The Sandhurst Competition BOAT MOVEMENT References: FM FM 5-34

2 Zodiac F-470 Inflatable Boat Zodiac F-470 Inflatable Boat - Specifications Stainless Steel Towing Rings 5 x Carrying Handles per Side Bow Grab Lines Lifeline

3 Zodiac F-470 Inflatable Boat - Specifications Zodiac F-470 Inflatable Boat

At the Boat Site, squads must: Be prepared to use a Zodiac F-470 Inflatable Boat to negotiate a set course Not allow the Zodiac be dragged on the ground at any time Don the water-borne uniform while operating the Zodiac in water. Water-borne uniform consists of: - No helmet (secured to ruck) - Life preserver on and fastened - Load bearing equipment/MOLLE unbuckled (outermost equipment) - Snap-link attached to life preserver for securing your personal weapon Carry all squad equipment with them throughout the site; any equipment carried in the boat must be secured and waterproofed Be prepared to execute a “surprise” event(s) while at the site Boat Site Rules of Play

5 Water-borne Uniform No helmet Life preserver on and fastened Load Carrying Equipment (LCE) or MOLLE outside of life preserver, unbuckled

Boat Site Infractions & Penalties INFRACTIONPENALTY Rucksacks/equipment not secured in the Zodiac w/snap-link Squad held until correct Waterborne uniform incorrectSquad held until correct Radio/equipment not waterproofedSquad held until correct Boat dragged on the ground10 x Burpees per infraction Any team member going below waist deep in water 10 minutes added to total time Paddling with your personal weapon10 minutes added to total time

7 During training, the boat team of an inflatable landing boat will normally consist of seven men—a coxswain and six paddlers. Three paddlers are located along each gunwale, and the coxswain is located in the stern. There are two methods of numbering paddlers: the long count and the short count. When the numbering of the boat team is by pairs, it is known as the short count; when the numbering of the boat team is by individuals, it is known as the long count. When using the long count, starboard (right side) paddlers are numbered 1, 3, and 5; port (left side) paddlers are numbered 2, 4, and 6 counting from bow to stern. The coxswain is team member Number 7. When using a short count, paddlers are numbered in pairs from bow to stern. If passengers are carried, they are numbered consecutively from bow to stern starting with Number 8. The coxswain will issue commands to all boat team members using their respective number. As an example, when the coxswain issues a command to an individual paddler, he will use that team member’s number. When addressing a pair of paddlers, he will use the short count terms, “ones,” “twos,” or “threes,” indicating team member Numbers 1 and 2, 3 and 4, and 5 and 6, respectively. When addressing either side of the boat, he will use the terms starboard side or port side Boat Team Composition

8 The coxswain forms the boat team by commanding, “Team, fall in.” The boat team forms facing the coxswain in a column of twos. The team members assume the relative positions they will occupy in the boat, hereinafter referred to as boat stations. Passengers form at the rear of the two columns by number—even numbers in the left column and odd numbers in the right. After the team has formed, the coxswain commands, “Team, count off.” All hands sound off with their position numbers in order, including the coxswain who is Number 7. Boat Team Organization

9 The tactics and techniques used in boat handling are similar and generally apply to most operations. However, to operate efficiently, each boat team member must perform the following specific duties: Number 1. The stroke sets the rate of paddling and maintains the paddling rhythm as directed by the coxswain. He assists the coxswain in keeping the boat perpendicular to the breaker line when beaching or launching the boat. He assists the coxswain in avoiding obstacles in the water. Number 2. He also assists the coxswain in keeping the boat perpendicular to the breaker line and in avoiding obstacles. He handles the towline and quick-release line during towing operations. Numbers 3 and 4. They lash and unload equipment in the boat. They are used as scout swimmers during tactical boat landings if scout swimmers are not carried as passengers. Numbers 5 and 6. They assist in lashing and unloading equipment in the after section of the boat. They also assist the coxswain in maneuvering in swift currents, and rigging and handling the sea anchor. Number 7. The coxswain oversees the team’s performance, the handling of the boat, and the distribution of equipment and passengers in the boat. He issues all commands to team members, maintains course and speed, and operates the OBM if it is used. During boat training, all team members will not display the same aptitude for boat handling, nor do all members need to acquire the same degree of boat-handling proficiency. When a boat team is formed for an operation, as opposed to a boat training exercise, the man chosen as coxswain should be the one with the greatest ability as a boat handler. Boat Team Members Responsibilities

10 Additional duties of the boat team members will be determined by the mission requirements. Factors that must be considered are as follows: The individual overall responsible for the mission should consider being the primary navigator located in the lead boat. Each boat will have its own coxswain whose only duties are driving and following a bearing. Each boat will also have a navigator who independently navigates that boat. Navigators should cross-check with the lead navigator or command craft. The assistant navigator (or bearing taker) takes bearings for the navigator and assists him as required. The boat watch monitors communications if applicable and observes the other boats to avoid separation and breaks in contact. Only the coxswain should sit on the buoyancy tubes. The remainder of the boat team sits inside the craft to reduce their exposure to the elements or enemy observation. Boat Team Setup

11 The unit leader specifies the uniform and equipment carried by each boat team member. There are some general rules, the most important being to ensure that all personnel wear an approved life preserver. All boat team members must wear adequate flotation, either rigid or inflatable life jackets. Every man wears a knife and a distress light or marker on his life jacket during night operations. Inflatable flotation must have CO2 cylinders for pull-type inflation. Inflatable life preservers are usually more comfortable and less restrictive. Unfortunately, they require additional maintenance, are more susceptible to damage that would render them useless, and require activation before they will provide flotation. The detachment must perform an “in-water” float test to determine if the life preserver provides enough flotation to support the swimmer and his combat load; for example, weapon, load-carrying equipment (LCE), and any additional exposure protection. This need will be particularly important when operating in a riverine environment where the team may be in close proximity to hostile forces and jettisoning the equipment may not be an option. When team members wear LCE in the boat, they should prepare it as for any waterborne operation and ensure it is easy to jettison if the wearer falls overboard. They should sling the weapon diagonally across the back, muzzle up and pointing outboard. If the operator falls overboard and cannot remain afloat with the rifle, he must be able to quickly jettison it. For cold-weather operations, personnel should wear suitable exposure protection. This cover may include neoprene wet suits or dry suits, either of which will provide considerable warmth and buoyancy while in the water. These suits somewhat restrict paddlers’ movements and may cause chafing in the armpits. Personnel should wear rubber tennis shoes for foot protection. Each man should carry a field uniform and boots to be worn during extended operations after the landing. Individual Equipment