Category: Commentary

Confronting the Barbary States

Background The Barbary States were North African Ottoman provinces and vassal states: Tripoli (modern Libya) Tunis (Tunisia) Algiers (Algeria) Morocco (an independent kingdom) These states... Read More

The Cannon

The Cannon’s Effect on Nautical History The Cannon’s Effect on Nautical History The introduction of the cannon fundamentally transformed nautical history and shaped centuries of... Read More

Stars on the Water

The sails are dressed in stripes of red, White canvas catching winds ahead. Blue sky above, the sea below, And fireworks in the twilight glow—... Read More

California Overregulation

How California Has Fallen Behind Due to Overregulating Its Ports and Harbors 1. Delays in Automation and Modernization Labor Restrictions: Powerful labor unions, like the... Read More

California Port Automation

Impact of California Refusing Port Automation California’s Refusal to Modernize Its Ports with Automated Technology California’s refusal to modernize its ports with automated technology has... Read More

Summer Boating Tips

Summer Boating Tips Safety First Wear your life jacket: Always have one for each passenger, and make sure kids wear theirs at all times. Check... Read More

The Rock Groin

Rock Groins Rock Groins Rock groins (often just called groins) are coastal engineering structures made of large rocks or concrete, built perpendicular to the shoreline.... Read More

Masts

Nautical Mast Nautical Mast A nautical mast is a vertical or near-vertical pole or spar on a ship, typically used to support sails, rigging, and... Read More

The Jet Ski

Brief History of the Jet Ski Brief History of the Jet Ski Origins: 1960s: The concept of a personal watercraft (PWC) began with Clayton Jacobson... Read More

Nautical Bumpers

Nautical Bumpers Nautical Bumpers Nautical bumpers, also known as boat fenders, are essential marine accessories used to protect boats from damage when docking or mooring.... Read More

Swim Steps

Swim Steps On Boats Swim steps (also called swim platforms or boarding steps) are flat extensions or small steps at the stern (back) of a... Read More