1 Day Course
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.
Course 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.
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.
Assessment
Assessment is continuous throughout the course.
Certification
ASL Introduction to Powerboating Certificate.
Course Content:
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:
- 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.