:Where Worklife Matters

What will the aircraft carriers of the future look like? Will they be similar to our present aircraft carriers or will they be much different? Well to answer that question perhaps we should reveal that the aircraft carrier of today is a giant platform built around a specific mission.

To carry aircraft to the battlespace; to fight and to win, since the aircraft carrier is designed around the types of aircraft, which will be used and this mission one could say as the aircraft change and the mission changes, the platform will change.

Now then, what are we currently seeing in trends of aircraft in the battlespace? Well we are seeing more UAVs or unmanned aerial vehicles. These will need to be launched by ship, rather than ground bases.

We are also seeing future dirigibles being introduced as well and they will perhaps need a platform to launch from as well. We see our enemies developing fast moving skimmer missiles capable of supersonic flight and so the aircraft carriers defense systems will also need to be able to beat those and detect them too.

What type of catapult system will be used to launch UAVs in swarms or packs? Will the US Navy move towards new materials making the craft lighter and thus capable of VTOL vertical takeoff and landing, without sacrificing range? Many believe so. If this is the case the aircraft carrier may not need three or four catapults, it may only need one or maybe two.

Vertical take off aircraft could be launched out of the side of the ship or rear and capable of launching several hundred in minutes, which is currently impossible. So, as we look ahead into the future we will see the modern day aircraft carrier evolve into something very different that we have seen in the past. Consider all this in 2006.

“Lance Winslow” - Online Think Tank forum board. If you have innovative thoughts and unique perspectives, come think with Lance; http://www.WorldThinkTank.net/wttbbs/

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How would you like your next cruise vacations to be? The single most important part when looking for the best cruise vacations is planning. And planning begins with choosing not only the right destinations but also the right cruise line.

It all depends on what your preferences are (weather, duration, comfort, etc) That picture may look nice on the brochure, but can you really stand the Caribbean Sun? You may also check in what type of cruise you’re preparing to embark. There are many types of cruises available: family cruises, Christian cruises, all inclusive cruises, Christmas cruises, golf cruises, single cruises, luxury cruises and more, each one with their own particularities and activities within the cruise

As you see choosing the best cruise vacations is not that easy because then you have to pick the cruise line, and there is some heavy competition, among the cruise lines are Carnival, Royal Caribbean, Norwegian, Holland America plus a lot more. But don’t despair, a good travel agent will definitely help you tailor the best cruise vacations you can have.

Here are some tips you should take in consideration when planning for the best cruise vacations:

•Keep in mind your lifestyle. Does the cruise activities and fellow travellers feel right for you? Thinking about this will help avoid feeling uncomfortable during your trip. Some cruises even require you to have certain type of clothing if you want to attend their restaurants or events.

•Plan ahead how the weather is going to be. Nothing is more frustrating that vacations going bad because of the weather, if you can’t stand too much sun you should think twice going on a Caribbean Cruise.

•Consider the itinerary. The pace of the itinerary is also important, some cruises spend more time at sea than others.

•Be on the lookout for unnecessary charges.

•Get all the help you need from your travel agent. Ask all the questions you have. Trust me, it is better to find out about some things before taking the cruise.

•Final tip, just have fun! This should be the top priority on a vacation. If you feel you will spend more time in your vacations worried, take another cruise.

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The proper boating equipment can make the difference between a delightful boating experience and a disastrous one. While every state and province may have different regulations about what types of boating equipment are required, the fact of the matter is that some safety equipment should be carried whether it is legally required or not. This boating equipment is designed not only to keep the passengers safe, but the boat working properly as well. Here is a brief list:

1. Paperwork and Documentation: Do not head out on the river, lake, or the open sea without a proper boating license as required by law for any operator and also remember to carry your registration materials as well. Put this “boating equipment” all in a waterproof box or bag to keep them safe from water damage.

2. Flotation Devices: You may not like to wear those bulky “life vests” but there are many styles available which are lightweight and even self-inflating to make them less uncomfortable and easier to wear. Even if it is not required by law, it is recommended that everyone on the boat wears this piece of boating equipment. Some boats carry a life ring as well.

3. Lights: Navigational lights and distress signals are necessary boating equipment for everyone. You will be glad if you get caught out on the water at night unexpectedly.

4. Navigational Aids: Even if you know the area fairly well, it is a good idea to carry navigation charts and maps and a compass and even a GPS system if you want to spend the extra money.

5. Noise making tools: Take a horn, whistle or some other noise maker to use to warn other boats or water skiers of your approach.

6. Ventilation: This boating equipment is vital for houseboats because of the danger of carbon monoxide poisoning.

7. Fire Extinguishers: Every boat should have at least one fire extinguisher. You never know when an engine fire or other emergency will put your boat in danger-and help could be far away.

8. Anchor: This keeps the boat from drifting when you stop to fish, or if you stall out on the water.

9. Pumping Equipment: This gets rid of things like bilge water or human waste on the boat safely and cleanly.

10. Tool Box and Repair Manual: Make sure that you have tools and that you know how to use them for those quick on the water repairs.

Eriani Doyel writes articles about Travel and Leisure. If you would like more information about boating equipment visit flboating.com

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Though not as developed as Bequia, Clifton Harbor has
stores, water, ice, etc. It’s also the last chance to clear
customs and immigration when heading south from the St.
Vincent territory to Carriacou which is part of Grenada. The
dock isn’t much. It’s easier using the dinghy or water taxi
from the anchorage unless you have to take on water. The
customs and Immigration offices are at the airport, which is
a short walk from the harbor.

One of the best secrets of Union Island is Chatham Bay
around the other side from Clifton. It’s back to nature there
with far fewer visitors than the Tobago Cays. There’s only
one water taxi called “Shark Attack”. James, the operator
also makes carvings out of local wood there. The snorkeling
was excellent despite an algae bloom. There were eagle
rays, a nurse shark trying to hide in the algae and an 18 inch
fish called a flying gurnard that shuffles along the sand and
spreads it’s huge pectoral fins like wings when startled. We
were more startled than the fish to see the display.
The next stop was Canouan Island but not before putting
Paul in charge of the passage and having him also do his
man overboard drills. Bareboat Charter students are
required to demonstrate two different return methods to
complete the standard. Paul did three… a quick stop, a gybe
and a figure eight.

The Moorings is now operating at the Tamarind Resort in
Charlestown Bay. I ran into Michael Schantz, the CFO of The
Moorings who told me about plans to develop a marina with
a breakwater to make boarding the boats there easier
than it is with the pier now in use. Canouan is in a nice
location in the middle of The Grenadines and can be
reached on an American Eagle flight from San Juan. We
had dinner at one of the Tamarind Resort restaurants,
which has a wood fired pizza oven. The pizza and calzone
were great.

It was a close hauled sail from Canaoun back to Bequia to
position ourselves for a morning return the next day to
Sunsail. There was a fresh breeze of at least 20 knots so
we double reefed. It would have been perfect except
that I neglected to check the hatch over my forepeak cabin. I
had earlier dogged the hatch in the upper position to let in
some air so everything in the cabin became very wet by the
time we discovered the situation in Bequia. Fortunately, it
was a sunny afternoon so we were able to get the cushions
dried out. Also, Daffodil was there to take our wet linens and
laundry to wash, dry and bring back before dinnertime. It
was a bargain at $10 U.S. for each 10 pounds of laundry…
weighed dry, not the way we gave it to them.

The final passage was a relatively short beat of 8 miles back to Blue Lagoon in St. Vincent. We left early in order to
get the boats back in time to check in, have lunch and make
a 2:10 p.m. flight back to Barbados, the connection point for
St. Vincent instead of San Juan. Sunsail was very efficient in
helping us get checked in and there was plenty of time to
spare. We spent the night in Barbados at a beautiful beach
hotel. Then, the flight in the morning got us into San
Francisco by 5:00 p.m. via a Miami connection.

All in all it was an excellent trip with everybody agreeing that
it would have been nice if we’d had a few more days. That’s
the way I like it to go. Of course, I’ll be doing another trip in
just a few months. Our Tahiti trip is in September. That’s
why my job is the best job in the world.

Bob has been organizing and leading group bareboat
charter trips since 1987 and is currently doing 2 trips a
year to locations in The South Pacific, Sea of Cortez,
The Caribbean, and The Mediterranean. (Destinations
vary annually based on active interest) You may contact
him at bob@spinnakersailing.com
or visit Spinnaker Sailing at
http://www.spinnakersailing.com.

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Before you apply for a job on a cruise ship, or take your application any further, you should think carefully about exactly what it is a potential cruise line employer is looking for.

This has two benefits: firstly, it will help you decide if the job is really for you and secondly, it will help you decide how to put over your own personal skills and qualities to best effect.

Let’s take a look at exactly what cruise line employers are looking for in a potential candidate.

* Experience

Don’t worry, this isn’t always a necessity! There are plenty of positions onboard where you don’t need any experience whatsoever. But having some kind of land-based experience in your desired job is always going to be an advantage. Cruise line employers especially like people who can show a broad range of experience. For example, if your job involves contact with the public then experience of serving the public in several ways will be an advantage.

* High Standards of Service

All functions on board cruise ships are carried out to a high standard. So it is important that you can carry out your work to a high standard. For example, service in the Hotel, Catering and Bar Department is usually similar to that in a four or five star hotel.

* Professionalism

It is important to be professional about your work. That is, you need to take pride in your work and in achieving excellent results every time. This is not always easy when you are working long hours in a fast paced environment.

* Reliability

This is a big concern for most cruise lines. Interviewers are very wary of recruiting new crew members whom they suspect might ‘jump ship’ in an exotic port when the novelty wears off! They need to satisfy themselves that you will stay for the full duration of your contract (typically 6 months).

Obviously, once you have joined a ship you cannot easily be replaced in a foreign port, and the expense and hassle involved is something they really don’t want. You must give the clear IMPRESSION that you are highly reliable and have every intention of sticking out your contract. And preferably intend on making this a long-term career move. In other words, don’t make them think that you are just going to ‘give it a go’.

* High Standards of Presentation

It is very important that you are immaculately turned out when you work onboard a ship. This applies particularly to crew who have contact with the passengers but also to behind-the-scenes crew too, to a lesser extent. Again, if you consider that many cruise ships operate to the same standards of service as a top-class international hotel then you will get an idea of the sort of people the employer is looking for.

* Enthusiasm

You really do need to show that you are hard working and energetic. Shifts onboard can be much longer than on dry land. In particular, you certainly wouldn’t want to give the impression that you are a nine-to-five type person and couldn’t bear the thought of working weekends!

* A Cheerful Personality

You may find this a strange quality for a cruise ship employer to place much importance on, but they do. Obviously, working in the confines of a ship - and living onboard too - can be quite stressful and demanding. But since many of the passengers have paid a lot of money for their cruise, it’s very important that the crew are pleasant and professional with them. It is equally important that you are fairly cheerful and easy going off-duty so that you can do your job professionally when you are on duty.

If you bear in mind what the employer is looking for at all stages of your application - then you will be doing a great deal to boost your chances of getting a cruise ship job.

Copyright 2006 Neil Maxwell Keys

Neil Maxwell-Keys is THE cruise ship jobs expert and best-selling author of “Get a Cruise Ship Job: How to Get a Job on a Luxury Cruise Ship - Quickly and Easily!” You can get his FREE mini-course by visiting: http://www.GetaCruiseShipJob.com

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To put it simply for you!

It goes faster! Say 25%-50% faster than a comparable cruising monohull.
Due to it’s draft, the yacht has a lot more water to use! How’s 1.5′ - 4′?
The vessel is more stable! Much more than 5 degs. heel and something is wrong!
It’s safer for quite a few reasons - lack of crew fatigue, unsinkability, etc.!
It’s just more fun!

Twin-hulled sailing and Powerboat Catamaran manufacturer steathyachts developed for sport and recreation.

The U.S. designer of America’s Cup boats Nathanael Herreshoff designed and built catamarans in the 1870s that sailed so successfully against monohulled boats that they were barred from organized racing. Production of the current form of catamaran, which averages about 12.2 m (40 ft) in length, began in the 1950s. The early catamarans tended to have difficulty coming about when sailing to windward, but later designs overcame this. The catamaran remained difficult to right after capsizing, however. Smaller catamarans raced successfully against monohulled boats in 1959, and international competition began in 1961 between the United States and Great Britain, the latter winning through 1968. Thereafter, Danish and Australian boats also competed, the Australians dominating. Catamarans are very fast boats, achieving speeds of 32.19 kph (20 mph). The addition of engines also made the catamaran a popular motor-cruising boat.

Early catamarans were up to 21.3 m (70 ft) long, originally paddled by many men, and used for visiting, in war, and in exploration. Especially after the sail was added, voyages of more than 3,704 km (2,000 mi) were made.

These are few Powerful Yachts which are revolutionary hydrofoil based Sport 6.5 Hydrofoil Power Boat, Sport fishing 8 Inflatable Hydra Sport Boats, 420 Sport Boats which are High Performance Hydrofoil Supported Catamarans, These revolutionary Hydrofoil supported Catamaran semi-rigid inflatable boat is capable of speed, comfort and fuel efficiency that exceeds anything in its class. The PowerSport 6.5 hull is an asymmetrical catamaran designed hulls supported by two inflatable demi-hulls which enables it to float and run on any kind of water with ease.

Sunny Hoggard expert sailing and consultant for
http://www.stealthyachts.com (Powerboat Catamaran manufacturer) writing articles for novice sailors and helping them know more about sailing & sail boats.He can give you any kind of help related to sailing like buy power catamarans.

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It has been called “the big ditch”, “the bridge between two continents” and “the greatest shortcut in the world”. One look at the immensity of the Canal, and you will understand why a French company with a labor force of 10,000 men went bankrupt trying to excavate it. The project, while conceived in 1534 by Charles I of Spain, began in 1882 and ended seven years later in disaster with over 22,000 people dead from disease and pestilence. The United States took over the assets of a French company in 1902 and began the process of finishing the canal.

It is a epic story, appreciated best by transiting the canal by ship, viewing what many historians say changed the face of the industrial world. This 51 mile water tollway shaved over 7,900 nautical miles off the distance between New York and San Francisco.

Sailing the Panama Canal not only offers a rich detailed and fascinating history narrated by an on-board Canal historian; it is the natural beauty that surprises most of all - an ever changing panorama of jungle clad hills, shimmering Lake Gatun, the high arched span of the America’s Bridge, and of course the intricate workings of the locks and gates themselves.

As you approach the canal from the Atlantic you travel through 7.2 kilometers of dredged channel. Your ship then proceeds for a little over 11 kilometers slightly westward before reaching the Gatun Locks. Huge ocean liners are lifted, as if they were toys, 85 feet by three sets of locks, to the level of Gatun Lake. This lake resulted from damming the Chagres River and broaching the Continental Divide. This combined with the Gaillard Cut was a feat equal to digging a trench 10 feet deep by 55 feet wide from New York to California.

Passing through Gatun Lake to the mouth of the Gaillard Cut and down the 13 kilometer channel, you arrive at the Pedro Miguel Lock, which has a drop of 31 feet. This lock borders Miraflores Lake, about 55 feet above the level of the Pacific. Your ship continues about 2 kilometers through Miraflores Lake and reaches two Miraflores Locks. These locks lower your ship to Pacific tidewater levels. Leaving the Miraflores Locks you continue 4 kilometers to Balboa on the Gulf of Panama.

From the deck of your ship or your own private balcony, you’ll marvel as the locks open one into the other. The locks are double to allow one ship to be raised while another is being lowered. The lock chambers on the Panama Canal are 1000 feet long and 110 feet wide. Transit time through the canal is usually seven to eight hours. As a counterpoint, there is the natural wonder that surrounds the man-made one; a lush, virgin rain forest; impenetrable and inviolate, except for the canal. Imagine yourself watching the sun rise in the Atlantic and set in the Pacific. Visit Mayan ruins and colonial cities.

You can watch cliff divers plunge from dizzying heights or hike in a cloud forest where hummingbirds dart in greater numbers than crows back home.

Early in 2000 the United States turned over 100% control of the canal to Panama after jointly sharing its protection and control since 1977. The final cost of the canal US$336 million dollars which is less than the cost of the new cruise ships that pass through.

While transiting the canal is an incredible experience, remember your cruise, depending upon itinerary, will also take you to places like Puerto Caldera, Costa Rica; Cartegena, Columbia; Santa Cruz; Zihuatanejo and Hualtulco, Mexico or perhaps Ocho Rios, Jamaica; Oranjestad, Aruba or possibly Willemstad, Curacao and Santo Domingo in the Dominican Republic.

Engineered as carefully as the Canal itself, these cruises combine just the right number of exciting ports with long, leisurely days at sea. And no matter which direction you go, you’ll discover a remarkable collection of wonders, both natural and man-made.

Sid Kaplan

Cruise Vacations Guide

Sid Kaplan has extensive experience in the travel business. He owned and operated a large retail cruise only agency in Canada and his wife has 25 years experience working for major cruise lines. Their website is Cruise Vacations Guide which offers advice and tips to those looking to create memorable cruise vacations. Shore excursion and land tour information is also provided. Cruise, hotel, car rental and vacation adventure booking online.

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Relaxing in your canoe on a beautiful calm lake, fishing for the perfect fish is a very enjoyable and peaceful pastime that is enjoyed by many. Or maybe taking your kayak down a white water river braving class four rapids is more your style? Inflatable boats or Zodiacs are a lot of fun cruising in the ocean, slamming through the surf as well!

No matter what your personal preference is, enjoying small boats on the water is a lot of fun and can be exciting and relaxing all in one trip, depending on what you prefer. But no matter what type of boating you enjoy, you should be aware of some fundamental boating safety rules before you head out.

Pay Attention To The Weather

No matter if you are going for a paddle along the shore line of a local lake or a wild cruise through the ocean surf you should pay close attention to the weather report of the area that you are going.

Out on the water, the weather can change very quickly causing a whole host of problems to small boaters. It is very important to look at the short term weather report if you are going on a day trip to see if the weather forecast is calling for rain or any other major disturbances.

Rain storms can be a lot worse on the water than they are on land. A small rain storm can quickly turn into a very frightening experience if you are in a small boat such as a canoe, kayak or rowboat. Very small boats do not have as much stability and can be capsized or flipped much easier than larger boats. Also, there is nowhere to escape from the rain on a small water craft which means that you will become wet and cold much faster.

It is also a good idea to look to the sky as well as the weather report. Of course it is important to look to the weather report for the official weather; however the weather can turn around very quickly around water so it is a good idea to look to the sky. If you see some black clouds forming quickly and filling the sky, you may want to avoid the water that day or keep a very close eye on the sky.

Don’t Forget…

It is always a very good idea when you are a planning an excursion on the water to tell someone where you are going and when you plan on coming back. If you plan on going out onto the ocean you should file a float plan with the marina. This is extremely important incase a sudden ocean storm comes up and you find yourself in trouble in your small boat.

Also, if you are going out on the ocean you should carry a VHF marine band radio with you. A VHF radio is the easiest and fastest way to make contact with someone who can help you if you find yourself in trouble.

What Should You Have On Board?

No matter what type of small boat you have, there are a few things that you should carry on board with you at all times:

* Life Jacket or PFD
* Flashlight
* Oars
* Bucket
* First Aid Kit
* Rope
* Blanket
* Mirror or shiny object
* Garbage bags
* Life Jacket

The reasons to have a life jacket or PFD (Personal Flotation Device) on board are fairly self explanatory; however, many people die from drowning every year because they were not wearing their life jacket. If you are in a small water craft such as a canoe or kayak you should be wearing your life jacket or PFD at all times. Due to the nature of these small boats, they can flip easily and suddenly creating an emergency situation quickly.

There are few different types of PFDs that you can choose from depending on the situation that you have. The Type I PFD is also known as the offshore floatation device. A type I is useful if you are going into rougher waters where you may not be rescued very quickly. Type II PFDs are also known as a near shore buoyant vest, this type of PFD is more useful if you are in calmer water where rescue will be quicker. Type III PFDs are floatation aids that should only be used in very calm and protected water where you will be rescued quickly.

Whistle

You should be sure that you have a whistle on board that will work when it gets wet, and one that is made of a color that you will be able to see in the dark. Whistles are very important no matter where you go boating, because a whistle call will attract help if you are stranded. However, a whistle is known as a distress signal so it should only be used in an emergency.

Flashlight

A waterproof flashlight is essential for your boats safety kit. If you get stranded on the water after dark, you can use the flashlight to signal for help using international SOS signals. You can also use the light to look for other boats or objects to avoid hitting them.

Oars

You should always have oars on board even if you have a motor. If your motor breaks down, or you run out of gas you will have a way to paddle into shore. Be sure that your oars are secured to your boat so that you will not lose them in a storm.

Bucket

A bucket or pail is very important to have on board in case you begin taking on some water, you can use the pail to bail yourself out. You can also use the bucket to tap out SOS signals.

First Aid Kit

This is an essential piece of equipment for small boats. It is also important to know how to use the first aid kit as well.

Blanket

In case you get wet or your clothes become soaked a blanket will help you prevent hypothermia.

Ropes

Ropes are very useful for a variety of reasons and should be kept on every boat. They can be used to tie the boat to shore, to another boat for towing or even to rescue someone from the water. It is also important to know some useful knots.

Mirror Or Shiny Object

This can be used to attract attention during the day time by reflecting the sun. If you are stranded on the water, you will need to attract help and a flashlight will not be very useful during the day light hours.

Plastic bags

Bags are useful to create make shift rain ponchos during bad weather, also you can keep equipment dry and secure. If you have to, you can use orange garbage bags to attract attention as well.

The Last Word

These are just a few accessories that you should keep on board of your small boat in case of an emergency. It is also a very good idea to take a course about small boat safety and know the laws in your area before setting out onto the water.

© 2005 http://www.inflatable-boats-now.com

About the Author
Kevin Brown is successful author and publisher of many informative websites including http://www.inflatable-boats-now.com. His websites offer tips and advice on a wide array of topics including small boats, inflatable boats, boat accessories, and more.

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