Introduction to Powerboating

Objective:

The aim of this course is to provide a short practical introduction to boat handling and safety on powerboats being used on all Irish waters No previous knowledge of powerboating is required or assumed

Types of Boat:

This course may be completed in any type of sailing dinghy, small keel boat orcatamaran. Your certificate will show what type of boat you used.

Duration :

The Introduction to Powerboating Certficate should ordinarily consist of a minimum of seven hours contact time. However the length of the course may be extended where it suits participants to take a more relaxed approach to the programme.

Assessment:

Assessment is continuous throughout the course. By the end of this course you will be able to do the following:

• Preparation of boat for use. Be able to safely refuel a boat, stow fuel tanks & connect fuel lines
• Be able to identify and demonstrate the use of the following equipment:

Mooring lines,fenders, anchor and warp, boathook, bilge-pump, bailer, paddles or oars.

• Be able to identify and describe the use of following equipment:

fire extinguisher, first aid kit, flares, whistle.

• Be able to stow and secure equipment on board.
• Clothing & Equipment Be able to select what clothing and footwear to wear while afloat.
• Be able to describe the different types of Personal Flotation Device available, and identify which is most appropriate for use on activity and when they should be used.
• Be able to correctly don the PFDs used during the course.

Basic Boat Handling

• Be able to undertake appropriate pre-start checks on the engine and hull.
• Be able to start and stop the engine.
• Be able to steer the boat ahead and astern while making allowances for windage and current.

• Be able to anticipate the distance the boat will carry when in neutral
• Have demonstrated that they can keep an effective lookout while underway.
• Be able to describe the effect that excessive wash may have on moored boats, river /

Planing and manoeuvring

When the course is conducted in a planing boat, be able to;

• bring a boat safely onto the plane,
• steer a straight course, turn while on the plane bring the boat off of the plane and while doing so

• Communicate effectively with crew
• Demonstrate observation and look out while driving at speed
• Demonstrate awareness for the effects of wash.

Leaving and coming alongside

As crew, have demonstrated that you can, when coming alongside and leaving a

• moored boat or pontoon;
• Prepare, use and stow mooring lines
• Prepare, use and stow fenders

Safety and effectively use cleats, bollards and rings to both manoeuvre and secure

the boat.

• Communicate effectively with the skipper and other crew members.
• Describe any likely hazards associated with this manoeuvre.
• Be able to describe, and as appropriate demonstrate, correct protocols for;

Sharing cleats, bollards & rings

• Crossing other boats
• The use of fenders
• Securing to a mooring buoy As crew, have demonstrated that you can, when picking up a mooring;
• Prepare mooring warp(s) for use

Use the boat hook to recover the buoy

• Communicate with the helm
• Making fast to the mooring
• Release the boat from the mooring.
• Anchoring As crew, have demonstrated that you can, when anchoring the boat;
• Prepare the anchor, chain and / or warp for use.
• Drop the anchor and pay out chain / warp as directed by the skipper
• Safely recover the chain / warp and weigh the anchor.
• Secure the anchor, anchor chain and warp.

Man Over Board

As crew, demonstrate what actions to take when returning to, and then recovering a man overboard.

Too Book this course Call us at 01 5312455/040233505 or Book, Learn or Buy at www.aslsafety.com