LESSON THREE OPERATING YOUR BOAT SAFELY Key Topics

LESSON THREE OPERATING YOUR BOAT SAFELY

Key Topics n Casting off and docking n Anchoring n River navigation, dams, locks and bridges n PWC operation n Ignition safety switches n Steering pull (“torque”)

Casting Off If the wind or current is holding the vessel to the dock: n Cast off stern line. Move and secure bow line to mid-vessel position on dock. n Put vessel slowly into forward gear and steer bow into dock. n After stern swings away from dock, cast off bow line and back away. Click Start to begin animation

Casting Off (cont. ) If the wind or current is pushing the vessel away from the dock: n Cast off all lines. n Push vessel away from dock. n Shift to forward and slowly leave area. Click Start to begin animation

Docking basics: n Approach into wind if possible and move slowly. n Bring vessel to stop by using reverse gear. n Never try to stop with your arms or legs.

Docking (cont. ) If there is no wind or current: n Approach dock at a narrow angle. (10° to 20°) n When close enough, secure bow line. n Swing stern in, secure it, then shut off engine. Click Start to begin animation

Docking (cont. ) If the wind or current is pushing you toward the dock: n Approach parallel to dock. n Allow wind or current to push you to dock. n Secure bow and stern lines. Click Start to begin animation

Docking (cont. ) If wind or current is pushing you away from dock: n Point bow toward dock at 40° to 50° angle; approach dock and secure bow line. n Use reverse to swing in stern. n Secure stern line. Click Start to begin animation

Docking (cont. ) If you must approach with the wind or current: n Move as slowly as possible while still retaining control. n Be ready to use reverse to stop and maintain your position. n Secure stern line first and then bow line.

Anchoring n Fluke style anchor (Danforth®) n Mushroom anchor n Plow style anchor

Anchoring (cont. ) Follow these guidelines when anchoring your vessel: n Attach 7 -8 feet of galvanized chain to anchor to help prevent abrasion of anchor line from sand or rock on bottom. n Select area of little or no current, protected from weather. n Lower anchor over the bow to bottom, then slowly back away downwind or down current. n Never anchor from stern as this can make vessel unstable.

Anchoring (cont. ) n Let out 7 -10 times as much line as depth of the water. n Tie off line around a bow cleat, and pull on anchor to make sure it is secure.

Anchoring (cont. ) Guidelines for retrieving anchor: n Always retrieve anchor into vessel before leaving area. n Move vessel over anchor. n When anchor breaks loose, stop vessel and retrieve it. n Never drag the anchor behind vessel.