Navy inspection of USS Wisconsin finds 'manageable suprises'

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Category: Ships

Published on Friday, 22 February 2013 17:45

Written by Joe Follansbee

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Norfolk, Va. -- An inspection by volunteers from the U.S. Navy's Board of Inspection and Survey (INSURV) found a number of "manageable surprises" during a recent visit to the USS Wisconsin, a World War II-era battleship under the care of the Nauticus museum.

"The best thing about the results was there were no big surprises, but there were some manageable surprises," said Capt. Mark Metzger, INSURV director of craft and auxiliary force inspections. "The focus on a few discrete issues that we absolutely need to address will help us in preparing to open more of the ship. The berthing compartments are not ready yet. Rack lamps need attention, both for lighting and for safety. Sharp edges need to be smoothed. Loose racks and lockers need to be secured."

John Elliker, Battleship Wisconsin project manager, said the city of Norfolk initially contacted INSURV to ask them about surveying the ship. The conversation progressed into the INSURV team volunteering their off-time to conduct an inspection to assist the museum in developing a plan to open more of the ship and identify potential hazards that could impact visitor's health and safety.

"What we want is for your grandkid's grandkids to enjoy this ship in a meaningful way, and we can't do that if we're constantly battling rust and deterioration. This is the beginning of a unique partnership between the active duty Navy and the city of Norfolk for the preservation of the battleship," Elliker said.

The INSURV volunteers conducted the inspection January 25. The battleship received its last official INSURV inspection in 1992, before becoming a floating museum on the James River.

Metzger said INSURV will likely visit again. "This is a huge ship. There are still areas that haven't been accessed for years and are without power, lighting or active ventilation," he said. "So we're excited about making this a long-term partnership."

Source: Nauticus Museum

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Tall ship A.J. Meerwald seeking shipboard volunteers for 2013 season

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Category: Ships

Published on Monday, 11 February 2013 08:42

Written by Bayshore Center at Bivalve

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People who love to sail or have always wanted to learn, and those interested in local history and the environment, should consider volunteering aboard New Jersey's official tall ship, A. J. Meerwald, a restored 1928 Delaware Bay oyster schooner. This floating classroom offers educational experiences for school groups, businesses, and families. A.J. Meerwald sails from April through October and shipboard volunteers may sail as much as their schedules allow, assisting the crew in sailing the tall ship, greeting passengers, or presenting educational programs.

To qualify as a shipboard volunteer, trainees must complete the training program scheduled for March 2, 9, 16 and 23 and April 6 and 13, 2013 at the A.J. Meerwald's home port on the scenic Maurice River in Cumberland County, New Jersey. (Map) The six-part program includes practical hands-on experience in traditional boating skills, ship safety, regional history, and the environmental and historical programs presented on board.

No previous experience is necessary. Volunteers must be at least 18 years old, although teens 14-17 may attend training and volunteer if accompanied by an adult volunteer. There is no charge for training, but volunteers must complete 20 hours of training ashore before sailing and must commit to help on a minimum of five sails.

Residency of New Jersey is not required. Those who live close to another port-of-call can come aboard when the A.J. Meerwald is in their area, or help spread the word in advance of her arrival, such as distributing brochures or staffing an information booth at a local event or festival.

2013 ports-of-call in New Jersey will include Bivalve, Burlington, Greenwich, Jersey City, Perth Amboy, Alpine, Beach Haven, Atlantic City, and Cape May, as well as Philadelphia and New London, Conn. The 2013 sail schedule is  available online at the ship's website.

Volunteers who prefer to work ashore are welcome to attend any of the training sessions, but are not required to do so. There will be special training sessions in April for those who would like to volunteer in the museum, cafe, and annual events.

All volunteers are asked to join the Bayshore Center at Bivalve, which owns and operates the A.J. Meerwald. Membership fees support ship operations and BCB's shipboard and shore-based educational programs and activities. To register for training or get more information, call 856-785-2060 or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. .

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Columbia River Maritime Museum to dedicate new learning center

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Category: Maritime Museums

Published on Tuesday, 22 January 2013 08:23

Written by Joe Follansbee

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The Columbia River Maritime Museum in Astoria, Ore., has transformed an historic 1925 railroad depot in a new learning center for traditional maritime and boatbuilding skills. The museum will dedicate the Barbey Maritime Center for Research and Industry in downtown Astoria on Friday, January 25.

The "Depot," as it's known, will house classes, workshops, and demonstrations of skills and trades relevant to the maritime culture of the Columbia River, according to a news release.  The center will also serve as the museum's "Regional Boat Documentation Center" and the site for a legacy business that will manufacture copper boat nails essential in the construction and repair of traditional Scandinavian-style lapstrake boats. These activities, tailored to serve adults and school children, will provide educational, cultural, and economic benefits to visitors and residents, the museum says.

The center is named for a prominent local family. The museum was founded in 1962 when Rolf Klep, a native of Astoria, returned to his birthplace after retiring from a successful career as graphic artist on the east coast. It is now a major visitor attraction in Astoria, which features the lightship Columbia and major exhibits.

Source: Columbia River Maritime Museum

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