BitterEnd

We've Moved

2009-09-21T02:30:00.000-07:00

Come follow us to our new home and domain: BitterEndBlog.com.

I the coming days and weeks you'll begin to notice changes as we learn to navigate WordPress and our new server.

All of our posts have been imported and we'll have new posts here as well.

Our new RSS Feed is HERE.

Thanks for follow the BitterEnd.

BE reader Wayne Johnson

2009-09-17T14:56:00.000-07:00

Wayne, from Seattle, introduced himself at The Dr's Office Coffee Shop
here in FH.

BE RaftUp Forecast

2009-09-17T13:47:00.000-07:00

See ya there. Leaving on Diligence in tomorrow am.

USCG: Station Bellingham

2009-09-17T08:53:00.000-07:00

Great stuff from the USCG Dist. 13

uscgd13: Station Bellingham tucked away among the San Juan Islands:
Greetings from Coast Guard Station Bellingham, Wash. .. http://bit.ly/4Djxpi

Original Tweet: http://twitter.com/uscgd13/status/4049533744

Sent from my iPhone

EMMA MAERSK – The Biggest on the Sea

2009-09-17T03:44:00.000-07:00

via Akademi Fantasia Travel:

The Emma Maersk is a true marine engineering marvel. The world largest container ship, longest ship currently in service and is propelled by the largest diesel engine ever manufactured. She is bigger than any aircraft carrier and manages to carry 15000 containers with only a crew of 13!

(Ed. note: Thanks to BE reader, Adam Lowery of Vessel Assist for the link)

NOAA adds meeting in Anacortes

2009-09-16T03:21:00.000-07:00

via the San Juan Islander:

The National Oceanic Atmospheric Administration Fisheries Service is having an additional public meeting on the proposed killer whale vessel regulations. It will be from 7 to 9 p.m. Sept. 24, 2009 at Pier One Main Warehouse, 100 Commercial Avenue in Anacortes.

The other two meetings are from 7 to 9 p.m. Sept. 30, 2009 Seattle Aquarium, Pier 59, Seattle and from 7 to 9 p.m. Oct. 5, 2009 at San Juan Island Grange Hall in Friday Harbor.

Hood Canal bridge closed to marine traffic

2009-09-15T16:50:00.000-07:00

http://www.komonews.com/news/local/59365047.html

Sent from my iPhone

Name that boat! - Crosscut

2009-09-15T13:20:00.000-07:00

Funny Stuff. Lots of NW refrences.

Name that boat! - Crosscut

Name that boat!
Crosscut
I'm not surprised that the Washington State Transportation Commission is considering selling company naming rights for our state's ferries. ...

Sent from my iPhone

Deep-Sea Robot Roves the Unexplored Ocean Depths

2009-09-15T04:42:00.000-07:00

Powered by 96 alkaline-D batteries, the Rover can operate with little or no direction from scientists during its missions. But for this summer’s expedition, researchers connected the vehicle to the newly-completed underwater observatory, called the Monterey Accelerated Research System (MARS).

Via Wired.com

Humbolt Squid Story

2009-09-14T11:45:00.000-07:00

http://www.komonews.com/news/local/59245122.html

Capt. Richard Rodriguez

BitterEnd Blog
CaptRichardRodriguez.blogspot.com

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Humbolt Squid

2009-09-14T11:01:00.000-07:00

As seen in Friday Harbor moments ago. Amazing.... caught off the
Washington coast.

They decimate Salmon. The theory is the warming has caused the move
north.

FYI: WASHINGTON - FIDALGO BAY - Dredging

2009-09-14T07:07:00.000-07:00

From Local Notice to Mariners:

Pacific Pile and Marine will be conducting dredging operations in the Cap Sante waterway, Fidalgo Bay, WA at the site of the former Scott Paper Company Mill from 07 Sep 09 to 31 Dec 09. Mariners are requested to minimize wake and proceed with caution after passing arrangements are made. The Tug Sonja H will monitor VHF-FM channels 13 and 16 and may be contacted at (206) 422-2255. The dredge Web may be contacted at (206) 963-8927. For additional information, contact Mr. Greg Anderes at Pacific Pile and Marine (206) 331-3873.

BitterEnd Raft Up 3.0

2009-09-14T06:36:00.000-07:00

Aerial view of the Blaely Island Marina.

Next weekend: Friday - Saturday - Sunday

Grab a slip or anchor out.

What's on your navigation menu page?

2009-09-14T05:08:00.000-07:00

David Amble from the Port of Seattle wrote to ask about the apps on
the Nav Page of my iPhone.

Here they are:

Northwest Maritime Center

2009-09-13T14:44:00.000-07:00

All I can say is WOW. Ten years ago, while a resident of Port Townsend, I was skeptical that this project would ever get off the ground. Yesterday I took a tour of this impressive facility.

Having worked in management roles of not for profits for 24 years, prior to running away to sea, I had my doubts. I was glad to be proven wrong.

You can take a virtual tour, HERE.

Bridge Resource Management: Arcane Reference

2009-09-13T02:30:00.000-07:00

During the first night of class last week we spoke of BRM issues and I brought up a classic Maritime Leadership Movie.

Then next night, John C. brought in new tools for my set of classroom aids.

Do you know the name of the movie?

If you must, the references are here and here.

Wooden Boat Festival

2009-09-12T13:01:00.000-07:00

Folks qued up for the Zenith Maritime sponsored breakfast.

9/14/09 Update, The Peninsula Daily New s is reporting that over 30,000 people attended the event.

Port Townsend Wooden Boat Festival

2009-09-12T03:05:00.000-07:00

This morning I'm off to the Wooden Boat Festival in Port Townsend. Zenith Maritime is sponsoring the breakfast and we'll be serving folks for several hours.

There will be a few more pics in the next few days.

FYI: I lived at Point Hudson (in Port Townsend) for five years. My motorhome and boat were feet from each other. I learned to sail, got my license, and worked with lots of great people while there.

Fwd: Coast Guard statement on media report of gunfire on the Potomac

2009-09-11T15:32:00.001-07:00

DATE: September 11, 2009 11:06:51 EST

Document Number: 517

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Office of Public Affairs
U.S. Coast Guard

News Release

Date: Sept. 11, 2009

Contact: Lt. Nadine Santiago
(202) 372 - 4644

Coast Guard statement on media report of gunfire on the Potomac

WASHINGTON — The U.S. Coast Guard reported on Friday that reports in the media were based on overheard radio calls made over a training frequency.
We are still gathering information of how this training event might have been misconstrued as an actual incident. We will conduct a thorough review of this incident.
There were Coast Guard boats were operating in the vicinity of 14th Street and Memorial Bridges this morning. Whether or not these were the same boats using the marine radio frequency used for training purposes has not yet been confirmed.
The best way that we in the Coast Guard can remember Sept. 11 and our security obligations to the nation is to be always ready and this requires constant training and exercise. To ensure the appropriate readiness posture we conduct training scenarios across the nation on a daily basis.
How and when this exercised was conducted will be reviewed.

###

Saving Lives and Guarding the Coast Since 1790.
The United States Coast Guard -- Proud History. Powerful Future.

View this document online
USCG Headquarters Public Affairs
Coast Guard Headquarters News, Photos, Videos and Information

Saving Luna 2.0

2009-09-11T07:25:00.000-07:00

Almost a full house.

Saving Luna Reception

2009-09-11T07:24:00.000-07:00

Saving LUNA

2009-09-11T03:55:00.000-07:00

Last night I attended the Friday Harbor Premier of "Saving Luna." The event was replete with a Fundraiser/Meet the Producers Reception.

Look for a few more pics and words later today or tomorrow.

Friday Harbor Master's Course

2009-09-10T06:12:00.000-07:00

Chartplotting begins. We'll cover numerous topics during 25 hours in
this phase of the course.

Other classes:

Marysville, Nov - Dec
Bellingham, Jan - Feb
Anacortes, Mar - Arp

Send me an email if you'd like more info

WA Transportation Commission OKs ferry fare hike - Seattle Times

2009-09-09T13:30:00.001-07:00

WA Transportation Commission OKs ferry fare hike - Seattle Times

WA Transportation Commission OKs ferry fare hike
Seattle Times
The Washington Transportation Commission has voted to increase fares on state ferries by 2.5 percent across the board, effective Oct. 11. ...
Ferry Fare IncreaseKUOW NPR
2.5 percent increase in state ferry fares approvedPeninsula Daily
Transportation Commission Rejects Super Surcharge for FerriesKitsap Sun
Seattle Times -Seattle Times
all 39 news articles »

Sent from my iPhone

Flashing Blue Light Conundrum

2009-09-09T07:48:00.000-07:00

The Navigation Rules indicate that flashing blue light is an Inland Rule, part of Annex V, below. The issue is that here in the Salish Sea we are required to follow the 72 ColRegs (International Rules.) A flashing blue light just isn't a part of the of the ColRegs.

It would be interesting to see if the argument, "I didn't recognize the flashing blue light," would stand a legal challenge.

Annex V - Pilot Signals - (Inland Only)

33 CFR 88: ANNEX V - PILOT RULES § 88.01 Purpose and applicability

§ 88.11 Law enforcement vessels
(a) Law enforcement vessels may display a flashing blue light when engaged in direct law enforcement or public safety activities. This light must be located so that it does not interfere with the visibility of the vessel's navigation lights.
(b) The blue light described in this section may be displayed by law enforcement vessels of the United States and the States and their political subdivisions.

(Ed. note: My advise - be right, not dead right)