Wednesday, August 25, 2004

Clean up king wants tanker ban on reef

The founder of Clean Up Australia says it is time to ban oil tankers from the waters of the Great Barrier Reef.
Ian Kiernan made the call after addressing an oil spill prevention conference in Brisbane.
Delegates at the conference heard more single-hulled tankers are likely in Australian waters due to tougher European laws to combat oil spills.
Mr Kiernan says the Great Barrier Reef is too great an asset to risk.
"I'd like to see consideration given to the banning of all shipping tankers coming inside the Barrier Reef because it is an asset," he said.
"If it is damaged, you've damaged an asset and so you've got an ongoing problem, a reduction in the value of the asset and I would much prefer all shipping being outside of the reef."
However, some people trained in oil spill response tend to disagree with the blanket ban of ships transiting inside the reef.
If tankers are banned inside the reef, they will be uncontrolled outside the reef on the high seas. Single hulled tankers are still a concern anywhere.
On the inner route, ships are monitored, engage in compulsory reporting and are under the control of a pilot.
If there is an accident inside the reef with prevailing calmer conditions the oil might end up on a beach that would be the best case for clean up or in mangroves, which is a worst-case outcome.
An accident outside the reef in the usual prevailing conditions, any oil spilt could come over the reef. The use of oil dispersants at this point would cause the oil to drop to the seabed, right on top of the reef - killing it - definitely worst case.
Sometimes the most environmentally friendly solution is to allow the oil or chemical to disperse and break down naturally. Unnecessary actions taken to demonstrate 'concern for the environment', or in response to public or media pressure, can result in much more serious damage to the environment than if the spill was left alone to disperse naturally.
No one can argue with Kiernan that we must always be vigilant to ensure the health of the reef.

Olympic sailing

Sailing is a way of life for millions of people all over the world. The sport has some of the most enthusiastic supporters. It is one of the few sports in which age does not play a significant role. In fact, the experience gained through years of involvement; often enhance the athlete's abilities.
Our sailing team have not taken any medals in the mainly light variable wind conditions experienced most days on the water at the venue.
Olympic sailing will be broadcast on SBS Television from 11pm on Thursday, August 26.
Congratulations Olympic medal winners!

Boat laws changed

The Transport Operations (Marine Safety) Regulation 2004 came into effect on 16 August 2004.
The 2004 Regulation completely replaces its 1995 predecessor and comprises a number of significant changes that affect the operations of recreational, commercial and fishing ships.
Breach of any regulation can incur a penalty. A selection of changes follows.
New: SCUBA Divers can surface at any time, any ship is excluded from operating within 30 metres of a diver in the water if a Code A is displayed. It is legal for the ship tending the diver to operate within the 30 metres.
New: Water skiing: now define "skier" as a person being towed by a line attached to a ship including, a person water skiing or riding on a toboggan or tube. In addition, the designated observer must be 'competent' to tell the operator about dangers, skier signals, and mishaps.
New: Registration numbers will need to be changed or repaired if they are not legible from 30 metres.
New: Licensing: new competency based training and assessment scheme for recreational ship operations. The BoatSafe scheme came into effect from 1 July 2004. Under the BoatSafe scheme, a candidate for a Recreational Marine Driver Licence (RMDL) must satisfactorily complete either an approved BoatSafe competency-based training and assessment program or an Assessment with an approved BoatSafe training provider. Those who currently hold a superseded Recreational Ship Master's Licence (RSML) or a previous non-expiring recreational licence do not need to reapply for the new licence
Previous Requirements for recreational licence: The necessity to hold a Recreational Marine Driver Licence depended on several factors relating to the ship being used at the time, including the power of the ship, the ship's top speed and the type of hull.
Now: Regardless of the type of hull or the ship's top speed, after 1 September 2005 all recreational ships with an engine power greater than 4.5 kW or six (6) hp (around 100-150cc) require a Recreational Marine Driver Licence to operate.
New: Drink driving conviction (motor vehicle): any marine licence can now be suspended or cancelled in the event of the licence holder being convicted of a breath analysis offence (drink driving) in a road motor vehicle.
Note: The information has been prepared only as a brief guide to the changes introduced.
It is not intended as a comprehensive or definitive explanation of rights and obligations under the relevant maritime legislation and should not be relied upon as such.
For more detailed information, your local Manager Maritime Safety.

All tanked up

A man arrested for drink driving in Knoxville, Tennessee has sued a gas (petrol) station because he could not have been arrested for drink driving if the service station hadn't sold him the fuel that made it possible for him to drive while drunk.

Fish quiz snags anglers

A new 30-second quiz on the DPI&F Fishweb site is a fun way for anglers to find out how much they know about Queensland's recreational fishing rules.
Web users are quizzed about fish size and possession limits, no take species and much more and are given a score out of 10 at the end, indicating whether they need to improve their fishing knowledge.
Queensland Boating and Fisheries Patrol education officer Karl Roebuck said the quiz was a quick and entertaining way for anglers to learn more about Queensland's recreational fishing rules.
"There is a lot to remember when you are out fishing and this quiz is a fun and interactive way to find out how much you know about fishing regulations," he said.
Test your fishing knowledge on the Fishweb site at www.dpi.qld.gov.au/fishweb

Sporty success

"I've missed over 9,000 shots in my career. I've lost almost 300 games. Twenty-six times, I've been trusted to take the game winning shot . . . and missed. I've failed over and over and over again in my life. And that is why I succeed."
-- Michael Jordan

Fair winds to Ye!
Cap'n Dan

Wednesday, August 18, 2004

Whitsunday 'winter' sailing report - 'fine'

If a reason were needed for record numbers of sailors competing in the current Tropical Shirt Regatta, our 'winter' weather could be one.
Some examples of world sailing event weather this week.
Athens example - "Racing was abandoned in all except the Finn & Yngling classes as the renowned Meltemi wind covered the Saronic Gulf on day three of competition with winds reported to be gusting up to 45 knots."
Pommyland example "The first strong winds of Cowes Week gave competitors some exciting and testing racing. With a forecast of 25 knots and gusts of up to 40 knots, several yachts found their rigging inadequate. The Solent Coastguard responded to 29 separate incidents, assisting 39 people, pulling six sailors from the water. A high rate of attrition among the fleet. Dark menacing clouds rolling in over the Solent have brought unpredictable and gusty conditions, adding to the chaos.
Mexican example - "After a horrendous Melbourne winter day on Saturday of gales, rain and snow, a cold westerly breeze of around 12 knots greeted the fleet for the 5th race of the Bavaria Yachts-ORCV Winter Series on Sunday morning."
Whitsunday example - "skipper O'Neil was again in brilliant sailing form on the warm waters of the Whitsunday Passage when . . ." "an ideal 12 knot south east breeze" and "Dry and sunny with some low level cumulus (white fluffy) clouds around today. Maximum land temperature: 25 degrees. Sea Temp: 21 degrees"
Just a few reasons why the 15th Hog's Breath Race Regatta has been the best yet and visiting sailors and their families enjoy the friendly local hospitality at the best winter regatta location on the Australian coast.

The winner is . . .

At Guardian press time, the 17.86 metre yacht 'Aftershock' had racked-up six straight line honours and a 1-3-1-1-2-1 corrected handicap score.
The Royal Prince Alfred Yacht Club 'turbocharged' sloop is the favourite to take her second 'Boss Hog' trophy.
Six times Olympian Colin Beashel and Australian Olympic team flag bearer usually sails with the Aftershock crew. They won the Admirals Cup teams racing championship last year on a chartered yacht, but Beashel had an event to sail in Athens, so skipper Colin O'Neil, internationally famed female navigator Adrienne Cahalan and crew will just have to do it themselves.

Fish quiz snags anglers

A new 30-second quiz on the DPI&F Fishweb site is a fun way for anglers to find out how much they know about Queensland's recreational fishing rules.
Web users are quizzed about fish size and possession limits, no take species and much more and are given a score out of 10 at the end, indicating whether they need to improve their fishing knowledge.
Queensland Boating and Fisheries Patrol education officer Karl Roebuck said the quiz was a quick and entertaining way for anglers to learn more about Queensland's recreational fishing rules.
"There is a lot to remember when you are out fishing and this quiz is a fun and interactive way to find out how much you know about fishing regulations," he said.
Test your fishing knowledge on the Fishweb site at www.dpi.qld.gov.au/fishweb

Claptrap

Delegates to the 2000 US Republican National Convention were given lists of spontaneous remarks they could make.

Boat laws changed

The Transport Operations (Marine Safety) Regulation 2004 came into effect on 16 August 2004.
The 2004 Regulation completely replaces its 1995 predecessor and comprises a number of significant changes that affect the operations of recreational, commercial and fishing ships.
Breach of any regulation can incur a penalty. A selection of changes follows.
New: SCUBA Divers can surface at any time, any ship is excluded from operating within 30 metres of a diver in the water if a Code A is displayed. It is legal for the ship tending the diver to operate within the 30 metres.
New: Water skiing: now define "skier" as a person being towed by a line attached to a ship including, a person water skiing or riding on a toboggan or tube. In addition, the designated observer must be 'competent' to tell the operator about dangers, skier signals, and mishaps.
New: Registration numbers will need to be changed or repaired if they are not legible from 30 metres.
New: Licensing: new competency based training and assessment scheme for recreational ship operations. The BoatSafe scheme came into effect from 1 July 2004. Under the BoatSafe scheme, a candidate for a Recreational Marine Driver Licence (RMDL) must satisfactorily complete either an approved BoatSafe competency-based training and assessment program or an Assessment with an approved BoatSafe training provider. Those who currently hold a superseded Recreational Ship Master's Licence (RSML) or a previous non-expiring recreational licence do not need to reapply for the new licence
Previous Requirements for recreational licence: The necessity to hold a Recreational Marine Driver Licence depended on several factors relating to the ship being used at the time, including the power of the ship, the ship's top speed and the type of hull.
Now: Regardless of the type of hull or the ship's top speed, after 1 September 2005 all recreational ships with an engine power greater than 4.5 kW or six (6) hp (around 100-150cc) require a Recreational Marine Driver Licence to operate.
New: Drink driving conviction (motor vehicle): any marine licence can now be suspended or cancelled in the event of the licence holder being convicted of a breath analysis offence (drink driving) in a road motor vehicle.
Note: The information has been prepared only as a brief guide to the changes introduced.
It is not intended as a comprehensive or definitive explanation of rights and obligations under the relevant maritime legislation and should not be relied upon as such.
For more detailed information, your local Manager Maritime Safety.

Unsafe, safe

Mariners are advised that the Leading Lights marking Unsafe Passage off West Molle (Daydream Island) have been restored to normal. Charts: AUS 252, 253
Fitzalan Passage light. Mariners are advised that the lighted Special Mark buoy FL.Y.2.5s in Fitzalan Passage has been restored to normal. Charts: AUS 252, 253, 254, 824

About time

"Put your hand on a hot stove for a minute, and it seems like an hour. Sit with a pretty girl for an hour, and it seems like a minute. That's relativity"
-- Albert Einstein

Fair winds to Ye!
Cap'n Dan

Wednesday, August 11, 2004

Ahoy sailors, welcome to Whitsunday

Sailors from around the globe are assembling in the Whitsunday Islands to enjoy a couple weeks of sailing and fun. The sailors and their families come here for the warm weather and the warm welcome they receive at our Tropical Shirt Regatta.
This year marks the 15th sailing of the Annual Hog's Breath Race Week in Airlie Beach. The regatta will boast a record fleet, say organisers.
After the Airlie week there's Hamilton Island Race Week looming large - also with a record fleet and everything set for great sailing and shoreside entertainment.
Welcome aboard!

Navy Cadets

A meeting at the Neighbourhood Centre last Saturday was positive about the establishment of a Navy Cadet group in Whitsunday.
Lieutenant Garry Rovelli ANC, Commanding Officer of Training Ship Pioneer, Mackay welcomed attendees and outlined the requirements needed to form a group locally. TS Pioneer Mackay is well established after 45 years and has considerable facilities and expertise.
Chief Petty Officer ANC Denise O'Donnell had been surprised that there had not been a Navy Cadet group in Whitsunday before now.
"It was a real surprise considering the nautical nature of Whitsunday that there has never been a presence previously.
"The idea of forming the group has been very well received' CPO O'Donnell said.
Whitsunday Mayor Mario Demartini asked about employment prospects for those who took part in the Navy Cadets. A young member of the Mackay group related how he was waiting for his posting on his first RAN ship following his time spent in the Cadets.
"The Cadets gave me the edge to get into the Navy" the young recruit said.
Lieutenant Commander Paul Kelly ANC Deputy Senior Office for North Queensland told the meeting that about twenty-five percent of those getting into the Navy had experience in the Cadets.
"Cadets are a definite advantage and prepare young people with training to give them a good start in the RAN and life in general."
A number of young people attended and looked over the display of Corsairs and canoes owned by the Cadets and used for training and fun on the water. Your Waterfront writer really liked CPO O'Donnell's scones.
Whitsunday Water Police, Proserpine and Airlie Beach RSL officials joined interested parents in supporting the forming of a Navy Cadet group for the Shire.
Interested? CPOANC Denise O'Donnell 0409114693 or your RSL Branch.

Help Me Escape!

Four locals will be locked up this week, but it is all in the name of raising money to help kids.
Friday August 13 is NATIONAL LOCK UP YOUR BOSS DAY and I will be locked up in my office for one hour, hand cuffed and fitted out in a prisoner's uniform raising funds for Kids Help Line. Bail is set at $500 and is the only ticket to freedom.
At press time, there were 2559 registered prisoners all over Australia.
In Whitsunday, we are represented by Artie Jacobson, District Manager Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service. Hamilton Island Manager Mrs Julie Hornstra and CEO Wayne Kirkpatrick and Whitsunday Community Services Inc Administrator Cap'n Dan Van Blarcom.
NATIONAL LOCK UP YOUR BOSS DAY aims to raise over $1,000,000 for Kids Help Line, which is enough funds to answer 100,000 cries for help from kids around Australia. Kids Help Line is Australia's only 24-hour, confidential and anonymous telephone and online counselling service for kids from 5-18 years old, so it's a great cause!
Help me get out! I really need your support. You can Bail Me (or the others) Out Online at the LOCK UP YOUR BOSS DAY website go to http://www.lockupyourbossday.com.au and receive a tax deductible receipt for your bail donation

Fishers fined

More than $15000 in fines was handed down in Cairns Magistrates Courts for illegal fishing offences.
In the first incident two men pleaded guilty and were convicted and fined $3000 each plus costs for unlawfully interfering with fishing apparatus.
They when found raiding crab pots following a Department of Primary Industries and Fisheries surveillance operation in Trinity Inlet, Cairns.
During the operation Queensland Boating and Fisheries Patrol (QBFP) officers attached a micro tag to a number of crabs that were then placed in crab pots positioned randomly throughout the inlet.
The officers noticed the two men taking crabs from pots that were not their own and then used the micro tag to confirm they had unlawfully taken the crabs.
A commercial operator was convicted and fined $9000 for unlawful fishing after QBFP officers found the man to be in possession of a large quantity of illegal species in his catch.
QBFP acting district operations officer Robert Hall, Cairns, said the fines sent a strong message to people breaking fishing regulations.

Stormy weather

Storm and heavy weather sails covered by Yachting Australia's Special Regulation 4.24 requires that from 1 July 2004: A required storm sail be either made of highly visible coloured material (eg. Day-Glo pink, orange or yellow) or have a highly visible patch on each side.

A real wiz

Six percent of Britons between the ages of 16 and 24 believe Gandalf defeated the Spanish Armada, says a survey.

Blue water race

In the Southport to Mackay Blue Water Yacht Race, handicap winner in both divisions was AFR Midnight Rambler, owned by Ed Psaltis and skipper Bob Thomas. All crew members came from Mackay.
Placegetters in IRC Division were Ichi Ban, a Farr 52 owned by 2nd time entrant Matt Allen; Double O Seven; line honours winner Andrew Short Marine and Seriously Ten, both 60 ft Volvo Around the World racing boats, and Melbourne-based Elektra, skippered by Michael Hiatt.
In PHRF Division, place getters were Double O Seven, a Northshore NSX38 skippered by Airlie Beach resident Warren Smith, Ichi Ban, Andrew Short Marine, Hi Fidelity, Seriously Ten and Elektra.
Good on yer, Warren!

Fitzalan unlit

Mariners are advised that the lighted Special Mark buoy FL.Y.2.5s in approximate position Latitude 20°17.9313' S, Longitude 148°55.047' E, in Fitzalan Passage off Whitsunday Passage, has been reported to be unlit. Mariners should use caution in the vicinity. Charts: AUS 252, 253, 254, 824

Best of luck to the Australian Olympic Sailing Team in Athens.


Fair winds to Ye!
Cap'n Dan

Wednesday, August 04, 2004

Welcome Aboard Navy Cadets, an ocean of fun!

The Australian Navy Cadets is a voluntary youth organisation sponsored by the Royal Australian Navy and about to get underway locally.
Cadets learn about sailing and seamanship, and are encouraged to explore their own potential. Cadets learn leadership skills and effective communication; they develop confidence, pride and self-discipline. But at the top of the list is FUN! And the Australian Navy Cadets has oceans of it.
Now Whitsunday will get it's chance to take part with the first meeting on Saturday for the commencement of Australian Navy Cadets TS Pioneer, Whitsunday Division.
See a display of the official Navy sailing craft, the Corsair, canoes and rescue boats. Music by the Cadet Band TS Pioneer, Mackay and an introduction to cadet activities are all on the agenda for Saturday August 7 from 10:30 am at the Whitsunday Community Centre, Hazelwood Court, Cannonvale.
Commanding Officer Leut Garry Rovelli ANC will welcome you and explain the role of Cadets in the community and issues required to make the Cadets a part of our community.
Cadets reflect Navy's strong commitment to the Australian community. Thousands of young Australians have improved their lives by learning citizenship through seamanship as Australian Navy Cadets. Many have progressed to successful careers in the Royal Australian Navy or made significant contributions to their civilian communities in later life.
If you're into adventure, you'll get as much as you can handle as an Australian Navy Cadet.
You'll get to go sailing, hiking, canoeing and camping. Plus you'll learn everything about seamanship from navigational training to Naval signals and communication.
However, it's not all fun and games. You will have to study first aid, fire fighting and pass muster in parade training. Nevertheless, if you can take on the challenge the rewards are good.
All you have to be is aged between 12 years 6 months and 19.
So, if you're ready to get fully trained in adventure, get into the Australian Navy Cadets and get out there!
Just add water!

Return of the ring

An epic search across the world, not including Hobbits but with a touch of the 'Luck of the Irish' and including an inscription on a golden ring as a clue has had a happy ending for a young couple.
A lost wedding ring is back on its rightful finger again following a 14-month search by the discoverer.
Lost, and then found deep in the waters of the Great Barrier Reef, Irishman Declan O'Rourke thought he had lost the ring forever when it slipped from his finger while diving in the Whitsundays during his honeymoon with wife Antoinette in April last year.
The golden wedding ring lay at the bottom of the reef for a month until SCUBA Diver Paul Walker from Manchester spotted the gold band shining on the seabed and began his epic search for its owner.
The clue, an inscription on the ring bearing the couple's names and their wedding date gave the finder something to go on.
Like the pot of gold at the end of a rainbow, the ring is back on the lucky Irishman's hand.

Boat Briefer course

"Happy to confirm the Bareboat Briefer course will be held at TAFE Cannonvale starting Tuesday 17th August. The final practical session will be on Saturday 28th August at Abel Point Marina."
"Enrolment at TAFE Cannonvale from August 4 for 15 students. If there is a further demand, we will run another course probably in October."
Cheers, John Bates. Maritime Studies BRIT Cannonvale Campus

Experts agree

"Even when all the experts agree, they may well be mistaken"
-- Bertrand Russell

Many thanks

Former President Bill Clinton's opening remarks at the US Democratic National Convention:

"Thank you. Thank you very much. Thank you, ladies and gentlemen. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you."

Fair winds to Ye!
Cap'n Dan