The Cape Hatteras Lighthouse’s lens is now on display at the Graveyard of the Atlantic Museum, but its location was a mystery for more than a century. See Lighthouse Restoration.
Historic Lighthouse Lens’ Odyssey Continues
Coastal Review Online
You are encouraged to read and participate in as many or all of the four NOAA Planet Stewards opportunities noted below. You’ll be glad you did.
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While compiled by a group of Northeast “old salts” these videos are equally as applicable to our southern waters. Thank you for sharing, Off Center Harbor.
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Our mailing address is:
Worldwide Classic Boat Show
Brooklin, ME 04616
Our thanks to TJ Sharp for this beautiful nighttime photo of Harbor Town Yacht Basin, A CRUISERS NET SPONSOR!
TJ Sharp
Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of Harbor Town Yacht Basin
A weekly recap of events at the U.S. Department of the Interior.
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Wally Moran is an experienced cruiser who fights continuously for boaters’ rights. See New Florida Anchoring Restrictions. See also Letter to Florida Legislators.
HB 1515 and S 1946, currently in front of the Florida legislature, violate the constitutional principle of presumption of innocence by forcing boaters to prove where they have been anchored.
This is the position of the president of the Cruising Rights Network of North America, Wally Moran, who is actively fighting against these bills alongside other boating groups.
“It is the prerogative in law of the officer and courts to show that an individual is guilty, not the reverse. This is a serious flaw in these anti-anchoring bills put forward this session. It will expose innocent boaters to prosecution simply for being at anchor”, according to Moran.
The two bills are described as “anchoring limitation” bills and are intended to limit the length of time a boater may remain in certain yet to be designated areas. The bills were introduced by Senator Polsky and Representative Duggan.
HB 1515 reads in part as follows:
(b)1. For a vessel in an anchoring limitation area under subsection (2), upon an inquiry by a law enforcement officer or agency, a vessel owner or operator must be given an opportunity to provide proof that the vessel has not exceeded the limitations described in subsection (2).
Such proof may include any of the following:
a. Documentation showing that the vessel was in another location at least 1 mile away within a period of less than 30 days before the inquiry.
b. Electronic evidence, including, but not limited to, navigational devices or tracking devices that show the vessel was in another location at least 1 mile away within a period of less than 30 days before the inquiry.
2. If a vessel owner or operator fails or refuses to provide proof that the vessel has not exceeded the limitations described in subsection (2), the law enforcement officer or agency may issue a citation for a violation of this section.
In other words, if for any reason a boater cannot show appropriate proof that they had left the ALA, or “anchoring limitation area”, in the last 30 days, (and there would be many legitimate reasons this could be the case), he or she is given a citation and forced to go to court to deal with the issue.
This is no different that an officer demanding that you prove where you were on the night of July 16, 1992 and charging you with a crime when you prove unable to answer as he demands.
Moran adds: “Two lawyers and a former legislator have told me that in their opinions this section violates the federal Constitution’s concept of “presumption of innocence”. The definition of “presumption of innocence” from an online legal dictionary is useful, and is essentially the same as any other regardless of which source you choose:
“Presumption of innocence: A principle that requires the
relieves the defendant of any
Is there any reason that this has not been brought up to the various committees examining this bill? Isn’t this something vital that they should want to address?
What the law currently requires of a person charged under HB 1515 and S 1946 is that they go to court to prove their innocence, if they could not do so when offered the opportunity by the LEO at the time of writing the citation. And that, to any thinking human being, is the exact opposite of ‘presumed innocent’.”
“I am astounded that these two bills have made it as far as they have, that the members of the Legislature will permit such a gross violation of an entire group’s constitutional rights”, Moran stated.
“Where are the Senators and Representatives who should be looking out for people’s constitutional rights?” Moran concludes.
For more information or an interview, please contact Mr. Moran via email at wally@crnna.com
Possibly not unconstitutional. I am not an attorney so I am not sure no expert. I do know that many federal regulations require you to prove you have complied with the regulation by the records you keep and reports you submitt. Don't have the record or fail to submit the report you are in violation. My experience is with EPA regulations. Regulatory violations are not necessarily criminal violations unless they were willful. Since they are not criminal presumption of innocence does not apply.
As we celebrate Earth Day, please be more careful with plastic bags and foam cups. And be sure to not let helium balloons loose.
John Christopher Fine
Plastic debris is choking the ocean
Florida Keys Weekly
With the launch of a new webcam, anyone with access to the internet can see the view from the top of Cape Hatteras Lighthouse. The webcam can be viewed at www.obxforever.org/obx-national-park-webcams/, www.outerbanks.org/webcams and www.surfline.com.
Cape Hatteras National Seashore. Photo: Jennifer Allen
Hatteras Lighthouse Home to New Webcam
Coastal Online Review
See also Hurricane and Severe Weather Preparation.
SECTOR CHARLESTON
UPCOMING 2021 ATLANTIC HURRICANE SEASON
The Atlantic Hurricane Season will begin June 1, 2021 and will run through November 30, 2021. During this timeframe, the assigned port condition (PORTCON) will remain PORTCON IV and the port status will remain OPEN for all ports and waterways within the Sector Charleston Captain of the Port Zone. These waters are identified in 33 CFR 3.35-15 and lie between the intersection of the North Carolina – South Carolina boarder and the northern bank of the Savannah River.
In the event of forecasted tropical storm force winds (sustained winds of 34 kts/39 mph or greater) from a tropical cyclone, the Sector Charleston Captain of the Port (COTP) will coordinate with the Heavy Weather Advisory Group (HWAG) to evaluate port preparation and changes in port condition.
The HWAG consists of maritime transportation system professionals local to the Sector Charleston Captain of the Port Zones, providing input on local operations and coordination for overall port well-being in response to severe weather events.
The COTP will announce changes to port conditions via a Marine Safety Information Bulletin (MSIB) and a Broadcast Notice to Mariners when forecasted tropical storm force winds (sustained winds of 34 kts/39 mph or greater) from a tropical cyclone threaten South Carolina. These port conditions are as follows:
| Forecasted Hours Prior to Tropical Storm Force Winds | Port Condition | Measures in Effect |
| 1 DEC – 31 MAY | V | General. Port status is OPEN. |
| 1 JUN – 30 NOV | IV | Hurricane seasonal alert. Industry to review heavy weather plans. Port status is OPEN. |
| 72 | WHISKEY | The COTP will assess lay-up and mooring plans, meet with stakeholders, and conduct port assessments. Port status is OPEN. |
| 48 | X-RAY | The COTP will finalize review of lay-up and mooring plans, hold further meetings with stakeholders, and continue port assessments. Port Status is OPEN. |
| 24 | YANKEE | The COTP may restrict vessel movements, including stopping inbound vessel traffic, and cargo operations. Port status is OPEN with RESTRICTIONS. |
| 12 | ZULU | The COTP may restrict all vessel movements, including stopping inbound and outbound vessel traffic, and cargo operations. Port status is CLOSED. |
| AFTER STORM PASSAGE | OPEN or OPEN with RESTRICTIONS | Prior to authorizing vessel movements and cargo operations, the COTP will conduct a risk analysis based on actual weather observed and port assessments, which may include verifications of aids to navigation, channel hazards, waterfront facility damage, and vessel accountability. |
Very Respectfully,
LT Chad Ray
USCG Sector Charleston
Waterways Management Div., Chief
(843) 323-7761
All vessels, waterfront facilities, and marinas should review their heavy weather plans now. Please take into account that drawbridges may not open for vessel traffic when sustained wind speeds reach 25 mph or during land evacuations. Vessels or oceangoing barges greater than 500 gross tons that are unable to go to sea are required to submit heavy weather plans to the COTP. The request form can be obtained from Sector Charleston’s HOMEPORT internal site at https://homeport.uscg.mil/port-directory/charleston. All requests should be submitted to D07-PF-SECTORCHASN-WWM@uscg.mil. The COTP will carefully evaluate vessels requesting to remain in port. Submission alone of a Remain in Port Request does not grant approval from the COTP.
Currently, and running to May 31, 2021, the threat of severe weather is decreased. PORTCON V with a port status of OPEN remains in effect. This, however, does not prevent the COTP from changing port conditions in the event of forecasted severe weather.
For HWAG or waterway specific questions, please contact (843) 323-7761. For facility and foreign vessel specific questions, please contact (843) 740-3186. For domestic vessel specific questions, please contact (843) 754-2076. For Coast Guard related emergencies, please contact Sector Charleston Command Center at (843) 740-7050.
This MSIB can be viewed at https://homeport.uscg.mil/port-directory/charleston.
Attachments area
EARTHDAY.ORG is honored that the Biden Administration has decided to convene a global climate summit on Earth Day 2021.
GROWING THE MOVEMENT SINCE 1970: EARTH DAY EVERY DAY
While this issue is framed as a derelict vessel issue, as is often the case, the regulations, laws, and statutes needed for identifying and removing derelict and at-risk derelict vessels are in place. Florida’s FWC and Florida law enforcement agencies have the legal authority and ability to identify and regulate derelict and at-risk derelict vessels in the Florida statutes through chapters 327 and 328. In fact, Florida statues even provide for a Rapid Derelict Vessel Removal process. In addition, Florida statutes clearly gives FWC and Florida law enforcement agencies the regulatory authority to inspect the compliance for a vessel’s sanitation disposal.
We have all seen municipalities that illegally “create” their own ordinance in order to maintain their “slice of heaven”. Gulf Port, Fl, St. Petersburg, Fl, Ft, Myers, Fl…
What do you suppose will occur, when Florida municipalities believe that they now have the authority to regulate anchoring in Florida waters?
Had there been a real effort behind reinstating/continuing Florida’s mooring field program, I believe that the mooring field test program would have greatly reduced the derelict and at-risk derelict vessel issue. The remaining favoritism with anchoring restriction/limitations is nothing short of a “Vista protection act for waterfront landowners”.
If these proposed bills that restrict/limit anchoring pass, there is absolutely no assurance that the ability to anchor will be fair and equitable and that the PUBLIC TRUST DOCTRINE survive.
Your support would be greatly appreciated!
All the best
Fred Ruggiero Jr
This planet is home to everyone and together we hold its health in our hands.
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Researchers conducting a planned University of Florida-led study on plankton in two lagoons of the Florida Keys stumbled upon an unexpected presence in the course of their routine sampling: microplastics.
Researchers surprised to find microplastics in Florida Keys lagoons
Phys.Org
Siesta, Lido and Longboat keys among Sarasota-area beaches reporting elevated measures.
Rising red tide levels prompt county advisory
YourObserver.com
Red tides were documented in the southern Gulf of Mexico as far back as the 1700s and along Florida’s Gulf coast in the 1840s.
Edward LePera Thanks Edward. Interesting note .Guess back then the resort market place wasn’t too worried about its impact on local tourism and fishing. Thank you for sharing.
After numerous complications with dredging the South Ferry Channel, the Army Corps of Engineers reported to the Dare County Waterways Commission at its Monday meeting that the hopper dredge Murden has finally started work removing the problem shoal.
The federal authorization status of various areas in Hatteras Inlet, as compiled by Waterways Commission Chair Steve “Creature” Coulter.
Dredging Underway at Hatteras Inlet
Coastal Review Online
The Golden Ray went aground and partially capsized in Georgia’s St. Simons Sound on September 7, 2019. The wreck of the capsized PCTC has taken more than a year to remove from St. Simons Sound, Georgia. See Cutting Chain Failure.
The position of the cutting chain in Golden Ray’s hull on Sunday (St. Simons Sound Incident Response)
Chain Link Breakage Continues to Plague Golden Ray Wreck Removal
Maritime Executive
Below are links to articles and local notices containing advice from experienced cruisers, the Coast Guard, USACE, NOAA and BoatUS. If you have a particularly helpful article or link, please feel free to send it to me.
USCG: Hurricane and Severe Weather Preparedness
NOAA: Preparing for a Hurricane
US Hurricane Trends – Specialty Fuel Services
LNM: USG: Advice on ATONs During and Following a Hurricane
LNM: Tropical Storm and Hurricane Operations at Locks
More from USACE on Tropical Storm and Hurricane Preparations
Hurricane Reminder: High Water in the Waterway Equals Debris in the Channel
Hurricane Season Port Condition Definitions
Hurricane Preparedness Week in North Carolina: Determining your risk
How many hurricanes make landfall in November?
Hurricane Holes in the Bahamas
Traveling the Atlantic Intracoastal During Hurricane Season by Tom Hale
BoatUS: How to Recover Your Boat After a Hurricane
You have to wonder if this new convenience is not going to cause issues for the Coast Guard and for brokers when boats are sold.
Guard Changes
Certificate of Documentation to 5 Years
New rule will spare some boaters a yearly task
SPRINGFIELD, Va., April 14, 2021 — Of the nation’s nearly 12 million registered recreational boats, those owners who federally document their vessels, or about 165,000 boats, will be spared the hassle of renewing their U.S. Coast Guard Certificate of Documentation every year as a result of recent rule change that now makes documentation valid for five years. The move was the result of Coast Guard cost-saving efforts and requirements set forth in the Frank LoBiondo Coast Guard Authorization Act of 2018.
“The change to a five-year documentation period will be a time-saver,” said BoatUS Manager of Government Affairs David Kennedy. Kennedy notes the new rule also eliminates some options that were formerly available.
“Going forward, the five-year Certificate of Documentation is the only option available for recreational vessels as the 2018 Act did not allow for alternatives,” added Kennedy.
Formerly, documentation was $26 per year and boaters could select the number of years, from one to five. The new five-year documentation cost for is fixed at $130. Additional fees apply for initial documentation as well as exchanges. The Coast Guard will not issue refunds if an owner chooses to cancel documentation before its five-year expiration or if a vessel is sold during the renewal period.
Boat owners generally choose to federally document vessels with the U.S. Coast Guard versus the more common practice of state registration, for one of two reasons: the boat was purchased with a bank loan and the lender required it or the owner plans to travel beyond U.S. waters. A Certificate of Documentation is internationally recognized and makes it easier for American vessels to enter and leave foreign ports.
Documented vessels must also be a minimum of 5 net tons, which is about the size of a 26-foot boat. BoatUS notes that net tons are more about (cargo) volume, than weight.
In a related issue, BoatUS continues to advise boaters to be vigilant when renewing U.S. Coast Guard vessel documentation as official-looking vessel documentation renewal notices can lead to confusion and higher costs. Some BoatUS members have received notices that are not from the Coast Guard but rather third-party companies whose name or return addresses may appear similar to that of the official U.S. Coast Guard National Vessel Documentation Center (NVDC).
For more information on documentation go to BoatUS.com/Documentation.
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About Boat Owners Association of The United States (BoatUS):
Celebrating more than 50 years, BoatUS is the nation’s largest organization of recreational boaters with more than 700,000 members. We are the boat owners’ voice on Capitol Hill and fight for their rights. We are The Boat Owners Auto Club and help ensure a roadside trailer breakdown doesn’t end a boating or fishing trip before it begins. When boats break down on the water, TowBoatUS brings them safely back to the launch ramp or dock, 24/7. BoatUS offers GEICO Marine Insurance policies that give boat owners affordable, specialized coverage and superior service they need. We help keep boaters safe and our waters clean with assistance from the nonprofit BoatUS Foundation for Boating Safety and Clean Water. Visit BoatUS.com.
An ocean protection strategy that targets densely populated coastal areas, rather than ringfencing the most remote corners, could deliver game-changing climate benefits.
Study: Protecting Populous Coastal Areas Helps Fight Climate Change
Maritime Executive
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