ISEA Great Lakes Seminar to Feature Review of 2011 Mackinac Race Storm

Join us this Tuesday evening at 7pm for an analysis of the 2011 Mackinac Race storm that resulted in much damage to the fleet and the loss of two sailors. The program will be presented by presented by Justin Arnott, Science and Operations Officer, National Weather Service, Gaylord, Michigan.  Mr. Arnott will also discuss the many products and services offered to mariners by the National Weather Service.  The program is free and open to the public. For information call 231-271-3077. 

Inland Seas Staff Visits NWS Gaylord Radar Station

On February 2nd, the entire ISEA staff made a visit to the National Weather Service Radar Station in Gaylord. Bruce Smith, Meteorologist in Charge, gave us the tour and explained all the capabilities of the station. 
 

When you listen to NWS Weather Radio, it comes from this console.

Justin Arnott, Science & Operations Officer,  working on the next forecast.

NWS Gaylord Station showing doppler radar in background



Bruce Smith demonstrating the forecasting resources available to NWS Staff

Thanks to Bruce Smith and his staff for the great tour.  We were amazed at the technology and the dedication of the NWS staff.  --Tom Kelly

Crew Training - Critical Decisions 2012

Last evening the crews from Madeline, Welcome, Champion, Manitou and Inland Seas gathered at the Center Point building in Traverse City to discuss and analyze several boating accidents that occurred to three different vessels (WingNuts, Rambler100 and Concordia).  There were 26 people in attendance including representatives from the U. S. Coast Guard and the National Weather Service.

Justin Arnott of the National Weather Service in Gaylord explains the July 17, 2011 storm that blasted the Mackinac Race.

Steve Wetherbee of Northport takes the mystery out of vessel stability calculations



Thanks to the presenters Justin Arnott (NWS), Andy Sullivan (NWS) and Steve Wetherbee, and to Center Point for providing the conference room. 

Follow-up recommended reading:  Seamanship, The Forgotten Factor by C. A. Marchaj and Tall Ships Down by D. S. Parrot 

Here are my Lessons Learned from the 2011 Capsizings:

1. Inventory all deck openings and means of closing

2. Develop checklist for post-lightning strike (click to see check list)

3. Add 3 HH VHF radios to ship: 1 in forward scuttle for bow crew, 1 for rescue boat (kept in boat),
1 for amidships- kept near 1st aid boxes

4. Add squall drill to crew training exercises (goal it to minimize time to lower sail in an emergency).

5. Review IS stability information with all captains and mates. Add stability section to IS Operations Manual.

6. Review weather information sources & interpretation with captains and mates.

7. Review location of all lifesaving gear for easy access in event of knockdown. Drill crew on gear locations (find blindfolded).

8. Add to Standing Orders: “In unsettled (squally) weather conditions, the first washboard will be fitted to each companionway to the weather deck”. Also “Keep ports closed and dogged”.

9. Add to Standing Orders: “Night operations: All deck crew shall have a handheld VHF radio, light, harness snapped into jackline, knife and whistle”.

10. Post Vessel Information Sheet by telephone in ship’s office ashore and at home. (Staple to Emergency Communications List)

11. Inspect all harnesses and replace any that do not have quick release snap shackles on one end.

Check back for additional info later. Leave comments in the box below.  Thanks, Tom Kelly