Copyright 2005 - Coast Guard Auxiliary Association, Inc. Chapter 2 Before You Get Underway Copyright 2005 - Coast Guard Auxiliary Association, Inc.

Copyright 2005 - Coast Guard Auxiliary Association, Inc. We’ll Discuss: Capacity Float Plan Pre-Departure Checks Trailering & Fueling - Safety Launching and Retrieving Boat Maintenance Boating Accessories 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 Mention these bulleted items as an overview of this chapter. More detail will be covered in each topic. Copyright 2005 - Coast Guard Auxiliary Association, Inc.

Copyright 2005 - Coast Guard Auxiliary Association, Inc. Capacity Plate Why is this important? 1 Discuss that safe boat handling means knowing your vessel’s limits   ASK: What could happen if the information on the Capacity Plate was ignored? Discuss: Federal law is: all single hull boats less than 20’ (except sailboats and PWC) must have one Copyright 2005 - Coast Guard Auxiliary Association, Inc.

Copyright 2005 - Coast Guard Auxiliary Association, Inc. Float Plans What is a Float Plan? What information does it contain? 1 2 Instructor Notes: Discuss the information contained on one. Ask: Who would you give this float plan to? Point that there is a float plan downloadable on their CD. Ask: Why is this an important part of boating Copyright 2005 - Coast Guard Auxiliary Association, Inc.

Copyright 2005 - Coast Guard Auxiliary Association, Inc. Pre-Departure Checks What to do BEFORE you Go 1 ASK: The students for their ideas on what should be included.   Classroom aid: Have a whiteboard or flipchart and list the items as mentioned. Then discuss them as to WHY they are important. We want to emphasize: o        Check the weather o        Have charts o        File a float plan o        Have a boat and equipment checklist o        Give your passengers a brief safety training- location of PFDs and fire extinguishers, etc o        Get a Vessel Safety Check! Point out there are downloadable checklists on their CD Copyright 2005 - Coast Guard Auxiliary Association, Inc.

Copyright 2005 - Coast Guard Auxiliary Association, Inc. Vessel Safety Checks USCG Auxiliary Vessel Safety Check No charge Ensures your vessel meets or exceeds federal & state standards 1 2 Discuss the VSC program briefly Copyright 2005 - Coast Guard Auxiliary Association, Inc.

Copyright 2005 - Coast Guard Auxiliary Association, Inc. Vessel Safety Checks Seal of safety Not an enforcement function 1 2 Describe the benefits of a VSC: o        Peace of mind knowing you have all the required gear o        And that it is in good condition o        Possible insurance discount!   Give them all a VSC handout with your flotilla’s contact name and number Copyright 2005 - Coast Guard Auxiliary Association, Inc.

Copyright 2005 - Coast Guard Auxiliary Association, Inc. Trailering Your Boat The right trailer The right tow vehicle 1 2 winch 5 tongue 4 bunks 3 Instructor Notes: Ask: What is the right trailer and the right tow vehicle? Ask: Why is this an important safety item? Make sure the class discusses vessel weight, vehicle towing capacity. Make sure to discuss that the trailer needs to be able to carry the weight of the boat as well as the engine(s), fuel and gear Go over the animations and the various parts of a trailer. coupler 6 rollers 7 Copyright 2005 - Coast Guard Auxiliary Association, Inc.

Copyright 2005 - Coast Guard Auxiliary Association, Inc. Trailering Your Boat Match coupler and ball Maintain proper tongue weight 7-10% Safety chains – crossed 1 2 3 Instructor Notes: Ask: why each of these is an important safety consideration? Copyright 2005 - Coast Guard Auxiliary Association, Inc.

Copyright 2005 - Coast Guard Auxiliary Association, Inc. Trailering Safely Before leaving home which things to check? 1 Instructor Notes: Ask: the question on the slide Responses should include: Secure loose gear Tie down the boat Tilt and secure the engine Inspect the hitch and safety chain Trailer brakes Lights Bearings Tire pressure Copyright 2005 - Coast Guard Auxiliary Association, Inc.

Copyright 2005 - Coast Guard Auxiliary Association, Inc. On the Road Traffic flow Turning and cornering wide Check rigging periodically Carry tools, jack, spare parts, and flares Observe speed limits 1 2 3 4 Instructor Notes: Discuss the safety importance of these bullet points. 5 Copyright 2005 - Coast Guard Auxiliary Association, Inc.

Copyright 2005 - Coast Guard Auxiliary Association, Inc. Launching Your Boat Prepare away from the ramp Transfer equipment and supplies Remove tie-downs Check drain plug 1 2 3 4 Before the bullet points are activated, ASK: What steps would you go through before launching your boat from the trailer? Copyright 2005 - Coast Guard Auxiliary Association, Inc.

Copyright 2005 - Coast Guard Auxiliary Association, Inc. Launching Your Boat Back down ramp until lower unit is submerged Start engine and check idle OK Back down until boat floats Undo winch line Back boat off of the trailer 1 2 3 4 5 Before the bullet points are activated, ASK: What steps would you go through before launching your boat from the trailer? Copyright 2005 - Coast Guard Auxiliary Association, Inc.

Copyright 2005 - Coast Guard Auxiliary Association, Inc. Retrieving Your Boat Back in water to top of trailer tires Slowly drive the boat onto the trailer 1 2 Discuss steps with students Copyright 2005 - Coast Guard Auxiliary Association, Inc.

Copyright 2005 - Coast Guard Auxiliary Association, Inc. Retrieving Your Boat Attach the winch line to the bow eye Shut off the engine Winch the boat until the bow rests on the roller Raise lower unit Pull trailer out of the water Move away from launch ramp 1 2 3 4 Discuss steps with students Point out that there is a lot of tension on the winch straps and it’s wise to stay out of the direct line of them. 5 6 Copyright 2005 - Coast Guard Auxiliary Association, Inc.

Copyright 2005 - Coast Guard Auxiliary Association, Inc. Retrieving Your Boat Remove weeds Drain bilge and live wells Secure gear and equipment Re-attach tie-downs and trailer harness 1 2 3 4 Discuss steps with students   ASK: why is it important to remove weeds and drain bilges right away? Discuss Aquatic Nuisance Species (i.e. zebra mussels) Classroom aid: hand out copies of SpeedGram # ___ regarding non-native nuisance species, or obtain handouts locally Copyright 2005 - Coast Guard Auxiliary Association, Inc.

Copyright 2005 - Coast Guard Auxiliary Association, Inc. Fueling Safely Fill portable tanks on dock Close hatches and portholes Keep fuel nozzle in contact with deck plate Do not overfill tanks Ventilate bilge after fueling Open all hatches and portholes 1 2 3 4 5 6 Before animation, ASK: What are the safety considerations in fueling a boat o        At the fuel dock? o        At a gas station? o        Using portable gas tanks? Copyright 2005 - Coast Guard Auxiliary Association, Inc.

Copyright 2005 - Coast Guard Auxiliary Association, Inc. Fueling Safely Check system for leaks Fill tank slowly do not overfill After fueling ventilate engine compartment Check for spills 1 2 3 4 Instructor Notes: Ask: What safety concerns are there in fueling a PWC at a fuel dock? Copyright 2005 - Coast Guard Auxiliary Association, Inc.

Copyright 2005 - Coast Guard Auxiliary Association, Inc. Use Your Nose Instructor Notes: Ask: Why? Copyright 2005 - Coast Guard Auxiliary Association, Inc.

Copyright 2005 - Coast Guard Auxiliary Association, Inc. Fuel Selector Instructor Notes: Discuss the “reserve” function Use Your Nose Again Copyright 2005 - Coast Guard Auxiliary Association, Inc.

Copyright 2005 - Coast Guard Auxiliary Association, Inc. Maintain Your Boat Examine interior and exterior out of the water Check gelcoat and thru-hulls Hang canoes upside down Clean lines and sails Keep boats covered for storage 1 2 3 4 5 Discuss that keeping your boat in good condition is a safety consideration   ASK: what maintenance items should be routine to your day on the water? Copyright 2005 - Coast Guard Auxiliary Association, Inc.

Copyright 2005 - Coast Guard Auxiliary Association, Inc. Boating Accessories Anchor and line Spare parts and tool kit Compass and charts Radio, VHF-FM marine Docking lines First aid kit Water for emergencies Flashlight Spare bulbs 1 2 3 4 5 6 Before showing bullet points, Discuss that in addition to gear and equipment required by federal and state (CH 5), there are many recommended items   ASK: What would you include? Why? 7 8 9 Copyright 2005 - Coast Guard Auxiliary Association, Inc.

Copyright 2005 - Coast Guard Auxiliary Association, Inc. Chapter 2 Review Copyright 2005 - Coast Guard Auxiliary Association, Inc.

Copyright 2005 - Coast Guard Auxiliary Association, Inc. Review Exercises To avoid running out of fuel, determine the usable capacity of your fuel tank and your boat’s rate of fuel consumption, and then: bring extra fuel in easy-to-pour containers such as plastic milk jugs. plan to use 1/3 of the fuel to reach your destination, 1/3 to get home, and 1/3 for emergencies. plan on enough fuel to get to the next fuel dock. plan on ½ of the tank to reach your destination and ½ of the tank to get home. 1 a b c d Copyright 2005 - Coast Guard Auxiliary Association, Inc.

Copyright 2005 - Coast Guard Auxiliary Association, Inc. Review Exercises Vessel equipment required by law: is only part of that needed for safe and comfortable operation. covers all of your needs for the safe operation of your vessel. includes charts and other navigational equipment. does not include visual distress signals and fire extinguishers. 2 a b c d Copyright 2005 - Coast Guard Auxiliary Association, Inc.

Copyright 2005 - Coast Guard Auxiliary Association, Inc. Review Exercises 3 Relative to the amount of trailer tongue weight, which of the following statements is TRUE? The amount of weight on the coupler ball makes no difference. Too little weight on the coupler ball will cause the trailer to sway back and forth. Too little weight on the coupler ball will raise the rear of the tow vehicle off the ground. You can change the weight on the coupler ball, by changing the size of the ball. a b c d Copyright 2005 - Coast Guard Auxiliary Association, Inc.

Copyright 2005 - Coast Guard Auxiliary Association, Inc. Review Exercises Trailer winch cables and straps can snap. Be sure to: stand close by and watch the winch operation carefully. tapes up any winch cable that has broken strands. stay out of direct line with a winch cable or strap. release the ratchet on the winch handle. 4 a b c d Copyright 2005 - Coast Guard Auxiliary Association, Inc.

Copyright 2005 - Coast Guard Auxiliary Association, Inc. Review Exercises When launching a sailboat with the mast raised at a launch area: be careful not to tip the boat off the trailer. use a halyard to pull it off the trailer. just as on the water, a sailboat has priority privileges. be certain that no overhead electrical wires come close to or in contact with the mast or rigging. 5 a b c d Copyright 2005 - Coast Guard Auxiliary Association, Inc.

Copyright 2005 - Coast Guard Auxiliary Association, Inc. Review Exercises In addition to keeping the pump nozzle in constant metal-to-metal contact with the filler pipe, an important safety instruction to follow when refilling portable fuel tanks is to: always use approved yellow marine safety tanks. take them out of the boat and fill them on the dock. use only approved safety tanks and fill them inside the boat. step carefully onto the gunwale when carrying full tanks on board. 6 a b c d Copyright 2005 - Coast Guard Auxiliary Association, Inc.

Copyright 2005 - Coast Guard Auxiliary Association, Inc. Review Exercises It is important that the trailer have sufficient weight-carrying ability to: hold the boat, gear, and all passengers in it when on the road. keep the trailer on the road surface when traveling at very high speeds. carry just the weight of the boat. support the boat, motor, fuel, and all gear you plan to carry when on the road. 7 a b c d Copyright 2005 - Coast Guard Auxiliary Association, Inc.

Copyright 2005 - Coast Guard Auxiliary Association, Inc. Review Exercises A float plan includes a description of your boat, who is on board, and, most importantly: the name of your radio operator. where you expect to be and when you expect to return. the draft of your boat. what mechanical equipment on your boat is not in the best condition. 8 a b c d Copyright 2005 - Coast Guard Auxiliary Association, Inc.

Copyright 2005 - Coast Guard Auxiliary Association, Inc. End Chapter 2 Copyright 2005 - Coast Guard Auxiliary Association, Inc.