner procedures.
"Maritime Safety Queensland officers are working closely with police, who arrested a man in February, 2004, as part of a separate investigation," Mr Lucas said.
"Maritime Safety Queensland has cancelled the man's authority to carry out examinations.
"As a result of the police investigation, Maritime Safety Queensland has identified more than 800 recreational boaties' licences that may have been illegally issued.
"These licences were issued between January, 2001, and February, 2004, in Townsville, and may have been issued without the applicant having completed the required tests to prove their competence.
"Maritime Safety Queensland is now writing to more than 800 people who have been identified as holding licences issued on the basis of suspect test reports.
"Maritime Safety Queensland is giving these people an opportunity to show they obtained their test report legitimately. If they can't, their licences will be cancelled.
"People who want to enjoy our waterways in boats must first pass tests on practice and theory to maintain the state government's high standards of safety, which help to prevent accidents and marine pollution."
Maritime Safety Queensland establishes guidelines for the State's recreational boat users. The requirements for recreational boat licensing in Queensland are the toughest in Australia, Mr Lucas said.
"Boating has to be safe to be enjoyable," Mr Lucas said.
"Maritime Safety Queensland has worked closely with police in this matter. Ensuring marine competency and safety are priorities I take very seriously."
There are more than 480,000 recreational ship master's licences issued in Queensland.
Under the Transport Operations (Marine Safety) Act, anyone found in charge of a vessel without having a recreational ship master's licence can be issued with a $375 on-the-spot fine.

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.

Hi-tech sting foils crab poacher


Decoy mud crabs fitted with secret buzzing tags have foiled a Cairns poacher caught red-handed during a surveillance operation at the weekend.
Department of Primary Industries and Fisheries officers launched the covert operation after being inundated with complaints about crab pot interference from angry recreational and commercial fishers.
Queensland Boating and Fisheries Patrol (QBFP) district manager Bob Koch said Sunday's surveillance operation in Trinity Inlet involved micro-tagged mud crabs set up in crab pots that were closely monitored by officers.
"You could say we went fishing for a crab poacher, using the micro-tagged mud crabs as bait," Mr Koch said.
He said a man would face Cairns Magistrates Court next month on a charge related to Sunday's incident.
"Under Fisheries regulations the only persons who can lift a crab pot is the owner and a fisheries inspector. And penalties are steep, with a maximum fine of $37,500 for offenders," Mr Koch said.
"This is also an activity that draws complaints from the fishing public and it is one we take seriously.
"So would-be poachers should be very careful, because they don't know who is watching."

ATSB introduces a Confidential Marine Reporting Scheme

As of 20 May 2004, seafarers are able to make their safety concerns known under a new Australian Government safety initiative.
The Australian Transport Safety Bureau (ATSB) has introduced a Confidential Marine Reporting Scheme (CMRS) to improve safety in Australian waters by preventing or reducing the risks of marine accidents.
Seafarers and others connected with the marine industry will now be able to report, confidentially, any unsafe conditions, practices or procedures on ships. The scheme is also intended for use, for instance, by a passenger on a ship or a person ashore who observes and wishes to report a marine safety issue.
Under the Transport Safety Investigation Act 2003, the ATSB investigates and reports on marine accidents. Now, under the Navigation (Confidential Marine Reporting Scheme) Regulations 2004, the ATSB will accept and act, where appropriate, on confidential marine reports.
All reports will be processed to ensure that the identities of reporters are kept confidential.
The scheme encourages the reporting of safety issues by ship's crews and people concerned for maritime safety. However, it may not be used by masters and others who have an obligation, under other legislation, to report accidents where they were involved. Neither is the scheme intended for reporting industrial relations issues or unlawful interference with a ship.
Reports will be accepted by phone, email, fax or on-line or by using the ATSB's confidential marine reporting form. Any reference to, or any information that might identify, a reporter will be removed to 'de-identify' each report. Reports will then be assessed by experienced mariners who will determine what action is required. The de-identified information will be entered into a secure database to enable the reports to be analysed for safety information or trends.
The information from confidential reports may be forwarded by the ATSB to the Australian Maritime Safety Authority. The information may also be used to issue information briefs or alert bulletins to the maritime community. The ATSB will publish reviews of information from confidential reports and will assess the effectiveness of the scheme with a committee established for that purpose.


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


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.

Lights back on

Mariners are advised that the landfall beacon with an all round white light Fl.6s on the southern end of Cid Island has been restored to normal.
Mariners are advised that the following lighted beacons located at Hayman Island have been restored to normal: - No. 1 and No. 3 Hayman Marina, Starboard Lateral Mark Beacons. Charts affected: AUS 253, 824, 825.


Be creative!

"Creativity is inventing, experimenting, pondering, growing, taking risks, breaking rules, making mistakes, and having fun."


Fair winds to Ye!
Cap'n Dan

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

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