Wednesday, June 30, 2004

Busy time around the Waterfront

A busy week around the Queensland waterfront with new 'green' zones and changes to fisheries affecting reef users, a new licence scheme for recreational boaters seeking their first 'ticket', a new weather radar commissioned at Bowen for the Bureau of Meteorology and the fish are bitin' around the Whitsunday islands and reef.

Boat Licence

Maritime Safety Queensland (MSQ) has introduced a new competency-based training and assessment framework as a pre-requisite for the issue of a recreational boat licence.
The BoatSafe initiative aims to further improve marine safety outcomes for recreational boat users in Queensland by enhancing the scope and quality of pre-licence training and competency assessment.
In formulating the BoatSafe framework, interstate and overseas recreational marine licence training and assessment models were examined to identify benchmark standards of pre-licence operator training and assessment. The scheme is modelled on nationally recognised competency-based training and assessment principles and processes.
The new arrangements will be implemented from 1 July 2004 with a 12-month transition period during which both the existing and new training and assessment options will be available.
Yachting Queensland providers around the state will move to the new system and appreciate that it is influenced by the National Power Boat Training Scheme.
People who hold a current recreational boat licence will not be affected by the changed arrangements.

Bowen Radar beaming

A new radar at Abbot Point North of Bowen commissioned this week will be a vital link on the Queensland coast.
The continuous radar will monitor cyclone events and rainfall and be available online 24 hours a day on the Bureau of Meteorology.
"Every day, Bureau forecasters analyse and interpret a comprehensive volume of data to determine if the sun will shine on your afternoon barbeque," Dr Sharman Stone, Parliamentary Secretary with responsibility for the Australian Bureau of Meteorology
"Australians love talking about the weather but are unaware of what goes into interpreting the weather. This forum provides that opportunity."
The Bureau's website www.bom.gov.au is consistently voted one of Australia's most popular websites and regularly records between 300 and 400 million hits a month.
Dr Stone, who has responsibility for the Bureau, said that the availability of the latest radar images was an important tool for a number of groups including the fishing industry, State Emergency Service personnel, tourist operators (particularly in the weather sensitive Whitsunday's) and recreational anglers, amongst others.
"This means that those North Queenslanders planning a couple of days fishing off the Coast or heading inland in the 4WD for a camping holiday will be able to use the most up to date weather information to assist in planning their break".
The new radar at Abbott Point will enhance present coverage and make sure that North Queensland residents, who rely so heavily on accurate, up to date forecasts, receive the best possible information.

Those Zones

The Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority is distrbuting maps and CDs with all the changes to reef zones. A 'phone call to 47500700 will get the package delivered to you.

Trawler tracking

Queensland's Vessel Monitoring System (VMS) is now being used to do more than just track the state's trawl fleet to record commercial fishing effort, and ensure operators comply with east coast fisheries regulations.
VMS, a new project funded by the Department of Primary Industries and Fisheries (DPI&F) and the Fisheries Research and Development Corporation, is being taken beyond its original role.
Researchers are now using the satellite tracking technology to map fish stocks and fishing effort.
DPI&F biologist Norm Good said previously researchers were forced to rely on manually entered commercial catch and effort logbook records to map Queensland's trawl fisheries.
Mr Good said this was a less precise system with fishing effort generally recorded daily regardless of the time spent actually fishing.
As well only a single five nautical mile grid was used to record the approximate location of the day's maximum catch instead of a series of best catch locations.
"This then allows us to map the intensity of effort and catch by both region and season at virtually any scale," he said.
"By using VMS we are now mapping critical trawl grounds of the Queensland scallop, eastern king prawns and east coast tiger and endeavour prawn trawl fisheries."
Mr Good said the information was being used to develop more precise estimates of fish species abundance and sustainable levels of fishing effort.

Good fishin'

"The cold weather has brought the water temperature down to 20 degrees and the reds on the chew," reports Capt Ken Bryant.
"The reef has been fishing well when weather has permitted. The coral trout are still on the bite even in shallow water of only 5 meters while the Spanish mackerel on the surface continue to keep anglers happy with their blistering runs.
"The Mackerel season looks like the best we have seen in years due to the amount of Bait fish in the Whitsundays thanks to the rains we enjoyed early in the year. This means we are in for a good Marlin Season" Captain Ken said.

Aussie misses solo record

Ellen MacArthur, solo skipper of the Aussie built 75-foot trimaran B&Q, failed on her first attempt, to break the solo transatlantic west-east record by approximately 60 minutes after battling across the north Atlantic for the past week.
The outright record of Laurent Bourgnon, has stood for 10 years at 7 days, 2 hours, 34 minutes, 42 seconds...

The problem . . .

I need help.... desperately. I am the desperate owner of 100-year-old 50-foot wooden gem. She is under restoration, stripped and awaiting the caulking and refit and located at Batemans Bay on NSW south coast. Today I have been given moving orders...I have only weeks to move her. She needs to be caulked and refloated quickly.
IS THERE ANYONE WHO CAN HELP? Does anyone know of a shipwright in the area, or someone who would travel in a hurry to do the job? The alternative is too horrible to think about, but the flames would be seen for miles!
Kay

A solution . . .

Get the oakum, put it in, get heaps of salt and spread it around the waterline, start a garden hose on sprinklers and expand the timbers. Paint it with primer and anti-foul. Launch it and stay aboard with a big pump. If it's dry, the criminal alternative is to fibreglass the whole thing. Do it if it nearly kills you. You won't drown. Sorry to hear of your plight. Chris. WoodenBoatsAustralia

School daze

Modern Education + the Criminal Mind =

Two students confused about how to convert their cocaine from metric into ounces for sale at a private school in Victoria, B.C., asked a math teacher for help, police said.

Yacht on North Reef

Mariners are advised that the yacht "Polaris" is aground on North Reef in approximate position Latitude 23° 11.449' S, Longitude 151° 54.321' E.
The vessel has its anchor deployed and is unlit. Mariners should navigate near the area with caution. Charts affected: AUS 366, 367, 426, 819, 820

Problems?

"A positive attitude may not solve all your problems, but it will annoy enough people to make it worth the effort."

Fair winds to Ye!
Cap'n Dan

Wednesday, June 23, 2004


Whitsunday Boating Industry rejects criticism


Whitsunday boating operators are outraged over alleged biased and sloppy reporting slating the industry for a drop in backpacker traveller numbers.
According to the Whitsunday Charter Boat Industry Association (WCBIA), recent reports in the Courier Mail of substandard product and practices by backpacker tourism operators do not accurately reflect the state of the greater part of the Great Barrier Reefs' crewed sailing Industry.
WCBIA spokesperson Deb Lewis, told The Guardian that most Whitsunday charter boat operators are committed to professionalism, best practice standards and customer satisfaction.
"WCBIA member operators are required to adhere to a comprehensive Code of Practice that includes minimum product standards and honesty in advertising as well as commitment to environmental, social, economic and cultural issues.
"Member compliance and customer complaints processing mechanisms are an intrinsic part of the Code", Ms Lewis said.
Whitsunday crewed charter operators carry over 190,000 people every year on overnight sailing holidays in the central region of the World Heritage listed Great Barrier Reef Marine Park. The Industry contributes over $100 Million annually directly to the local economy.
"WCBIA members account for around 80% of this Industry. Customer surveys clearly indicate that the vast majority of travellers thoroughly enjoyed their Whitsunday Sailing experience. All of these people leave our region as ambassadors." Ms Lewis said.
The CM article did not reveal that the company slated was not a member of the WCBIA even when the Association made numerous attempts to ensure the facts were presented.
An industry insider told The Guardian, "Any reader or industry employee must ask a simple question. " Why is the industry and industry association being made a scapegoat for declining numbers while biased, incomplete and sensational reporting by newspaper journalists not also put on the tourism agenda"?
A meeting scheduled for Thursday between State Tourism Minister Margaret Keech and Backpacking Qld will discuss the drop in numbers and wider industry issues.


Still sporty

Entrepreneur Richard Branson set a new world record on Monday by driving across the English Channel in a James-Bond style amphibious sports car in less than two hours. The car seats three people and travels at 100mph on land and 30mph on sea. He emerged from the car, elated but wet, in a dinner jacket and bow tie after a 22-mile journey between Dover and Calais. Branson wants to put a fleet of Aquadas into service for business customers. By travelling on the Thames, he said it could cut up to 45 minutes off the trip from the City of London to Heathrow airport.


Cars Sink

A ship carrying 4,191 cars sank after colliding with an oil tanker in a busy shipping lane just south of Singapore. Twenty crewmembers were rescued from the sunken vessel and there were no reports of oil leaks.
The collision between car carrier MV Hyundai No. 105 and the tanker MT Kaminesan, carrying 279,949 tons of crude oil, occurred just before midnight, the Maritime and Ports Authority of Singapore said a report in Motor Trend.
Tugs also towed the car carrier out of the busy shipping lane - which is used by vessels travelling between west and east Asia - before it sank just before dawn in 40-metre-deep (130-feet-deep) waters that belong to neighbouring Indonesia, about five nautical miles from Singapore's main island.
The collision tore a hole measuring 50 metres by 20 metres (165 feet by 66 feet) in the side of the 17-year-old car carrier.
The cause of the accident was not clear. Weather was clear and fine at the time and both ships communicated with each other before the crash, officials said.
The vessel had departed the South Korean port of Ulsan on May 16 and was bound for Germany.
On December 14, 2002, a Norwegian-registered ship carrying hundreds of luxury cars sank in the North Sea after a collision with a container ship in thick fog.
All 24 crew members were rescued before the cargo ship Tricolor sank after the collision at the entrance of the Dover Strait between England and France.
The ship was carrying 2,862 cars, including BMWs, Volvos and Saabs, worth $40 million to $50 million, a spokesman for Norwegian shipping company Wallenius Wilhelmsen Lines said in Oslo. It also carried tractors, crane parts and escalators in 77 roll-on/roll-off containers.

What's so funny?

Housework-challenged husband decided to wash his shirt. Seconds after he stepped into the laundry room, he shouted, "What setting do I use on the washing machine?"
"It depends," the Mrs replied. "What does it say on your shirt?"
"University of New South Wales," he yelled back.

Fitzalan Passage

Mariners are advised that the lighted Special Mark buoy Fl.Y.2.5s in approximate position Latitude 20°18.7922' S, Longitude 148°56.0571' E in Fitzalan Passage which is off Whitsunday Passage has been reported to be unlit.
Mariners should use caution in the vicinity. Charts affected: US 252, 253, 254, 824

Strange places

"Laugh at yourself, but don't ever aim your doubt at yourself. Be bold. When you embark for strange places, don't leave any of yourself safely on shore. Have the nerve to go into unexplored territory."

--Alan Alda

Fair winds to Ye!
Cap'n Dan

Tuesday, June 15, 2004

Traditional ships conjure joyous energy for boat show

An outstanding day Saturday, enjoyed on the waters of Pioneer Bay when the cream of traditional ships sailed in company as part of the Oceanic Whitsunday Boat and Leisure Show.
Fine trade wind conditions gave consistent breeze encouraging crews to stack sail on their towering masts conjuring joyous energy that made the timbers shiver and hulls sing.
An opportunity not lost to hoot and ahoy to yer mates and their guests while sailing a gentlemanly course with appropriate photogenic opportunities.
On return to Abel Point Marina, crews unanimously elected historic Defender as the fleet flagship and proceeded to enjoy a fine old get together onboard.
Not a race, our regatta was a rendezvous, an encounter, a convergence and gathering. Mostly it was an experience that all reckoned a special day.
Highlights of the day included a visit by Torres Herald and Southern Cross from Bowen. Torres Herald looks pleasing with much work done including a new deckhouse. Her chequered history includes participation in the first Fun Race, a fact not lost on those savouring the celebration of sailing these magnificent ships.
Struen Marie owned by local Ken Prior took the prize for best-dressed yacht and received a fine boxed bottle of South African port complete with engraved glasses courtesy of the Rotary Club of Airlie Beach. Built in 1951 she placed first in the Sydney Hobart race of that year and held the record for over ten years.
Pequot (pronounced pee-coy) an Atkins 1925 design gaff-topsail cutter built in North Queensland in 1996 and locally owned by Peter and Jill Curwell were also awarded two bottles of fine wine from Rotary. Peter was specially thanked for the work he put in to ensure the day was memorable.
A Platypus Trophy carved by Ken Draper and donated by Platypus Campground will join the Derwent Hunter Trophy for sailing ships in future gatherings.
What does the future hold for our substantial fleet of traditional and historic sailing ships? Get involved and join Traditional Ships at tradships@hotmail.com or PO Box 155, Airlie Beach 4902.

Cars Sink

A ship carrying 4,191 cars sank after colliding with an oil tanker in a busy shipping lane just south of Singapore. Twenty crew members were rescued from the sunken vessel and there were no reports of oil leaks.
The collision between car carrier MV Hyundai No. 105 and the tanker MT Kaminesan, carrying 279,949 tons of crude oil, occurred just before midnight, the Maritime and Ports Authority of Singapore said a report in Motor Trend.
Tugs also towed the car carrier out of the busy shipping lane - which is used by vessels travelling between west and east Asia - before it sank just before dawn in 40-metre-deep (130-feet-deep) waters that belong to neighbouring Indonesia, about five nautical miles from Singapore's main island.
The collision tore a hole measuring 50 metres by 20 metres (165 feet by 66 feet) in the side of the 17-year-old car carrier.
The cause of the accident was not clear. Weather was clear and fine at the time and both ships communicated with each other before the crash, officials said.
The vessel had departed the South Korean port of Ulsan on May 16 and was bound for Germany.
On December 14, 2002, a Norwegian-registered ship carrying hundreds of luxury cars sank in the North Sea after a collision with a container ship in thick fog.
All 24 crew members were rescued before the cargo ship Tricolor sank after the collision at the entrance of the Dover Strait between England and France.
The ship was carrying 2,862 cars, including BMWs, Volvos and Saabs, worth $40 million to $50 million, a spokesman for Norwegian shipping company Wallenius Wilhelmsen Lines said in Oslo. It also carried tractors, crane parts and escalators in 77 roll-on/roll-off containers.

Fish disease found

A large number of fish caught in the Noosa River are believed to be suffering from Epizootic Ulcerative Syndrome (EUS).
Both commercial operators and recreational anglers have reported catches, predominantly yellow-finned bream, with red ulcer like lesions on their skin.
Also known as red spot disease, EUS can be fatal to fish and is known to affect more than 100 freshwater, estuarine and marine species including sand whiting, mullet, Australian bass and silver perch.
Officers from the Department of Primary Industries and Fisheries (DPI&F) and Environmental Protection Agency are investigating the outbreak.
"It is a natural cyclical event and has been reported in Queensland waterways since the early 1970s."

What's so funny?

Housework-challenged husband decided to wash his shirt. Seconds after he stepped into the laundry room, he shouted, "What setting do I use on the washing machine?"
"It depends," the Mrs replied. "What does it say on your shirt?"
"University of Queensland," he yelled back.

Stone Island Light, Bowen

Mariners are advised that a light has been established on Stone Island Jetty, FL (2) 6s in position Latitude 20°01.857' S, Longitude 148°16.6308' E. Charts affected: AUS 268, 825

See their beauty!

"Far away there in the sunshine are my highest aspirations. I may not reach them, but I can look up and see their beauty, believe in them, and try to follow where they lead."
--Louisa May Alcott

Fair winds to Ye!
Cap'n Dan
Huge weekend starts Whitsunday 'winter' activities

The June long weekend is the start of our Whitsunday 'winter' activities with something for everybody.
The Oceanic Boat and Leisure Show at Airlie will provide plenty for boat lovers with the most modern motor and sailing vessels on show to the beautiful old traditional ships that have plied the oceans of the world for over a hundred years.
Sunday will see many people travel to Dingo Beach for another WhitFunDay sponsored by the Proserpine Lions. A prize of $1000 and plenty of activities will ensure the family will be entertained. Proceeds raised will benefit the Proserpine Hospital and the Gloucester Sports & Recreation Assn.
The Whitsunday Fishing Classic will attract a crowd with the Fishabout Fishing Club offering over $35,000 worth of prizes. Not bad for going out and wetting a line. Fishing starts early on Saturday morning. Held on the Bay at the Whitsunday Sailing Club.

Park zones displayed

Recent changes to the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority website and the release of an upgraded CD will help find the new Marine Park zone co-ordinates.
"The maps and the co-ordinates which went to Parliament have been available electronically since December last year and thousands have been downloaded but this most recent innovation, will make them even more informative and useful to park users," John Tanzer, Executive Director of the Marine Park Authority told The Guardian.
Due to improvements in mapping technology, GPS co-ordinates for all green and pink zones in the Marine Park will now appear on the new zoning maps available on the website and CDs.
"This is part of our continuing program of improvement on earlier mapping products and allows the many users with a variety of electronic mapping products to accurately fix their position at all times."
"We currently have some 378,000 hard copy maps in production which will be publicly available mid-June. This will ensure that everyone who uses the Marine Park will have access to maps to allow them to safely and legally use the park for recreational or commercial pursuits," Mr Tanzer said.
The new printed zoning maps along with detailed information brochures will be made available through a network of 140 community access points along the GBR coast - predominantly bait & tackle stores, QPWS offices and the like.
The July 1 commencement date for the new zoning is being advertised along the GBR coast. New boat ramp signs will also be in place for July and another round of Community Information Sessions will take place along the GBR coast to ensure all users have the opportunity to ask further questions of the GBRMPA staff.

Fair winds to Ye!
Cap'n Dan

Wednesday, June 02, 2004

Wanted: Crew for Kids

Sailors with disABLITIES

Around Australia World Record Holders, Sailors with disABLITIES (SWD) is calling for volunteers who would like to be involved helping kids experience sailing.
Kicking off from Airlie Beach on 31 August, the NRMA Insurance Northern Youth Campaign, provides the opportunity for disabled children to experience sailing for the first time, and by doing so encourages them to pursue their goals. The program also gives carers a chance to enjoy a day on the water.
Crew volunteers are required to assist with disabled children who will be sailing out of Airlie Beach, then Mackay, Rosslyn Bay, and Mooloolaba. Volunteers can be from each port or within close proximity.
David PESCUD, President of Sailors with disABILITIES told Waterfront "We're now looking for people who'd like to join us as we make our way down the Queensland coast. You can be with us in one port only, or join us for a run through a couple of ports.
"Volunteers will spend time at sea aboard the 54-foot around Australia record-breaking yacht, meet the crew, but more importantly, this program is about having fun for everyone. It all takes place in Queensland waters and we need people who are enthusiastic, enjoy sailing, love working with kids."
Provisional crewing dates for volunteers: Airlie Beach 31 August and 1 September - six volunteers each day - 1 September - 2 September - four volunteers to sail boat to Mackay
NRMA Insurance has teamed with Sailors with DisABILITIES to support the youth program and is looking forward to seeing everyone at these inspiring sailing expeditions with children from special schools and their carers.
For more information on the specific dates and arrangements, please contact On The Waterfront C/ The Guardian.

Aussie party looms

The first Aussie Latitudes and Attitudes Cruisers Party is set for the evening of Saturday June 12 at the Whitsunday Sailing Club says organiser Phil (Subz) Solomon.
"Capt. Woody (Woody Henderson), one of the main writers with the Latitudes and Attitudes Cruiser's Magazine, is currently sailing over here and will arrive a week or so before the party." Subz said.
"There are also two LACC (Lats and Atts Cruising Club) members flying over from Seattle, USA, as they want to be present at the first Aussie Party, so as you can see, the word is getting around."
"The party is just for fun and to show all the Yanks that Aussies can have a Lats and Atts Party as well and don't just have to read about them in the magazine!"
It will take the format of a Jimmy Buffett type Parrothead party with our own Airlie Beach special tropical feel. It will be a free entry and free entertainment on the night and prizes and giveaways
Sunsail, who sponsor all the L&A Parties in the States, are helping out and they have a charter to raffle off to raise the money to pay for the entertainment and any extra that is made will go to Rotary.
"Hopefully it will become a yearly event and part of the Queen's Birthday weekend fun of Airlie Beach" Subz said.

Park zones displayed

Recent changes to the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority website and the release of an upgraded CD will help find the new Marine Park zone co-ordinates.
"The maps and the co-ordinates which went to Parliament have been available electronically since December last year and thousands have been downloaded but this most recent innovation, will make them even more informative and useful to park users," John Tanzer, Executive Director of the Marine Park Authority told The Guardian.
Due to improvements in mapping technology, GPS co-ordinates for all green and pink zones in the Marine Park will now appear on the new zoning maps available on the website and CDs.
"This is part of our continuing program of improvement on earlier mapping products and allows the many users with a variety of electronic mapping products to accurately fix their position at all times."
"We currently have some 378,000 hard copy maps in production which will be publicly available mid-June. This will ensure that everyone who uses the Marine Park will have access to maps to allow them to safely and legally use the park for recreational or commercial pursuits," Mr Tanzer said.
The new printed zoning maps along with detailed information brochures will be made available through a network of 140 community access points along the GBR coast - predominantly bait & tackle stores, QPWS offices and the like.
The July 1 commencement date for the new zoning is being advertised along the GBR coast. New boat ramp signs will also be in place for July and another round of Community Information Sessions will take place along the GBR coast to ensure all users have the opportunity to ask further questions of the GBRMPA staff.

What's so funny?

Housework-challenged husband decided to wash his shirt. Seconds after he stepped into the laundry room, he shouted, "What setting do I use on the washing machine?"
"It depends," the Mrs replied. "What does it say on your shirt?"
"University of Queensland," he yelled back.

Stone Island Light, Bowen

Mariners are advised that a light has been established on Stone Island Jetty, FL (2) 6s in position Latitude 20°01.857' S, Longitude 148°16.6308' E. Charts affected: AUS 268, 825

Keep the faith!

"It's lack of faith that makes people afraid of meeting challenges, and I believe in myself"
-- Muhammad Ali

Fair winds to Ye!
Cap'n Dan