Press "Enter" to skip to content

Posts tagged as “Vincent Pica”

Seamanship:Winterizing – Now or Later, It Has To Be Done

Usually, as soon as I write a column on de-commissioning the boat for the winter season, Indian Summer arrives to bathe us in the last warmth of the year. As of this writing, it seems like it has arrived – but no one needs much…

Lightning

If you have been boating more than 5 minutes, it is quite possible that you have left the dock under fair skies and come back being chased by the Wrath of God… And have you noticed the light shows we’ve getting from Mother Nature lately?…

Seamanship – If You See Something, Say Something…

On August 29, 2011, an American, WW-II USCG hero, largely forgotten by all but US Coast Guard Forces, passed away at 90 years old. This column celebrates him and what we still work for, even to this day. SabotageMost outeaster’s, as well as many other…

Seamanship – Fog!

I’ve been getting a fair amount of NOAA warnings about low-lying fog. No surprise with the generally mild winter we’ve had (I guess that means we’ll have a blizzard next week!) For those of a more scientific-bent, fog that forms when water is warmer than…

Seamanship – Calling for Help – Does the USCG Hear You?

On September 28, 2022, the USCG Office of Investigations & Analysis (CG-INV) released Marine Safety Advisory 01-22 titled, “Maritime Distress Communication Devices,” which is available on their Safety Alert internet site. In it, they detail what devices the USCG is listening to in real time,…

Seamanship – Cleanliness Is Next to Godliness

I am oft reminded of this expression and it goes back to Biblical days – when there were fewer people and even fewer boats. If each generation wants to hand over these creeks and bays to their children and grandkids in the condition that we…

Seamanship: Man Overboard!!

Not too long ago, a friend of mine fell overboard – while boarding a boat at the dock! Sound crazy? Not really – the “victim” wasn’t wearing proper shoes… he stepped on the gunwales and not into the boat… and the wake of a passing…

Seamanship -Help Is Coming -How Hard Will You Be To Find?

When I teach seamanship classes, I eventually get around to the fact that the sea is a dangerous and hostile place – but, if prepared, you can increase your odds dramatically if you view yourself as an astronaut on a far away planet. Help is…