Tuesday, December 28, 2004

Shark caution to swimmers

Recent sightings of sharks and tragic fatal attacks send a timely warning this summer about the dangers of swimming in some locations.
Department of Primary Industries and Fisheries (DPI&F) Shark Safety manager Baden Lane says people should avoid swimming in areas such as near river mouths, in canals, artificial lakes and waterways particularly early in the morning, evening, at night and where people are fishing.
Mr Lane said bull whaler and tiger sharks were likely to inhabit these areas, as they were able to tolerate freshwater and often preferred shallow habitats.
"The bull whaler can be found far up rivers and in some parts of the world have been recorded hundreds even thousands of kilometres upstream. This is due to their ability to tolerate low-salinity waters," he said.
"They are also extremely aggressive which makes it particularly dangerous to swim in these spots."
Mr Lane said although swimming was a risk other activities such as fishing, crabbing, sailing, rowing, kayaking and canoeing were safe activities but people should still be careful about dangling their feet or hands over the sides of the boats and into the water
"People need to exercise caution and think sensibly about their activities. For example, cleaning fish at the waters edge is not the most sensible thing to do especially when there are families swimming," he said.

Training boost

Giving something old a new lease of life, the old sand dredge used in the creation of Mackay Marina Village has found a new home in a training facility run by The Giles Group. The Giles Group operates a dredge and work vessels in the area, as well as across Australia reports Michelle Dunstone.
The Giles Group runs a training facility for 'youth and local community'. This is a self-funded facility, which works in alliance with accredited organisations.
"This gives the youth and local community members a chance to learn about heavy engineering and mechanics. The scheme is run to provide participants with life skills and quality training to strive for a better lifestyle through gaining employment."
This type of scheme is of huge benefit to both the Shipyard and the youth in training. Mackay's marine industry, in parallel with the rest of Australia, is suffering from a shortage of trained workers at present and this type of initiative is exactly what is needed to boost the local economy.

Under a spell

President George W Bush recently announced Margaret Spellings as the American Secretary of Education. The good news is that she is married. Why is this good news?
If she were single, they would have Miss Spellings at the forefront of American education.

Busy on water

Item last week about Whitsunday Police, watersports operators, the parasail boat and passers-by involved in saving a thirty-foot sail boat belonging to one Capt Morgan failed to mention the role played by Kevin Fogarty of Whitsunday Sailing Club.
Timely work by all saved Capt Morgan's boat from destruction on the rocky Airlie foreshore.
The northerly conditions often claim boats inadequately anchored especially when the northerly conditions are linked with bigger tides.
As the problem will not go away until boat owners realise the power of the conditions in the dreaded northerlies, a group has been suggested to look at the issues involved in responding to theses events.
Issues would involve the safety of those going to the rescue, timely response, legal and salvage, and education to prevent it happening in the first place.
No one should be surprised when a boat comes ashore after the builder's block and bit of dog chain 'anchor' drags.
The group will meet in the new year, contact Waterfront C/ The Guardian

Distress comment called

The National Marine Safety Committee (NMSC) is seeking your opinion on the service specification for the National Marine and Distress and Safety Communication System for Domestic Non-solas vessels. Comment closes on 15 March 2005.

Premium race award

The Hahn Premium Race Week at Hamilton Island was named as Queensland's best significant event at the annual Queensland Tourism Awards last week.
The week-long event, which attracts thousands of sailors and yachting enthusiasts is held in August each year and continues to grow in terms of participation numbers, esteem and reputation.
'Race Week is one of the most vibrant and exciting times on Hamilton Island. Sailors from all over the globe make an annual visit to the island to catch up with old friends and to race in some of the most scenic waterways of the world,' said Hamilton Islands Managing Director Wayne Kirkpatrick.
'We are honoured that the quality of the event has been recognised with this Queensland Tourism Award,' he said.

Submarines

Submariner mate always said that subs were boats not equipped with screen doors.
Now your Waterfront writer likes to stay above sea level, so has a lot of respect for those that do not.
Heard a yarn recently about a new submariner joining a boat and wanting to know all about his exciting new job and home.
An old hand sorted him out: "Listen, it's real simple. Add the number of times we dive to the number of times we surface. Divide that number by two. If the result doesn't come out even, don't open the hatch."

Eimeo Creek light restored

Mariners are advised that the lighted South Cardinal Mark buoy situated approximately 1.5 nautical miles north-east of Eimeo Creek has been restored to normal. Charts: AUS 249, 823

Live forever

Live as if you were to die tomorrow. Learn as if you were to live forever.
-- Mahatma Gandhi

Fair winds to Ye!
Cap'n Dan








Wednesday, December 15, 2004

No charges over spear fish shark death

The Department of Primary Industries and Fisheries (DPI&F) has no plans to prosecute anyone in relation to claims a group was illegally spear fishing at Opal Reef off the coast of Cairns when a man was fatally attacked by a shark.
DPI&F acting regional manager Bob Koch said the Department had spoken to the police and owner of the boat and was satisfied no illegal fishing had taken place.
"Although there were no plans to prosecute, a routine investigation has been carried out just to confirm what the group was doing and what types of fish they were catching," Mr Koch said.
"The group was blue water spearing north of Opal Reef which is a legal activity. They were en route to Port Douglas when advised to move into shallower water in Opal Reef for the rescue helicopter operation."
Mr Koch said an independent witness has also confirmed the group was blue water spearing north of Opal Reef.
"There has been a lot of speculation and misinformation about this tragedy. I suggest now the privacy of family and friends is respected," he said.

Busy on water

Whitsunday Police, watersports operators, the parasail boat and passers by were all involved in saving the thirty-foot sail boat belonging to one Capt Morgan.
The boat was seen drifting towards the rocks in front of Airlie and could easily have been seriously damaged if not destroyed. The boat was later secured at Abel Point Marina for the absent owner.
The northerly conditions often claim boats inadequately anchored especially when the northerly conditions are linked with the bigger tides in recent days.
Capt Morgan has recently had his tender swamped and used his artificial leg fitting to bail out the seawater. A visit to the Whitsunday Police station also resulted in his mobility scooter accidentally smashing a front window. Perhaps he needs a nickname like Capt Smash.

One boat for every 22 people in Qld

Queensland recreational boat ownership is growing by about 6% each year, which is almost twice the rate of our population growth.
"Boating is relaxing and pleasurable - but it's not a game, and complacency can be deadly. The person in charge of the boat is responsible for the safety of all people on board, and masters must ensure their boat is safe to operate, properly equipped and crewed and handled safely at all times," the Premier Mr Beattie said this week.
Transport Minister Mr Lucas said: "Water Police and the Queensland Boating and Fisheries Patrol will be out in force keeping an eye on boatie behaviour and compliance over summer.
"If you are irresponsible you will be caught and hit with a stiff fine.
"Enforcement agencies issued 770 marine infringement notices in Queensland during the last the Christmas-New Year holidays.
"In the Sunshine Coast and Moreton Bay area they issued 165 notices, and 333 of those were at the Gold Coast.
"Since then more than 3380 notices have been issued to the end of September - 470 in the Sunshine Coast-Moreton Bay area and 845 on the Gold Coast.
"Fines start at $150 for offences such as speeding or not having the right safety equipment, and more serious breaches can lead to prosecution and penalties of many thousands of dollars.
"Speeding, especially near anchored or moored vessels, is by far the most frequent complaint reported to Maritime Safety Queensland and enforcement agencies.
"This is about ensuring people in boats enjoy themselves and that the only thing they come back with at the day's end is a nice feed of fish.
Nine people have died and 21 were seriously injured in boat accidents in the first nine months of this year. In 2003, seven people were killed in boat accidents.
"The smart approach is to be responsible - watch your speed and wash, watch where you're going, keep a safe distance, and don't dump rubbish at sea.
"With jet skis, watch your noise and distance rules and think about where you operate," Mr Lucas said.

Lagoon cruising

The regular visits of cruise ships certainly liven up Airlie Beach. But the hot tropical weather lead to an estimated four hundred and twenty cruise ship guests passengers taking a refreshing dip in the Lagoon one morning this week - a good crowd at eleven am.

Clean Beach Awards

Horseshoe Bay in Bowen was North Queensland's Cleanest Beach for 2004. The Horseshoe Bay announcement was made at a regional EPA Clean Beach Challenge awards function in Townsville.
Tourism Whitsunday reports that our region was awarded three Outstanding Accomplishment Awards including: Collex Resource Conservation and Waste Management Award - Airlie Beach Foreshore Bunnings Community-Local Government Partnership Award - Bowen Shire Council for Queens Beach Litter Prevention Award - Whitehaven Beach
An amazing result for the Whitsundays highlighting the region's continued commitment to positive environmental management.

Premium race award

The Hahn Premium Race Week at Hamilton Island was named as Queensland's best significant event at the annual Queensland Tourism Awards last week.
The week-long event, which attracts thousands of sailors and yachting enthusiasts is held in August each year and continues to grow in terms of participation numbers, esteem and reputation.
'Race Week is one of the most vibrant and exciting times on Hamilton Island. Sailors from all over the globe make an annual visit to the island to catch up with old friends and to race in some of the most scenic waterways of the world,' said Hamilton Islands Managing Director Wayne Kirkpatrick.
'We are honoured that the quality of the event has been recognised with this Queensland Tourism Award,' he said.

Who needs it?

Did you to know that Mercedes-Benz has changed the on-board software in some of its cars after male customers said they did not want to take driving directions from a female voice.

Rock lobster rules: OK

The Department of Primary Industries and Fisheries (DPI&F) is encouraging fishers to keep up to date with tropical rock lobster fishing regulations following a number of recent fishing offences in north Queensland.
DPI&F acting district operations officer Matthew Hall said there had been a spate of incidents involving tropical rock lobster (Panulirus ornatus), in particular egg bearing and tar spot rock lobsters.
"Tropical rock lobsters, also known as painted crayfish, are a much sought after seafood delicacy but size and take and possession limits apply as well as rules to protect females," he said.
"However, because most crayfish are caught with a spear, females are difficult to identify until caught."
Mr Hall said under the Fisheries Act egg bearing and tar spot female tropical rock lobsters were totally protected and if caught needed to be returned to the water immediately.
He said egg bearing females held the cluster of eggs underneath the tail section while the tar spot female was identified by a greenish black spot clearly visible on the underneath body plate between the crayfish legs.
Mr Hall said tropical rock lobsters also had a minimum carapace size limit of 90mm and 115mm for the tail. All other Panulirus species have no size limit.
The take and possession limit locally is five per person and 10 per boat.

Love and inspiration

"Just don't give up trying to do what you really want to do. Where there's love and inspiration, I don't think you can go wrong."

--Ella Fitzgerald

Fair winds to Ye!
Cap'n Dan

Tuesday, December 14, 2004

Jet ski changes on horizon

Queensland jet skiers will require a special jet ski licence and be prohibited from operating in 'exclusion zones' under a new State Government plan announced this week.
Following the Community Cabinet meeting in Caboolture, Premier Peter Beattie and Transport Minister Paul Lucas announced Cabinet had approved a Jet Ski Management Plan for Queensland.
The plan, available for community comment until February 27, 2005, also standardises the minimum distance that must be maintained between jet skis and people in the water, moored vessels and the shore.
"There are 7291 jet skis currently registered in Queensland," Mr Beattie said.
"Eighty per cent are registered in south east Queensland, with the majority in the Sunshine and Gold Coasts and along the Brisbane River," he said.
"Ownership has exploded by an average 30% each year for the past four years.
"Such a rise in popularity has caused some 'growing pains' for the broader community and complaints about amenity, noise and safety have escalated.
"Today my Government has released a plan which takes a common sense approach. It balances the needs of waterside residents, recreational boaties, the general community and the environment with those of jet skiers," Mr Beattie said.
Mr Lucas said the government plan promoted increased safety for jet skiers, by improving skills and knowledge.
"Although jet skis make up only 4% of registered recreational boats, since 2001 jet skis have accounted for up to 7.6% of all reported recreational marine incidents and 10% of accidents causing serious injury," he said.
"In the first six months of this year, four of the 13 serious or fatal recreational boating incidents in Queensland involved jet skis."
"Thankfully, there have been no recorded jet ski deaths," Mr Lucas said.
Proposed new measures in the Jet Ski Management Plan include a new stand-alone licence for jet skis to improve the knowledge and skills of operators.
From January 1, 2006, all persons operating a jet ski must have a jet ski licence. To be eligible for this licence, a person must first hold a recreational marine drivers licence or a commercial licence.
Some areas of Queensland waterways will be able to be restricted for jet ski use by both exclusion zones (total ban) and restricted-use zones (restricting activities other than straight-line travel at set speeds).
Local Councils seeking to establish exclusion zones in their area will be required to apply the criteria and consult the community on any proposal to limit or restrict jet skis.
As these zones will primarily be created for amenity or quality of life issues, primary responsibility for enforcement will be a matter for local Councils and will be required to be addressed in any proposal to the State Government.
"Distance off" regulations for jet skis will be 60 metres in all cases - from people in the water, anchored vessels, infrastructure and the shore. Within 60 metres, they must travel no faster than 6 knots.
A dedicated jet ski education and enforcement team will be introduced over the 2004/05 Christmas/New Year boating season. The jet ski team will focus on enforcing boat safety rules and educating jet ski operators on their responsibilities through regular patrols at known hot spots.
Queenslanders now have until February 27 to comment on our proposals before we move to implement them by mid-2005 under amendments to the Transport Operations (Marine Safety) Act.
For the year ended September 30, there were 14 boating fatalities and 31 serious injuries. Of the five reported serious boating injuries to children, three involved jet skis.
Mr Beattie said the government wanted to ensure that the responsible use of jet skis continued without adversely affecting the community.
"The vast majority of jet skiers are responsible people - and no wants to cramp their reasonable recreational pursuits," he said.
"However, we have a responsibility to ensure liveability, safety and sustainability of our waterways for everyone who uses or lives near them."

Fastest sailor

The World Sailing Speed Record Council announced the ratification of a new
World Record, the Outright World Sailing Speed record of 46.82 knots set by Finian Maynard on a Windsurfer, 13th November 2004.

Fish net swimmer netted

Setting a 55-metre net at Frogmore Lagoon to catch barramundi has cost a 19-year-old woman $450 plus court costs.
Department of Primary Industries and Fisheries Boating and Fisheries Patrol prosecutor Brenda Stevenson said Patrol officers had responded to call from a member of the public to find two young women swimming to retrieve the net containing ten undersize barramundi.
Ms Stevenson said it was fortunate the women did not entangle themselves in the net in a lagoon that was potentially home to estuarine crocodiles.

Can't believe it's not butter

Forty-eight percent of British and Welsh schoolchildren believe margarine comes from cows.

Mystery solved

The World Toilet Organization, having completed the 2004 World Toilet Summit in Beijing and now preparing for the 2005 World Toilet Expo and Forum in Shanghai, would like you to know that the Chinese invented toilet paper 3,395 years ago.

Toe the line

A story in another newspaper had someone refusing to 'tow the line.' Obviously a case of an editor who wasn't on his tows.
In the 1700s, when sailors were called to assembly on a ship, they were required to stand with their toes touching a line, or seam, on the deck. So, they toed the line.

Abel Point Marina

Mariners are advised that the construction of the new rock wall at Abel Point Marina has been completed, and that dredging operations are to be carried out within the Abel Point Marina lease area as well as within the area adjacent to the lease area extending to the southern entrance to Shingley Beach. Dredging operations are expected to commence on Tuesday 14th December 2004 and a silk curtain will be placed across the southern entrance to Shingley Beach on Monday 13th December 2004. The southern entrance to Shingley Beach will therefore be closed to navigation until further notice.
Dredging operations are anticipated to continue for approximately eight (8) months. Charts affected: AUS 252, 253, 268

Heros

"A hero is an ordinary individual who finds the strength to persevere and endure in spite of overwhelming obstacles."
--Christopher Reeve

Fair winds to Ye!
Cap'n Dan

Friday, December 03, 2004

Sail of the Century: HMS Victory Trafalgar Sail

It had hardly seen the light of day since 1805, but when the top foresail from Admiral Lord Nelson's flagship HMS Victory was pulled from its sail bag and shown at the International Festival of the Sea at Portsmouth, UK, in 1998, it proved to be one of the highlights of the event. Now the Society of Nautical Research has completed conservation work and the Textiles Conservation Centre, with the help of a GBP5000 donation from Pusser's, and the sail will once again be on display to the public next year as part of the bicentennial celebrations of the Battle of Trafalgar.
The sail, which is now known as the HMS Victory Trafalgar Sail, was packed away after the Battle of Trafalgar in 1805 complete with some 90 holes from cannon and musket shot and left largely untouched for nearly 200 years. Measuring 80 feet at its base, 54 feet at its head, and 54 feet deep, the sail covers an area of 3,618 square feet; it has never been hoisted since Trafalgar. It is thought to be the only surviving sail of the battle, and therefore not only holds clues as the methods of sailmaking 200 years ago, but is also of huge historical importance.
The Battle of Trafalgar rates as one of the greatest naval victories in history, as Lord Nelson directed the English fleet against a numerically superior French and Spanish fleet near Cadiz, Spain. It was before Trafalgar that Nelson raised his legendary flag signal 'England expects that every man will do his duty', and his brilliant tactics ensured that Britannia truly ruled the waves; sadly, the battle was also to cost Nelson his life. It was after Trafalgar that Nelson's body was brought back to England preserved in a barrel of rum which the sailors drank, thereby giving the rum its nickname of Nelson's Blood...
The Trafalgar Sail will be on display in Portsmouth's Historic Dockyard in an environmentally controlled area of Storehouse 10 from March to October 2005.

Third, final reef closure

The third and final spawning season closure for coral reef fin fish for 2004 is set to begin at 12.01am on Monday, December 6 and continues for nine complete days until midnight Tuesday December 14. Fishing for coral reef fin fish may restart on Wednesday, December 15.
The Department of Primary Industries and Fisheries (DPI&F) reef line manager said the closures were in place to protect and conserve valuable reef fish stocks.
Mr Elmer said coral reef species including cods and gropers, coral trout, emperors, fusiliers, parrotfish, surgeonfish, sweetlip, tropical snappers and sea perch, and wrasses could not be taken.
However, other fish species such as all the mackerels, mangrove jack, snapper and pearl perch could be taken, along with estuary species such as salmons, bream, whiting and flathead.
"The closures apply to both commercial and recreational fishers and a full list of the coral reef fin fish species can be found either in the DPI&F Reef Fish Field Guide or online through the Reef Fish Web Guide," he said.
He said coral trout and many other reef fish species aggregated while spawning making them susceptible to fishing.

Fish net swimmer netted

Setting a 55-metre net at Frogmore Lagoon to catch barramundi has cost a 19-year-old woman $450 plus court costs.
Department of Primary Industries and Fisheries Boating and Fisheries Patrol prosecutor Brenda Stevenson said Patrol officers had responded to call from a member of the public to find two young women swimming to retrieve the net containing ten undersize barramundi.
Ms Stevenson said it was fortunate the women did not entangle themselves in the net in a lagoon that was potentially home to estuarine crocodiles.

Swim safe

The Department of Primary Industries and Fisheries is urging people to swim safely this summer following sightings of a shark in the Noosa River.
DPI&F Shark Control manager Baden Lane said people should avoid swimming near river mouths, in canals, artificial lakes and waterways, particularly early in the morning, evening and at night.
Mr Lane said fatal attacks in Gold Coast canals in recent years highlighted the dangers of swimming in these areas and he encouraged bathers to use patrolled beaches as an alternative.
"Sharks do inhabit these areas and swimming at patrolled beaches is a safer option," he said.
Mr Lane said although swimming was a risk other activities such as fishing, sailing, rowing and kayaking were still safe.
"People need to exercise caution and think sensibly about their activities. For example, cleaning fish at the waters edge is not the most sensible thing to do," he said.
Reckon there are still a couple of good-sized crocs in the Prossie River too!

Mystery solved

The World Toilet Organization, having completed the 2004 World Toilet Summit in Beijing and now preparing for the 2005 World Toilet Expo and Forum in Shanghai, would like you to know that the Chinese invented toilet paper 3,395 years ago.

Unholy smoke

Health researchers in the Nederland's have issued a warning to Dutch churchgoers about inhaling secondary incense smoke.

'Aphrodite' stolen

$5000 reward to the person that provides information leading to the recovery of the yacht 'Aphrodite' a 2003 Beneteau Oceanis 311 white in colour with a cream deck. Registration number 0Q915Q is displayed across the transom.
On 6th October, skipper Adam J Clarkson was hired to deliver the yacht to Port Douglas. The boat was to be delivered within 15 days. The yacht was last seen in Cairns November 4 says owner Paul McLachlan who told Waterfront this week that there were probable sightings up the coast near Cooktown.
"He might be hiding somewhere until the windy weather blows over. There's a shipload of people who'll be looking for him then" Paul added.
If yer see 'em contact Paul through Waterfront.

Rave review

"Well, dinner would have been splendid... if the wine had been as cold as the soup, the beef as rare as the service, the brandy as old as the fish, and the maid as willing as the Duchess."

Sir Winston Churchill

Fair winds to Ye!
Cap'n Dan