Author Archives: captnmike

Correcting chart discrepancies at Alaska’s Whale Passage

Posted on July 25, 2014 by captnmike

by Ensign Sarah Chappel, NOAA Ship Rainier NOAA Ship Rainier recently surveyed Whale Passage, which separates Whale Island from Kodiak Island, Alaska. The area has never been surveyed with modern full bottom coverage methods, and some project areas were last…

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Making Spiral Pelican Hook Lanyards & Key Fobs

Posted on July 21, 2014 by captnmike

After I wrote the original article on Lanyards & Key Fobs, some friends saw the spiral version and wanted to know how to make the spiral key fobs. Making a Spiral Portuguese Sennit, key fob is not too difficult and the … Continue reading →

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Coast Survey improves access to data on thousands of wrecks and obstructions

Posted on July 8, 2014 by captnmike

Knowing the locations of shipwrecks and other obstructions has always been important for safe navigation ‒ but mariners are not the only people who want to know about wrecks. They are also important for marine archeology, recreational diving, salvage operations,…

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Round Turn and Two Half Hitches

Posted on July 5, 2014 by captnmike

A great Fender Knot is the Round Turn and Two Half Hitches, it is also a great all around knot for both using on a boat and at home. I find the Round Turn and Two Half Hitches just as … Continue reading →

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Towboat Hitch / Capstan Hitch – UPDATED

Posted on June 26, 2014 by captnmike

The Towboat Hitch or Capstan Hitch is a great knot or hitch to use when you need to tie a line to your winch or a post.  The Towboat Hitch or Capstan Hitch is quick and easy to tie, very … Continue reading →

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Pelican Hooks / Gate Hooks

Posted on June 23, 2014 by captnmike

The simple Pelican Hook / Gate Hook seems to befuddle many crew members (and a fair number of skippers also).   Here are some simple tips to take the mystery out of the Pelican Hook/ Gate Hook. Improper operation of the … Continue reading →

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21st Century ATON’s & Waterway Safety

Posted on June 11, 2014 by captnmike

Tuesday June 3, 2014 I attended the Future of Navigation Listening Session in Seattle. This was a chance for Puget Sound boaters to find out about recent Aids to Navigation changes and hear about changes on the way and for … Continue reading →

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Buntline Hitch

Posted on June 8, 2014 by captnmike

The Buntline Hitch is a very secure, but little known knot.  It’s history goes back to the age of sail when a knot was needed that would stay tied to the foot of the sails on Square-Rigged Ships with the … Continue reading →

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