Maritime Museum Seeking Volunteers to Help with Mister Jim

Volunteer crew members aboard the Chesapeake Bay Maritime Museum’s replica buyboat Mister Jim prepare the vessel for visitors. Pictured from the left: museum volunteers John Gillespie, Duane Lundahl, Lloyd Devigne, Lou Berman, Tom Hollingshead, and Robin Gordon. The museum is recruiting new volunteers for its on-the-water programs with crew testing on June 1 from 9:30 a.m. to noon at the museum in St. Michaels. Call 410-745-4956 for more info.

      St. Michaels, MD -- The Chesapeake Bay Maritime Museum in St. Michaels, Maryland, will be recruiting volunteer crew members for its on-the-water programs with crew testing on Wednesday, June 1, from 9:30 a.m. to noon at the museum’s campus. As crew members, volunteers aboard the museum’s buyboat, Mister Jim, ensure the safety of passengers and share information with visitors about the Chesapeake Bay.
     Volunteers should be comfortable aboard a boat and possess some general boating skills. Participants will be selected based on their ability to perform basic agility skills such as climbing down a ladder into the engine compartment, climbing on top of the cabin to lift the raft, tying up the vessel, and setting up the man overboard ladder.
     Volunteers selected must be willing to participate in a Coast Guard required drug-testing program, attend three half-day training sessions, and make a commitment to work at least six days during the summer season. Shifts are six hours long and are available Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays through the fall.
     Individuals interested in volunteering as crew for the museum’s on-the-water programs will learn safe boating practices and the specific procedures necessary to ensure the safety of passengers aboard the buyboat Mister Jim. They will also develop talking points based on the region's social, cultural, and environmental history to engage and interest museum visitors. For more information about becoming a volunteer crew member, contact Director of Education Melissa Spielman at 410-745-4956 or email mspielman@cbmm.org.

Paradise Marina on Rockhold Creek Designated a Clean Marina

     Deale, Md. -- Paradise Marina on Rockhold Creek in Anne Arundel County is the newest certified Maryland Clean Marina. The marina joins 143 other facilities that have adopted a significant portion of recommendations from the Maryland Clean Marina Guidebook and passed a site inspection.

     The Maryland Department of Natural Resources (DNR) oversees the Clean Marina Initiative, which is a voluntary program that promotes and celebrates efforts of marinas, boatyards and yacht clubs to reduce their pollution.

     Owners John and Gail Hiser have made major improvements to this older marina, repairing the docks and bulkheads, adding a portable pump-out and spill response kit and building a sparkling new bath house.

     “It’s like night and day, seeing what Mr. Hiser has done for this facility. It’s really a gem now,” said Donna Morrow, DNR’s Clean Marina Program coordinator. “Smaller facilities like this really should pursue the award--for them it’s more about management than expensive equipment or the like.”

     The Hisers have invested heavily in new landscaping across the grounds to reduce storm water run off and beautify the site. They have also explained the new standards to slip holders in order to maintain a clean, safe facility.

     “Coming from a construction background helped me as we improved the place,” said John Hiser. “The permits and regulations took a long time, but I was determined to make this a beautiful place to be. It really feels like ‘Paradise Marina’ when you visit now.”

     Maryland Clean Marinas are re-inspected at least every three years to ensure they continue to meet award standards. Marinas, boatyards and yacht clubs of any size in Maryland are encouraged to participate in the program. Benefits include confidential compliance assistance, free promotion by DNR at regional boat shows, a free listing on the DNR website, use of the Clean Marina logo and, in many cases, discounts on marine insurance. More information and free program materials are available by calling 410-260-8773 or visiting www.dnr.maryland.gov/boating/cleanmarina.

Young Angler Catches State Record Muskellunge

     Mercersville, MD -- A 12 year-old West Virginia boy has caught a 31.75-pound muskellunge, setting a new state record on May 10. On April 14, Kenneth Files of Falling Waters, West Virginia and his father were fishing in the Potomac River, which was in a flood stage. Kenneth spotted an eddy and cast a large white plastic grub lure into the stained waters and a large fish took the bait. He eventually steered the fish, measuring 45-inches long with an astounding girth of 24 inches, into shallow waters.

     Kenneth and his father registered their catch at the Maryland Fishing Challenge Award Center at Wolf’s On the Square in Williamsport. After getting an approximate weight, it appeared that the fish could be a Maryland State record. The Files iced the fish until they could get it to a state-certified scale at a local feed and grain store.

     “The waters of the upper Potomac River support a vibrant, self-sustaining muskie fishery that has gained popularity with anglers,” said Maryland Department of Natural Resources (DNR) Biologist John Mullican, who verified the species and weight of the fish. “With the success of the pure-strain muskie, tiger muskies have not been stocked since 2006, and few of the sterile hybrids remain. Muskies are sometimes referred to as ‘the fish of a thousand casts.’ Anglers typically fish for many hours to catch one. Kenneth's record muskie was a female estimated to be 11 years old.”

     The previous muskellunge record of 28.25 pounds was caught in 2004 by Matt Deal in the Upper Potomac.

     Kenneth and other Maryland anglers who register a citation-award eligible fish will receive free admission to the grand finale of the 2011 Maryland Fishing Challenge during the Maryland Seafood Festival at Sandy Point State Park on September 10. Participants should bring their eligible fish to an authorized citation award center (certain tackle shops and charter boats) to receive an entry ticket and invitation to the event. For details, go to http://www.dnr.state.md.us/fisheries/challenge/index.asp 

     To keep on top of the fishing action in Maryland, check in online with the DNR’s Angler’s Log and weekly fishing reports--www.dnr.maryland.gov/fisheries/log.

Local Notice to Mariners:Smith Island Crab Skiff Race on the Patuxent

     Patuxent River, MD -- Mariners are advised that a “Smith Island Crab Skiff Race” is scheduled to occur in the Patuxent River on Saturday, May 14, from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. The replica crab netting skiff racing demonstration to support the Calvert Maritime Museum’s Classic & Antique Boat Show consists of five inboard powered high-speed boats (18-21 feet in length) operating on an ovalshaped, marked course located near the Pavillion at Solomons Island, Maryland. The official patrol on scene can be contacted on marine band radio channel 16 VHF-FM, if necessary. For any comments or questions, contact Coast Guard Sector Baltimore, Waterways Management Division, at (410) 576-2674 or Ronald.L.Houck@uscg.mil. Chart 12264.
For the complete Local Notice to Mariners visit http://navcen.uscg.gov/pdf/lnms/lnm05192011.pdf

First Cruisers University and Boat Show May 12-15 at Baltimore Marine Center

     Baltimore, MD -- United States Yacht Shows, Inc., producer of the renowned United States Sail and Powerboat Shows, is launching a new event this spring! The first Cruisers University and Boat Show is slated for May 12-15 at the Baltimore Marine Center - Inner Harbor.
     This interactive boat show will feature the best of sail and power cruising boats from brands like Island Packet, Jeanneau, Integrity, Carver, Regal, Nordic Tug, Gemini, Hunter, Beneteau, Fountaine Pajot and more. Over 70 cruising boats will be available to view, board and enjoy as well as marine accessory and service vendors. The classic 1929 Schooner Summerwind will be visiting from United States Merchant Marine Academy. For complete information visit usboat.com.

NRP Blotter: More Than 3 Tons Of Dead Rockfish Found In Illegal Nets

     Annapolis, MD -- The Maryland Natural Resources Police (NRP) recently found 1,400 yards of illegal anchored gillnet containing more than 3 tons of dead rockfish.
     On May 1, NRP responded to the Chesapeake Bay near buoy 82, west of Tilghman Island for a report of an illegal anchored gillnet. Officers located the net but were unable to retrieve it due to the weight of the dead fish. On May 2, the S.V. Sandusky, the DNR ice breaker/buoy tender, was dispatched to retrieve the net. Sea and wind conditions prevented the crew from pulling in the net. On May 3, with much improved sea conditions, the crew of the Sandusky and NRP officers were able to retrieve 1,400 yards of anchored gillnet which contained approximately 450 striped bass weighing 6,750 pounds.
     Nearly all of the fish were dead and had to taken to the landfill. The net appeared to have been out since January and February due to the condition of the net and fish. NRP is encouraging anyone with information on this incident to call the Natural Resources Police Communication Center at 800-628-9944.

     Calvert County -- NRP arrested and charged George Lee Vansickle, 42, of Solomon’s Island with second degree assault, operating a vessel under the influence of alcohol, operating a vessel while impaired by alcohol and operating a vessel while impaired by a combination of alcohol and drugs. Ashley Lynn Denningham, 28, of Solomon’s Island was also arrested on a failure to appear warrant.
     On May 3, at 4:30 p.m., NRP responded to the report of an assault occurring on a sailboat in the Chesapeake Bay near Drum Point in Calvert County. The officers located the 29-foot sailboat and an investigation revealed that the owner/operator of the sailboat, Vansickle, had assaulted and grabbed the throat of Denningham during an argument over a cell phone.
     Both subjects were transported to the Prince Frederick Detention to await appearance before a court commissioner.

     Wicomico County -- On May 3, NRP recovered the body of a boater that went missing on April 29 after his aground sailboat was found unoccupied. Edwin Thomas Smullen, 59 of Tyaskin, Md. was found in the Nanticoke River near the location were his sailboat was found. Smullen had been the object of an intense search by land, water and air that was conducted by NRP, Coast Guard, Maryland State Police, Westside and Allen Volunteer Fire companies. NRP’s search employed side scan sonar, K-9 cadaver dogs and dragging operations. Smullen’s body was transported to the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner for autopsy.

     Prince Georges County -- On May 1, at approximately 3 p.m., NRP responded to the area of Swan Creek near Tantallon Marina for a report of a deceased person in the water. NRP’s investigation revealed that George Albert Goins, 61, of Fort Washington was living on a 50-foot house boat in Swan Creek and was last seen on Friday, April 29. When friends were unable to contact Goins, they went to look for him on his house and found him unresponsive, face down in the water. Goins’ body was sent to the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner for an autopsy. NRP is continuing the investigation.

Tickets Still Available for First Liberty Ship Cruise of the Season

     Baltimore, MD -- The first Living History Cruise of the 2011 sailing season aboard S.S. John W. Brown will be Saturday, May 28, from Baltimore. Tickets are still available. Spend an day in 1944 as you experience a sea and air adventure aboard Baltimore's restored Liberty Ship.
     Each six-hour "Voyage into History" features: continental breakfast; bountiful luncheon buffet, afternoon snacks and beverages; live Big Band music of the 1940s; military re-enactors and other entertainers; fly-bys of vintage World War II aircraft (conditions permitting), with the ship's Armed Guard gunners manning the guns to fight off attacking Axis planes.
     The ship is open to visit. View the magnificent 140-ton triple-expansion steam engine as it powers the great ship through the water. Tour museum spaces, crew quarters, bridge, flying bridge, chart room, radio room, messrooms, troop berthing areas, stern gun deck and much more.
     Find out more at http://www.liberty-ship.com/