Prepper Boat Thread

[RPZ]

GoingWalkAbout,

Classic example of government and institutions saying "all is well" - when they have in fact not even looked. Or at least if they have, they are not saying.

Its interesting to note that our Navy warships, many of which have monitors and measuring equipment for radiation and operate in the Pacific, are not being used as a ready source of data. Or again, if they are no one is talking about it.

[GoingWalkabout]

Originally Posted by RPZ

GoingWalkAbout,

Classic example of government and institutions saying "all is well" - when they have in fact not even looked. Or at least if they have, they are not saying.

Its interesting to note that our Navy warships, many of which have monitors and measuring equipment for radiation and operate in the Pacific, are not being used as a ready source of data. Or again, if they are no one is talking about it.

You have focused on the elephant in the room. Real scientists are saying we need more research and data points. The propagandists are proclaiming.... there is nothing here to worry about. Eat all the west coast sourced sushi you want.

It hasn't been widely reported. Japan has passed a law making it illegal to publish Fukushima and environs radiation level figures. Such publication in Japan, 10 years in prison.

I guess Japan is more worried about its 2020 Olympics attendances then the planet.

[a64pilot]

The Military has incredible assets, that are not used. To a large extent Businesses do NOT want them used, its tough to compete against a Tax funded asset.
For example, USCG used to often tow, before Boat US and Sea Tow, now if they did, I bet they would be sued by Boat US and Sea Tow.
Used to be US Army Medivac helicopters were used for civilian accidents, program was called MAST for Military Assistance to Safety and traffic I think, but your local Hospital little Lifeflight helicopter just cannot compete against a fully equipped Medivac Blackhawk, so the Army was made to stop MAST.
Aerial firefigting is another example, California burns, while hundreds of National Guard helicopters sit idle.

If US Navy weighed in to assist Science with their tens of Millions of dollars of State of the art equipment, how you gonna compete with your little research vessel?

[RPZ]

Originally Posted by a64pilot

The Military has incredible assets, that are not used. To a large extent Businesses do NOT want them used, its tough to compete against a Tax funded asset.
For example, USCG used to often tow, before Boat US and Sea Tow, now if they did, I bet they would be sued by Boat US and Sea Tow.
Used to be US Army Medivac helicopters were used for civilian accidents, program was called MAST for Military Assistance to Safety and traffic I think, but your local Hospital little Lifeflight helicopter just cannot compete against a fully equipped Medivac Blackhawk, so the Army was made to stop MAST.
Aerial firefigting is another example, California burns, while hundreds of National Guard helicopters sit idle.

If US Navy weighed in to assist Science with their tens of Millions of dollars of State of the art equipment, how you gonna compete with your little research vessel?

This is a really good expansion of my point, as it extends to other issues, including SAR.

Usually the first argument is "the costs". And it is not a valid argument. Military vessels and aircraft are already paid for, and already have to be fueled and maintained. Their crews are already paid, whether they are underway, or sitting at home off duty.

It applies to all operations of the military; personnel, aircrews, ships crews etc have regular operational training, exercises etc. The fuel, maintenance etc is already paid for. Simply switching it for real rather than imagined purposes does not affect the cost.

Taking SAR as an example, including small vessel recovery, what better way for aircrews and ships crews to keep their skills than the real thing? What better way to improve skills, improve techniques, pioneer better ways, equipment etc?

[meatservo]

Originally Posted by a64pilot

The Military has incredible assets, that are not used. To a large extent Businesses do NOT want them used, its tough to compete against a Tax funded asset.
For example, USCG used to often tow, before Boat US and Sea Tow, now if they did, I bet they would be sued by Boat US and Sea Tow.
Used to be US Army Medivac helicopters were used for civilian accidents, program was called MAST for Military Assistance to Safety and traffic I think, but your local Hospital little Lifeflight helicopter just cannot compete against a fully equipped Medivac Blackhawk, so the Army was made to stop MAST.
Aerial firefigting is another example, California burns, while hundreds of National Guard helicopters sit idle.

If US Navy weighed in to assist Science with their tens of Millions of dollars of State of the art equipment, how you gonna compete with your little research vessel?

A64, You are so on point! Non competition clause. Of course the other side of that is I would have had to do something else for 5 years. The situation does change completely in a natural disaster. Most civilian EMS operators can't even carry water for all of our Active Duty, Guard, Reserve, and Coast Guard folks! They do not possess the skill set or equipment and training that we pay handsomely for!

Obviously some policy changes need to be made!



meatservo

[K_V_B]

Originally Posted by RPZ

GoingWalkAbout,

Classic example of government and institutions saying "all is well" - when they have in fact not even looked. Or at least if they have, they are not saying.

The post preceding yours had a nice graph, proving that in fact, they have looked...

[K_V_B]

Originally Posted by GoingWalkabout

You have focused on the elephant in the room. Real scientists are saying we need more research and data points. The propagandists are proclaiming.... there is nothing here to worry about. Eat all the west coast sourced sushi you want.

I would worry more about mercury than cesium. Your body is good at getting rid of cesium.

I'll repeat: Radioactivity is easy to measure. If the radioactivity released by Fukushima was significantly higher than what the official sources say, that would have been know. However, even Greenpeace accepts the official data.

It hasn't been widely reported. Japan has passed a law making it illegal to publish Fukushima and environs radiation level figures. Such publication in Japan, 10 years in prison.

Can you quote a source of that? This smells of an urban legend. Especially given the fact that there are quite a few sources out there actually publishing radiation levels, and doing so without being harassed.

I guess Japan is more worried about its 2020 Olympics attendances then the planet.

Well, Japan has some experience there, in how quick life can return to normal after a nuclear event. Within weeks after the bomb drop on Hiroshima the streetcars were running again...

Anyway. If radiation levels in Japan were above normal, someone would have noticed by now, wouldn't they?

Radioactivity is so easy to measure that radioactive tracers are often added to dangerous chemicals, so that spills can more easily be located...

[RPZ]

Originally Posted by K_V_B

The post preceding yours had a nice graph, proving that in fact, they have looked...

If you read the post, and understand what Dr. Buesseler is quoted as saying, no, in fact, they have not.

[annk]

I do not consider myself a prepper but as a long term liveaboard cruiser I accept that there are many similarities.

My boat is set up to allow me the freedom to choose where I go and where I stay without resorting to the need to purchase any external items/services.

It's a sailboat so of course I can move without the need to use the engine, therefore low fuel requirement. In fact I haven't topped up the fuel tanks for over three years.

I use very little power, LED lighting, small GPS units for navigation- no chartplotters etc. There is a sextant and tables aboard-and I know how to use them! I have an SSB radio and minimum boat electronics. Whilst I use paper charts I do have the entire world charts in digital format. Sometimes you end up in places you weren't intending to!

The substantial battery bank is charged by a KISS wind generator. This has always provided sufficient power for my day to day needs. However as I age and get softer(!) I am adding a couple of flexible solar panels so that I can power a refrigerator.

There is a small PUR/Katadyn watermaker that can produce 6 litres an hour with power generated by the KISS. Water can also be collected from the decks. In 17 years this has always satisfied my water requirements. I have tankage for 900 litres.

In addition to the usual propane stove I also have a small wood burner that has a 'oven' unit that sits on top which enables me to heat the boat and cook a meal using foraged fuel. The great thing is that the dry heat keeps the interior of the boat in tiptop condition.

I can my own food and regularly carry sufficient to allow me to not need to purchase supplies for many months. Wonderful when you find that idyllic isloated anchorage and can just stay as long as you want...
I love to fish and have also been known to grow a supply of leaves and herbs onboard when conditions allow.

There is a hand operated sewing machine onboard and it has been used to repair sails, make new canvas and upholstery. I usually have a bolt of sunbrella in stock and all the threads etc that I would need.

Major spares are kept as a matter of course and there is a full compliment of tools. In ten years I have not employed anyone to repair/ fabricated anything onboard.

It's been a big learning experience and the willingness to acquire a new skill is of vital importance. Thank god for youtube!

There is tremendous pleasure in being so independant. Having said that I don't ignore the pleasures of the grid. I am currently plugged in to a marina
and enjoy the delights of unlimited internet access and an electric kettle. But what is important to me is having choices, and the opportunity to exercise them.

I believe the most important tool I have is that whilst I am not anti-social I am however socially independant.

The longest time, to date, that I have spent off grid totally is just under six months-it was simply wonderful.

[sparrowhawk1]

Annk I hate to break it to you but you're a prepper. Please don't confuse that with doomsday prepper.

[K_V_B]

Originally Posted by RPZ

If you read the post, and understand what Dr. Buesseler is quoted as saying, no, in fact, they have not.

I see the results of measurements. That means measurements have taken place. That means that statements like "they haven't even looked" are false.

What is so hard with that?

More evidence that "they haven't looked" isn't even remotely true:

Home : CMER

[a64pilot]

Originally Posted by sparrowhawk1

Annk I hate to break it to you but you're a prepper. Please don't confuse that with doomsday prepper.

What is a "prepper" then? I though it was some nut preparing for the Apocalypse?

Where I live and grew up Annk would most likely have been called a Hermit.
Much rarer now but there have always been people that have lived outside of the normal conventions, not in a neighborhood, no car and 9 to 5 job, no country club membership etc.

[sparrowhawk1]

big difference between doomsday prepper and a prepper.

[K_V_B]

Originally Posted by a64pilot

What is a "prepper" then? I though it was some nut preparing for the Apocalypse?

Where I live and grew up Annk would most likely have been called a Hermit.
Much rarer now but there have always been people that have lived outside of the normal conventions, not in a neighborhood, no car and 9 to 5 job, no country club membership etc.

There is actually a job opening for a hermit near where I curently live...

[sparrowhawk1]

Here's the best definition I found for prepper