Author Archives: captnmike

Avoiding the Seattle Harbor Patrol’s Attention

Posted on May 14, 2013 by captnmike

Being stopped by the Harbor Patrol is one of those things very few people look forward to. To help avoid unwanted attention from the Seattle Harbor Patrol, they have produced a booklet covering Seattle area Regulations & Information for local … Continue reading →

Posted in Boating Safety, Safety Thoughts, Sailing and Boating Skills | Tagged , , , | 7 Comments

Don’t Drop the Cell-Phone

Posted on May 9, 2013 by captnmike

When I got my new smarter than I am Cell-Phone I was worried about dropping it overboard. The new phone did not have any attachment points like my previous Cell-Phone and was quite slick. Talking to the salesman he pointed … Continue reading →

Posted in Boating Safety | Tagged , | 2 Comments

Beating the Pumpout Station Blues

Posted on April 22, 2013 by captnmike

Going to the Pumpout station is one of those tasks that no boater seems to look forward to doing. The Washington Sea Grant Program has developed a new Free Pumpout Adapter Kit to help boaters avoid the dreaded “Brown Shower.” … Continue reading →

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

The U.S. Coast Guard Museum, Seattle, Washington

Posted on March 13, 2013 by captnmike

The original Alki Point Aid to Navigation Lantern from 1877,  on display at the U.S. Coast Guard Museum, located on the Coast Guard Base at Pier 36, just south of downtown Seattle near Safeco Field. The Lantern was lit and … Continue reading →

Posted in History, seattle | 5 Comments

Visiting Canada With Your Boat

Posted on February 10, 2013 by captnmike

Finding information about visiting Canada with a boat can be difficult even with the internet.  Here is information for Boaters and others visiting Canada.  This information is geared to boating because boaters have very specific safety and operator requirements when … Continue reading →

Posted in Boating Safety | Tagged , | 3 Comments

Free NOAA Charts!

Posted on February 2, 2013 by captnmike

NOAA  now has over 1,000 Free BookletCharts™ available for free  download in PDF format for printing  yourself.  BookletCharts™ are 8.5 by 11 inch reduced scale nautical  charts designed for recreational and small boats.  NOAA has been developing these charts that … Continue reading →

Posted in Boating Safety, Navigation | Tagged , , | 8 Comments

Posted on January 7, 2013 by captnmike

Originally posted on BoatSafe Blog:
New technology, better range and reliability can mean the difference between life and death. Story by USCG Petty Officer 1st Class John D. Miller Greg Arlotta’s voice turned grim as the boat beneath him slipped…

Posted in Boating Safety | 1 Comment

How not to launch your boat

Posted on January 6, 2013 by captnmike

A couple of videos sent to me on how not to launch a boat while underway. The first video shows not the way to launch a Fast Rescue Boat, they need some type of rescue boat after this fiasco.  Why … Continue reading →

Posted in Boating Safety | 4 Comments