Introduction to the powerboat & safety kit
Introduction to the powerboat:
Be logical.. start at the front and work your way to the back or vice versa, leave the controls until last.
Point out / show each part & explain use. i.e.
- Bow, securing points
- Anchor locker
- Console
- Port / starboard sides, fender points
- Seating / storage
- Bilge pump
- Engine
Controls:
- Battery isolator
- Killcord
- Ignition key
- Steering wheel / tiller
- Throttle
- Engine trim button
- Dials (i.e. fuel gauge, tacho etc)
RYA Powerboat Level 2 Safety Kit
UNDERSTANDS:
- The use of the following equipment: Lines, Fenders, Anchor & Warp, Bailer, Fire Extinguisher, Paddles / Oars, Flares, Torch, Whistle, Charts, First Aid Kit, Sharp Knife.
- Distress signals, means of issuing distress, DSC and Mayday Call
Suggestion: Get all the safety kit out prior to your students arrival, firstly to check you have all the items & secondly so they are ready to show your students. Don't forget to store them away safely prior to departure.
| RYA Powerboat Checklist Items: | Why & When? |
| Paddles or oars | Paddle or steer your craft if engine fails |
| Bucket or Bailer | Rid your craft of water |
| Towline | If you need to tow or be towed |
| Throwline | To retrieve someone from the water |
| Tool kit | Minor repairs |
| Survival Bag or TPA (Thermal Protective Aid) | Post MOB or when someone is extremely cold |
| Waterproof first aid kit | Quickly sort minor injuries |
| Anchor and chain or warp | Anchoring |
| Distress flares (2 orange smoke and 2 pinpoint red, or 2 day/night flares) | Emergency |
| Sharp knife, preferably serrated | Prop wraps etc |
| Spare killcord (except heavy displacement craft) | Damage to primary or if lose primary |
| Fire extinguisher 5A/34B | Self explanatory ! |
| VHF fixed or handheld | Ship to ship, Ship to shore & emergencies |
| Radio emergency procedures card | How to make a VHF Mayday call |
| Radar reflector must be carried on vessels fitted with A-frame | Be seen by vessels with radar |
| Efficient fog sound signal | So others know where you are in fog |
| Laminated charts (in date) or map of operating area (inland) | So, you know where you are + position fixing in an emergency |
| Compass - fixed or handheld | So, you know where you are + position fixing in an emergency |
| Chart plotter or GPS - fixed or handheld | So, you know where you are + position fixing in an emergency |
Pre start checks & starting:
Pre-start checks
- Fuel / oil - check levels & hoses are secure
- Killcord
- Prop clear of hazards
- Engine down
- Prime fuel bulb
- Equipment stowed
Starting
- Killcord - put killcord around leg, above knee
- Check the area around the engine is clear
- Neutral - ensure engine in N
- Ignition - start engine
- Gears - ensure throttle engages in F/N/R
- Tell tale - is water flowing?
- Steering - ensure steers lock to lock with no issues
- Killcord - check functionality i.e. does it stop the engine when removed?