Category Archives: High Seas

One boat ran aground and another half sank in choppy waters, but both were rescued by tenders from Caribbean Marine Services, which moved between 10,000 and 12,000 cruise passengers through the stormy harbor on Wednesday.

Six cruise ships carrying almost 15,000 passengers docked Wednesday in George Town, braving high seas not sufficiently rough to reroute them to the Spotts anchorage in Prospect, but roiled enough that tender operators had to work slowly, navigating bouncy conditions.

Red Sail Sports Coral Spirit dive boat ran into trouble during the afternoon, leaving its bow submerged and its stern protruding above the surface. One of Caribbean Marine Services 16 tenders plying the harbor towed the vessel to safety.

Red Sail Account Manager Bill Edwards blamed the mishap on the high seas. No one was injured, he said.

While on the way to safe harbor in South Sound a 42-foot custom dive boat experienced a few waves over the bow which filled her front end with excessive seawater.

Luckily, CMS tenders were on the spot to assist her to safety in South Sound at which point a group effort of Harbour House, Red Sail and CMS crews worked to have her floated by 8 p.m.

As of today, Mr. Edwards said Thursday, the vessel was running but remains in South Sound with plans to be moved to the marina when sea conditions allow. Fortunately, no one was injured and Red Sail Sports is very thankful to all those who lent a helping hand.

Caribbean Marine Services General Manager David Carmichael said, You can never leave anyone stranded. Its a service we provide. Anyone that is stranded, we are always the first to go out.

Caribbean Marine Services also towed off Hog Sty Bay beach a tender from the 721-passenger Seven Seas Explorer driven ashore by the high seas.

We are responsible for four of the ships, Mr. Carmichael said, but not for the other two, the Nieuw Amsterdam and the Seven Seas Explorer, but we ended up helping out with the Seven Seas.

Port Authority Security Manager Joseph Woods said the weather 0.34 inches of rain in one hour, waves between 4 feet and 5 feet and wind gusts up to 30 knots meant difficulty for some of the smaller tenders, as they moved passengers across heaving gangways alongside the anchored ships.

It took a little longer, but no one was hurt, he said.

Caribbean Marine Services 16 boats 12 with a capacity of 250 and four that carry 80 suspended operations between 2 p.m. and 3 p.m. as a severe squall crossed the harbor.

But we knew it was coming, Mr. Carmichael said, explaining that a weather buoy transmits updates every 10 minutes.

National Weather Service Meteorologist Shamal Clarke said the rain had fallen in a single hour, with winds from the south southeast, driving wave heights.

Mr. Woods said the port authority canceled Thursdays three cruise arrivals carrying 8,776 passengers due to continuing inclement weather.

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Two boats towed in harbor in high seas - Cayman Compass

Diving on the German High Seas Fleet scrap sites in Scapa Flow. (Picture: UHI Archaeology Institute / Bob Anderson)

The marine archaeologists from Orkney Research Centre for Archaeology (ORCA), the University of the Highlands and Islands Archaeology Institute and colleagues from SULA Diving completed a dive on the German High Seas Fleet scrap sites last Friday, February 17.

The team sailed out into Scapa Flow, on board local dive boat MV Halton to complete the second phase of the German High Seas Fleet Scrap Sites project.

Sandra Henry, marine archaeologist for ORCA, said: We concentrated on sites located through side scan sonar survey completed in phase one and we recorded and documented extensive remains of the First World War fleet that still lie on the seabed.

The conditions underwater were perfect and visibility was good, allowing the divers to take some excellent photographs and video footage while recording and surveying the wreckage left behind following the inter-war salvage efforts on the scuttled German High Seas Fleet.

Archival research will shed further light on the debris itself and will identify from which ships the wreckage originated.

The salvaging of the German High Seas Fleet in the 1920s-40s raised battleships, battlecruisers and destroyers from the seabed for scrapping at dockyard sites further south such as Rosyth.

Today the remains of these ships and their associated salvage lie on the seabed, continuing to tell the story of the High Seas Fleet in Scapa Flow, adding to the story, and creating an interesting heritage resource.

The project is designed to showcase the significant wreckage of the scrap sites of the German High Seas Fleet and was conducted on behalf of Historic Environment Scotland.

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Scapa Flow German High Seas Fleet scrap sites explored - The ... - The Orcadian

All photos courtesy the National Aviary.

Every winter weekend should involve mingling with exotic parrots, right?

This Friday, parrot and pirate fans alike can set sail on the high seasminus the motion sickness and high price tagwithout ever leaving land.The 21+ set is invited to explore the North Side bird loversdestination duringan after-hours avian adventure dubbed the High Seas Escape.

Start planning your vibrantly hued parrot costume or rowdy pirate duds now, and get ready to shake your tail feather on the dance floor.

Attendees will enjoy exclusive access to the Aviarys Tropical Forest, Grasslands, Wetlands and Penguin Point exhibits, and will see Buccaneer Bird Shows andFliteZone theater presentations.

The nights MVPs will be the exotic parrots, including the Hyacinth Macaw, Yellow-naped Amazon and Military Macaw. Attendees can even watch talented parrots paint.

Get up close and personal with a diverse population of bird species as you feed nectar to colorful lorikeets, assemble fruit skewers for our hungry feathered friends, and admire the remarkable Malayan Flying Foxes.

Have your very own caricature created by artist Tami Haslett, get inked with a bird-themed temporary tattoo, and watch dazzling fencing demonstrations led by the Corsair Fencing Club.

Bird watchers can also hit the dance floor with DJ Scottro, embark on treasure hunts through the tropical exhibits, and snap selfies with Jack Sparrow from Lifes A Beach entertainment.

While roaming the grounds, party-goers will also encounterpopular birds such as flamingos, herons, African Penguins, and Rhinoceros Hornbills.

Caribbean cocktails and gourmet grub will be for sale for in the Atrias galley.

All proceeds from the event will support the National Aviarys education, avian medicine and conservation programs.

Lookingfor more events?Check outour11Pittsburgh events not to miss inFebruary,Top 10 family events in Pittsburgh this Februaryand our17cant-miss Pittsburgh concerts in 2017feature stories.

Buy tickets.

National AviaryThings to do in Pittsburgh

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Escape to the high seas at the National Aviary - NEXTpittsburgh

Patch.com

In Dramatic High Seas Rescue, Four Fishermen Rescued By Good Samaritans Off Galveston, Texas, Coast Patch.com GALVESTON, TX A dramatic rescue on the high seas occurred Friday afternoon off the coast of Galveston, when four people floating along a life raft were rescued in the Gulf of Mexico by a pair of Good Samaritans. The four men are alive today thanks ... and more »

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In Dramatic High Seas Rescue, Four Fishermen Rescued By Good Samaritans Off Galveston, Texas, Coast - Patch.com

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NORFOLK, Va. -- Just ask Kyle McCarthy about his job. And the adrenaline that flows through him like an electrical charge.

Yes. Sir, Absolutely. It is one heck of a ride up here Ill tell you what, he said.

Petty Officer McCarthy tackles one of the most stressful occupations in the United States Navy.

Because the first thing I see when I walk up is two jets turning around and moving, said Kyle. So you have missiles, bombs and torpedoes.

Kyle McCarthy

The sailor from Chesapeake is part of the ordinance team on board the U.S.S. Dwight D. Eisenhower.

It is definitely a fulfilling experience, he added.

The 24-year-old welcomed me to go below deck in a rare opportunity to be a sailor for the day.

But before accepting the invitation. I need to look like a sailor.

Our first stop at Naval Station Norfolk, was inside The Navy Exchange, one of the busiest spots in Hampton Roads, where we found Inell Lewis.

Inell Lewis

Ms. Lewis has been a seamstress for 50 years. She has dressed generations of military men and women. The Emporia native does not allow clients to leave until they appear, well, ship shape.

We want to have our sailors looking good because if it is not done right it reflects on us, said Ms. Lewis.

At Naval Station Norfolk security remains tight. Our second destination? The massive nuclear powered Mighty Ike.

Sitting at Sewalls point just west of the I-64 bridge tunnel the second oldest carrier in the fleet just returned from a seven month combat deployment fighting the Islamic State in Operation Inherent Resolve.

As we discovered, each member of the Ikes crew of 5,000 plays a critical role on board the carrier.

Petty Officer Nick Moffett the ships banker and graduate of James River High School in Chesterfield wears many hats.

Were on the front line if you will, said Nick. Were on a ship. Were not on the ground but we are definitely contributing in a hands on way.

When he is not paying his fellow sailors Nick takes charge in one of the ships fire stations where he leads a team of sailors when crisis strikes.

I was the scene leader for the entire deployment, said Nick.

For the 28-year-old training is paramount because in the middle of the ocean calling 911 is out of the question.

If the ship goes down. We go down, said Nick. So we have to protect that. And we protect our lives.

Firefighters on board train every two weeks for hours on end.

So basically we bring all of this stuff out to the hangar bay. Everyone gets dressed to fight the fire or the flooding or any kind of casualty we might have, said Nick.

Nick put this journalist through the drill, helping me don the heavy, hot firefighting gear.

We dont know when the next casualty might happen or how bad it is, said Nick. We need to be ready to fight the fire or fight the flooding or fight whatever happened as soon as possible.

Putting on the equipment in mere minutes when an emergency arises requires several hands.

Nick Moffett

Nick you have a lot of people helping you? I asked.

Yes a ton of people helping you out, said Nick.

Another place on board where the temperatures soar? The four and half acre flight deck especially under the blazing sun in the Persian Gulf.

So the heat index was 150 degrees, said Kyle McCarthy. I have never felt anything like that in my life.

Kyle McCarthy and the ordinance team loaded jet fighters with everything from laser guided missiles to 2,000 pound bombs.

From there it is pedal to the metal. It is pedal to the metal, man, said Kyle.

The Chesapeake native does not take his responsibility lightly.

Were going to go right over here right down these steps, he said. Ill take you in where all the planning is and all the magic happens.

The 24-year-old led me to a room where the ordinance team members don life-saving equipment like the vest which has a transmitter inside in case Kyle falls overboard into the water. Kyle and his sailors work in tandem under and around supersonic jets in a type of high seas ballet.

Each teammate is assigned to a different task depending on their colorful shirt.

Were the Skittles on the flight deck because you have all of the colored jerseys, said Kyle.

The 70 plus F/A 18s on board the Mighty Ike were launched in missions against the Islamic State in Iraq and Syria.

Our seven month deployment we dropped 1,222 pieces of ordinance on the bad guy. On ISIS, said Kyle.

He said with so many moving parts on the flight deck his duties can be hazardous. It is a dangerous but rewarding job.

As much as it gets difficult and stressful it is honestly one of the coolest things Ive ever gotten to do, he added.

Commander Erik Stinson leans heavily on Kyle. The pilot said no one individual can claim glory.

Without the ordinance on the aircraft we are nothing, said Stinson. The whole team. The whole strike group team. It is a team effort to accomplish a mission.

Its clear Petty Officer Kyle McCarthy and the crew of the USS Dwight D. Eisenhower take pride in their jobs and their country.

At the end of the day you come back and say I cant believe I just did that, said Kyle. There is not a better feeling I can experience. It is a unique experience being in the Navy. I thoroughly enjoy every minute of it.

If you know of someone who I should feature in my "I Have a Story" segment email me at ihaveastory@wtvr.com

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Greg McQuade discovers life on the high seas aboard USS Dwight D. Eisenhower - wtvr.com

Deutsche Welle: Mr. Chertoff, cyberspace basically right now is a space without borders. but now, a new global commission on Cyber Security is set to be launchedand you are slated to be a commissioner. The challenge seems big, the challenge seems urgent. Cyber security is a big topic at this year's Munich Security Confrerence. What can this global commission achieve realistically?

Michael Chertoff: I liken the internet a little bit to the high seas. Everybody uses it but it is not necessarily within any countries boundaries. So over a period of time we developed a body of maritime law that governs free passage - what you are allowed to do and what you are not allowed to do on the high seas. Sometimes there is controversy and sometimes the rules get broken. But the fact that we have rules makes it possible for everybody to use the oceans. And I think we could do the same in cyberspace. We can at least in some areas reach agreement that there should be some limits to what is done offensively or what is done defensively in cyberspace. It is not going to solve every problem and it won't be perfectly enforceable. But if we begin with some common interest, then I think first if we can reach some agreements we can build trust and we can at least begin to reduce some of the challenges to using the internet and the trust in the internet which otherwise I think can be a problem.

One of the big problems when it comes to enforcing norms in cyberspace is that it is a problem of attributing cause or blame. It is really difficult to pin down a violator and to find a smoking gun.

Michael Chertoff is a former head of US Homeland Security

Attribution is difficult, and one of the things that makes it more challenging to enforce the rules is that, with respect to cyberspace as with nuclear proliferation, it is precisely that the capabilities are wide and distributed. It is easy to masquerade as somebody else. And, in fact, one of the norms that perhaps we ought to have is an obligation to identify onesself.

That being said, there are ways to attribute. It may not be as straightforward as watching where a missile might have been launched, but there are tools you can use to actually track back who launched an attack. So, while it won't be a perfect situation, I do think there is enough capability. I think that we could call out somebody who persistently violates the norms - often, frankly, because you see the effects of what they do in terms of how it benefits the perpetrator.

What are the next steps after the launch of the commission?

First, we will have a broad representation from countries around the world and we have representatives coming on board; hopefully coming on board including China and Russia, as well as obviously the West and Africa and South America. I think we then want to define clearly what we want to achieve - at least in the short term and then in the medium term - and put together a plan to begin to develop some output and some results relatively quickly. Then, we can begin to socialize the recommendations with governments around the world. There are some areas where I think you could reach a pretty broad consensus because everybody benefits from having a clear understanding of the rules of the road.

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'The internet is like the high seas' - Deutsche Welle

Broadway on the High Seas 8, featuring 19 Broadway performersPlaybills most star-studded cruise yetsets sail February 17-24 from San Juan, Puerto Rico.

The eighth cruise in Playbills series of exotic and unparalleled trips, travelers board the newly renovated luxury liner Silverseas Silver Wind for a Caribbean cruise, including stops in St. Maarten, St. Kitts, St. Johns, Antigua and Barbuda, and more.

Broadway on the High Seas includes nightly main stage performances from our Broadway lineup, as well as Chatterbox interviews, Broadway trivia, autograph and photo sessions, cocktail parties with performers and celebrity guests, Playbill Happy Hour and After Dark programming, and more.

Among the stars sailing on Broadway on the High Seas 8 are Drama Desk Award nominee Bryan Batt, Tony nomine Kevin Chamberlin, Tony nominee Melissa Errico, Tony nominee Judy Kuhn, Lacretta, Lorna Luft, Tony winner Andrea Martin, Drama Desk nominee Karen Mason, Tony nominee Howard McGillin, Tony winner Brian Stokes Mitchell, Tony nominee Louise Pitre, Christine Pedi, Tony winner Alice Ripley, Emmy winner Ernie Sabella, Tony winner Lillias White, Virginia Ann Woodruff, and Tony nominee Tony Yazbeck. They are joined by Chatterbox host Seth Rudetsky, and Grammy-winning music director John McDaniel.

In May, Playbill will also launch its first-ever river cruise, which will venture down Frances picturesque Rhne River. This sold-out experience departs from Avignon, and explores Tarascon sur Rhone, Viviers, Tournon/Tain LHermitage, Lyon, and Macon.

From August 1320, Playbill will sail the Rhine River. Departing from Basel Switzerland, stops are planned in Breisach, Kehl, Mannheim, Koblenz, Cologne, Amsterdam, and more. Stars include Andrea Burns, Charlotte dAmboise, Terrence Mann, Faith Prince, and Seth Rudetsky.

Playbill Travel operates the premier vacation programs for discerning travelers with a shared love of exotic locales and the theatre. The Broadway on the High Seas series has become a hit with hundreds of theatre-loving travelers since its inaugural voyage in September of 2011. Entertainers aboard Broadway on the High Seas and its sister resort program, Broadway By The Sea, have included Patti LuPone, Brian Stokes Mitchell, Christine Ebersole,Tommy Tune, Andrea Martin, Ana Gasteyer, Megan Hilty, Lewis Black, Sherie Rene Scott, Laura Benanti and others. Since its inception in 2011, over 1,000 Playbill travelers have visited over a dozen countries including Italy, Greece, Brazil, Argentina, Russia, Poland, Germany, French Polynesia, Vietnam and beyond!

Visit PlaybillTravel.com for inquiries and booking.

LOVE THEATRE? CHECK OUT PLAYBILL STORE FOR MERCHANDISE!

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Star-Studded Broadway on the High Seas 8 Sets Sail Feb. 17 - Playbill.com

Ho, hum.

Viktor Leonov first appeared off Delaware and, at this writing, is loitering south of the US submarine base at Groton, Connecticut. The ship is undoubtedly vacuuming up electronic signals emanating from the base, monitoring the US Navy's comings and goings and gleaning anything it can about the construction of new US submarines.

In other words, two can play America's game.

It's worth remembering what a common maritime game this was during the Cold War. Ever since the US Navy sank the Imperial Japanese Navy in World War II, it has seen itself as the guardian of freedom of the seas and as the sharp edge of US foreign policy. At the height of the Cold War, US mariners mounted a standing presence in potentially embattled waters. Ships voyaged around the Eurasian periphery constantly, close to the Eastern Bloc shores.

Rather than submit meekly to American dominance of the world's oceans and seas, the Soviet Union built an oceangoing fleet larger, albeit more technologically backward, than the US Navy fleet. By the 1970s, in fact, the Soviet Navy was active not just in the vicinity of Soviet coastlines but throughout the Seven Seas. This included American-dominated "lakes" like the Mediterranean Sea. During the 1973 Arab-Israeli war, for instance, the Soviet contingent in the Eastern Mediterranean outnumbered the Italy-based US Sixth Fleet -- and shocked US commanders in the process.

But such interactions became routine during the end of the Cold War. Each navy shadowed the other's ships and aircraft. Fleet commanders departing from, say, Pearl Harbor, knew a Soviet "AGI" -- a fishing trawler packed with electronic snooping gear, and a forerunner to Viktor Leonov -- would be lurking offshore and would follow along to collect signals intelligence and information about American tactics and practices. Prudent US commanders took to assigning the AGI a station in the formation, lest it get in the way or cause a collision when the task force changed course or speed.

Soviet ships became de facto members of US fleets!

Mostly, though, Washington and Moscow managed their maritime interactions in the interest of preventing war. They concluded an Incidents at Sea Agreement designed to forestall escalation when US and Soviet ships encountered each other at sea. In short, each navy sought to deter the other while grudgingly tolerating its presence in nearby seas.

And Viktor Leonov appears to be in compliance with this law.

Competition against rival navies is once again a fact. Americans and their elected officials had better get used to it.

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The Cold War returns to the high seas - CNN

Top-class cosplayers from eight countries in the region will be competing at the Asia Cosplay Meet Championship this weekend aboard Royal Caribbean's 15-deck Mariner of the Seas cruise ship.

Back for its second edition, Cosfest Sea: Beyond The Great Horizons will feature US guest cosplayers for the first time, a cosplay parade along the ship's 136m-long Royal Promenade, and a superheroes costume museum for passengers to try on outfits.

All guests aboard - cosplayers and non-cosplayers alike - are welcome to watch the competitors from Singapore, Thailand, the Philippines, Korea, Japan, Indonesia, Hong Kong and China vie for the top prize.

The champions from Thailand won $2,000 in cash last year.

At the championship, teams of three will dress up as characters from any movie, TV series or anime, and perform acts of sword fighting, dancing or singing before a panel of judges.

It is not all fun and games for the cosplayers, some of whom learn new dance routines or make their costumes from scratch.

Event co-organiser Stephanie Loh, president of The Singapore Cosplay Club, said: "Some contestants even undergo martial arts training to play their role."

Ms Loh, 34, who also cosplays as comic book character Wonder Woman and Elsa from the movie Frozen, said tickets for this year's Cosfest Sea sold out last December.

This is earlier than for last year, a testament to the growing popularity of cosplay here.

Ms Loh said: "It takes courage to express what you like in costume, but more people are plucking up the courage to do so.

"That's why cosplay is so refreshing to Singaporeans."

Royal Caribbean's corporate communications manager Chin Ying Duan said last year's cruise saw full capacity, exceeding 3,500 passengers, and this year will be the same.

The ship also has an ice-skating rink, full-sized sports court, DreamWorks Entertainment theatre, six whirlpools, boutiques and cafes.

The cruise ship will leave Singapore this afternoon and make a stop in Penang before returning on Monday morning.

Tickets cost $495 a person.

Co-organiser Takahan Tan, 42, who also cosplays as Batman, is glad about the rising popularity of Cosfest Sea.

He said: "We want to make it better each year so the cosplay culture can continue spreading".

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All aboard for Cosplay on the high seas - The New Paper

Sailing the high seas: Top cruises for first-timers, families and excursions in 2017

The Disney Dream cemented its reputation as the gold standard in cruising, taking the title of best overall large ship for the third year in a row. AFP pixLOS ANGELES, Feb 16 Disney, Viking and Celebrity cruise ships have emerged the top-rated brands by cruisers around the world.

If you're thinking about sailing the high seas for your big vacation this year, consider checking out the results of the latest Cruisers' Choice Awards, which collected ratings and reviews from cruisers over the last 12 months.

In the seventh edition, a trio of cruise brands emerged the big winners along different categories, including large, mid-size, small-mid, and small ship class.

The Disney Dream cemented its reputation as the gold standard in cruising, taking the title of best overall large ship for the third year in a row.

The ship was also named best for cabins, service, public rooms and shore excursions.

The Disney Magic took the title of best overall ship in the mid-size category and was also named the best cruise ship for families.

Cruisers without small children and first-time cruisers, meanwhile, may want to check out the Viking Star, which was named the best ship for first-timers.

Unlike larger ships, the Viking Star is destination-focused, with port-intensive itineraries and longer than average calls that frequently drop anchor overnight, reads a staff review.

That also means fewer onboard amenities like casinos, organized activities and entertainment. The minimum age to sail is 16. A Nordic spa, however, is available and features a thalassotherapy pool, steam room, hot tub, sauna, and snow grotto.

The Viking Star is destination-focused, with port-intensive itineraries and longer than average calls that frequently drop anchor overnight.The ship also won titles like best value, dining and cabins in the small-mid category.

The Celebrity Xpedition also won six awards in its class (small ship), including best overall, best value and shore excursions.

The awards are based on reviews submitted for cruises taken in 2016. Cruise Critic is the leading online cruise community with more than 160,000 reviews.

Here are some of the winners:

Best Cruise Overall

Disney Dream (Large) Disney Cruise Line

Disney Magic (Mid-Size) Disney Cruise Line

Viking Sea (Small-Mid) Viking Ocean Cruises

Celebrity Xpedition (Small) Celebrity Cruises

Best Cruise Ships for Dining

Celebrity Reflection (Large) Celebrity Cruises

Marina (Mid-Size) Oceania Cruises

Viking Star (Small-Mid) Viking Ocean Cruises

Wind Surf (Small) Windstar Cruises

Best Cruise Ships for Entertainment

Allure of the Seas (Large) Royal Caribbean International

Celestyal Crystal (Mid-Size) Celestyal Cruises

Viking Sea (Small-Mid) Viking Ocean Cruises

Silver Shadow (Small) Silversea Cruises

Best Cruise Ships for Service

Disney Dream (Large) Disney Cruise Line

Marina (Mid-Size) Oceania Cruises

Viking Sea (Small-Mid) Viking Ocean Cruises

Paul Gauguin (Small) Paul Gauguin Cruises

Best Cruise Ships for Shore Excursions

Disney Dream (Large) Disney Cruise Line

Celestyal Crystal (Mid-Size) Celestyal Cruises

Viking Sea (Small-Mid) Viking Ocean Cruises

Celebrity Xpedition (Small) Celebrity Cruises

Best Cruise Ships for Value

Norwegian Sky (Large) Norwegian Cruise Line

Celestyal Crystal (Mid-Size) Celestyal Cruises

Viking Star (Small Mid) Viking Ocean Cruises

Celebrity Xpedition (Small) Celebrity Cruises

Best Cruises for Families

Disney Magic Disney Cruise Line

Best for First Timers

Viking Star Viking Ocean Cruises AFP-Relaxnews

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Sailing the high seas: Top cruises for first-timers, families and excursions in 2017 - Malay Mail Online