Shared Photo – Sunset at Palmetto, FL
A beautiful sunset shot by Cruisers Net Team member, Winston Fowler.
Some kind of sunset last night in Palmetto, FL Winston Fowler
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Interesting Strategy When Your Vessel Is Being Boarded by Law Enforcement Personnel
Claiborne,
I tried this and it worked.
Took about fifteen minutes of discussion, but the officer, after making three phone calls, said he was not authorized to sign any document. He wished me a “good day” and left.
Captain Robert Lucas
S/V Aquitaine
Bradenton, FLVESSEL BOARDING AGREEMENT
The Fourth Amendment (Amendment IV) to the United States Constitution is the part of the Bill of Rights which guards against unreasonable searches and seizures, along with requiring any warrant to be judicially sanctioned and supported by probable cause, “The right of the people to be secure in their person, houses, papers, and effects, against unreasonable searches and seizures shall not be violated….”
Search and arrest should be limited in scope according to specific information supplied to the issuing court, usually by a law enforcement officer, who has sworn by it.
In Mapp v. Ohio, 367 U.S. 643 (1961), the Supreme Court ruled that the Fourth Amendment applies to the states by way of the Due Process Clause of the Fourteenth Amendment.
In Katz v. United States, 389 U.S. 347 (1967), the Supreme Court ruled that the amendment’s protections apply only when the searched party has a “reasonable expectation of privacy”.
The Supreme Court has also ruled that certain searches and seizures violated the Fourth Amendment even when a warrant was properly granted.
Oath of Boarding Officer:
I ______________________________, acting as an officer of _________________________
assert that I have probable cause to board the vessel _________________________________ for the following reasons:
___________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________
I accept responsibly, under law, that this boarding is necessary and does not violate the protections of the fourth amendment to the constitution of the United States of America and the statutes of the state of _______________________.
I waive all legal rights to defense of this boarding that the Captain of this vessel may raise under law.
_________________________________________, Boarding Officer
As agent of ________________________________
Boarding is:
Granted _______ , ________________________________ , Captain , Date :_______________
Denied ________ , ________________________________, Captain, Date: _______________
Fourth Amendment -Vessel Boarding Agreement
BRAVO! and bravo again! I always wondered just which bureaucrat or politician gave up our Fourth Amendment rights regarding unreasonable search. My guess is that printers are humming already (if you’ve got one aboard). I hope we can find some more results of this tactic!
Capt Mike
S/V Blue SkyeCaptain Lucas:
In checking the regs, I found:
Coast Guard may go aboard any United States vessel at any time, anywhere to conduct a documentation and safety inspection.
A search of a U.S. vessel beyond this type of inspection is subject to limitations under the United States Constitution. If a search extends beyond this narrowly defined scope, a court may be asked to evaluate the legality of the search by balancing the individual’s right to privacy in the specific circumstances of the search against society’s interest in detecting criminal conduct.
Captain WhitneyI printed it. We’ll see!
Kevin R. QuinnCertain officials have standing search warrants. The Coast Guard does indeed have a standing warrant for the purpose of determining the seaworthiness of a vessesl for the intended purpose(voyage). A fire fighting offical has a standing warrant to enter a building for the purpose of fighting a fiire and for rescue purposes. Why would we need to ask any official to sign anything? Just ask them for the warrant that they have!! If it is a standing warrant, they must still provide proof. If they do not have a court approved warrant, deny the boarding!
Thomas P. SangstonBe the first to comment!
Reminder: Cruisers Net’s Problem Stretch Listings by State
Our thanks to Jim Healy for reminding AGLCA’s Forum readers about AIWC trouble spots and let us remind you about Cruisers Net’s easy to research, state by state and region by region listing of Problem Stretches from North Carolina to Florida. Open ink below for Hell Gate Problem Stretch in which dredging was completed on October 1, 2019.
There are several “Hell Gates” around (Maine, New York, Georgia), but the one this post refers to is at MM600 in Georgia, between the Ogeechee and Vernon Rivers. “Heading north to Savannah…” from – let’s say – Florida, you will have to pass through Georgia’s version of Hell Gate.”
The tides in that part of the East Coast run to 8 feet or so; there are SEVERAL known ICW trouble spots in that region that become issues at low tide and especially at celestial low tides. You WILL want to know about them. Altamaha Sound, The Little Mud River, Hell Gate and Elba Cut all come to mind. Start with Tom Hale’s great information at Sail Magazine (https://www.sailfeed.com/2019/09/icw-observations-updates-september-2019/). Join the Facebook Group run by Bob Sherer (Bob423) called ICW Cruising Guide. Facebook is so hard to use and get meaningful information from quickly that you might be better off with Bob’s website first, at Fleetwing.blogspot.com. These two guys are actively cruising the ICW seasonally, so their information is both timely and current.
If you don’t have Aqua Maps Master for a cell phone of tablet, get it. The Master add-on gives you US Army Corps of Engineers sounding information that is highly useful.
You don’t say where you’re starting, but there are several historic trouble spots in North Florida, too. READ UP ON THE ICW BEFORE YOU GO, or make sure your towing insurance is paid up… (OK. That was stupid… I lost track of the subject line. But if you’re familiar with Jekyll Creek – and the history thereof – you should understand the words “ICW Trouble Spots” all too well…)
Click Here To View the Cruisers’ Net’s AICW Problem Stretches Listing For Hell GateClick Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To This AICW Problem StretchBe the first to comment!
Longboat Key Club Moorings Honored by Condé Nast, GICW Statute Mile 77.5, Sarasota, FL
Longboat Key Club Moorings, A CRUISERS NET SPONSOR, is located on the western shores of Sarasota Bay, north of the city of Sarasota and south of Longboat Pass.
The Resort at Longboat Key Club Voted in Condé Nast Traveler Readers’ Choice Awards
TOP 30 RESORTS IN FLORIDAClick here for Pop the Cork, We Won!
Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of Longboat Key Club Moorings
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Bahamas Chatter: “Update from Bahamas Government” plus 2 more
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 from Bahamas Government” plus 2 more
Update from Bahamas Government Posted: 14 Oct 2019 09:36 AM PDT
Press Release
PM Minnis opens debate on amendments to Disaster Preparedness and Response Act
Date: October 10, 2019 The Ministry of Disaster Preparedness, Management and Reconstruction is in the process of deploying temporary housing for government employees on Abaco, Prime Minister the Most Hon. Dr. Hubert Minnis announced in the House of Assembly on Wednesday in his second communication on Hurricane Dorian response and recovery efforts.
The Prime Minister said 100 RV trailers will accommodate 300 critical government personnel, who will play an essential role in reconstruction and recovery. A protocol is being determined for the relocation of individuals back to Abaco.
A land site next to the Spring City subdivision on Abaco is also being prepared to create the Family Relief Centre, which will serve as temporary housing accommodations for families affected by Hurricane Dorian.
The Family Relief Centre will comprise 250 dome structures that will include plumbing, drainage, a sewer system and electricity. Each dome can accommodate four to five people. The estimated cost for this facility is $6.4 million.
Land is being prepared and trenching will begin this week. Materials for the infrastructure work are scheduled to arrive on Abaco next week, said Prime Minister Minnis.
“The response to Hurricane Dorian is a comprehensive and global effort led and coordinated by the Government of The Bahamas,” said the Prime Minister. “The full resources of the Government are being deployed.”
Another essential part of the recovery and rebuilding effort is the relocation of schoolchildren, teachers and other education personnel, said Prime Minister Minnis.
So far approximately 1,400 students have been registered and the Ministry of Education is in the process of tracking down the balance of the 2,500 students who were registered at schools in Abaco before Dorian struck The Bahamas.
Some of these students are in other Family Islands, reported the Prime Minister. Some are in private schools. Some went directly to government-operated schools in New Providence, and did not come through the Thomas A. Robinson Stadium for registration as requested.
Approximately 300 students remained in Abaco, not all of whom are in schools, and some students have traveled to the United States.
“We know also that 50 students are at schools in Andros, and that more than 150 are being accommodated on Eleuthera,” said Prime Minister Minnis.
“Tragically, it is also likely that there are some school children among the persons still not accounted for in Abaco.”
In East Grand Bahama, four schools sustained significant damage, and will require extensive repairs, which will require an extensive amount of time. There was also major damage in Central Abaco.
There were some schools which sustained substantial damage but have since been repaired enough to accommodate students and have been brought up to standard to receive students for classes for half of the school day, said the Prime Minister.
Five schools in northern and southern Abaco are open but are operating on reduced hours as a result of self-help efforts from teachers and community members.
Counselling sessions, led by staff of the Employee Assistance Programme, in conjunction with the Bahamas Psychological Services were also carried out, the Prime Minister reported.
The Ministry of Education is awaiting advice from the Ministry of Works on the Scopes of Work and costings submitted by Education for the 16 schools needed to be repaired on Grand Bahama.
The estimation thus far is the Ministry of Education’s Hurricane Dorian relief budget will come in at approximately $20 million.
Spanish Cay Update 11/14/19 Posted: 14 Oct 2019 06:51 AM PDT
at the moment, we have one dock fully functioning that can probably accommodate a 100′ boat and probably 12-14 boats from 20′ to 70 ‘ with water and electric.Probably in the next month or two, our rooms will all be available to rent as well. We already have 5 or 6 rooms that are ready to rent.The restaurant and the bar, as well as the pool are all open. Of course ,we have a limited menu at the moment.Suzanne CloutierFelix Johnson cell :242-816-4998Suzanne Cloutier cell: 242-807-0317
Spanish Cay Cay Resorts Ltd “It’s Better in The Bahamas”
Bahamas (242) 365-0083 Florida (954) 213-6195 www.spanishcay.comMarsh Harbour Update 10/14/19 Posted: 14 Oct 2019 06:36 AM PDT
From owner of Harbour View Marina, Marsh Harbour:Everything was completely destroyed. Our goals for this coming year are as follows.1. Get Wally’s reopened since the building survived.
2. Rebuild the docks.3. Have Blue Wave Rentals operational for the spring and summer season.4. A temporary office for the Marina and Blue Wave Rentals is already on the island.5. A long term plan for the rebuilding of the Marina buildings is being developed.Don’t know what the future holds but we are committed to rebuilding better than ever.Regards,Troy Cornea, Harbour View Marina1 Facebook Likes, 1 Facebook Reactions
Comments from Cruisers (1)
- Reply to Joseph
Great news, Troy. Can't wait to get back over there.
Regards,
Joe Nekola
Formally 'Sea Pearl', currently 'Salty Dawg'.
-
Doing the Okeechobee Canal and Lake Okeechobee
Our thanks to Skipper Gene Faatz for sharing his experience crossing south Florida via the Okeechobee Canal and Lake Okeechobee.
As we all know it might be a little early to put boat back in the water after 5 months of high and dry storage with hurricane season not ending for a while yet but I have confidence that we will be safe here in South Florida. We departed River Forest Yachting Center LaBelle on Friday Oct. 11 for a 4 1/2 hr. trip eastbound in the Caloosahatchee Canal to cross Lake Okeechobee and the St. Lucie Canal with our final destination on the north fork of the St. Lucie River in Palm City. It was quite breezy with 10 to 15 kt. winds out of the N/NE but very warm. We only got to the Moorehaven railroad bridge for our first delay of about 20 minutes do to work on the tracks but locked through the Moorehaven Lock without any further delay. Reached Lake O without any issues and found the water depth to be the deepest I have seen in a long time do the lake level over 13 ft. and the wind blowing the water to the south end, min depth anywhere in the channel and lake was over 8 ft. The lake was rather bumpy with 2-3 ft. and an occasional 4 just for fun. Port Mayaca Lock was actually locking through with a 6 inch drop [ new lockmaster training]. Prior to arriving at the St. Lucie we were pleasantly surprised to pass the John F. Kennedy Presidential Yacht “Honey Fitz” moored on the canal. We missed the St Lucie lock by a few minutes so had to wait for westbound vessel to come through, about a 25 minute delay . Arrived safely home after another successful lake crossing.
St. Jucie Lock, but not Gene Faatz’s boat.
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Bahamas Chatter: “Update Little Harbour, Abaco” plus 1 more
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 Little Harbour, Abaco” plus 1 moreUpdate Little Harbour, Abaco Posted: 12 Oct 2019 11:35 AM PDT
We’re okay here in Little Harbour. Being 10 miles south of the eye really spared us the devastation in Marsh Harbour and the cays. We have minor roof damage.
We’ve been putting out updates since the storm. Check our website at petespubandgallery.comPete’s Pub Staff still needs our help.
90% of the staff have been displaced, mostly to Nassau. Most of them had to flee their home with children in the middle of the storm. All staff are now accounted for and safe for the time being.
Now, they are either in shelters, staying with family or trying to rent and start over.
We have a multi-pronged purpose to our goal. We want them safe and secure and home as soon as possible. This includes helping to fund their current room and board, finding stable housing, schooling for their kids and ultimately securing housing for them on Abaco.
We are asking for your help. If you cannot attend , please contribute what you can and thank you for your generosity.thank you,
Heather Moore JohnstonLittle Harbour, Abaco, BahamasPete’s Pub & Gallery242-577-5487Abaco Update 11/11/19 Posted: 12 Oct 2019 11:14 AM PDT
This is the current information we have for the Abacos following the unprecedented devastation of Hurricane Dorian. Please feel free to comment with new information. The picture is ever-changing with steps being taken to begin the rebuilding of lives and structures. We are awaiting email reports from all the marinas in the Abacos and will post new info when we get it. The same with Grand Bahama. No news from there yet.
The numbers are staggering in the Abacos: With only 54 identified as deceased, there are still 1,300 people missing and 70,000 displaced. Many bodies are beyond identification. 70% of the islanders have lost their homes and most businesses suffered catastrophic loss.
FERRY SERVICE
One BOLO ferry survived at Green Turtle Cay. The others were damaged or sunk. HopeTown, Man-o-War and Guana Cay ferries were damaged or sunk. None currently operational.
SPANISH CAY
Spanish Cay is selling fuel. No other update available.
GREEN TURTLE CAY
The GREEN TURTLE CLUB is partially open. They have dockage and fuel but no water or electricity at the dock. Cash is required since without electricity and Internet, the Club can’t process credit cards. The channel into White Sound is clear of debris. The Club expects to be fully operational with food and beverages, rooms, villas, dockage, fuel, water, chandlery, and gift shop by March 1, 2020.
BRENDAL’S DIVE SHOP is recovering and opening soon.
McINTOSH’S is serving food.
PHONE: ALIV cell phones are working and can be used as hotspots for Internet service.
BLUFF HOUSE sustained major destruction to the docks and buildings. There are no docks, no services there at the present time.
The same with the OTHER SHORE CLUB in Black Sound. Their main dock from the land is partially secured, but the outer pier with fuel and dockage is destroyed, so there is no way to get ashore and no facilities there.
LEEWARD YACHT CLUB had damage to its building and part of the piers. Boats were sunk there. No services are available.
ABACO YACHT SERVICES had many long-term storage boats fall off cradles and suffer damage.
Construction has already begun to restore homes and businesses and clear endless piles of debris. There is no water or electricity in the town. Some people have their own generators. Relief efforts continue with locals and outside volunteers coming in to help with construction, food, medical care, etc. The school miraculously survived as a shelter for the entire town until after the hurricane passed. The road that extends the length of the cay is open. Freight boats have been coming in with supplies and construction crews. A BobCat loader was donated to help fill the dump trucks with massive piles of debris. Watermakers has come in to help with supplying bottled drinking water for the islanders and construction crews. Also crews have set up a kitchen for workers with basic meals.
BAKERS BAY
Many houses were destroyed but the marina fared better than most in the area with docks mostly intact.
TREASURE CAY
Many boats were sunk at the marina. The fuel dock is gone but we understand that they are somehow selling fuel.
HOPETOWN
See earlier letter from Lighthouse Marina concerning the extent of damages. The entire inner harbour had many buildings completely wiped out, including the Harbour Lodge and Captain Jacks. We are awaiting a report from Hope Town Marina. Farther south on Elbow Cay, Sea Spray Marina and resort were leveled.
MARSH HARBOUR
Maxwell’s Supermarket & Home Store
We’re excited to announce we plan for a soft opening on Thursday, November 7th!!
The supermarket is now almost back to rights!
As shipping and delivery logistics are starting to improve, grocery orders have now been placed. We’re still waiting on a few more register computers and refrigeration parts which we should receive by next week.
In an effort to help restore commerce on Abaco, we’re also very pleased to announce that Commonwealth Bank will be opening a satellite branch within Maxwell’s.
Thank you for your continued support and we look forward to serving you again very soon!
Stay tuned for further updates
Maxwell’s
MARINAS
We are expecting to get first-hand reports from the five marinas in Marsh Harbour (Boat Harbour at Abaco Beach Resort, Conch Inn, Mangoes, Harbour View and Marsh Harbour Marina.) Basically, they were all greatly damaged and there are no services in MH at this time. It remains to be seen which will rebuild and reopen.
POWER PLANT
The electric power plant on Great Abaco is generating but the poles are all down. There is no electricity north of the plant, virtually north of Little Harbour.
VOLUNTEERS NEEDED
The US Coast Guard came in right away to evacuate the injured and those who had lost homes and all their possessions. Currently, there is much work to be done to rebuild the damaged and destroyed structures on all of these islands. The biggest issue is that volunteers need to be able to sustain themselves with food, water, lodging, electricity and any other supplies. There are no services or accommodations. Those with construction skills (and tools), who also provide their own place to stay such as a cruising boat, are the most helpful in these challenging circumstances. The islanders themselves can’t provide any accommodations for help. Many of them still don’t have roofs on their homes or a reliable source of food and water, not to mention electricity. Check the local websites for direction and information.
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Good Words for Cruisers Net from Jim Healy
As most of your know, Jim Healy is a regularly contributor to Cruisers Net, AGLCA’s Foum and other boating groups. His boating experience, technical expertise and clear writing style have made him a valuable source of nautical information. Cruisers Net is grateful for these words of support for our website and for his years of sharing with our readers.
If you don’t already, find and follow the Salty Southeast Cruiser’s Net (SSECN) (www.cruisersnet.net). It’s the group founded by the late Claiborne Young. They are a great resource for cruising the SE US Coast. One of the greatest things is the ability to search for this kind of thing. Yes, they only cover Virginia through Florida. But, they have been at this a long time, and their archives are very complete.
Jim Healy4 Facebook Likes, 4 Facebook Reactions
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Wine + Beach = Paradise, Longboat Key Club Moorings, GICW Statute Mile 77.5, Sarasota, FL
Longboat Key Club Moorings, A CRUISERS NET SPONSOR, is located on the western shores of Sarasota Bay, north of the city of Sarasota and south of Longboat Pass.
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LOCAL 941.383.8821 RESERVATIONS 855.314.3803
Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of Longboat Key Club Moorings
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Automated External Defibrillator for Bahamas National Trust, Donations Requested
If you prefer that your donations go to a very specific cause, here is an opportunity to assist with the purchase of life saving equipment for the citizens of the hurricane ravaged Bahamas.
Anthony Pozun
127 Deer Lake Dr
North Babylon NY 11703Larry Dorminy
Cruisers NetDear Larry,
I am sailing to Bahamas in January 2020. My travel is for humanitarian purposes, that of assisting the Bahamas National Trust by teaching Cardiac Pulmonary Resuscitation (CPR), first aid and other medical skills to their Bahamas Defense Force personnel. The National Trust is involved in rescue operations to islands destroyed by Hurricane Dorian. There is absolutely no cost charged for my services.
Most Defense Force members have little or no training in CPR or first aid. In fact, the unit I am training does not even have an AED (Automated External Defibrillator). As the attached letter states, the Bahamas National Trust is a non-government agency dependent on charitable donations. In this regard I am asking for a donation of monies to purchase an AED to be donated to the land and sea park. The land and sea park is visited by thousands of cruisers each year and the AED would be a life saving device.
I am a registered professional nurse in NY, as well as a certified American Heart association Basic Life Support instructor in CPR, AED and medical first aid. I have been instructing police and civilian personnel for more than 45 years in CPR, first aid and other subjects. I have a small company that specializes in teaching CPR and other various medical subjects.
I have attached all certifications and letter from the Bahamas National trust to show my intentions. I have been travelling to the Bahamas by private boat for the last 10 years and have conducted such training to many volunteer Fire Departments and Defense force personnel.
I leave by my private boat Oct 27, 2019. If possible, I would need the AED before then. God bless you and thank you for whatever you may decide to donate. Donations may be sent to Anthony Pozun, 127 Deer Lake Dr, North Babylon NY 11703. All donations go to purchase an AED for the park. Your assistance is greatly appreciated. Thank you sincerely.
Anthony Pozun
127 Deer Lake Dr
North Babylon NY 11703Mobile 516 978 4116
btpozun@optonline.netCertification Letter from Bahamas National Trust
Registered Professional Nurse Certification
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