Surfski Knowledge Base

lori & beau whitehead
02/28/13 #13988

I was touring the Navy vessel moored at Fairhaven, with the fire department for emergency response plans, and a sea kayaker paddled by about 150 feet away. The Fairhaven Shipyard employee giving us the tour immediately got on his radio to alert the Coast Guard. I asked him what was up. He said that at all times there is a 300 foot “off-limits” radius around the dry docks. And when a Navy vessel is there, its 1000'.

I asked him how a paddler is supposed to know that as there is zero signage anywhere. He didn't have a good answer.

I told him that apparently I have been trespassing there about 1000 times… He did not think that was very funny, although I did.

And he really did not like the fact that occasionally folks paddle directly under the piers…. During races…. Not naming any names…

Beau Whitehead

Dale McKinnon
02/28/13 #13989

Beau, right after 2002, when the Patriot Act when into effect, the 1,000' radius became law for all government vessels, and that includes the ferries…

HOWEVER, common sense had prevailed in the day-to-day events around the shipyard. I've noticed fewer and fewer incidences and complaints from the Shipyard personnel over the past ten years regarding paddlers/rowers/SUPers getting too close to the drydock. I always row about thirty-fifty feet away from the drydock when I head out and around toward Chuckanut from the CBC. Haven't had anyone yell at me. That may be a perk of gray hair. I presume the Navy ship will still be there on March 16… The Roughwater race will give the shipyard lots to yell about, since the race will take contestants easily within 1,000 feet of the drydock. If they complain it will be to a herd of cats. The Coast Guard isn't going to get too tweaked about it. Unless there is a fire-hydrant attitude about the Navy being there…

Reivers Dustin
02/28/13 #13990

This is a case where you want to retain the information. Likely nothing will ever come of it. Although it's unwise to torment the C.G. or the Navy they probably won't bother you. But it's a little like baiting animals. They have few options besides space to establish any natural security for themselves.

What this means to you and I: if there is ever “an incident” on board, the consequences will appear out of all proportion (to us). We're thinking wtf is with the bullhorns and live-fire drill. Even something simple like a spill drill or a simulated loss of power (without warning). These things stress the vessel and suddenly you can't be far enough away.

Situational awareness.

lori & beau whitehead
03/01/13 #13995

For as many times that I've passed close enough to touch the docks with my paddle and never been chased-down by black-ops patrol boats, I don't think its much of an issue. Just passing on the info…
The official guy giving the tour seemed a bit like Barnie Fife i.e: all bark and no bite.

Beau Whitehead

Dale McKinnon
03/01/13 #13996

Yer a poet Beau… a bit like Barnie Fife i.e: all bark and no bite.

“No protracted war can fail to endanger the freedom of a democratic country”
― Alexis de Tocqueville

Jeff Hegedus
03/01/13 #13998

Paddling close to the shipyard is a VERY big deal, and the disrespect shown by paddlers is astounding. I personally intervened when the shipyard and Port planned on installing 500 ft buoys within which it was a crime to enter; the shipyard is beyond tolerant, and paddlers are acting like spoiled kids. Its an industrial area, and paddlers should stay well clear.

David Scherrer
03/01/13 #13999

Reason needs to step in here a little.
I will freely admit I have paddled within 500 ft of the Fairhaven Shipyard for about 30 years. After all if a 500ft rule were enforced we would not be able use the beach at Marine Park. I do agree with Beau that if the shipyard and the Coastes and the US Navy wish to keep the mosquito fleet at a certain range, then they need to post a sign that can be read at that distance. The floating dry dock SW wall may be a good start. I don't believe anyone in our paddling group is showing “disrespect”.
We all share this resource. If the US Government or Fairhaven Shipyards wishes us to keep a certain distance in a commonly used public waterway then they need to be clear about it, posting signage would be a start.
David S.

Reivers Dustin
03/02/13 #14000

I've seen what Jeff was talking about. Saw a couple of kayakers go up to the C.G. Cutter and bang on the hull with their paddles. They seemed to be having a great time. Then they went over to the Alaska Ferry, apparently with similar intentions. They must have been yelled at or something. They moved off, but didn't seem at all intimidated. After all, what can happen - they are U.S. Citizens right?

Reminds me of seeing several young ladies walking across the street, two had baby carriages. They pushed the baby carriage out and of course traffic parted. My point: paddler traffic hasn't been enough of a problem for serious enforcement. But if it escalates, those with a lot at stake will react in ways we might view as draconian. (i.e. close Fairhaven & Marine Pk to paddler traffic.)

Had I never seen those knuckleheads banging on the hull, I suppose this would seem a tempest in a teacup. I'm really hoping it all stays informal. Effective signage?, what a hassle.

rd

dnjacobson79
03/02/13 #14001

I was pulled over twice by the coast guard last year; once for surfing the wake of a tug & once on dawn patrol as I set out around Lummi. Both times were fine interactions with plenty of 'yes sir/ no sir' answers. Interestingly they asked for ID both times, which I don't carry while paddling - but I gave them my name, Brandon Nelson, never heard any follow-up from them though.
See ya on the waves - blowing 15-20, temp in the 50's, is this paradise or what!
-DJ

allipp01

03/02/13 #14002

DJ 9:30 Squalicum Beach this morning…..then off to Wildcat for a downwinder. BE THERE!

Jeff Hegedus
03/02/13 #14003

'Reason' would dictate that paddlers just stay 'well clear.' Anyone not staying 'well clear' is being disrespectful.

donbuethorn
03/02/13 #14006

Ahab had nightmares that came true when Moby Dick rammed the Pequod and sent it to the bottom of the sea. A white surfski is to Moby as a Coast Guard Cutter is to the Pequod and the nightmares for Ensign Smith are as haunting as Ahab's. Any act named “patriot” has to be good and any loss of liberty is worth being protected from threats identified by our government.

Re: Fairhaven Shipyard 'Rules'-Use to be a sign!
Pmarcus
03/02/13 #14004

Actually…there use to be a sign that hung on the outside of the smaller drydock (big one is gone now) that read stay off 500 feet….and I think there is a small one posted on the end of the dock where the crane usually sits….not sure if that has a “feet” requirement.