Archive for April, 2009
There is never a dull moment in the maritime news these days. For the last few weeks, I, and much of the world, have been transfixed by the on-going piracy saga occurring in the waters near Somalia. What a difference a few days can make! Recent news reports have increasingly concentrated on the outbreak of swine flu that seems to be sweeping the globe. Yesterday, the World Health Organization (WHO) announced the swine flu would likely become a pandemic, with a current alert level at Phase 5 out of six. According to an article in the New York Times today, this is the highest alert level ever declared since the creation of the warning system in 2005.
What does this mean for the cruise industry? At the beginning of the season, reports pointed to a slight increase in cruising, even with the global economic crisis at hand. Unfortunately, the swine flu could swing the pendulum the other way. Already, California has declared a state of emergency, and many of the big cruise lines, including Royal Caribbean and Carnival, have cancelled all ports of call in Mexico until at least May 4.
This is not the first time an alarm has been raised regarding influenza on cruise ships. However, this time it is not just about passing the virus among ship passengers, but about the global spread of a possible pandemic. Cancelling ports of call in Mexico may hurt both the tourism industry of Mexico and the cruise lines themselves, but I have to admit I am more supportive of too much caution versus too little.
I recently sent out a survey asking how the recent increased piracy may or may not affect readers’ travel plans. Now I find myself wondering how many people would avoid a cruise due to the spread of swine flu. What about you? How does the swine flu affect your attitude toward cruising this year? Leave a comment here, and I can address reactions in a future blog entry.
In the meantime, PLEASE practice simple health safety strategies: wash your hands, cover your mouth when you sneeze or cough, and do not travel if you are ill. I wish you all good health and safe travels!
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Filed under: Serving Our Seas | Carnival, cruise line travel, Royal Carribean, Somalian piracy, swine flu, WHO|No Comments
Can anything really be done? I find myself mulling this question over and over in my mind as I read about the latest pirate attack against the Italian-registered cruise ship MSC Melody. With approximately 1,500 passengers and crew onboard, she was attacked by pirates using automatic weapons. Allegedly, the rapid gunfire was aimed at passengers and crew, as well as the ship herself.
The cruise line company had distanced itself from Somalia and changed its itinerary to increase passenger safety. What the travel reports failed to mention was that security measures went beyond a change in travel plans. MSC Cruises, owner of the MSC Melody, also placed private Israeli security teams onboard the ship to aid in her protection, should a piracy-attempt be made against the vessel.
I can only imagine the surprise of the attacking pirates when their automatic gunfire was returned from the ship! If I had been a passenger on that ship, I am sure I would have been frightened by the attack, but I also like to think the presence of the security force would have brought me at least some comfort.
So the question now stands: Should cruise lines and other ocean-going vessels have armed crew members onboard to guard against piracy? It has long been the policy among governments that ships’ crews not carry weapons on international seas. But one must wonder—what other options exist to protect ships, passengers, and crew?
Millions of dollars are being spent on ransom, which must somehow be recovered. This means higher shipping costs, which trickles down to higher product costs for consumers. Part of the reason there has been so much willingness to pay ransoms has been due to the pirates’ no-kill policy. If they are now going to open fire, even on passenger cruise ships, can it be said that the no-kill policy is still in effect? It is unlikely.
What are your thoughts on the current pirate scares? Should ships be allowed to arm themselves on international waters? Please share your opinions with me.
Filed under: Serving Our Seas | MSC Melody, pirate attack on Italian cruise liner, Somalian piracy|No Comments
I finally read something that makes sense regarding the Somali pirate problem.
An international donors’ conference focused on stabilizing Somalia was held in Brussels today. The Associated Press reports that over $250 million dollars in pledges have been collected to help increase security and police training in the region, as well as provide funding for the African Union forces and expansion of medical, academic, and rural development programs.
According to Somali Prime Minister, Omar Abdirashid Ali Sharmarke, this is a better use of aid money. In an announcement Wednesday, Sharmarke made a plea to the world to end payment of all pirate ransom demands and asked instead for assistance in training and strengthening the country’s security forces.
It seems to me this might be the first step in addressing the underlying problems to the increased Somali piracy problem. Creating more security on land, thus displacing rebel pirates, should reduce the number of pirates in operation, and provide better opportunities to Somali people.
Safer seas and a better quality of life for Somali citizens is a win-win situation for everyone. I have my fingers crossed!
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Filed under: Serving Our Seas | international donors' conference, Omar Abdirashid Ali Sharmarke, stabalizing Somalia|1 Comment
Gibran Khalil Gibran, poet and philosopher born in 1883, in Bsharri, a mountainous area in Northern Lebanon gifted us a message about fairness toward the earth. It is timeless and reminds us of our personal responsibility toward our food, air and water source:
“To you the earth yields her fruit and you shall not want if you but know how to fill your hands. It is in exchanging the gifts of the earth that you shall find abundance and be satisfied. Yet unless the exchange be in love and kindly justice, it will lead some to greed and others to hunger.”
~Kahlil Gibran
What can each of us personally do to eliminate “greed”, instead show kindness and generosity to our mother earth? Let us all think about this the next time we take a cruise, go fishing or boating, purchase lawn and home products, and more.
We can help in a larger way by joining an earth friendly organization. I personally plan to support Jacques Cousteau’s legacy. Consider others:
Tree Huggers of America
The sole purpose of the Tree Huggers of America organization is to inform the public and protect our one and only home, our environment, Planet Earth.
Greenpeace – Defending our Oceans
“Greenpeace is committed to defending the health of the world’s oceans and the plants, animals and people that depend upon them.”
Friends of the Earth
Non-profit advocacy organization dedicated to protecting the planet from environmental degradation; preserving biological, cultural, and ethnic diversity.
Green Earth Foundation
Educational and research organization dedicated to the healing and harmonizing of the relationships between humanity and the Earth.
ProjectEarth.com
Offers many articles on preserving our earth and its natural resources.
Rainforests – Save-An-Acre
Save rainforest acres as a way to make a personal contribution. Or give them to others as holiday or birthday gifts, graduation presents and memorials.
Filed under: Serving Our Seas | Friends of the Earth, Green Earth Foundation, Greenpeace, Jacques Cousteau Society, Kahlil Gibran, Project Earth, Rainforest-Safe-An-Acre, Tree Huggers of America|No Comments
Like many people around the world, I continue to follow the media coverage of the piracy rampage occurring mainly off the coast of South Africa. Today’s headlines cover the arrival of the lone surviving pirate from the skirmish involving the Maersk Alabama and her crew. This story continues to be a complicated one.
Depending on the source, the young pirate is only sixteen years old—or eighteen. His mother claims he is sixteen and was lured into participating in piracy by gangsters who flashed money. U. S. officials assert he is eighteen years old or older. His name is unclear as well. Court documents list him as Abduhl Wali-i-Musi, while his mother claims his name is Abdi Wali Abdulqadir Muse. In addition, civil rights lawyer, Ron Kuby of New York, has raised concerns about the validity of the charges against Wali-i-Musi, alleging that the young pirate boarded the Bainbridge to negotiate while under truce, and therefore questioning whether he is being lawfully detained.
Other confusing aspects of the piracy story continue to emerge as well. Last week, a widely circulated independent report claimed illegal dumping of toxic wastes and illegal fishing were the true reasons behind the piracy attacks. Other analysts claim the real impetus of the piracy problem has been the Spanish trawlers and other European vessels who have been illegally fishing in the waters of Somali. Still others claim the horrible living conditions in the country, along with its lack of government and broken economy, are what prompted the increased piracy activity.
The internet is full of both support and opposition for these varied claims. Cleary, this is a complicated problem with no easy solution. However, my heart tending to the soft side, I must say that I sincerely hope these claims are thoroughly investigated and addressed. If it should be proven that the illegal dumping of toxic waste is occurring in the waters of Somali, something needs to be done to stop it. Similarly, if certain countries are illegally fishing off the coast of Somali, that also needs to be stopped. In the meantime, no matter the case, the safety of passengers and crews on ocean-going vessels needs to be secured.
What thoughts or comments do you have on the recent pirate activity?
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Filed under: Serving Our Seas | illegal fishing, Maersk Alabama, Piracy, Somalia, toxic waste dumping|No Comments
In past blog entries, I have mentioned my survival of the Andrea Doria tragedy, and my resulting passion for safety at sea. My recent writing has concentrated on safety precautions, safety equipment, and current rules and regulations, as well as commentary on current sea-related news from around the world. Currently, the on-going and increasingly prevalent piracy of Somalian waters has taken center stage, and my discussions have explored what possible steps could be taken to increase safety on the seas, especially that of cruise ships. I want to shift gears just a bit here as we head into the weekend. I want to talk about my other passion—that of heroes at sea; particularly those of the piracy saga surrounding the Maersk-Alabama.
Much of the media attention has been focused on Captain Richard Phillips, who bravely offered himself to pirates who seized his ship in exchange for the safety of his nineteen crewmen. Certainly, he deserves every bit of acknowledgment he receives; I am in way suggesting his “hero” title inappropriate. But I want to point out the other less-often recognized heroes: the US Navy SEALS who rescued Captain Phillips; President Obama, who gave the orders to use force against the pirates if Captain Phillips’ life was in immediate danger; the nineteen crew members aboard the Maersk-Alabama, who bravely followed their captain’s orders; and finally, the families of Captain Phillips and his crew, who always support their loved ones at sea, and now offer special love and support in the aftermath of their traumatic piracy experience.
Captain Richard Phillips is surely the newest addition to list of American Heroes, but the heroism in his story doesn’t end with him. He is only the beginning. I am sure the brave but humble Captain would agree that when adversity prevails, opportunity unveils humanity’s strength.
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Filed under: Andrea Doria, Serving Our Seas | Captain Richard Phillips, Piracy, sea heroes|No Comments
Piracy continues to be a hot topic in the news, and I find myself engulfed in the on-going saga. Somalian pirates have made good on their word to pirate more ships and take more crew members hostage in an effort to retaliate for the shooting deaths of three pirates who held U.S. Captain Phillips for ransom.
After my experience on the Andrea Doria, safety at sea is my passion. In light of recent events, I find myself wondering how the safety of cruise line passengers can be increased against the threat of piracy. Just this week, Carnival cruise lines announced they are working to ensure cruise passenger safety. While Howard Frank, Carnival’s Chief Operating Officer, did not provide specific details, he did indicate Carnival is working with British, American, and other allied forces to address this issue. In related news, Secretary of State Hillary Clinton summarized a four-point strategic plan aimed at reducing the piracy rampage. One of her points supports the use of armed weapons on board ships.
I’m not privy to what has been discussed between Carnival and the various military powers, nor am I convinced armed crew members on cruise ships will deter a pirate toting automatic weapons. However, short of keeping cruise line routes within sight of land and patrolled by military vessels, I do not have a solution. Do you have one to share?
Let’s hope the cruise industry and the military forces are able to quickly formulate an effective plan for ocean-passenger safety.
Filed under: Andrea Doria, Serving Our Seas | Carnival Cruise Lines, cruise lines and piracy, Piracy|No Comments
When I was a young girl, Captain Hook of Peter Pan fame probably best represented the image of a pirate in young minds. Sword in one hand, hook in the other, he was a menacing and unlikable figure, but not overly violent or threatening. After all, we knew that Peter Pan, Wendy, and the gang triumphed over Hook’s wicked ways. Pirates are not so easily thwarted on modern seas.
The past few weeks have seen numerous hijack attempts by pirates off the coast of Somalia. My heart goes out to the brave captains and crews of these ships, many of whom were bringing relief supplies for ailing nations. Why would pirates hurt their own countries by seizing control of these ships, which essentially guarantees the food and other supplies will not be delivered? Unlike piracy in the past, which looked to take entire ships or cargo loads, modern piracy focuses on kidnapping the crew and demanding a ransom for their release. What causes these types of changes?
A quick internet search yields some possible explanations. One must first consider the political state of Somalia, where most of the piracy is occurring. In a civil war since 1991, this country’s people face many hardships. Famine, street-fighting zones, and warlordism create despair and hopelessness. Desperation can cause people to do unthinkable things, and one of the last viable business opportunities in this part of the world is piracy. Unfortunately, according to many experts, stopping the Somalian piracy rampage with U.S. military force will be practically unattainable. The real problems lie not at sea, but on Somalia’s tainted land.
Seventeen years ago, the United States tried to assist in the problems facing Somalia, but after numerous helicopters were shot down and lifeless soldiers were dragged through the streets of Mogadishu, U.S. military intervention was shut down. However, since 2007, U.S. officials have suspected al-Qaida of having operations based in Somalia. Recent speculation has also questioned al-Qaida’s involvement in piracy. It gets complicated, doesn’t it?
Pirates are getting bolder and expanding their regions, focusing on capturing larger ships to use as bases of operation. This allows them better opportunities to sneak up on unsuspecting vessels with their skiffs and speed boats. The number of reported incidents this year is seventy-eight so far; at least seventeen ships are currently being held for ransom with as many as 300 crew members aboard.
The piracy problem does not seem to be one likely to disappear on its own—or any time soon. President Obama has vowed to take action toward reducing piracy. He has not yet indicated how he might do that, but I hope he and his team can brainstorm some type of as-yet-untried solution. Life is precious, and we need to do everything we can to aid in the safety of crews and passengers on all sea-going vessels.
Filed under: Serving Our Seas | hijacking on the sea, Piracy, Pirates, Somalia|No Comments
Spring is finally here, and with it comes increased activity at the docks. Boats come out of storage and boat slips fill seemingly overnight. Unfortunately, some people go from hapsad, or even mad, when problems crop up following their boat’s return to the water. Detailed inspection and spring maintenance of your boat can reduce your chance of problems—from small leaks to full sinking.
A practical, often-overlooked approach is familiarity with your manufacturer’s handbook. This one resource can probably answer most of your questions and save you a lot of time. If the handbook has been lost or misplaced, or you never received one from the previous owner, a call to the manufacturer or an online search can probably locate a copy of this vital information.
In general, mechanical maintenance should be your first focus. The engine and other mechanical systems are essential for the safe operation of your boat. Don’t forget to check the cabin systems and boat trailer, too, if applicable. After assuring all is in working order, proceed to preventive maintenance. Often considered a messy and unpleasant task, it is vital to keeping your boat in top performance condition. Bottom painting will reduce the amount of growth your boat bottom sees during the course of the season, resulting in better vessel control, higher speeds, and reduced fuel usage.
Next, clean and prepare all surfaces, including vinyl, canvas, fiberglass, and plastic. Scrub the topside and hull, filling in any cracks, nicks, or holes before restoring the gelcoat. Finally, check the serviceability of all on-board safety gear, such as life jackets, flares, EPIRBs, fire extinguishers, and all communication equipment. Replace batteries for these devices, replace out-dated items, and repair minor flaws. These items can mean the difference between life and death when you are on the water.
Remember, boats at dock are four times more likely to sink than boats in motion on the water. Thoroughly inspect your vessel and perform the necessary spring maintenance to help avoid finding your boat at the bottom of the water. With a safe, sea-worthy vessel, you and your passengers will likely enjoy a problem-free boating season.
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Filed under: Serving Our Seas | boating equipment, general boat maintenance, preventing boat repairs, Spring boat maintenance|No Comments
As the last round of Spring Breakers prepare to head out to their various destinations, it is a good time to remind warm-weather revelers of safety guidelines while in and on the water. Keep those you care about safe by reviewing and discussing the following precautions.
· NEVER COMBINE ALCOHOL AND WATER ACTIVITIES. This is a dangerous combination, no matter what the scenario. Boat owners need to be sober to properly operate their vehicles. Swimmers and boat passengers need to remain sober in order to think and react clearly and quickly, should something unexpected happen in the water. If you must include alcohol during your celebrations and gatherings, do so on dry land and well away from boats or water.
· GET ENOUGH SLEEP. Spring Break often teases participants with all-night bashes. Resist the temptation and get at least seven hours of sleep per night. Lack of sleep can increase your risk factors when participating in water and boating activities.
· OPT TO RECEIVE PROFESSIONAL INSTRUCTION FOR SKILLED WATER ACTIVITIES. Opportunities abound for the water adventurer: scuba diving, surfing, sailboarding, jetskiing, water skiing, and more. When participating in these sports, pay the extra few dollars for some private or group instruction from a professional. $20-$50 could make the difference between an enjoyable afternoon on the water, or one spent in the local emergency room!
· AVOID ILLEGAL DRUGS. Choosing not to partake of illegal drugs is always a good idea, but when around water, it is an even better idea. Like alcohol, illegal drugs can impair your judgment or slow down your reaction time. Be at your peak when on or near the water!
· KNOW YOUR PRESCRIPTION DRUGS. If anything the doctor has prescribed for you can cause drowsiness, headaches, nausea, or other side effects, use extra caution when participating in water activities.
· WATCH THE LOCAL WEATHER FORECAST. Coastal areas are known for quick weather changes. Become familiar with the local weather trends of your Spring Break destination and watch for the weather report every morning. Plan your activities accordingly.
· TAKE YOUR OWN U. S. COASTGUARD APPROVED LIFE JACKET ON ANY BOATING TRIP. If you get on a boat, whether to fish, see the sea life, or go diving, taking your own USCG approved life jacket ensures your safety. Be responsible for your own safety!
· PARTICIPATE IN WATER SPORTS WITH A BUDDY. There are numerous tales about someone going out on a chartered boat and never coming back. Don’t be the next one! Always take a companion with you when you are swimming, boating, or participating in any other water sport. As an added precaution, tell someone on land when you expect to return and call if plans should change.
· BE PREPARED FOR THE SUN. Often, young people feel as though they will be fine on the water without sunscreen to protect their skin. On the water, your chance for burns will increase, and your ability to feel how much sun you are getting will be diminished by the coolness of the water. ALWAYS wear sunscreen with SPF15 protection or higher. You don’t want to end up spending your Spring Break in the hotel room with severe sunburn!
· ENJOY YOURSELF! Water activities can be great fun. Just be aware of the dangers, make wise decisions, and take responsibility for your own safety. You may be confident of your abilities on the water, but anything can happen. Be prepared!
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Filed under: Serving Our Seas | boating safety, spring break, water activities|No Comments
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