Author Archives: captnmike

Why Don’t Ships Have Headlights?

Posted on July 7, 2022 by captnmike

Recently a friend sent me an interesting link to a video on Why Don’t Ships Have Headlights? I found the video interesting even though I teach this subject in boating safety classes, the videos author also has many other videos … Continue reading →

Posted in Boating Safety, Navigation, Safety Thoughts | Leave a comment

Puget Sound Lighthouses

Posted on April 28, 2022 by captnmike

This is a poster I made a while ago about 14 Lighthouses in the Puget Sound area. There is a short description and history of each Lighthouse along with a picture. This poster has been a popular viewing item at … Continue reading →

Posted in Boating Safety | Tagged , , | Leave a comment

Anchoring and Storm Tackle [Updated]

Posted on February 1, 2022 by captnmike

A friend recently sent me a link to a very interesting article on anchoring. Includes a ton of information about deep water and heavy weather anchoring, there are a ton of links for more information from types of anchors to … Continue reading →

Posted in Boating Safety | Leave a comment

Mike’s Quick Rope Whipping

Posted on December 6, 2021 by captnmike

Originally posted on Boating Safety Tips, Tricks & Thoughts from Captnmike:
Mike’s quick line whipping This is the quick and secure whipping I use to whip the ends on double braid line.  I have not seen this in any book. …

Posted in Boating Safety | Leave a comment

The Untold 9/11 Boat Lift or How They evacuated 500,000 People Safely Off Lower Manhattan Island in Eight Hours

Posted on September 10, 2021 by captnmike

This is the 20th Anniversary of September `11, 2001 when planes crashed in the World Trade Center, What is not known is how 500,000 people were taken off Lower Manhattan Island by a volunteer flotilla of boats that just showed … Continue reading →

Posted in Boating Safety | Leave a comment

NOAA Live from 1,250 Meters (4,100 feet) Below the Sea

Posted on July 11, 2021 by captnmike

NOAA is live streaming their exploration of the North Atlantic Stepping Stones: New England and Corner Rise Seamounts off the East Coast of the United States from June 30 through July 29, 2021. The live stream is open to anyone, … Continue reading →

Posted in Boating Safety | Tagged , | Leave a comment

The importance of making a good first impression when sailing

Posted on September 23, 2020 by captnmike

As all sailors soon figure out that proper style is a vital ingredient to sailing, here are two true tales of style from the archives. Making an unforgettable impression on your advance sailing instructor. Sometime back when I was just … Continue reading →

Posted in Boating Safety, History, Sailing and Boating Skills | Leave a comment

The Maritime Heroes of 9/11 Behind The 9/11 Boat Lift

Posted on September 17, 2020 by captnmike

As the tragedy of September 11, 2001 unfolded it quickly became apparent that getting 500,000 people off Lower Manhattan was a bit of an issue, Manhattan being an ISLAND with all roads, bridges and subways closed, this is the story … Continue reading →

Posted in Boating Safety, History | 7 Comments