Paper charts are on the way out. However, to be certified as 'paper-free' a ship needs to have to independent Electronic Charts systems and they must meet stringent requirements that are set internationally.
Being an old timer I appreciate the apparent simplicity of electronic charts and their ability to give a quick reference for position.
However, they cannot cover the same area as a paper chart because of the screen size, and the detail is not as evident (to me) and there is still a huge problem with viewing them at night as they are light-generating and will degrade your night vision. Give me a paper chart any day.
As with the dinosaurs I and my ilk will soon disappear and no one will know what a paper chart looked like, much as a dial phone causes strange looks when shown to a youngster.
On Board M/V Manitoulin
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RCRVRP
Re: On Board M/V Manitoulin
Are paper charts going to be obsolete soon and you will just use an online, continually up dated chart on a screen?
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hayhugh3
Re: On Board M/V Manitoulin
Chart corrections are changes to an existing chart such as an added/removed buoy, changes to depth in channel, etc. When there are enough changes a new chart will be published.
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Guest
Re: On Board M/V Manitoulin
Nov 16, 1200. Position 29.4 degrees north 072.8 degrees west
This is the Northest we have been since leaving China on October 1!
It's definitely cooling off now. AC in the wheelhouse is off, doors are open to air out
the old girl. We'll probably get two days of being able to open doors, then it will be time for the
heaters. Much like returning to Canada in mid-Feb after a lovely week in the tropics.
Brrr!
The Captain and mates are filling in and sending the myriad of paperwork required
to bring a ship into North America these days. It's an amazing amount of work to someone not
familiar with it. (That's Me) I can't imagine how overwhelming it must be to those
who do not have English as a first language. But, they do cope. It takes a great deal of
organization to keep on top of it all. Kudos to those who do.
Below: Paul "stands" his watch; about 6 AM.
Below: Sam the cadet doing chart corrections. Nowadays these come in by electronic means. This way you don't get months and months of chart corrections in the mail when you arrive at your next port.
This is the Northest we have been since leaving China on October 1!
It's definitely cooling off now. AC in the wheelhouse is off, doors are open to air out
the old girl. We'll probably get two days of being able to open doors, then it will be time for the
heaters. Much like returning to Canada in mid-Feb after a lovely week in the tropics.
Brrr!
The Captain and mates are filling in and sending the myriad of paperwork required
to bring a ship into North America these days. It's an amazing amount of work to someone not
familiar with it. (That's Me) I can't imagine how overwhelming it must be to those
who do not have English as a first language. But, they do cope. It takes a great deal of
organization to keep on top of it all. Kudos to those who do.
Below: Paul "stands" his watch; about 6 AM.
Below: Sam the cadet doing chart corrections. Nowadays these come in by electronic means. This way you don't get months and months of chart corrections in the mail when you arrive at your next port.
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Guest
Re: On Board M/V Manitoulin
Nov 15, 1200 position 24.4 degrees north 074.1 degree west. Somewhat east of southern Florida.
We are moving through the Bermuda Triangle!
Our barometric pressure has been steady for the last 5 weeks at about 1010 to 1012 mb. In the last 24 hours it has risen to 1020 mb, and the winds are a constant easterly about 20 knots.
The sea is a bit sloppy but not too uncomfortable yet. For me it's a two-cushion night.
Below: Two cushions slipped under the edge of the mattress to form a hollow which lessens the
effects of the ship rolling. The bunk is fore and aft so it is subject to rolling forces more than pitching forces.
Today was cloudy during my watches but yesterday was sunny and cloudy and moist.
Consequently we had a rainbow. If you look closely at the photo below you can see
a faint double-rainbow to the left of the main. Photo taken through a salt-encrusted
bridge window. Stepping outside would also deposit a fair amount of salt
onto your camera.
We are noticing a small change in the temperatures, too. Soon it will be time to
put away sandals, shorts and tee-shirts and dress for cooler weather. Here it is
still in the mid 20s but in Sept Iles of late the high has been about 5C and the low about 0C,
which is freezing.
But we are Canadians, except for our one Chinese, and we are tough. Arrgghh!
We are moving through the Bermuda Triangle!
Our barometric pressure has been steady for the last 5 weeks at about 1010 to 1012 mb. In the last 24 hours it has risen to 1020 mb, and the winds are a constant easterly about 20 knots.
The sea is a bit sloppy but not too uncomfortable yet. For me it's a two-cushion night.
Below: Two cushions slipped under the edge of the mattress to form a hollow which lessens the
effects of the ship rolling. The bunk is fore and aft so it is subject to rolling forces more than pitching forces.
Today was cloudy during my watches but yesterday was sunny and cloudy and moist.
Consequently we had a rainbow. If you look closely at the photo below you can see
a faint double-rainbow to the left of the main. Photo taken through a salt-encrusted
bridge window. Stepping outside would also deposit a fair amount of salt
onto your camera.
We are noticing a small change in the temperatures, too. Soon it will be time to
put away sandals, shorts and tee-shirts and dress for cooler weather. Here it is
still in the mid 20s but in Sept Iles of late the high has been about 5C and the low about 0C,
which is freezing.
But we are Canadians, except for our one Chinese, and we are tough. Arrgghh!
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Guest
Re: On Board M/V Manitoulin
1200 Nov 14 19.6n 074.2w
Windward Passage
A fair number of ships in this area. The west end of Hispaniola, part of Haiti, is quite mountainous and looked very bleak as we passed it this morning.
We also passed 5 miles off Navassa Island overnight. This is an uninhabited island that is claimed by Haiti but considered a US possession. It is overseen by the US Coast Guard. Many years back it was the source of rich guano and a US merchant trader claimed the island for the US, even though Haiti claimed it years before, and a guano harvesting facility was set up. Working conditions were terrible as you can imagine. The guano need was bypassed by technology and the island abandoned. It is now a preserve and has some of the best coral reefs in the Caribbean. These reefs are used as a benchmark on what reefs should be like.
Below are two photos taken from the wheelhouse top of the Manitoulin.
Windward Passage
A fair number of ships in this area. The west end of Hispaniola, part of Haiti, is quite mountainous and looked very bleak as we passed it this morning.
We also passed 5 miles off Navassa Island overnight. This is an uninhabited island that is claimed by Haiti but considered a US possession. It is overseen by the US Coast Guard. Many years back it was the source of rich guano and a US merchant trader claimed the island for the US, even though Haiti claimed it years before, and a guano harvesting facility was set up. Working conditions were terrible as you can imagine. The guano need was bypassed by technology and the island abandoned. It is now a preserve and has some of the best coral reefs in the Caribbean. These reefs are used as a benchmark on what reefs should be like.
Below are two photos taken from the wheelhouse top of the Manitoulin.
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Guest
Re: On Board M/V Manitoulin
I see on a few of the AIS tracking websites, they are presently due to be in Sept Isles, Quebec on or about November 21 or 22nd and will be loading iron ore pellets? Anyone hear or know where they may be taking that load to? I would assume it to be one of many either Hamilton, Nanticoke or possibly Toledo? If anyone knows as to where that ore load is going I would appreciate it. Thank You.
if they are loading iron ore in sept ilse I would think they would be going to Essar in the Sault
if they are loading iron ore in sept ilse I would think they would be going to Essar in the Sault
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William Lafferty
- Posts: 1563
- Joined: March 13, 2010, 10:51 am
Re: On Board M/V Manitoulin
Yep, the Veraguas I:I believe the tug is a Robert Allan design Zed-drive. Allan is from British Columbia but his designs work all around the world.
http://www.pancanal.com/eng/pr/press-re ... pr220.html
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Guest
Re: On Board M/V Manitoulin
We are approaching the strait between Haiti and Jamaica. Ya Mon!
The wind kicked up today, we had about 30 knots from the east. Fortunately there isn't too much fetch (distance upwind) for the wind to develop big swells or waves. So we are bobbing along, getting passed by just about everything afloat.
As with most lakers this ship flexes somewhat in the seaway. The bow goes one way while the stern goes the other. The end of the unloading boom waggles around doing its own dance. This is actually a good thing. If the ship was too stiff it would invite cracking.
This morning there was lots of seaweed floating in the area we passed through. Not Sargasso Sea standards but still noticeable.
For some strange reason my body has gone back to China time. I am up most of the night and sleep most of the day. This is beyond my comprehension, but several of the others on board report being in the same situation.
That means laundry and cleaning in the middle of the night.
Here is a photo taken in the Panama Canal of a tug assisting a ship toward a lock. I believe the tug is a Robert Allan design Zed-drive. Allan is from British Columbia but his designs work all around the world.
The wind kicked up today, we had about 30 knots from the east. Fortunately there isn't too much fetch (distance upwind) for the wind to develop big swells or waves. So we are bobbing along, getting passed by just about everything afloat.
As with most lakers this ship flexes somewhat in the seaway. The bow goes one way while the stern goes the other. The end of the unloading boom waggles around doing its own dance. This is actually a good thing. If the ship was too stiff it would invite cracking.
This morning there was lots of seaweed floating in the area we passed through. Not Sargasso Sea standards but still noticeable.
For some strange reason my body has gone back to China time. I am up most of the night and sleep most of the day. This is beyond my comprehension, but several of the others on board report being in the same situation.
That means laundry and cleaning in the middle of the night.
Here is a photo taken in the Panama Canal of a tug assisting a ship toward a lock. I believe the tug is a Robert Allan design Zed-drive. Allan is from British Columbia but his designs work all around the world.
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Denny
Re: On Board M/V Manitoulin
I see on a few of the AIS tracking websites, they are presently due to be in Sept Isles, Quebec on or about November 21 or 22nd and will be loading iron ore pellets? Anyone hear or know where they may be taking that load to? I would assume it to be one of many either Hamilton, Nanticoke or possibly Toledo? If anyone knows as to where that ore load is going I would appreciate it. Thank You.
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PaulBeesley
Re: On Board M/V Manitoulin
Ships must be manned according to certain regulations. These regulations are different depending on where the ship is sailing. For a deep sea voyage both the Master and the Mate must hold a Master Mariner certificate of competency (on Canadian-flag ship).
On the Manitoulin the Master has this certificate and has also delivered ships in the past and has many years of experience on self-unloaders. The Mate, that's me, also has this certificate, although this is my first trip on a self-unloader. The two watchkeeping mates on this trip have the appropriate certificate of competency to make this voyage as watchkeepers and both have self-unloader experience.
Also, both the Chief Engineer and the 2nd Engineer are required by these regulations to have a 1st class engineering certificate of competency. Our engineers fulfill this requirement.
Once we get to Montreal I will be replaced by an LLT first mate as my certificate will no longer be needed. Then it's back to retirement until the next adventure comes around!
Paul
On the Manitoulin the Master has this certificate and has also delivered ships in the past and has many years of experience on self-unloaders. The Mate, that's me, also has this certificate, although this is my first trip on a self-unloader. The two watchkeeping mates on this trip have the appropriate certificate of competency to make this voyage as watchkeepers and both have self-unloader experience.
Also, both the Chief Engineer and the 2nd Engineer are required by these regulations to have a 1st class engineering certificate of competency. Our engineers fulfill this requirement.
Once we get to Montreal I will be replaced by an LLT first mate as my certificate will no longer be needed. Then it's back to retirement until the next adventure comes around!
Paul
Re: On Board M/V Manitoulin
For ocean going boats the master and mates require a "certificate of competency" which is given by the government of the country.
Before obtaining these certificates you are required to complete a certain amount of "Sea" time on a boat and write an exam and have an oral examination as well.
It is a fairly long process from the first you start sailing until you obtain a "masters" certificate.
For foreign (or unlimited) it may take up to 10 years.
Before obtaining these certificates you are required to complete a certain amount of "Sea" time on a boat and write an exam and have an oral examination as well.
It is a fairly long process from the first you start sailing until you obtain a "masters" certificate.
For foreign (or unlimited) it may take up to 10 years.
Re: On Board M/V Manitoulin
I believe mates on the Lakes have a mates license along with pilotage endorsements which you are calling 1st Class Pilot license. Note that ocean mates/captains can also obtain pilotage for certain areas (example: Prince William Sound).hayhugh3 wrote:USS used to require the 1st Mate to have a Masters License before sailing as 1st. On the Lakes all mates and Captain must have a 1st Class Pilot's license to sail as a deck officer. There are only the two licenses - 1st Class pilot and Master. Deep Sea there are four licenses (for unlimited Tonnage) 3rd Mate, 2nd Mate, Chief Mate and Master. Each requires a written exam. Deep sea licenses are issued depending on time spent on vessels of certain tonnage. Licenses are issued anywhere from Six pack (licensed to operate a boat carrying 6 passengers for hire) up to Oceans any tonnage and anything in between - Coast wise, nearby foreign, and any number of Towing licenses - chemical, etc
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Bill
Re: On Board M/V Manitoulin
Paul is indeed a captain, but is serving as first mate on Manitoulin.
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hayhugh3
Re: On Board M/V Manitoulin
USS used to require the 1st Mate to have a Masters License before sailing as 1st. On the Lakes all mates and Captain must have a 1st Class Pilot's license to sail as a deck officer. There are only the two licenses - 1st Class pilot and Master. Deep Sea there are four licenses (for unlimited Tonnage) 3rd Mate, 2nd Mate, Chief Mate and Master. Each requires a written exam. Deep sea licenses are issued depending on time spent on vessels of certain tonnage. Licenses are issued anywhere from Six pack (licensed to operate a boat carrying 6 passengers for hire) up to Oceans any tonnage and anything in between - Coast wise, nearby foreign, and any number of Towing licenses - chemical, etc
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lance
Re: On Board M/V Manitoulin
the Toronto marine historical society monthly publication scanner said paul Beasley was first mate on the manitoulin I thought he was captain which is correct?
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jswilson
Re: On Board M/V Manitoulin
I well remember those 30 day trips across the Pacific though it was a long time ago.
Endless days with nothing to see except on one memorable occasion we met another ship and would you believe it . it was on a collision course and we had to alter. Coming fairly close we did not observe a person on the bridge.
One thing I do remember was there was hardly an hour went by without seeing some sort of manmade debris floating by
Endless days with nothing to see except on one memorable occasion we met another ship and would you believe it . it was on a collision course and we had to alter. Coming fairly close we did not observe a person on the bridge.
One thing I do remember was there was hardly an hour went by without seeing some sort of manmade debris floating by