Aim: To provide a practical introduction to boat handling and safety in powerboats.
Launch and recovery
Considerations 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 appropriate 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 the 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
Demonstrate the use of painter, lines and fenders, attachment to boat, stowage underway
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 bye-laws and insurance
Crew numbers: minimum number in the boat, keeping a look-out
Awareness of other water users, including effect of wash
Application or IRPCS. Understands rules 5 & 6, and conduct around commercial shipping in confined waters
“To provide a practical introduction to boat handling and safety in powerboats”.
In practice the Level 1 course is ideal for people wanting to gain some initial training in the use of powerboats. The course covers all of the important areas relating to boat handling together with an introduction to some of the theory.
Students between the ages of 8-11 will receive a Certificate that is endorsed- “The holder should only use powered craft under the supervision of a responsible adult on board the craft”
Students between the ages of 12-16 will receive a Certificate that is endorsed – “The holder should only use powered craft under the supervision of a responsible adult”
* Note: It is Company policy that children and young people under the age of 18 must be accompanied on the course by a parent or guardian.