Balloons, plastic bags, recreational fishing line and food wrappers are killing thousands of marine animals as they eat plastic items that later perforate internal organs, or they become entangled and drown.
A sea turtle hatchling swims very close to discarded balloons. Dr. Blair Witherington FLORIDA FISH AND WILDLIFE CONSERVATION COMMISSION
Choked, strangled and drowned. How balloons and plastic bags are killing marine animals
FL Keys News
With holiday lighted boat parades just around the corner, BoatUS reminds us that brightly lighted vessels are for navigating only in a properly sanctioned parade, not for normal night time boating.
Photo Caption: Decorative lights can present navigation challenges for other boaters. BoatUS offers two installation tips. Credit: Shannon Carrithers
Photo Caption: Decorative lights can negatively affect a boat operator’s night vision. Credit: Rodney Webster
Don’t Make Your Boat Look Like a Christmas Tree
BoatUS advises boaters about unsafe decorative lighting when navigating
SPRINGFIELD, Va., Nov. 18, 2020 – Boaters looking to buy themselves a Christmas gift may be thinking about adding some “bling” to the boat – multicolored decorative LED deck and space lighting. Just don’t light your boat up like a Christmas tree, says the BoatUS Foundation for Boating Safety and Clean Water. Extra lights installed in the wrong place could cause other boaters to misinterpret your boat’s navigation lights and present a safety hazard.
“Today’s decorative lighting options, from ropes to underwater lighting, allow DIYers to personalize their boats,” said BoatUS Foundation for Boating Safety and Clean Water President Chris Edmonston. “The challenge comes when the boat is underway. Decorative lights installed in the wrong location may cause others to misinterpret your vessel’s red, green and white navigation lighting. Bright lights of many colors can also reduce your night vision and hamper your ability to safely navigate.”
The BoatUS Foundation has two tips when shopping for and installing decorative boat lights:
1. When underway, avoid displaying any light that could be confused as a navigation light or another type of vessel. When installing decorative LED lighting, running wiring to a single master switch allows you to easily turn off all nonessential lights before heading out. Remember, flashing blue lights are reserved for law enforcement – at a distance, wave action combined with the steady rocking of high-intensity blue lights below the waterline can give the appearance of a police vessel.
2. Don’t install decorative lights that prevent the operator from maintaining a good lookout. When running between sunset and sunrise, it’s critical that those behind the wheel maintain their night vision, so the number-one goal is to keep light out of the operator’s eyes. Glare from aesthetic lighting such as LED rope lights wrapped around a helm station can hinder night vision.
Topside Marinas, A CRUISERS NET SPONSOR, is a company invested in their team and customers creating lifelong memories, relaxing, enjoying life, and being healthy.
| |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Scientists estimate that along the coast of Florida, where degradation is most severe, perhaps as little as 2% of original coral cover remains.
A parrotfish is swims over a dead coral reef in the Florida Keys national marine sanctuary near Key West, Florida. Photograph: Wilfredo Lee/AP
‘Dire outlook’: scientists say Florida reefs have lost nearly 98% of coral
The Guardian
Safety Harbor Marina is in the northwest corner of Old Tampa Bay, north of St. Petersburg and the Howard Franklin Bridge. Our thanks to Larry Pritchett for this alert.
Destroyed ATON G9 Safety Harbor Marina Channel
Day mark G9 in the Safety Harbor Marina Channel was destroyed by Storm ETA. Piling is below the water at high tide.
Iota is forecast to be at or near Category 5 hurricane strength when it makes a potentially catastrophic landfall along the coast of northeastern Nicaragua or eastern Honduras Monday night. As of noon Monday, Iota was moving west with winds of 160 mph!
Iota now ‘strongest hurricane of 2020 Atlantic season’ with 155 mph winds
SunSentinel
You could have corrected that…right?
Intra or Inter? New signs at Daytona bridge get a quick spelling correction
Daytona Beach News-Journal
Our thanks to Ted Arisaka for sharing this link from Georgia Public Broadcasting.
Will Georgia’s Fledgling Oyster Industry Sink Before It Swims?
GPB
Slate feeds marine creatures underwater, and the interaction enables divers to see large marine animals up close.
Bahamas Chatter is produced by Explorer Chartbooks, A CRUISERS NET PARTNER, which has long been the standard navigational supplement for enjoyable, informative, and safe cruising through the beautiful Bahamian waters and island visits.
Bahamas Chatter: Update COVID Exuma
Posted: 13 Nov 2020 06:46 AM PST
PRIME MINISTER STATEMENT ON EXUMA: INTRODUCED MEASURES TO REDUCE SPREAD OF COVID-19 IN EXUMA Prime Minister, Dr. Hubert Minnis announced the following restrictive measures for Exuma, effective Thursday, November 12:
1. There will be a 24-hour weekend curfew from 6pm Friday until 5am Mondays; businesses will not be allowed to operate during this time;
2. Weekday curfew will be from 6pm to 5am;
3. Commercial activity can continue through the week can continue save for fish frys, bars, and restaurants connected to bars;
4. Funerals are allowed at the graveside only and can have 10 people excluding the officiant; the same number of people is applicable to weddings – there will also be no repasts or receptions;
5. Church services are to be held virtually;6. Schools must be held virtually;
7. Effective tomorrow, domestic travel by air or sea is prohibited into and out of Exuma except in the case of emergency;
8. Anyone travelling from Exuma to any other island, must have a negative RT-PCR COVID-19 test;
9. No public or social gatherings are allowed.Dr. Minnis said these measures do not apply to the Exuma Cays.“I know this is short notice but this is essential after seeing what has happened on several past occasions,” he said.
The prime minister further explained that Exuma has recorded over 30 new cases in the past week.There are 79 positive cases from the island of Exuma – 28 are active, two are hospitalized and there has been one COVID-19 related death, according to Dr. Minnis. The prime minister also announced that the number of health care professionals on the island have been “boosted.”
“The measures on New Providence and Abaco have helped to decrease the spread of the virus on these islands,” the prime minister said earlier. “I assure you that we can continue to make progress if we continue to work together and wear our masks and avoid large gatherings.”He also said all positive cases are in isolation in Eleuthera and all contacts are being monitored.
The move to all digital tables and charts has been expected for some time.
NATIONAL OCEANIC ATMOSPHERIC ADMINISTRATION (NOAA) IS DISCONTINUING THE PRINTED TIDE TABLES AND TIDAL CURRENT TABLES
NOAA is ending the production of the printed Tide Tables and Tidal Current Tables publications. There will not be NOAA printed Tide Tables and Tidal Current Tables publications for 2021. NOAA is discontinuing the production of these annual publications due to: (a) recent changes by the U.S. Coast Guard in the interpretation of the
requirements for predictions, no longer requiring these publications in paper format and (b) the availability of online and electronic services providing tide and tidal current predictions which meet the U.S. Coast Guard requirements for navigation, and support other activities along the U.S. Coast.
Tide and Tidal Current predictions are available through NOAA’s Center for Operational Oceanographic Products and Services (CO-OPS) online services:
NOAA Tide Predictions: https://tidesandcurrents.noaa.gov/tide_predictions.html
NOAA Current Predictions: https://tidesandcurrents.noaa.gov/noaacurrents/Regions
For questions or more information, contact Tide.Predictions@noaa.gov or 301-713-2815 LNM 45/20
Silver Lake is Ocracoke Harbor and these two entrance markers are immediately south of the maintained channel into Silver Lake’s inlet.
| 1. THE FOLLOWING AIDS TO NAVIGATION HAVE BEEN RELOCATED.
A. SILVER LAKE JUNCTION LIGHT SL (LLNR 28985 [35°6.6266N / 075°59.5121W, 35.110443 / -75.991868]) RELOCATED TO APPROX POSIT 35-06-37.633N,
B. SILVER LAKE ENTRANCE DAYBEACON 2 (LLNR 28990 [35°6.4777N / 075°59.4183W, 35.107962 / -75.990305]) RELOCATED TO APPROX POSIT 35-06-28.552N, 075-59-25.205W. |
My wife and I once spent a very pleasant three days in Elizabeth City waiting for the winds to drop allowing the long swing bridge to open. The 2.8-mile bridge across the Alligator River has closed several times in recent years to undergo repairs.
Lindsay C. Warren Bridge. Photo: Kill Devil Hills
Officials Push to Replace Alligator River Bridge
Coastal Review Online
Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of Alligator River Bridge
This excellent facility and CRUISERS NET SPONSOR, Southport Marina, was severely damaged by Isaias. See Hurricane Damage. As of November 6, they have resumed selling gasoline and diesel fuel.
We’re excited to announce that Southport Marina has resumed gasoline and diesel sales daily, from 8am-5pm. We are monitoring VHF ch. 16, phone 910-457-9900, and email info@southport-marina.com for any questions or needs. Although it will still be some time before we are able to accommodate overnight dockage for transiting guests, we would love to sell you the best quality marine fuel available while you’re in our town. Thank you for your patience while we continue to rebuild our facility! We’re looking forward to the opportunity to serve our customers again soon!
Hank Whitley, CMM
Marina Manager
Southport Marina
606 W. West St.
Southport, NC 28461
910-457-9900
View our live webcam at https://www.youtube.com/user/SouthportMarina
Click Here To View the North Carolina Cruisers Net Marina Directory Listing For Southport Marina
Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of Southport Marina
Our thanks to Phil and Karen for sharing their AGLCA Forum posting with our readers. Many of you will travel through Snows Cut at some point in your cruising lifetime. Mile long Snows Cut departs the coastal Waterway at the entrance to Carolina Beach and intersects Cape Fear River at Mile 296.
Living on the ICW, it’s amazing the number of boats we see every day heading south for the winter. 20, 30 a day perhaps, and we only see some of them. Trawlers, sailboats, large yachts and other craft, a few with looper flags but mostly snowbirds. Most loopers know Snow’s Cut, a few miles south of us, as a tricky waterway that connects the Cape Fear River with the ICW at Carolina Beach.
Though interesting, few good photos of this area exist. It’s difficult to get decent photos as you’re transiting it as you’re busy navigating a narrow, tricky channels with a 2 or 3 knot current. On a recent bike ride over the Snow’s Cut bridge, I took a few photos that might give our captains a good overview of the mile-long man-made cut.
Phil & Karen Barbalace
Helms Port
Wilmington,NC
Gold Loopers
Phil Kent and Karen Barbalace
Phil Kent and Karen Barbalace
Phil Kent and Karen Barbalace
Thanks for the great photos… Pictures are certainly worth a thousand words.
An important reminder for our North Carolina locals and for off-shore cruisers. Local knowledge is recommended for most for these inlets.
NC – HAZARDS OF NORTH CAROLINA COASTAL INLETS
Hazardous inlets. To heighten public awareness about the hazards that exist in and around the North Carolina coast, this information is provided to mariners. Shoaling conditions exist at following North Carolina coastal inlets:
Oregon Inlet
Hatteras Inlet
Ocracoke Inlet
Barden Inlet
Beaufort Inlet
Bogue Inlet
New River Inlet
Topsail Inlet
Masonboro Inlet
Carolina Beach Inlet
Lockwoods Folly Inlet
Shallotte Inlet
Shoaling conditions increase the potential for groundings. These inlets are subject to continual and sometimes rapid environmental changes. Mariners are highly encouraged to obtain the most recent U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Wilmington, North Carolina District hydrographic survey information, centerline waypoints and controlling depth at: http://www.saw.usace.army.mil/Missions/Navigation/HydrographicSurveys.aspx
Mariners should use caution when navigating in these areas and passage through the inlets is not recommended without local knowledge of the area. The aids to navigation in these inlets may not be charted and may not be marking best water due to continually shifting shoals. Consult Local Notice to Mariners, 5th Coast Guard District for the latest positions and status of aids to navigation:
https://www.navcen.uscg.gov/?pageName=lnmDistrict®ion=5
To report any aids to navigation discrepancies (missing, damaged, off station, extinguished lights), shoaling, hazards to navigation, or discrepancies on bridge lighting, please contact Sector North Carolina Command Center (910) 343-2200.
Ortona Lock is located at Okeechobee Waterway Statute Mile 94, just east of unlighted daybeacon #1 and flashing daybeacon #2. No estimated time of repair is given. Our thanks to Specialist Erica Skolte for this notice.
Notice to Navigation 2020-016: Okeechobee Waterway – Ortona Lock 25-foot width restriction
NOTICE TO NAVIGATION INTERESTS
Date: 11/04/2020
US ARMY CORPS OF ENGINEERS
JACKSONVILLE DISTRICT
ATTN: CESAJ-OD-SN
PO Box 4970
JACKSONVILLE, FL 32232-0019
863-983-8101
NOTICE NUMBER: 2020-016
WATERWAY: OKEECHOBEE WATERWAY
EFFECTIVE: 11/04/2020
POC: http://www.saj.usace.army.mil/Missions/CivilWorks/Navigation/NoticestoNavigation.aspx
OKEECHOBEE WATERWAY
ORTONA LOCK & DAM
REFERENCE:
a.33 CFR Navigation and Navigable Waters
1.Notice to Navigation
The Ortona Lock and Dam will have a width restriction of 25 feet until further notice. This restriction is due to mechanical failure. Crews are currently assessing the situation. No estimated time of repair currently available.
The South Florida Operations Office advises all vessels to monitor the Jacksonville District website for any changes or updates.
//SIGNED//
Gary L. Hipkins
Chief, Navigation
South Florida Operations Office
Thanks for getting the word out!
Be safe!
Erica
Erica Skolte
Public Affairs Specialist
Corporate Communications Office
U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Jacksonville District Palm Beach Gardens
OFFICE PHONE 561-340-1527
Cell: 561-801-5734
Twitter @JaxStrong
Jacksonville District Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/JacksonvilleDistrict
Jacksonville District: A team of professionals making tomorrow better “Keep Calm and Essayons”
Click Here To View the Okeechobee Cruisers’ Net Bridge Directory Listing For Ortona Lock
Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of Ortona Lock
News you can use from NOAA Planet Stewards.
The Watch. News You Can Use From NOAA Planet Stewards – 3 November 2020
National Ocean Service, NOAA
Cruisers Net is proud to be a member of the Atlantic Intracoastal Waterway Association whose lobbying work is crucial to keeping the Waterway navigable. Your membership dollars directly support their vital work. Please join and encourage your boating neighbors to do likewise, regardless of their homeport.
| |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
Bahamas Chatter is produced by Explorer Chartbooks, A CRUISERS NET PARTNER, which has long been the standard navigational supplement for enjoyable, informative, and safe cruising through the beautiful Bahamian waters and island visits.
Bahamas Chatter: “New 9th edition Explorer Chartbook Near Bahamas” plus 1 more
| New 9th edition Explorer Chartbook Near Bahamas Posted: 02 Nov 2020 08:09 AM PST NEW 9TH EDITION EXPLORER CHARTBOOK NEAR BAHAMAS Lewis Offshore Ltd. is announcing the publication of the latest edition in the Explorer stable of chartbooks for the Bahamas: The EXPLORER CHARTBOOK NEAR BAHAMAS 9TH EDITION, which covers Biminis, Berrys, Abacos, Grand Bahamas, Andros and New Providence. There are 80 charts in the new book. All charts have been updated with variation on compass roses for 2020, plus much new hydrographic data. This revision includes four brand new charts:
Also, you will find the most recent Post-Dorian updates on the Abacos and Grand Bahama facilities and services. All Need-to-Know Info for each community has been updated, including many new cell phone numbers for local businesses. Land lines are still down in many areas hit by Hurricane Dorian. Tide Tables are updated for 2021-2022. The Table of Marinas (spreadsheet of current status of marinas) has been revised as well. Our new Print on Demand protocol will allow us to make more frequent changes in the future. ORDER ONLINE AT www.explorercharts.com. |
| Latest on Bahamas Entry Posted: 01 Nov 2020 04:30 PM PST The Islands of The Bahamas are currently open and looking forward to welcoming visitors from all countries. There are no restrictions on commercial international travel from any jurisdiction, nor are there restrictions on private planes or boats. It is recommended that all travellers interested in visiting The Bahamas review requirements applicable to each member of their party at Bahamas.com/travelupdates Those who booked travel under the former protocols that required an RT PCR test taken seven (7) days prior to travel will be permitted to enter The Bahamas with their Bahamas Health Travel Visa and negative COVID-19 RT-PCR test result, through November 6, 2020 only. Travellers planning to visit The Bahamas should also be prepared to:
Frequently Asked Questions as of 10.31.20 ENTRY REQUIREMENTS: TESTING, INSURANCE AND HEALTH VISA PRE-TRAVEL TESTING: Is a COVID-19 RT-PCR Negative (Swab) Test required to enter The Bahamas?
Is this also true for domestic inter-island travellers?
Where can I get a COVID-19 RT-PCR (swab) test prior to travel?
Can I use my Antigen or Antibody Test to enter the Country?
COVID HEALTH INSURANCE Does The Bahamas require separate COVID Health Insurance?
What is included as part of the COVID Health Insurance?
How much does the COVID Health Insurance cost?
HEALTH VISA Who needs to complete an electronic Bahamas Travel Health Visa?
Is a Health Visa required for domestic inter-island travellers?
Is there a fee for the Bahamas Travel Health Visa?
How do I upload my COVID-19 RT-PCR test results to my electronic Travel Health Visa?
When will I receive a response about my Bahamas Travel Health Visa?
Is a print version of my electronic Travel Health Visa required?
What if I do not complete the electronic Travel Health Visa application form?
How long are Health Visas valid for? Will visitors and residents be required to get a new Health Visa each time they travel?
POTENTIAL FOR CHANGES TO REQUIREMENTS What is the plan for the tourism industry should The Bahamas see a dramatic rise in cases?
Will persons wishing to travel from an island with a higher number of cases be permitted to enter an island with a low number of cases?
ARRIVAL PROCESS: TESTING PROCEDURES (AS OF NOVEMBER 1) INSURANCE, CONTACT TRACING AND RAPID ANTIBODY TESTS (NOV 14 AND LATER) Do I need to quarantine upon arrival in The Bahamas?
What are the updated travel and entry protocols?
· Prior to Travel: o COVID-19 RT-PCR Test: All persons travelling to The Bahamas must obtain a negative COVID-19 RT-PCR (swab) test taken no more than five (5) days prior to the date of arrival. The name and address of the lab, where the test was performed, must be clearly displayed on the test result. · Children age ten (10) and under, as well as pilots and crew of commercial airlines, who remain overnight in The Bahamas, are exempt from obtaining the RT-PCR test. o Travel Health Visa: Once in possession of a negative COVID-19 RT-PCR test, all travellers will then be required to apply for a Bahamas Travel Health Visa at travel.gov.bs (click on the International Tab) where the required test must be uploaded. · Beginning November 14, all visitors will be required to opt in to mandatory COVID-19 health insurance when applying for their Health Visa. o The insurance will cover travellers for the duration of their stay in The Bahamas. · A fee for the visa will be dependent on length of stay (ranging from $40-60 USD) and includes expenses for COVID Health Insurance and rapid antigen testing as appropriate. o Children age ten (10) and under will be covered at no extra charge and are exempt from taking a rapid antigen test. (more on visa pricing above) · Upon Arrival o Rapid COVID-19 Antigen Testing (if applicable): all persons who are staying in The Bahamas longer than four (4) nights and five (5) days will be required to take a rapid COVID-19 antigen test. · All visitors departing on or before five days will not be required to obtain this test. · The rapid tests are easy, quick and will yield results in 60 minutes or less with results being provided electronically via SMS text message and email. · Many hotel properties will provide relevant information on testing arrangements, while others will facilitate the required rapid test for their guests. · All persons on yachts and other pleasure craft will be able to make arrangements for their required rapid tests at the port of entry or via the relevant website. · All other visitors, returning residents and citizens – those staying or returning to private residences or rental properties such as Airbnb – will be able to make arrangements for their required rapid tests at the port of entry or via the relevant website. o Any visitor who exhibits COVID symptoms upon arrival or at any time during their stay will be required to take a Rapid Antigen Test and receive a negative result before being permitted to continue with their vacation. · If a person tests positive they will be required to follow up with a COVID-19 RT-PCR swab test. Who has to take a rapid antigen test?
Where can I make arrangements to take a rapid test if I’m staying longer than four (4) nights and five (5) days?
How much does the rapid test cost?
How long until rapid test results are ready?
What if I have a positive result on my rapid antigen test?
How will the Ministry combat the risk of asymptomatic persons?
ON ISLAND EXPERIENCE: TOURISM PROTOCOLS Restaurants, Businesses and Attractions Are on-island businesses, restaurants and attractions operating normally?
What are the requirements for travellers who are staying on an island that has curfew or lockdown measures in place?
What is the status of beaches?
When do I have to wear a face mask?
Do I have to wear a face mask at the beach?
What if I don’t wear a face mask?
What is the “Clean & Pristine” Certification?
What are the safety measures in place for front line staff and those that work in the tourism industry at all points of entry?
What does this mean for Taxis and Independent Cars?
What does this mean for Hotels, Resorts and Vacation Rentals?
What does this mean for Restaurants, Food & Beverage Services?
What does this mean for Excursions, Tours, Local Attractions and Shopping?
What does this mean for Vessel and Ferry Operations?
Check for updates at: file:///C:/Users/Basil/ |
Be the first to comment!