I returned home Sunday afternoon after doing my time for the month
of March. I live two lives. One at work on a Tug, the other here at home.
I like the one here at home more. I am very happy that I am at home.
I like to think that I am not one of those that need work to define who they are.
Where a person gets their feeling of identity and being.
I think that is definably a male trait.
But I am probably in denial about that.
We men can’t seem not to do that.
Is it not always one of the first things that is
brought up when you first meet someone new ?
What do you do for a living ?
(answer … I do so and so for so and so)
You know the drill.
I am attempting to change that.
Time will tell if I am successful in my endeavor.
I have purchased “Knowing God” by J. I Packer and
I am slowly reading through it.
Of course, I am also still pounding away reading the Bible also.
A little bit every day. For me, I can say that
it leads my thoughts away from the daily goings on in my life.
It causes me to reflect on greater and grander themes of things… so to speak.
We went to Yoga on Monday. I love going to Yoga.
My sister inlaw turned me on to this place->
http://awakenpoweryoga.com/
At the end of a session, I can’t even describe to you how
relaxed and peaceful I feel. It’s nice.
When I go to Yoga, I like to focus on what I know about God.
What he has revealed to me.
I meditate on that.
They do a little chanting where I practice.
Although I can’t bring myself to chant…… “Ohmmm” “Ohmmm”
But I do enjoy listening to the group chant. The sound that they produce
when they chant is rather nice to listen too.
I bring my own spirituality with me when I practice my yoga.
I focus on what I believe and I meditate on that.
I need to get off my butt and find a church to attend.
There are a lot out there. It is just a little overwhelming,
trying to decide which one to go too.
I guess that when I am ready, I will be lead to the right one.
Tuesday, March 27, 2007
Wednesday, March 21, 2007
Working on the Water (continues)
This was my reply to the email that I received from the
individual that is in charge of VTS.
The question that I have with this ... Is there was no traffic
in Rosario Strait that morning…
Other than the Garth Foss, three miles behind me.
If you don't believe me,
do you keep a recorded log of some kind ?
If you do, please look.
And if there had been traffic, I would have utilized the TSS,
or done whatever it took, to avoid that traffic.
I am of the opinion that the VTS personnel who were on duty that morning
did not use good judgment in assessing the traffic situation that existed.
Since there was no traffic (other than myself)
what collision possibilities were there ?
What dangerous situation existed in that area, that morning,
for VTS to be so concerned with the route that I utilized ?
Sincerely ......
I never heard back from him.(VTS guy)
Well let me restate that, I heard from my Boss,
He told me that I made my point,
and to stop picking on the VTS personnel.
Huh?
Me picking on the VTS personnel ?
They started it.
individual that is in charge of VTS.
The question that I have with this ... Is there was no traffic
in Rosario Strait that morning…
Other than the Garth Foss, three miles behind me.
If you don't believe me,
do you keep a recorded log of some kind ?
If you do, please look.
And if there had been traffic, I would have utilized the TSS,
or done whatever it took, to avoid that traffic.
I am of the opinion that the VTS personnel who were on duty that morning
did not use good judgment in assessing the traffic situation that existed.
Since there was no traffic (other than myself)
what collision possibilities were there ?
What dangerous situation existed in that area, that morning,
for VTS to be so concerned with the route that I utilized ?
Sincerely ......
I never heard back from him.(VTS guy)
Well let me restate that, I heard from my Boss,
He told me that I made my point,
and to stop picking on the VTS personnel.
Huh?
Me picking on the VTS personnel ?
They started it.
Tuesday, March 20, 2007
Working on the Water
I guess that everyone that reads this blog knows that
I work on a tug in the Puget Sound Region.
Here is an email that I sent to Seattle Traffic,
regarding participation
In the Traffic Separation Scheme.
If any of you are mariners, some of this stuff might
sound familiar to you, if your not(a mariner)
well …..good luck in deciphering the lingo.
Below is the email ….
Some info has been hidden to secure my privacy, and,
I have highlighted the most relevent part of his message,
that answers my question ....in red.
-----Original Message-----
March 18, 2007 4:11 PM
To: ####################
Subject: TSS Participation Question
Dear Sir,
I have a question regarding participation in the Traffic Separation Scheme (TSS).
I work on a Tugboat(#########)for ###############.
My question is this ...... While I am traveling as a "light tug" under MARSEC 1,
Am I required to participate in the VTS system?
In the past .... I have not.
Do I have to follow the TSS scheme?
In the past I have not done this either. It goes without saying, that while under way, all the appropriate VHF channels are monitored (traffic - bridge to bridge, ect), and that I always operate the vessel under the premise that as a light tug, underway, It is my obligation to stay out of everyone's way, and impede no other vessel in the TSS in anyway ... whatsoever. This is my understanding of the Rules of the Road (ColRegs) On Sunday, March 17th 2007, I departed Port Angeles, to "run lite" up to Cherry Point. I did not check in with VTS, but was monitoring as required.The vessels AIS was programmed to show my destination and ETA.(Cherry Point - ETA 0500 March 18th 2007) As soon as I cleared Ediz Hook, Vessel Traffic Service (VTS) called the vessel to ask me my destination.They could identify the vessel, because of the AIS transponder that is located on the vessel. I never checked in with VTS on my departure from Port Angeles.I asked VTS to check if they could see my AIS information, VTS said that they could read my information, But that usually the information on the AIS was unreliable.My response to that statement was that on this vessel the information that was displayed by the AIS was accurate.The VTS operator, then proceeded to give me a traffic update, a Tanker was inbound to the pilot station from buoy R, a Tug n Tow was outbound from buoy S, and off to my port, a research vessel was inbound headed for buoy S. I acknowledged the traffic and continued on.At Davidson Rock, I decided to go west of Bird and Bell Rocks, to leave them on my starboard side, and James Island on my Port Side.VTS again called me, and I was asked "Is there any reason that you are traveling west of Bird Rocks?"I answered VTS ..... "No" VTS again asked for my destination. I replied "Cherry Point".At Lawrence Point, I left Charlie Buoy to my starboard side, I cut the buoy, heading up towards Village Pt, there was no traffic in Rosario Strait. VTS called me again, and had me call them on the land line, after I called on the land line, I was asked .... why had I not called VTS for permission to cut the buoy?Why did I not ask for permission to travel west of Bird Rocks?I replied that I was a lite tug, and I had not checked in with VTS on my departure from Port Angeles.I was not participating in the VTS TSS system. He explained to me that I was mistaken,And that I was required to follow the TSS scheme, even as a non participant. Could you please clarify this situation for me? I am not willfully or intentionally trying to ignore or circumvent the rules. But as a lite Tug, I have never operated like that in the past. The navigational decisions that I make while running lite are based on my attempt to be efficient.Saving fuel and utilizing time efficiently are part of what I am attempting to do as an employee for ##############, they expect me to do this. It was never my intention to frustrate or irritate VTS personnel while they are performing their duties supervising the TSS.I understand that VTS is just doing a very important and necessary job. But I have to tell you that from my perspective ... out here, looking out the wheelhouse window, Sometimes it seems like VTS is trying to navigate the vessel ..... from Coast Guard Group Seattle.
Sincerely.
And the reply from Vessel Traffic Service – Seattle.
Hi Chris, I only wish that others would do what you have done by sending an e-mail to us with your questions. Your vessel is under 40 meters and because of that you are not required to participate. You are over 20 meters and you are monitoring the radio as required. Rule 10 of the International Rules of the Road give us, and everyone else, the requirements for operating in the Traffic Separation Scheme; if you would read through that rule then call or e-mail me if you still have any questions. It is very difficult to avoid the TSS in Rosario particularly when a vessel is attempting to run point to point. Believe me we appreciate the fact that fuel costs and time is very important to ######, and other Companies in the marine world. Over the years we have pushed the boating community to understand that commercial vessels will follow the TSS; this lends itself to good order and predictability. Vessels following the TSS are required to keep the center of a precautionary -TSS buoys - to port. If they want to pass to starboard it requires a deviation from the rules, which requires a call to the VTS asking for a deviation 33CFR 161.5. Here's the part that applies; (b) Requests to deviate from any provision in this part due to circumstances that develop during a transit or immediately preceding a transit, may be made verbally to the appropriate VTS Director. Requests to deviate shall be made as far in advance as practicable. Upon receipt of the request, the VTS Director may authorize a deviation if it is determined that, based on vessel handling characteristics, traffic density, radar contacts, environmental conditions and other relevant information, such a deviation provides a level of safety equivalent to that provided by the required measure or is a maneuver considered necessary for safe navigation under the circumstances.The query about your destination. We have found a large number of participants are not keeping their AIS information up to date, and because of that our operators are asking them to verify destinations. Bottom line is that we need to have commercial vessels follow the TSS. As you read through rule 10 you will see it is not a requirement but how do you stay out of the TSS in Rosario? It's hard to do; better to run in it and ask for the deviations. That way everyone will know where your bow is going to be pointes. Also we have do not a problem with your participating with us when your running lite, and that is strictly your call. And I invite you to visit our facility any time you have the opportunity; you would be a welcomed guest.If you and your crew, or others, would like to run through a VTS101 program please let us know.
So .... I don't have to participate when running lite.
And in my opinion, VTS was exceeding its authority.
VTS personel are actually changing and modifiying the Collision Regulations(ColRegs)
Is that legal ?
Is that like a policeman, who is supposed to be enforcing the law, making the law ?
Is that really such a good idea ?
I mean, can VTS change what it want's too, when it wants too ?
Thay are SUPPOSED to ENFORCE the Collision Regulations.
Not make it up as they go.
I work on a tug in the Puget Sound Region.
Here is an email that I sent to Seattle Traffic,
regarding participation
In the Traffic Separation Scheme.
If any of you are mariners, some of this stuff might
sound familiar to you, if your not(a mariner)
well …..good luck in deciphering the lingo.
Below is the email ….
Some info has been hidden to secure my privacy, and,
I have highlighted the most relevent part of his message,
that answers my question ....in red.
-----Original Message-----
March 18, 2007 4:11 PM
To: ####################
Subject: TSS Participation Question
Dear Sir,
I have a question regarding participation in the Traffic Separation Scheme (TSS).
I work on a Tugboat(#########)for ###############.
My question is this ...... While I am traveling as a "light tug" under MARSEC 1,
Am I required to participate in the VTS system?
In the past .... I have not.
Do I have to follow the TSS scheme?
In the past I have not done this either. It goes without saying, that while under way, all the appropriate VHF channels are monitored (traffic - bridge to bridge, ect), and that I always operate the vessel under the premise that as a light tug, underway, It is my obligation to stay out of everyone's way, and impede no other vessel in the TSS in anyway ... whatsoever. This is my understanding of the Rules of the Road (ColRegs) On Sunday, March 17th 2007, I departed Port Angeles, to "run lite" up to Cherry Point. I did not check in with VTS, but was monitoring as required.The vessels AIS was programmed to show my destination and ETA.(Cherry Point - ETA 0500 March 18th 2007) As soon as I cleared Ediz Hook, Vessel Traffic Service (VTS) called the vessel to ask me my destination.They could identify the vessel, because of the AIS transponder that is located on the vessel. I never checked in with VTS on my departure from Port Angeles.I asked VTS to check if they could see my AIS information, VTS said that they could read my information, But that usually the information on the AIS was unreliable.My response to that statement was that on this vessel the information that was displayed by the AIS was accurate.The VTS operator, then proceeded to give me a traffic update, a Tanker was inbound to the pilot station from buoy R, a Tug n Tow was outbound from buoy S, and off to my port, a research vessel was inbound headed for buoy S. I acknowledged the traffic and continued on.At Davidson Rock, I decided to go west of Bird and Bell Rocks, to leave them on my starboard side, and James Island on my Port Side.VTS again called me, and I was asked "Is there any reason that you are traveling west of Bird Rocks?"I answered VTS ..... "No" VTS again asked for my destination. I replied "Cherry Point".At Lawrence Point, I left Charlie Buoy to my starboard side, I cut the buoy, heading up towards Village Pt, there was no traffic in Rosario Strait. VTS called me again, and had me call them on the land line, after I called on the land line, I was asked .... why had I not called VTS for permission to cut the buoy?Why did I not ask for permission to travel west of Bird Rocks?I replied that I was a lite tug, and I had not checked in with VTS on my departure from Port Angeles.I was not participating in the VTS TSS system. He explained to me that I was mistaken,And that I was required to follow the TSS scheme, even as a non participant. Could you please clarify this situation for me? I am not willfully or intentionally trying to ignore or circumvent the rules. But as a lite Tug, I have never operated like that in the past. The navigational decisions that I make while running lite are based on my attempt to be efficient.Saving fuel and utilizing time efficiently are part of what I am attempting to do as an employee for ##############, they expect me to do this. It was never my intention to frustrate or irritate VTS personnel while they are performing their duties supervising the TSS.I understand that VTS is just doing a very important and necessary job. But I have to tell you that from my perspective ... out here, looking out the wheelhouse window, Sometimes it seems like VTS is trying to navigate the vessel ..... from Coast Guard Group Seattle.
Sincerely.
And the reply from Vessel Traffic Service – Seattle.
Hi Chris, I only wish that others would do what you have done by sending an e-mail to us with your questions. Your vessel is under 40 meters and because of that you are not required to participate. You are over 20 meters and you are monitoring the radio as required. Rule 10 of the International Rules of the Road give us, and everyone else, the requirements for operating in the Traffic Separation Scheme; if you would read through that rule then call or e-mail me if you still have any questions. It is very difficult to avoid the TSS in Rosario particularly when a vessel is attempting to run point to point. Believe me we appreciate the fact that fuel costs and time is very important to ######, and other Companies in the marine world. Over the years we have pushed the boating community to understand that commercial vessels will follow the TSS; this lends itself to good order and predictability. Vessels following the TSS are required to keep the center of a precautionary -TSS buoys - to port. If they want to pass to starboard it requires a deviation from the rules, which requires a call to the VTS asking for a deviation 33CFR 161.5. Here's the part that applies; (b) Requests to deviate from any provision in this part due to circumstances that develop during a transit or immediately preceding a transit, may be made verbally to the appropriate VTS Director. Requests to deviate shall be made as far in advance as practicable. Upon receipt of the request, the VTS Director may authorize a deviation if it is determined that, based on vessel handling characteristics, traffic density, radar contacts, environmental conditions and other relevant information, such a deviation provides a level of safety equivalent to that provided by the required measure or is a maneuver considered necessary for safe navigation under the circumstances.The query about your destination. We have found a large number of participants are not keeping their AIS information up to date, and because of that our operators are asking them to verify destinations. Bottom line is that we need to have commercial vessels follow the TSS. As you read through rule 10 you will see it is not a requirement but how do you stay out of the TSS in Rosario? It's hard to do; better to run in it and ask for the deviations. That way everyone will know where your bow is going to be pointes. Also we have do not a problem with your participating with us when your running lite, and that is strictly your call. And I invite you to visit our facility any time you have the opportunity; you would be a welcomed guest.If you and your crew, or others, would like to run through a VTS101 program please let us know.
So .... I don't have to participate when running lite.
And in my opinion, VTS was exceeding its authority.
VTS personel are actually changing and modifiying the Collision Regulations(ColRegs)
Is that legal ?
Is that like a policeman, who is supposed to be enforcing the law, making the law ?
Is that really such a good idea ?
I mean, can VTS change what it want's too, when it wants too ?
Thay are SUPPOSED to ENFORCE the Collision Regulations.
Not make it up as they go.
Sunday, March 11, 2007
The Dogs
I have two Labs’. One is a chocolate lab named Jake, the other is a Black English Lab named Lucy. What is the difference between an English lab and a regular lab?
The Black one is shorter and stockier, but she is not as agile as brown one. The brown one is very quick and agile, and has very good jumping abilities.
Occasionally, I get up in the morning and make the dogs run. I cheat, I ride a bike. A fifteen speed Costco special. It makes it easy for me, but the dogs really have to run .... just to keep up.
The Black one is shorter and stockier, but she is not as agile as brown one. The brown one is very quick and agile, and has very good jumping abilities.
Occasionally, I get up in the morning and make the dogs run. I cheat, I ride a bike. A fifteen speed Costco special. It makes it easy for me, but the dogs really have to run .... just to keep up.
Even on the hills, I can shift into easy pedal mode and hardly break a sweat. The dogs are really working hard. This is the most wonderful thing in the world for them. And they really seem to LOVE it!
It brings me joy to see them after I get back home, their little tongues hanging out about ten inches from their muzzles … this tell's me that they are really getting a good workout, when the two of them are sucking air like that. It’s not hot here right now. I live in the Pacific Northwest … in the foothills of the Cascade Mountains. This time of year it is kind of drizzly and cold. Perfect dog running weather!!! And after our little morning run we spend a little time together playing. I grab an old piece of rope and play tug o war with them. While doing this we stop and I tell them to sit n stay, while I proceed to walk away a good distance and then call them to me. We do this and other things. They do well (usually) …. I do not treat the dogs like people. I treat them like dogs. That means that in my home I am the Alpha Dog. They do what I want them to do. Or I hammer them (to remind them who is in charge) .... One really kewl thing about Dogs, unlike people, is that they will love you unconditionally … I don’t really think that I had a good grasp of this before owning Dogs, I mean … I thought that I did. But now I cam literally see it. Every day. No matter how hard assed I am with them, they love me. Its pretty amazing.
It brings me joy to see them after I get back home, their little tongues hanging out about ten inches from their muzzles … this tell's me that they are really getting a good workout, when the two of them are sucking air like that. It’s not hot here right now. I live in the Pacific Northwest … in the foothills of the Cascade Mountains. This time of year it is kind of drizzly and cold. Perfect dog running weather!!! And after our little morning run we spend a little time together playing. I grab an old piece of rope and play tug o war with them. While doing this we stop and I tell them to sit n stay, while I proceed to walk away a good distance and then call them to me. We do this and other things. They do well (usually) …. I do not treat the dogs like people. I treat them like dogs. That means that in my home I am the Alpha Dog. They do what I want them to do. Or I hammer them (to remind them who is in charge) .... One really kewl thing about Dogs, unlike people, is that they will love you unconditionally … I don’t really think that I had a good grasp of this before owning Dogs, I mean … I thought that I did. But now I cam literally see it. Every day. No matter how hard assed I am with them, they love me. Its pretty amazing.
I love these dogs.
Thursday, March 8, 2007
Rainy, Windy, Thursday Night somewhere near Seattle
It’s not a very pleasant evening tonight. My wife
has the stomach flu. Thats her over there ------------>
She's a cute little thing.
If she were at sea on a cruise ship it would be called the Norwalk Virus.
Nasty stuff.
Very unpleasant thing to suffer from.
I should know, I am the one she got it from.
I watched Borat this evening. Very funny. I don’t know if the people that he interacted with had any idea that he was in character.
Or if they really believed that he was real?
It seemed like some of it was staged.
The part at the end with Pamela Anderson seemed staged.
In the real world, you would think that the security, that you know is around her when she is in public, would just squash him, in his attempt to bag the desire of his heart?
The part where he was picked up hitchhiking by the college frat boys in the RV. I can understand now why they tried to take him to court ….
They really looked like fools.
In their defense, who among us has not said some really stupid and ignorant things, while under the influence of alcohol?
The scene where he was at the fundamentalist revival ….
I have to say, if that was real …
It just scared the crap out of me.
Maybe I am to narrow minded or just don’t understand
Or see the big picture.
I just can’t fathom God wanting people to worship him that way.
The Bible says God wants a relationship with you.
Just you and him. What I witnessed disturbed me.
It makes me wonder if God is disturbed by it also.
Their display of worship?
It looked more like a circus to me.
I think sometimes people forget what the word Christian means ... Christ-Like
Being like Christ.
If you believe the Bible, You would fear God…
He is God. He can do whatever he likes, whenever or however.
Another thing that I know about God.
He knows and understands evil from the outside in.
He cannot do evil. He is Holy. IT IS NOT IN HIM.
We (humanity) understand evil from a different perspective.
It is a part of us all. And we do evil things on a daily basis.
We do this without even trying too.
It comes from our heart and mind.
If she were at sea on a cruise ship it would be called the Norwalk Virus.
Nasty stuff.
Very unpleasant thing to suffer from.
I should know, I am the one she got it from.
I watched Borat this evening. Very funny. I don’t know if the people that he interacted with had any idea that he was in character.
Or if they really believed that he was real?
It seemed like some of it was staged.
The part at the end with Pamela Anderson seemed staged.
In the real world, you would think that the security, that you know is around her when she is in public, would just squash him, in his attempt to bag the desire of his heart?
The part where he was picked up hitchhiking by the college frat boys in the RV. I can understand now why they tried to take him to court ….
They really looked like fools.
In their defense, who among us has not said some really stupid and ignorant things, while under the influence of alcohol?
The scene where he was at the fundamentalist revival ….
I have to say, if that was real …
It just scared the crap out of me.
Maybe I am to narrow minded or just don’t understand
Or see the big picture.
I just can’t fathom God wanting people to worship him that way.
The Bible says God wants a relationship with you.
Just you and him. What I witnessed disturbed me.
It makes me wonder if God is disturbed by it also.
Their display of worship?
It looked more like a circus to me.
I think sometimes people forget what the word Christian means ... Christ-Like
Being like Christ.
If you believe the Bible, You would fear God…
He is God. He can do whatever he likes, whenever or however.
Another thing that I know about God.
He knows and understands evil from the outside in.
He cannot do evil. He is Holy. IT IS NOT IN HIM.
We (humanity) understand evil from a different perspective.
It is a part of us all. And we do evil things on a daily basis.
We do this without even trying too.
It comes from our heart and mind.
Greed, Envy, Hate.
The list is so long that writing it all is a wasted effort.
I am comforted in that fact, that God also knows evil,
and he also understands what it is.
He always has.
But it is not in him.
The list is so long that writing it all is a wasted effort.
I am comforted in that fact, that God also knows evil,
and he also understands what it is.
He always has.
But it is not in him.
God knows that man has the knowledge of good and evil experientially. Not in the way that God knows it. The bible says: "The Lord God said, 'Behold, the man has become like one of Us.'" Well, not in the sense of knowing good and evil outside of oneself, as God knows it -- God knows evil outside of himself -- but in the sense of knowing good and evil inside.
We know evil by doing it. God knows evil by seeing it.
what the deciever had promised Adam & Eve had to some extent come true.
It's is true; they did know good and evil.
They were made in God's image, utterly unaware of evil, either in thought or experience, now we have evil all through us. It's in every thought and every experience. It's pervasive.
Humanity was created in the image of God. We were perfect. We were holy.
But we have fallen ....
And the image of God has been defaced.
And the image of God has been scarred.
And everything in the world is different ...
From what .... was originally created by the Lord God.
The bible says that when God was finished creating ("It was good").
Well .... We all know this fact in the world today......
It is not good anymore.
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