Flying Tug - Gulf Spray Hauled out

One of the victems of last weeks wind was Edge Marines Tug Gulf Spray. She was blown under the stern of the Cabot at pier 9, and was badly damaged. (Below)

She was hauled out at pier 25 this afternoon.

Edge Marine has the contract for removing Garbage from Cruise Ships.

Anne Covers for Fusion

The small general cargo ship Anne arrived this morning. She is likely filling in for Fusion on the St. Pierre run as she is still out with engine troubles.


Similar vessel Nils B filled in for a few weeks last year when Fusion was having a maintenance period.

TSB Report Into The Striking of HMCS Winnipeg in Esquimalt

The Transportation Safety Board of Canada today Released its investigation report into the 2013 striking of HMCS Winnipeg by the US Flagged stern trawler American Dynasty in Esquimalt, BC

you can find the report here

if you forget the incident, we mentioned it April 2013 when it occurred (with video)

So You want to be A Captain

Running large vessels sounds exciting, but as expected there is a lot of schooling and Work Experience to become a Master Mariner. I will cover the requirements for more advanced certification in a later post.

Originally this blog was called the Armchair Captain. This Series of Posts is intended to help move you from the Armchair to the Wheel House. This first post will cover what I consider to be the achievable certificates, and there are 3 Options.

First we have the Pleasure Craft Operator Card. This is Commonly refereed to as the Boating License, or operator card. The PCOC is required to operate any power or sail driven vessel including Jet Skis used for recreation, personal transportaton or subsistence hunting or fishing.

The PCOC is the easiest Certificate to get.  - Boaterexam.com offers a free online course, and then charges you 50$ to write the exam. You can do this from the comfort of your own home, and they include a re-write if you fail. You can Also obtain a PCOC from a Class offered by the Canadian Power and Sail Squadrons (How I did mine back in 2003) or Sailing Canada (Have taken their classes as well)

Despite being Called the Pleasure Craft Operator Card, The PCOC Can also be used Commercially in Certain Circumstances. If your vessel is less then 8 meters and there are 6 or fewer passengers your PCOC is good for Sheltered Waters Voyages. These include all non tidal Lakes and rivers, where the vessel is within 1 nautical mile from shore, or listed in a schedule on the Vessel Certification regulations. In Nova Scotia, Halifax Harbour to Chubecto Head is considered sheltered water year round, though the waters of the Annapolis Basin and Digby Gut are only considered sheltered waters May1 - Oct 31.

For a Workboat less then 8m, which is basically any Non-passenger carrying Commercial vessel, a PCOC is valid for both sheltered water and Near Coastal Class 2 voyages. A near Coastal Class 2 voyage is one where the vessel is within 25nautical miles of shore in Canada, US, and within 100nautical miles of a place of refuge, however with a PCOC you are required to be within 2 Nautical Miles of shore.

if you wish to Carry more then 6 passengers, or venture further then 2 nautical miles from shore on a vessel smaller then 5gt you require a Small Vessel Operator Proficiency certificate. In this case, 5 Gross tons is a measure of internal Volume, and there is a standard to calculate this.

The SVOP certificate is awarded after attending a 4 day class. You also require a Marine Emergency Duties (Med) Certificate. Im told MED-A2 Small Passenger Vessel Safety is the one to get. This is another class to take.

For both PCOC And SVOP voyages, the vessel will probably carry a VHF-DSC Radio. if this is the only radio carried, a Restricted Operator Certificate Maritime (or ROC-M) is required with DSC endorsement. This can be obtained by passing an exam, usually given at the end of a 1 day course.

if you want to Operate a vessel over 5gt, or a tug, or anything in Near coastal Class 2 waters, then you need a limited Master <60gt .="" 60gt-150gt="" also="" exists="" for="" limited="" master="" p="" vessels="">
There is a Catch with the Limited Master Certificate; it is only valid for specified vessels and waters. first you require 2 months of Sea service on similar vessels and voyages to the one the certificate is wanted for.  you also require a medical, And a Marine First Aid Course. MED-A2 and the ROC-M refered to above is also required. Once you have aquired all that, you can apply to take the written and Oral exam, and if you pass, be awarded the certificate.

Submarine HMCS Windsor on the Synchrolift

HMCS Windsor is being loaded on the dockyard synchrolift this morning. This work period is to repair/replace a faulty generator that was discovered during trials last fall.

Bulkers in the Basin

This morning brought the arrival of 2 bulk caries to the Basin. First up is the fully loaded bulk carrier Hanjin Buchanan. The Panamanian flagged ship is carrying a cargo of iron ore from Port Carter, PQ. She is likely stopping off to be inspected for Ice Damage. She anchored in the Basin.

Also tying up a National Gypsum is CSL's Bulk Carrier Salarium. This vessel is on long term charter hauling salt out of the Magdeline Islands, however Ice has probably led her to find other work for a few trips. (File photo above from her last refit and paint job in halifax.)

UPDATE 03/31:
Tug Atlantic Oak spent the day with the Hanjin Buchanen, suggesting that her issues require a loss of power to resolve.

Salarum Sailed at 1800

CCGS Terry Fox

(Above) the CCGS Terry Fox, Formerly Just the Terry Fox, owned by Beaudrill.

(Below) Sister Ship VLADIMIR IGNATYUK Now owned by the Murmansk Shipping Co. of Russia on her stop in Halifax in 2011. She was the Arctic Kalvik under beaudrill ownership. Note the forward helepad on the bow.

See Also The Canadian Connection to the Kulluk

For a blast form the Past, Robert Allen Ltd, who designed these vessels Has the Image Below on their Website, showing them in their original Paint scheems.

The Product Tankers Continue

After a bit of a Lull, the parade of Product Tankers continues. Today brought 2 arrivals, one after each other.

Nord Steady (Above) was the second vessel to arrive, And anchored in the Basin for CFIA Gypsy Moth Inspection. She was built by STX in 2013, and operates for Nordane.

Cartagena Anchored in the inner harbour to wait her turn at the Ultramar dock in eastern Passage, Currently in use by AlgoScotia. Built in 2009, the GNMTC marking on her side refers to the General National Maritime Transport Co, which is the state owned Libyan shipping company.

Suezmax Crude Carrier Cap Georges

The Suezmax Crude Carrier Cap Georges arrived this afternoon in ballast for pier 27/28. This suggests she is here for some repairs, Likely caused by ice, as her previous port was the Ultramar refinery in Levis PQ.

She was built by Samung in Geoje, South Korea in 1998, and Works for Euronav under the Greek flag. She is 274m Long, and comes in at 146,652DWT. She operates on the spot market, basically carrying crude from sellers to buyers once purchased.

John 1 Ridding out the Storm in Argentia

The John 1 is still tied up in Argentia while crews asses damage and decide what to do. The earl grey has departed Argentia and returning back to ice patrol 

The Ryan Leet and Atlantic Fir are still on stand by due to the storm system. The Atlantic Fir was asked to push the John 1 against the dock to relive the mooring lines. (Photo top)

Car Carrier Hoegh Beijing

Car Carrier Hoegh Beijing Arrived this morning. built by Xiamen Shipbuiliding Industry in China in 2010, she can carry 4300 cars, making her one of the smaller modern PCTC's to call.

(Above) Taking Tugs just off Ives Knoll

CCGS Terry Fox to Imperial Oil

The CCGS Terry Fox Moved to Imperial Oil this morning to take on Bunkers.

A few Notes - I Speculated that perhaps the Louis St Laurent, and Terry Fox would be sent to the great lakes region. This is unlikely as the Seaway maximum draft is 26'6" and The Terry Fox has a draft of 27'6", and the Louis St Laurent comes in at 32' - so they wont fit. but they can cover the river to Montreal.

CCGS Henry Larsen Sails

this afternoon brought the departure of the CCGS Henry Larsen. She Departed the Dartmouth Coast Guard Base, proceeded to the basin, turned just past BIO and headed out to sea. Her destination is unclear, she may be heading back to Newfoundland, or posibly the St Lawrence/ great lakes region.

Newfoundland Heavy Icebreakers to the Great lakes?

The Minister of Fisheries today issued a statement promising more ice breaking resources to the great lakes.The statement reads in part

This year's frigid temperatures have led to ice conditions that have not been seen in the Great Lakes or Eastern Canada in decades, which are having a direct adverse impact on Canadian products reaching domestic and international markets. 

The Government and the Canadian Coast Guard have made an important decision to re-assign additional Coast Guard resources to the Great Lakes, to ensure that Canadian products, resources and agricultural goods get shipped to market. It is our firm belief that our economy, jobs and competitiveness depend on our ability to get our product into the marketplace.

With the worst ice in decades seen on the great lakes and  St Lawrence seaway system, Quebec Based Icebreakers Martha L Black and Pierre Raddison inland of Montreal, Halifax Based Edward Cornwallis, Sir William Alexander, and Earl Grey working in Newfoundland,  and 3 of the largest icebreakers in the fleet in Halifax (Louis St Laurent, Terry Fox and Henry Larsen), could the 3 currently in halifax be bound inland? I have heard reports of 30-40" thick ice in the river, so more horse power may be required.

(Top) CCGS Terry Fox at BIO (Above) CCGS Henry Larsen at Dartmouth Coast Guard Base.

Happy Birthday Bluenose.

The Bluenose was Launched on this day in 1921.

 

 She wrecked January 28, 1946, off I'le la Vache Haiti working as a freighter hauling bananas in the west indies. Find more Bluenose posts from Halifax Shipping News

CSL Tacoma Anchored in the Basin

CSL America's New Geared Bulk Carrier CSL Tacoma arrived this morning and anchored in the basin. Built in 2013, she is one of CSL's New Trillium Class. CSL Tacoma is the last of the order, and departed Chengxi Shipyard in Jiangyin, China on October 12 en route to Port McNeill, British Columbia. as a Panamax Vessel, she would have come through the Panama Canal.

CSL Americas Operates 6 Trillium Class Pananmax Geared Bulkers. Canada Steamship Lines operates  4 trillium class Great Lakes Geared bulk carriers. CSL Claims these are the cheapest and cleanest to operate bulk vessels in existence.

I Attempted a photo, but was obscured by snow.

Coast Guard ships from Newfoundland?

The CCGS Henry Larsen Put into port today and tied up at Imperial Oil. She normally operates in the Newfoundland Region, and likely just needs to top up the tanks.

The Henry Larsen has not been to Halifax within the last 5-6 years.

UPDATE: After Fueling, Henry Larsen Moved to The Dartmouth Coast Guard Base last night.

Last night brought the Arrival of the CCGS Terry Fox, Another Newfoundland Based Heavy Icebreaker, who tied up on the other side of the pier from the Louis St Laurent. I don't believe she has been in halifax in the last 5 or 6 years either.

Your Comments Requested

Hi All,
Im Playing with the site layout, and want your feedback.
What do you like? what do you not like?

Do you Like the Marine Traffic Map, or prefer the site without it?

Is there Different content you would like, or features that would interest you?
Let me Know - Leave a comment below, or email Info@halifaxshippingnews.ca

Thanks,
-Peter

John 1 Tugs at Rest.

The team that escorted the John 1 is on standby pending a decision on her state, and where she should be repaired. (Above) Ryan Leet (Aft) and Atlantic Fir (Forward) Pier side. (Below) CCGS Earl Grey at the front of the group.

Orient Dispatch for CFIA inspection

Spring is here, with the first CFIA Gypsy Moth Inspection. Vessels entering Canadian waters for areas where gypsy moths exist are required to provide documentation that the ship is Moth Free. The Canadian Food Inspection Agency then inspects ships to ensure compliance. The moths build nests in Nooks on vessels and on containers, and can then spread into local areas. The moths exist in Canada, however they are restricted to certain regions. (Nova Scotia is one, Parts of Ontario..)

The handysize Bulker Orient Dispatch arrived at anchor last night, and will sail late this morning. Built by Hyundai Mippo, in Ulsan, South Korea, she is new, having been built in 2013. She is owned and operated by InterOrient of Cyprus.

Handysize refers to vessels under 50000dwt, as their smaller size allows them to enter most ports, and they are typically also geared. Orient Dispatch comes in at 36000dwt.

Whats in the Bag

A recent trend has been Whats in the Bag Posts, Where Various bloggers post what they carry in their Laptop Bags. Since I occasionally like to pull back the covers and reveal the inner workings of Halifax Shipping News, I Thought it was time for a "Whats in the Bag Post"

The Bag itself is a Lowepro LP36416 Event Messenger 250. This bag is awesome. its not particularly large or cumbersome, but it holds everything I need it too, and it has a laptop slot. Like all Lowpro Products, it has excellent build quality. I have had this one for over a year, and it still looks new after daily use.

Items In the Bag:
Standard Horizon HX851 - VHF Radio. Allows me to keep tabs on marine traffic. via Halifax Traffic ch 12,14, 16.

Canon EOS Rebel T3 12.2MP Digital SLR Camera  - My Primary Camera, This one is a beast, and the  body is very worn. I Have long since retired the Kit 18-55 lens that came with it. I also added the Vertical grip.

Sigma 18-200mm F3.5-6.3 Lens  - the Sigma 18-200 is a great range for shipspotting, as you can accommodate vessels far away and upclose. I used to carry the kit 18-55 lens and a 55-200 lens, but this one covers the full range, so iI dont need to worry about switching glass.

Canon EF 50mm f/1.8 II Camera Lens - this prime lens mostly gets used in low light situations. For fast glass, its very afforadable, and Canon Fans Love it. The shot below was taken with this lens

The Small Bag Holds Cactus Wireless flash triggers, Assorted cables and Chargers and CF Card reader. Since I Carry this Bag on A Daily Basis, Some items are not directly related to the blog. The Laptop of Choice is either a Apple MacBook Pro 13.3-Inch Laptop (Personal) or a Toshiba Portege Z930 (Work)

I also carry a SOG EOD Powerlock Multi tool, MAGLITE AA Mini Flashlight ,and Spyderco Rescue 79mm Knife

Not Pictured are the iPad, and iPhone, which are my primary tweeting platforms.

APL Belgium, Parked Backwards

APL Beligum spent the day at Fairview Cove, port side to the Pier.. Ships Tend to prefer to back into the births, as they can steam straight out. When She Departed, just after 1600, the tugs backed her out into the basin, and she then proceeded forward through the narrows, in a move similar to one you would make backing out your driveway.

Ships at piers 41/42 at Halterm will also turn on arrival, So the Bow Faces in the outbound direction.
In this case they probably wanted to touch up some paint, or do some other work on that side of the vessel.

Hero #7 CCGS A. LeBlanc. accepted by Government

Canada’s Minister of Fisheries and Oceans Gail Shea announces the acceptance of the seventh of the Canadian Coast Guard’s new Hero Class vessels, the CCGS A. LeBlanc.

The CCGS A. LeBlanc was named after fisheries officer Agapit LeBlanc, of Bouctouche,
New Brunswick, who joined the Canadian Fisheries and Marine Service in 1920. He was killed on October 20, 1926 while investigating illegal fishing vessels.

This Mid-Shore Patrol Vessel will be based in the Central and Arctic Region and was constructed in Halifax, Nova Scotia by Irving Shipbuilding Inc. A formal naming and dedication ceremony will follow when the vessel arrives in its home region.

Oddly, I Don't have a picture of her in the water..  

Ocean Emerald for Melfi Lines

The Parade of vessels for Melfi continues, with the Ocean Emerald arriving yesterday. As of this morning, Cargo operations appear to have ended, so she is likely waiting out weather.

Melfi seems to run a parade of vessels, some vessels being stable on rotation, and others switching out every trip. Ships Jan S and Fritz Reuter seem to be the most stable, with the other 2 vessels floating.

DRDC Barge Moved Last Night

Those of you who commute the Bedford highway may have noticed the DRDC barge was missing. She was towed last night back to the naval dockyard, as she is due for her 5 year maintenance period.

When the work period is over, she should be returned though I have heard rumors budget cuts may discontinue her service.

First Visit for Fednav Newbuild NUNAVIK

The newbuild bulk carrier Nunavik arrived this morning at pier 27. This was her first stop in Canada.
She was announced at the same time as Oceanex announced the construction of the Connaigra.

 The MV Nunavik. Built at JMU's Tsu Shipyard in Japan, the ship will be used to export the concentrates produced at the Canadian Royalties owned Nunavik Nickel mine at Deception Bay in northern Quebec. The vessel will also supply the mine with equipment and fuel, year round.

Rated Polar Class 4, the Nunavik is the most powerful bulk-carrying icebreaker in the world. It is similar in design to the Umiak I, the Fednav ship servicing Vale's Voisey's Bay operation in Northern Labrador. The Nunavik will sail unescorted in Arctic regions and will operate in the extreme winter conditions of the Canadian Arctic. It is capable of maintaining continuous progress of 3 knots in 1.5 m of ice.

The vessel was designed by Fednav and JMU, and will sail between Deception Bay and Northern Europe on a year-round basis. The engine produces 29,600 hp, three times the power of a conventional bulk carrier of the same size. The Nunavik will be supported by Enfotec Technical Services, a Fednav subsidiary to provide up to date information on ice conditions as well as technical support to the inhouse IceNav navigation system. 

The Nunavik is equipped with the latest environmental technologies, such as a Tier II engine that reduces nitrogen oxide emissions by 20%, and the first ballast treatment system installed on a Canadian-owned vessel.

In naming this new ship Nunavik, Fednav wanted to recognize the inhabitants and the region in which it will operate as well as its project partner, Nunavik Nickel

She arrived earlier then scheduled, so was already tieing up when I arrived.

UPDATE 03/21:
She sailed yesterday just after 16:00, the weather was quite rough.

The Grand Tour of the Tug Victorious and the Barge John J Carrick

The Articulated Tug And Barge Victorious with John J Carrick have been frequent visitors to Halifax over the years. Typically they are delivering liquid Asphalt to the McAsphalt Dock in Eastern Passage. This year, they spent the winter in halifax, arriving on January 23rd. They served as a supply base for their sister company Stirling Fuels. Stirling Marine Fuels chartered the Algoma Dartmouth from Algoma, and is operating the Bunkering Service in Halifax, since imperial oil shut down the refinery, and announced they would no longer be importing Bunker C Fuel. The long term plans are unknown at this point, but the barge has enough oil left to fill Algoma Dartmouth one more time, and will then head back to the great lakes, presumably after the 31st when the seaway re-opens.

 I was able to get in touch with the Captain, and after clearing it with head office, I was able to Get a Tour. So thanks go to both.

Looking out across the Deck of the John J Carrick, Take a Moment to notice how clean it is. I spent 45 minutes aboard, and my hands end up dirtier after paying for gas.

Looking across the deck, the John J Carrack has 12 tanks, 6 port and 6 starboard. she is capable of carrying 11000 tons of product. compared to other tankers she is relatively simple as she is only equipped to handle one commodity at a time. The hatches protruding allow access to the tanks for cleaning, maintenance and sounding. At the stern of the barge, are 2 pump rooms, and an engine room that contains heaters to warm the product so it flows.

(Above) View forward from the bridge wing. (Below) the tug inserted in the notch from the barge

(below)The Bow of the tug from the bridge. the gang plank allows the crew to walk between the tug and barge.

(Below) Bolt down hatch removed opening to the Void space leading to the ballast tanks.

(Above and Bellow) the Bow thruster compartment in the bow of the barge 4 decks down. the thruster uses a Jet of water unlike other vessels with a sideways mounted propellor.

(Above) the pin in the notch on the outside. note the various levels based on the draft of the barge. (Below) the machinery that retracts the pin the pin is housed in the cylinder when retracted.

(Above) the bridge, note the ships wheel to the left, and the throttle controls to the right. Not shown are 2 radar displays on the far right, and the engine room displays on the far left.

A

(Above) Inside the engine room. note the Red MAK engine on the left (there is also one on the right)
(Below) Rudder compartment. note the linkage to the port rudder, there is another to starboard not shown.

The remainder of the tug Contains a Large galley and mess, as well as Sleeping Quarters for the crew.