Fowey Maritime Centre An introduction to powerboating

An introduction to powerboating

To provide a practical introduction to boat handling and safety in powerboats. The course may be conducted in a variety of boat types, both planning and displacement, and the certificate issued will be endorsed to show the type(s) of boat in which the training took place. The ratio of students should not exceed 3:1

Duration

1 day

Minimum age

8 years old

Please note:
8-11 year olds will receive the Level 1 certificate which will be endorsed -
"The holder should only use powered craft under the supervision of a responsible adult on board the craft."

12-16 year olds will receive the Level 1 certificate which will be endorsed -
"The holder should only use powered craft under the supervision of a responsible adult."

 

SECTION A - Practical boat handling

Launch and recovery (8-11 year olds to observe session only)

Knowledge of:

• 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

Understands:

• 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

 Can:

• Perform the following: fasten to a cleat and stow an anchor

Boat handling

Knowledge of:

• Planing 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

Understands:

• How to carry out pre-start checks, including fuel tank and fuel bulb,
• Steering, controls and windage

Can:

• 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

Knowledge of:

• Preparation of mooring warps
• Use of a boat hook
• Method of approach
• Crew communication
• Making fast

Leaving and coming alongside

Knowledge of:

• Wind effect
• Approach in tidal stream or current

Understands:

• Leaving ahead or astern

Can:

• Demonstrate the use of painter, lines and fenders, attachment to boat, stowage under way
• Control speed and angle to approach
• Make fast alongside

Being towed

Knowledge of:

• Preparing own lines for towing
• Accepting a tow
• Securing tow lines
• Trim and balance under tow

SECTION B - Theory

Knowledge of:

• Loading and balancing the boat and the effect on handling and performance
• Local byelaws and Insurance

Understands:

• Crew numbers: minimum number in boat, keeping a good look-out
• Awareness of other water users, including the effect of wash
• Application of IRPCS. Understands rules 5,6 and conduct around commercial shipping in confined waters