Cruisers' Net | Cruisers Helping Cruisers

Aug 29, 2019by: Larry Dorminy No Comments
Georgia’s DNR August Meeting, James H Newsome Reporting
Georgia’s HB201 which restricts anchoring in ICW waters raised many concerns among cruisers. Enter “Anchoring” in our Homepage Search window for the numerous reactions and reports concerning the legislation. Our thanks to James H Newsome for this latest report.
Georgia’s DNR board and committees met yesterday for their regularly scheduled August meeting. There was no action item in the Coastal Committee nor DNR full board pertaining to the Anchoring Rule. Interesting sidebar here is that “they” refer to it as the Liveaboard Rule. Grrrrrr!
The agenda did include an update from Coastal Division Director Doug Haymans.
“Coastal Committee – Tab C
Rob Leebern, Chair
Members: Jones, Vice Chair, Addison, Lowe, McWhorter, Shailendra, Thomaston, Yancey
a) Action on proposed amendments to the Coastal Incentive Grant Program Description, Chapter 391-2-5-.01
through 391-2-5-.16 (Doug Haymans, Director of the Coastal Resources Division)
b) Update on Live Aboard Rule, Results from Public Comment (Doug Haymans, Director of the Coastal Resources
Division) (No material in board package)”
This is consistent with what we were told at the stakeholders meeting on July 31. My notes from that meeting were, “Director Haymans will present the public comments to members of the DNR Board in August and anticipates that new version of the rules should be available in September or October. This will be followed another public comment period and a public meeting to be announced. DNR may adjust the final rules following this period based on public comments. The rules will then be submitted to the DNR board for approval and implementation will take place January 1, 2020.”
FYI, Save Georgia’s Anchorages members Jack White Bob Keller and James H. Newsome co-wrote a letter explaining our concerns about HB201 and mailed it to the home addresses of every member of GA’s DNR Board well ahead of yesterday’s meeting. We wanted to make absolutely sure that the Coastal Committee and other DNR board members are aware that there are many Georgia boaters and national organizations who believe that HB201 is a bad law and needs to be repealed or rewritten in the next session of the General Assembly.
We are hopeful that Director Haymans will respond favorably with the next version of the proposed rules. It is very apparent that DNR’s original plan for implementing the new anchoring rules has been altered by the strong public push back. We will continue to closely monitor the situation and advise members here of any new developments.
James H Newsome
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Aug 26, 2019by: Larry Dorminy No Comments
Wounded Nature-Working Veterans: “Doing Something about It!”
Wounded Nature-Working Veterans is a group of veterans, non-veterans and active duty military personnel run by Captain Rudy Socha, a former Marine turned conservationist. The non-profit volunteer organization is working to cleanup, preserve and protect our coastal environment, particularly from derelict vessels.
This past weekend, my wife and I had a chance to see their work in action. Armed with tools, power saws and chains, the group of volunteers were deconstructing several abandoned power vessels to remove toxic chemicals, fuel, electronics, etc. before shipping the remaining fiberglass and wood sections to a landfill. The work was nasty, dirty and loud, but the sense of accomplishment was clearly seen on the volunteers’ faces. This is a group that puts action where their words are!
These powerboats, while intact, had been towed to a local marina whose personnel donated their time and lift costs to place the vessels in this deconstruct area.
The work is hazardous and dirty, but the veteran volunteers had the equipment and know-how to complete the job.
After being cut into sections, all tankage, electronics and anything hazardous to the environment is removed and the remaining fiberglass, steel and wood is ready for the landfill.
Although the abandoned vessel may look good on its exterior, wood framing and wood superstructure rot over time when moisture is allowed to penetrate the fiberglass.

For more on this dedicated group and to volunteer your time, go to:
Click here for Wounded Nature Working Veterans
Facebook: wounded nature – working veterans
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Aug 25, 2019by: Larry Dorminy No Comments
Bahamas Chatter: Salt Cay Airport (TCI) Closed
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: Salt Cay Airport (TCI) Closed
Salt Cay Airport (TCI) Closed
Posted: 24 Aug 2019 07:18 AM PDT
Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands. Aug 2, 2019. InterCaribbean Airways wishes to advise travelers to and from Salt Cay of the closure of the airport for approx. 90 days effective from August 19th and ending on 17 November 2019.
During this period the Turks & Caicos Airport Authority is undertaking runway repairs and renovation requiring the closure of aircraft traffic. Based on the repairs timeline it is expected the work is to be concluded re-open of November 18, 2019.
There is a ferry service that is available for travel between Grand Turk and Salt Cay to enable sea access to the island.
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Aug 24, 2019by: Larry Dorminy No Comments

FWC: Lionfish: From Harvest to Table

How can something so ugly taste so good? Have you tried lionfish?

FWC Lionfish: From Harvest to Table

08/22/2019

Check out this new video by Voca Films for FWC’s Lionfish Control Team! This video highlights the process by which divers bring lionfish from sea to table. There are full length and 60 second versions of this video available on FWC’s YouTube and Vimeo channels through the links below:

Youtube.com/FWCSaltwaterFishing

Full: https://youtu.be/vfqIT69UHI0
Short: https://youtu.be/2z5akkHqiro

Download on Vimeo

Please feel free to share this video and help spread the word about lionfish!

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Aug 24, 2019by: Larry Dorminy 1 Comment
LNM: Coast Guard’s Top 5 Recommended Communication Devices
Good advice from the folks who know best!
Multimedia Release
U.S. Coast Guard 5th District Mid-Atlantic
Contact: 5th District Public Affairs
Office: (757) 398-6272
After Hours: (757) 434-7712
5th District online newsroom
Coast Guard’s top 5 recommended communication devices to take with you underway
Editor’s Note: Click on images to download high resolution version.
Going out on the water can be dangerous, especially if you don’t have the right equipment. If you do find yourself in trouble, being able to communicate that you need help can be a lifesaver—literally!
Here are the top five items the Coast Guard recommends you take with you on your boat so you can call for help if you need it.
1. VHF-FM marine radio: It’s the most versatile piece of comms equipment you can have! If you find yourself in distress, calling for help on the radio not only alerts the Coast Guard, but it also alerts all other vessels in your surrounding area who may be able to assist you. If you find yourself in distress, calling for help on the radio not only alerts the Coast Guard, but it also alerts all other vessels in your surrounding area who may be able to assist you. In addition to being able to call for help, it also allows you to receive important weather information, safety updates, and call bridges to request openings.
2. Emergency Position Indicating Radio Beacon: They let us know where you are via satellite!Emergency Position Indicating Radio Beacons can also tell the Coast Guard who the beacon is registered to and how to contact you! Register your beacon and verify your information here.
3. Air horn, whistle, or other approved sound-producing device: Sound producing devices work for day and night emergencies. The good thing about sound distress signals is that they’re good during any time of the day. Just like on a car or bicycle, boaters should always carry a sound signal to get the attention of other people on the area. For more information, click here.
4. Visual distress signals: To pyro or not to pyro? Nine of the sixteen internationally recognized distress signals are visual distress signals. Three are three pyrotechnic distress signals, and the other six are non-pyrotechnics. While visual distress signals can be extremely helpful when operating in a well-populated area, they should not be relied on as your only method of communicating distress. If you need to use a pyrotechnic distress signal, be sure to point the pyrotechnics in a safe direction, away from yourself and other people.
5. Cell phone: Not a primary, but a good back-up. While not reliable enough to be used on its own as an on-water communication device, it’s a good back-up in case your radio isn’t functional, you don’t have a radio, or you don’t know how to use one. The Coast Guard recommends mariners download the official Coast Guard Boating Safety App. One of the many features of the app allows mariners to place an emergency call to the U.S. Coast Guard or 911, and provides you with your current location to provide to emergency personnel over the phone.
-USCG-
   The CG List Server is a FedRAMP certified SaaS capability provided by CG6.
   For more information on CGLS
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Comments from Cruisers (1)

Glenn Tuttle - August 25, 2019 - 8:05 am

Being the Net Manager of International Boat Watch Network (Boatwatchnet.org), as well as the Net Manager of the Seven Seas Cruising association's HF Radio Service KPK, I am amazed the Garmin In-Reach nor the SPOT, both using satellite tracking technology, is not mentioned where a cell phone is. I respectfully think the USCG should re-visit their recommendations on the Top 5 Communications Devices.
Reply to Glenn
Aug 24, 2019by: Larry Dorminy No Comments 34.2549,-77.9489999
Now Sea Recovery Certified, Boat Shows, Kadey Krogen Hull Paint, Bennett Brothers Yachts and Cape Fear Marina, Wilmington, NC, Cape Fear River

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Bennett Brothers Yachts/Cape Fear Marina, A CRUISERS NET SPONSOR, is located on the eastern banks of the northeast Cape Fear River, just north of the Isabel Holmes – Highway 133 bascule bridge, and only a few steps from the downtown Wilmington waterfront.
Click here for Now Sea Recovery Certified, Boat Shows, Kadey Krogen Hull Paint
Click Here To View the North Carolina Cruiser’ Net’s Marina Directory Listing For Bennett Brothers Yachts/Cape Fear Marina
Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of Bennett Brothers Yachts/Cape Fear Marina
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Aug 23, 2019by: Larry Dorminy No Comments
Bahamas Chatter: Walker’s Cay
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: Walker’s Cay
Walker’s Cay
Posted: 22 Aug 2019 04:32 AM PDT
Good Morning,
My Name is Les and I work for the new owner of Walker’s Cay in The Bahamas. After 15 years of being unloved Walker’s is coming back. I was wondering if you could please add the Walkers Cay National Park to your next reprint of charts?
Walker’s Cay National Park
https://www.bahamas.com/vendor/walkers-cay-national-park
Thank you
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Aug 22, 2019by: Larry Dorminy No Comments
Bahamas Chatter: Bimini Power plant update
Explorer Chartbooks, A CRUISERS NET PARTNER, has long been the standard navigational supplement for enjoyable, informative, and safe cruising through the beautiful Bahamian waters and island visits.
Bimini Power plant update
Posted: 21 Aug 2019 03:33 AM PDT
We were back in Bimini over July 4th , there were no power interruptions at Big Game like last time on Memorial Day.
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Aug 21, 2019by: Larry Dorminy No Comments
Coming to the Bahamas? Join Royal Marsh Harbor Yacht Club, Abaco, Northern Bahamas
If you are headed for the Bahamas, don’t miss this invitation to link with the Royal Marsh Harbour Yacht Club, A CRUISERS NET SPONSOR!
Are you planning to cruise to the Bahamas this winter? If you answer yes, come spend the winter season in the Abacos with the Royal March Harbour Yacht Club. It’s an easy 60 mile crossing to Little Bahama Bank and then hundreds of miles of cruising amid protected islands and harbors with lots to explore.
Some of the benefits of joining Royal Marsh Harbour Yacht Club:
Affordable initiation fee and annual dues
Discounts at marinas throughout the Bahamas
Discounts at restaurants and stores, particularly in the Marsh Harbor area
Friendly boating community with fun activities
The best deal in the Bahamas!
To become a member – CLICK HERE!
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Aug 21, 2019by: Larry Dorminy No Comments 36.3873,-76.27049999
Fallen Tree and Obstruction, Statute Miles 37.6 and 40.8, Pasquatank River, AICW Alternate Route

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Fallen trees and debris are almost a daily occurrence in the waters of the Dismal Swamp Canal and in the Pasquatank River south of South Mills Lock at the southern end of the canal. The US Army Corp of Engineers is normally quick to clear any obstruction actually blocking navigation, but you should approach these two spots with caution in case the obstructions have not been cleared. Our thanks to Blades Robinson for this notice.
Great Dismal Swamp Canal [Pasquatank River] / MM 37.6 / Tree partially obstructing waterway
A pine tree has fallen and is obstructing 50% of the canal at MM 37.6 N 36*23.236 W 076*16.221
Great Dismal Swamp Canal [Pasquatank River] / MM 40.8 / Obstruction
There is a partially submerged piling or tree in the waterway near the Dismal Swamp MM 40.8. Mariners use caution.
Blades Robinson
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