The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) is unveiling its new 2020 manatee and sea turtle decals.
Show support for manatee and sea turtle conservation with new decals from the FWC
Historian Kevin Duffus writes in the first part of his Crossing The Threshold of History series about the 1585 circumnavigation of Pamlico Sound by the English to create a map of the estuary and a visual record of those who lived there. .
The 1585 Circumnavigation of Pamlico Sound
Coastal Review Online
This bascule FEC RR bridge crosses the Waterway west of Jupiter Inlet.
FLORIDA – EAST COAST – BETHEL SHOAL TO JUPITER INLET – LOXAHATCHEE RIVER FLORIDA EAST COAST RAILROAD
BRIDGE: Bridge Replacement
Scott Bridge Company Inc., acting on behalf of the bridge owner Florida East Coast (FEC) Railway, will be replacing the Loxahatchee River Railroad Bridge. The replacement of the FEC RR Bridge across the Loxahatchee River is expected to commence late July 2020. To facilitate launching barges, a temporary access bridge will constructed on the northwest corner of the RR Bridge. The access bridge may extend slightly into the northern edge of the channel. The contractor will perform the bridge/trestle replacement from an 80’ x 80’ spud/crane barge and 85’ x 140’ catamaran/crane barge. All in-water equipment shall be properly lighted. At no time will the entire waterway be closed to navigation without prior Coast Guard approval. Anticipate future waterway restrictions and/or closures. If you have any questions regarding the waterway, please contact USCG Sector Miami Waterways Division at (305) 535-4317, email D07-PFSECMIAMI-MARINE-PERMITS@USCG.MIL
UPDATE
From July 13, 2020 through August 3, 2020, the contractor will be conducting soil borings on the west side of the bridge from two spud barges. No work will be performed in the channel and equipment will be properly lighted.
Ref: LNM 27-20 Chart: 11474
This artificial reef is on the northwest shore of Jekyll Island, just east of the Waterway and north of the Waterway’s turn into Jekyll Creek. Advise staying well west of ICW lighted buoys 21 and 1.
GEORGIA – ST. SIMONS SOUND: Inshore Artificial Reef deployment
Georgia Department of Natural Resources (GADNR) intends to deploy 120 concrete oyster balls and 10 fish aggregating devices (FADs) at Henry Vassa Cate Reef. Oyster balls are prefabricated concrete structures that weigh 50 lbs each and FADs consist of a concrete base and PVC tines.The Henry Vassa Cate Inshore Artificial Reef site footprint (3.67 acres) is located along the northwest area of Jekyll Island, St. Simons Sound, Glynn County in the vicinity of 31-06-13.680N/81-25-30.660W (31°6.2280N / 081°25.5110W, 31.103800 / -81.425183) . Deployment dates are weather dependent and subject to change, but is anticipated to
occur between July 9 -16, 2020. (0°16.0000N / 2020°0.0000W, 0.266667 / -2020.000000) For further information, contact GADNR Habitat Unit, Cameron Brinton at (912) 280-6926 or cameron.brinton@dnr.ga.gov. Chart 11506 LNM 27/20
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 Customs Check-out Fee
New Customs Check-out Fee
Posted: 08 Jul 2020 11:37 AM PDT
By NEIL HARTNELL
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Tribune Business Editor
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nhartnell@tribunemedia.net
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New Customs “check-out” processes have created “another obstacle to encourage boaters not to visit”, the Association of Bahamas Marinas (ABM) chief blasted yesterday.
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Peter Maury told Tribune Business he had already received complaints from visiting boats and yachts after Customs implemented regulatory changes mandating that all vessels departing The Bahamas first obtain a “certificate of clearance” from the agency.
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The ABM president, arguing that it created further unnecessary red tape and bureaucracy, also challenged why Customs was imposing fees on exiting boaters for this certificate and associated vessel inspections when this was not provided for in the Customs Management (Amendment) Regulations 2020.
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Lamenting the government’s failure to consult the private sector, Mr Maury questioned whether the new procedure would aid The Bahamas’ battle against drug and firearms trafficking plus illegal fisheries poaching given that criminals were unlikely to willingly present themselves to Customs before departing this nation’s waters.
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He argued that The Bahamas was effectively “penalising the law abiding and failing to catch the lawbreakers” through a procedure that took effect from July 1, which was just before the US Independence holiday weekend that is traditionally one of the busiest times for local marinas.
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Marlon Johnson, the Ministry of Finance’s acting financial secretary, told this newspaper that the “certificate of clearance” was designed to ensure all pleasure craft entering The Bahamas’ waters paid due cruising permit fees.
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Given that these are based on the time a vessel remains here, he argued that the procedure – passed by the House of Assembly as part of the recent budget debate – would enable the government to accurately determine and levy the appropriate fee.
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Mr Maury, meanwhile, said Bahamian marinas over the weekend generally appeared to have received “50-60 percent” of the US Independence holiday business volumes generated pre-COVID-19.
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While acknowledging that “it’s by no means going to save the country”, the association president added that “at least it’s better than zero” – which was what the sector and entire country had to endure at the peak of the COVID-19 lockdown.
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While marinas will “not take profits to the bank”, Mr Maury said the weekend’s performance had been enough to suggest The Bahamas may enjoy an extended summer season (hurricane depending) with marinas able to earn sufficient to meet their obligations and stay in business until the peak season resumes in late November.
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Although “the flow of traffic has been good”, Mr Maury told Tribune Business: “We had a lot of complaints about the about the new Customs policies. Customs wants the boats to check-out with them to see if they have illegal ammunition and under-sized fish on board.
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“My point to the Customs officer was: ‘I’ve been alive for 50 years, The Bahamas has been here for 400 years. How many people have checked out with you with drugs, illegal crawfish, ammunition and alcohol on board?’ The answer was: None.
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“It’s not supposed to be a fee, but it’s a way for Customs to get money from them [boaters]. This is just another obstacle to encourage boaters not to come to our country. Stupid,” he added.
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“They don’t consult with the private sector. We have the answer under the ABM through the entry portal that they fill out, and Customs can get all that information, but they have to come back and check out with Customs. It’s another way for Customs to bill them.”
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Mr Maury said he “already has boats being charged” a fee for the certificate of clearance, and added: “It’s happening now. One officer said they’re not going to inspect the boat for free. It’s amazing.
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“I asked them what’s the point, and they said it’s to watch out for things like illegal guns, ammunition and fish. I said: ‘You really think the guys poaching are going to be checking in with you?’
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“They’re penalising the people that are not breaking the law but are not catching those who are breaking the law. We’re making the law-abiding come in, check in and pay more. That is going to cause them to go to the Caribbean and other countries that are welcoming them instead of us,” the Association president continued.
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“Our slogan should be: Welcome to The Bahamas; we’ll make your life horrible’. That’s Customs’ way to solve the country’s ammunition and border problems. They’re going to bill Customs fees, get overtime and do whatever else they do. People have already had to pay but it doesn’t say anything about fees.
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“I asked an officer why he was charging them when no fee is mentioned. He replied that it was free for locals only. When I asked how much non-Bahamians pay, they replied that it depends on the officer.”
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The Customs Management Act’s newly-altered regulations mandate that boats entering The Bahamas on a temporary cruising permit “shall not depart” without the vessel applying to Customs for a “certificate of clearance”. Failing to comply can result in a maximum $5,000 fine upon conviction.
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The vessel is required to declare any firearms and ammunition present, along with all imported goods and the duty paid on them. Details on the boat are also required.
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Mr Johnson said Customs “has full rights” to board and inspect any vessel in Bahamian waters, and added: “The legislation was updated to require persons leaving The Bahamas to report when they do so. It requires a vessel to clear The Bahamas on departure and apply for a certificate of clearance.
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“I know one of the reasons for this is that the pleasure craft fee depends on time spent in The Bahamas. For us to adjudicate that properly, and keep track of their movements, they need to declare that and bring it up with Customs.”
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Mr Johnson said he was unaware of any fee being charged, adding that the implementation and operational details were left to Customs. Dr Geanine Moss, the Customs comptroller, did not return this newspaper’s e-mail seeking comment before press time last night.
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Mr Maury, meanwhile, said the marina industry had been sufficiently encouraged by the US Independence weekend to believe it can ride out the remainder of 2020 even though many boats came in briefly to pick up guests and provisions before heading out to sea.
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“It wasn’t massive; we might have been at 50-60 percent for most marinas. At least is was half of what it was in previous years,” he told Tribune Business. “It’s by no means going to save the country but in the same instance it’s nice that there’s some business happening.
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“It makes you feel better after three months of nothing. It’s not near where we’ve been in past years, but at least it’s better than zero. If the weather stays good and we have no hurricanes, the season could extend into some of the hurricane months, which is badly needed.
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“This sure means we can keep our heads above water; we have a good chance of that. We’re not going to bank anything or take profits to the bank, but we will be able to pay our utility bills, bank bills and employee bills and ride through.”
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Mr Maury voiced optimism that The Bahamas’ boating market will gain more confidence to travel if the country stays storm-free and avoids any resurgence of COVID-19 infections.
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Acknowledging that the surge in new Florida cases was “alarming”, he added: “I’m hoping we keep our borders open and protocols in place. If there’s a steady flow for the next couple of months I think we’ll be OK until the end of the year.”
This missing ICW light is on the east side of the Waterway just north of Wrightsville Beach.
Bennett Brothers Yachts has joined their team with Off The Hook Yacht Sales to form a new venture, Off The Hook Yacht Services.
Bennett Brothers Yachts is now Off The Hook Yacht Services
This notice was posted as a comment from our friend Joe Valinoti of Oriental to an April LNM and it is re-posted here as a reminder. Oriental is home to longtime CRUISERS NET SPONSOR, Oriental Marina and Inn located on the eastern banks of inner Oriental Harbor. Whittaker Creek lies east of Oriental on the north shores of the Neuse River.
Be advised that Whittaker Creek Channel in Oriental, NC has been dredged to 7 – 8 feet as of last month and is not longer the problem it once was.
Joe Valinoti
Click Here To View the Cruisers’ Net’s North Carolina Marina Directory Listing For Oriental Marina
Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of Oriental Marina
For cruisers wanting to explore the AICW Scenic Route, no duck weed is good news! Floating duck weed masses, which can clog engine cooling, are the result of a normal small petal plant, which because of heat, nutrients, and no exposure to brackish water, will often proliferate. The Dismal Swamp Canal Welcome Center is located adjacent to the Dismal Swamp State Park, offering trails, exhibits and ongoing programs in Camden County, NC. Docks are provided by the Dismal Swamp Canal Welcome Center, A CRUISERS NET SPONSOR and a NC DOT Rest Area facility.
Dismal Swamp Welcome Center reports NO duck weed in the Dismal Swamp Canal.
Donna Stewart
Director
Duck weed floats in years past
Our thanks to Ben and Brenda Sanderson and Rob and Marg Webb for their nice comments on AGLCA’s Forum about NC waters where several of CRUISERS NET SPONSORS are located, including Dismal Swamp Welcome Center, Belhaven, Washington and Edenton. These fun stops are four of those “stop and smell the roses” situations.
Just off the beaten loop path lies many great places. So many loopers doing the loop in a single year miss these places. For instance, the Albemarle Sound and accompanying Albemarle loop. Almost everyone stops in Belhaven, NC but few take a day to cruise up to Bath and ‘Little Washington”. Washington is a great stop. This town welcomes boaters and has waterfront festivals (non-Covid 19 years) almost every other weekend as well as an educational estuarium center. The list goes on and on for places off the direct path.
Those taking the Dismal Swamp please stop in Edenton. Take a walk through the neighborhood of fine victorian homes. So peaceful. Don’t spread the word too much but the town dock is free for the first two nights and they usually give out a welcome bag. These small towns want us to visit.
Ben & Brenda Sanderson
M/V ‘Last Chance’
44′ Valor Marine
Just to reinforce the good comments about the Dismal Swamp Route, we just completed it 2 days ago. It is truly fantastic – peaceful, calm water, lush greenery so close you can touch it [sometimes too close], only spoiled by the sounds of traffic for the first few miles at the South end.
Click Here To Open A Chart View Window Zoomed To the Location of Edenton Harbor City Docks
Click Here To View the VA to NC Cruisers Net Marina Directory Listing For Belhaven, NC
Click Here To Open A Chart View Window Zoomed To the Location of Belhaven, NC
Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of the Washington City Docks
We are so glad you were able to come our way. This is a beautiful waterway, and at this time of year Swamp Roses and Honeysuckle also add a lovely fragrance as you travel through. Thank you for sharing your stories.
The passage of HB833 makes the GADNR Commissioner’s Anchorage Administration Order unnecessary and the Order has been rescinded effective July 1. More thanks to Save Georgia’s Anchorages.
The Commissioner has rescinded his AO from December.
This more than year long legislative battle for boaters’ rights, see Georgia Anchoring Legislation, could not not have been won without the dedicated and persistent efforts of the members of Save Georgia’s Anchorages, like James Newsome, Wally Moran and Ted Arisaka.
The new anchoring bill HB833 was signed by the governor on June 29 and is now law, effectively ending the draconian results of HB201. Thanks much to Cruisers Net for providing much needed support and publicity throughout the past 13 months.
James H Newsome
s/v CaiLeigh Anna – Coastal Cruising With Hugh & Suze
ICW Free Docks
Contributing Writer – Southwinds Magazine
The anchoring nightmare is over! HB833, written to replace the draconian HB201, was overwhelmingly passed by both chambers of the GA General Assembly and signed into law by Governor Kemp. It is now law!
http://www.legis.ga.gov/Legislation/en-US/display/20192020/HB/833
Ted Arisaka
Thanks much Cruisers Net and readers who took the time to contact GA officials. Your voices were heard and today we celebrate the signing of HB833 by the Governor. Thanks Rep Ron Stephens for championing this cause in the House of Representatives.
Bravo Gulfport! What every city should be doing!
Gulfport continues to be a leader in preventive measures to curb the spread of COVID-19. Gulfport is home to Gulfport Municipal Marina, A CRUISERS NET SPONSOR.
City of Gulfport
Our thanks to Michele Bennett of St Augustine Cruisers Net for this Facebook posting.
Another great idea from Florida to stop the spread of COVID-19. Free masks are also being given out in Pinellas County, see Free Face Masks.
They are being shipped out to almost 700,000 homes
Sun Sentinel
Gulfport continues to be a leader in preventive measures to curb the spread of COVID-19. Gulfport is home to Gulfport Municipal Marina, A CRUISERS NET SPONSOR.
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Charleston’s city council voted Thursday night to require people wear masks in public places beginning July 1. Enforcement will be difficult in a state that values individual freedom over community welfare.
Charleston votes to require masks as county leads SC in new coronavirus cases
AREA SPONSORING MARINAS!
Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of Charleston City Marina
Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of Charleston Harbor Marina
Click Here To View the South Carolina Cruisers Net Marina Directory Listing For Cooper River Marina
Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of Cooper River Marina
What makes the author believe that "enforcement will be difficult"? I think most citizens of SC will think it is no big deal to wear masks if only for the benefit of their neighbors
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: More Bahamas Updates 6/25/20
| More Bahamas Updates 6/25/20 Posted: 25 Jun 2020 04:15 AM PDT Below is a link with information on COVID Protocols for those wishing to enter The Bahamas June 15 – 30. NEAR BAHAMAS Abaco Beach Resort, Marsh Harbour Brent S. S. Ingraham TREASURE CAY Meantime the old marina is demo removed, we are doing seawall repairs and expect after the first of the year to build back minimum two docks for about 50 slips. We do have services like Florences Cafe, a mini mart and expect an ATM by December when power returns. NASSAU HARBOUR CLUB is currently open for domestic travelers and international yachters and those arriving on private planes. Nassau Harbour Club: Tel: 242-393-0772 EXUMAS The Kahari Resort on Stocking Island will open JULY 1ST, 2020. All rooms are ready to be booked. FAR BAHAMAS VALENTINES MARINA will be open July 1, observing COVID protocols. SPANISH WELLS YACHT HAVEN is currently open for domestic travelers and international yachters and those arriving on private planes. Tel: 242-333-4255 |
BoatUS believes that as the Ligado L-Band network is rolled out, instances of signal interference in ordinary GPS will increase.
Boat Owners Association of The United States
5323 Port Royal Road, Springfield, VA 22151
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
BoatUS Says FCC’s Message to Boaters and Those Relying on GPS:
‘Tough Luck’
Controversial order threatens reliability of hundreds of millions of GPS units
SPRINGFIELD, Va., June 25, 2020 – The nation’s largest advocacy, services and safety group for recreational boaters, Boat Owners Association of The United States (BoatUS), says an April 22 decision by the Federal Communications Commission to give mobile satellite services operator Ligado Networks, a private equity company, the green light to build and operate a land-based industrial 5G (fifth generation) wireless network will negatively impact the reliability of the nation’s Global Positioning System and harm boating safety.
Ligado’s slice of licensed “L-Band” spectrum designated for space-based navigation and communications is located near lower frequency bands used by hundreds of millions of GPS units used in public safety, health, government, transportation, military, commerce, agriculture and more. A founding member of the recently launched Keep GPS Working Coalition, BoatUS believes that as the Ligado network is rolled out, instances of signal interference will increase. This will give current GPS users no choice but to either purchase new GPS units or potentially suffer continued interference. The loss of a GPS signal at a critical moment is a significant safety concern for any vessel operator relying on this popular and widely used technology.
The coalition said that FCC’s decision disregarded mountains of evidence highlighting the interference issue, ignored established technical standards, relied only on limited studies with vague and impractical criteria to access interference, and was made during the COVID-19 pandemic when a final decision was circulated only among the five FCC commissioners as stakeholders were dealing with the health crisis.
The commission also ignored serious concerns from the federal government as well as agencies including the departments of Defense, Transportation, Commerce, Interior, Justice and Homeland Security, as well as NASA, the National Science Foundation, Federal Aviation Administration and U.S. Coast Guard.
“As a recreational boater, I must have a reliable navigation system,” said BoatUS Manager of Government Affairs David Kennedy. “With this decision, FCC is permitting one private company to upend the entire reliability of GPS. It’s unfathomable that the lone federal caretaker of our national radio spectrum shows such disregard, even after admitting there are cases where federal and private GPS users will suffer harmful interference. It’s a message that in essence says ‘tough luck’ – you are on your own.”
Boaters may remember Ligado’s former name, LightSquared. In 2010, FCC suspended consideration of its prior proposal to use its licensed spectrum for a 4G LTE network also citing unresolved concerns over radio spectrum interference with GPS, forcing the company into bankruptcy. In May of this year, Ligado announced $100 million in new funding from unnamed sources.
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