Author Archives: captnmike

NOAA releases documentary on women’s service in the NOAA Corps

Posted on March 31, 2018

An interesting video by the NOAA Corps on the integrating of women onboard ships and airplanes starting in 1972 as told by many of the women that were there. NOAA has it’s roots from 1807 when Thomas Jefferson called for … Continue reading →

Posted in Boating Safety, History | Leave a comment

NOAA launches new Nautical Chart Catalog

Posted on October 27, 2017

Originally posted on NOAA COAST SURVEY:
With NOAA’s new Nautical Chart Catalog, users can readily access raster data and charting products in list format. The website serves as a complement to the Chart Locator by providing search capability for any…

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Repairing The Lower Boom Vang Mount

Posted on September 19, 2017

Last fall we were sailing along nicely on a medium wind day when we heard a loud bang, the bang got our attention but looking around we were not able to see anything wrong, shrouds and stays were fine and … Continue reading →

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

Avoiding The US Coast Guard Vessel Documentation Scam

Posted on September 8, 2017

There seems to be a bit of a scam going around with several companies offering to “help” you renew your USCG Vessel Documentation, the catch?  The help will cost you several times the normal cost $ 26.00  the US Coast … Continue reading →

Posted in Boating Safety | Tagged | 3 Comments

NOAA helps ports recover from Hurricane Harvey

Posted on September 1, 2017

Originally posted on NOAA COAST SURVEY:
Hurricane Harvey is the first major hurricane of the 2017 Atlantic hurricane season. Harvey strengthened to a Category 4 reaching landfall along the Texas coast on Friday, August 25, at peak intensity. By the…

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It wasn’t just Jefferson. Congress initiated Coast Survey legislation, approved #OTD 210 years ago

Posted on February 10, 2017

Originally posted on NOAA COAST SURVEY:
On this date in 1807, President Thomas Jefferson approved an act to provide for surveying the coasts of the United States. NOAA has long honored Jefferson — but what of the legislators who saw the need,…

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Book Review: A History of Sailing in 100 Objects

Posted on December 29, 2016

Have you ever wondered about the history of sailing equipment that we use every time we go sailing? Well fear not, “A History of Sailing in 100 Objects” by Barry Pickthall will fill in some of the gaps, starting with … Continue reading →

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Building an Aids to Navigation Demonstration Display

Posted on December 11, 2016

This is an Aids To Navigation (ATON) display demonstration board I made, there are flashing LED’s to demonstrate selected ATON’s in the Elliot Bay area around Seattle Washington. There are 27 Aids represented from just south of the Alki Lighthouse … Continue reading →

Posted in Boating Safety, Navigation, Sailing and Boating Skills | Tagged , , , , , | 8 Comments