What is a Waterman in Occupational Terms?

 

Great writing on what a waterman is as an occupational term from Shawn Alladio the founder of K38 Rescue Water Craft Services

Terminology is precision in language as the proper use of words. When using Waterman as an occupational term you are speaking our language!

Our (your) maritime heritage is centuries old, and this word begins in the 1100’s of England. If you know someone with the surname ‘Waterman’ you will understand.

A waterman was a boatman livery guide for transportation and lighterage.

In Medieval times, waterman formed gangs, or what we call unions or guilds. Some joined the Navy, others became pirates; merchant marines and stevedores.

They began apprenticeships to learn the water features and hazards because they were being taxed for their navigational skill.

Travel and moving freight were faster on water and their skills broadened with helmsman, pilotage and moorage.

Wherrymen (named for their boat) were subject to paying duties, they were required to have a license and were scrutinized for accidents.

Watermen enforced rules.

They suffered changes in travel.

They sought better pay.

They formed a Company of Watermen and Lightermen.

The filed for Acts on their behalf for support and protection.

They suffered death from occupational risk by drowning, respiratory and skin infections.

They became lifesavers by rescuing people and animals.

Our boating laws began in England and were brought here during the American Colonial period, we use many of these rules and laws in our courtroom today and on the water but sadly few even understand this. Even worse, instructors who teach do not know.

On the US east coast watermen pull up lobsters and in the Gulf they shrimp and tug. These Coxswains are our reminder of who we are today ‘boat servant’.

‘All whirry men, and all maryners vpo the see, shall leape out of their boates, and set them selues vpon the lode. - Book of Ezekiel

Do not be deceived, study and know our history.

Our ancestors died and struggled for the luxury we enjoy this day.

Onward.

Hawaii Waterman Hall of Fame

Let's see who are selected for the 2023 Waterman Hall of Fame. Individuals are inducted into the Hawaii Waterman Hall of Fame for their sustained outstanding contribution to the sport, and their international, national, and local accomplishment and recognition. The Hawaii Waterman Hall of Fame honors those remarkable legends within our islands’ water sports community whose lifetime of contributions have inspired and perpetuated the unique connection between our kamaaina and the ocean.  If you would like to nominate an individual who has been an exceptional contributor to our waterman community, please download and fill out the nomination form here and email info@dukefoundation.org.

Task Force Dagger Special Operations Foundation prepares for the 2023 Dagger Dive June 24 – July 2 2023

 

What a worthy cause that all of us can support with the Task Force Dagger Special Operations Foundation "Dagger Dive"

Task Force Dagger Special Operations Foundation (TFDSOF) aids wounded, ill, or injured US Special Operations Command (USSOCOM) members, veterans, and their families. TFDSOF responds to immediate needs, conducts Rehabilitative Adaptive Events (RAE), and provides next-generation health solutions for issues facing our service members.

As a veteran-operated nonprofit, TFDSOF understands the needs and experiences of the Special Operations Forces (SOF) community. Each program is designed to heal, rebuild, and strengthen the service member and their family by providing mission, purpose, and focus.

Dagger Dive is Task Force Dagger Special Operations Foundation’s (TFDSOF) longest-running and signature event. NAUI has been a key supporter of Dagger Dive and TFDSOF since the event’s inception over ten years ago!

Dagger Dive takes place each year in beautiful Key West, Florida where SOF service members, veterans, and their families are greeted with the incredible support of the members of the community who do so much to ensure the success of Dagger Dive!

TFDSOF sponsors activities that foster a sense of well-being, offer encouragement, and assist the service member’s rehabilitation and recovery from wounds/injuries sustained while serving our country and re-establishing the family bonds. One of our core beliefs is that if a service member is injured, the whole family is injured and must heal together.

Participating in an activity that requires focus, like diving, unites families and encourages them to work together towards a common goal. Diving is the medium that takes verbal out of the mix and creates a new way to communicate and reconnect.  Families participating in the Dagger Dive event spend multiple days learning how to dive before exploring the waters of Key West together. Training occurs each year at the US Army Special Forces – Special Forces Underwater Operations School in Trumbo Point Annex, Naval Air Station Key West. During the training, fifteen to twenty-five new NAUI Divers are certified, along with experienced divers completing refresher courses each year at Dagger Dive.

In 2023, TFDSOF will continue to support SOF service members, veterans, and their families with this unique RAE. Over 100 program participants and volunteers will be at this year’s event that takes place from June 24 – July 2! The week of learning, diving, and family-centric activities rebuilds the relationships between parents, children, and spouses, healing the whole family.

“Something unique to Dagger Dive and Task Force Dagger is that they address the family needs as well as the soldiers’ needs.”  Kristy Rooney (SOF Family Member)

After participating in Dagger Dive and becoming a certified NAUI Diver, many SOF members, veterans, and family members continue their diving journey with Task Force Dagger’s Joint Recovery Team, which NAUI also supports. The joint recovery missions in the Pacific Ocean, where TFDSOF supports Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency (DPAA) in research and aims to recover and repatriate our fallen service members from previous wars.  If you or someone you know is interested in more information about TFDSOF, please contact:  info@taskforcedagger.org

Shared from NAUI

The Crossing For Cystic Fibrosis 2023

 BOLD IN THE FACE OF FEAR.

The Crossing For Cystic Fibrosis is a long-distance endurance paddle challenge and international championship race that takes paddlers 80 miles across the Gulf Stream from Bimini in the Bahamas back to the Florida mainland. The event was inspired because of the incredible health benefits of the Ocean for those living with cystic fibrosis, a terminal lung disease. Travis Suit's daughter Piper was diagnosed with CF when she was four years old.

June 20-25, 2023

Watermen's Retreat - A Waterfront Resort in Cape Hatteras NC

Looks like a relaxing and fun location in the Cape Hatteras area for Watermen News to visit soon. I do hope we can dock our JetSki's there.

Described by Real Watersports as; An Unmatched Experience - Watermen’s Retreat provides a fresh look at the waterfront resort experience. Watermen’s consists of 14 waterfront suites, a secluded cottage plus a range of budget friendly cabanas.

The goal at Watermen’s Retreat is to always exceed expectations and make the most of your time to unwind. The Watermen’s atmosphere is family friendly and inclusive. Watermen’s Retreat is not only for kiteboarders and surfers, it’s for anyone who enjoys being a part of the excitement and fun.

Watermen's Retreat guests enjoy, 5-star, sparkling clean accommodations with fully equipped kitchens, incredible views, and breathtaking sunsets. If you're looking for the “REAL” Cape Hatteras experience, stay at Watermen’s Retreat to maximize your vacation. Enjoy private kiteboarding launch access at REAL Watersports the #1 kiteboarding, surfing, and foiling school in the world, Wi-Fi internet access, washer/dryer, secure gear storage, and quick access to REAL Watersports and Watermen’s Bar & Grill.

To book your Watermen’s Retreat vacation today, call 252-987-6000 . You can also email us or book now.