Aim: To provide a practical introduction to boat handling and safety in powerboats.
Launch and recovery
Consdierations to be taken during the launch
The use of a trailer or launching trolley
Considerations to be taken regarding sea conditions and hazards
Construction, width and condition of ramp/slipway
Preparation of boat and crew
Personal buoyancy and appropriae clothing
The use of the following equipment: lines, fenders, anchor and warp, bailer, fire extinguisher, pump, paddles or oars, compass, flares, torch, whistle, charts, first aid kit, sharp knife.
Perform the following: fasten a cleat and stow an anchor
Boat handling
Planning of boats: propeller angle and immersion, use of shallow drive
Low speed handling: ahead and astern
Displacement boats: handling ahead and astern, carrying way in neutral
How to carry out pre-start checks, including fuel tank and fuel bulb
Steering controls and windage
Steer and control boat speed
Start and stop the engine
Demonstrate the use of an appropriate length kill cord at all times
Picking up and securing to a mooring buoy
Preparation of mooring warps
Use of a boat hook
Method of approach
Crew communication
Making fast
Leaving and coming alongside
Wind effect
Approach in tidal stream or current
Leaving - ahead or astern
Demonstrste the use of painter, lines and fenders, attachment to boat, stowage under way
Control speed and angle approach
Make fast alongside
Being towed
Preparing own lines for towing
Accepting a tow
Securing tow lines
Trim and balance under tow
Theory
Loading and balancing the boat and the effect on handling and performance
Local byelaws and insurance
Crew numbers: minimum number in the boat, keeping a look-out
Awareness of other water users, inclusing effect of wash
Application or IRPCS. Understands rules 5 & 6, and conduct around commercial shipping in confined waters
