Plan with care In the first instance, plan to go out in an area you know but be careful not to be complacent as you may be really familiar with the area by day, because once darkness falls it is completely different ball game. Even if you know the place like
the back of your hand, take a chart and make notes about your intended route. Although the most logical way may seem to be to write a table of distances, bearings and light characteristics, it can be hard to follow, and easy to skip a line which may have dire consequences. Drawing a visual representation of the route (including any course alterations and hazards) can be helpful, especially for an inexperienced navigator to interpret. Talk the crew through the plan.
UISING
in the dark and taking instructions on route changes. Try not to be too ambitious with the first few trips in the dark, and don’t expect it to be as quick as in daylight. Everyone should be dressed and kitted appropriately in comfortable, good waterproof kit, and a life jacket with a light is absolutely essential. As with all powerboating, if the
boat is fitted with a kill cord, this should be attached around the leg of the helm and worn at all times when the engine is running. Make sure that when running, everyone is securely seated with
good handholds. On a RIB, people often sit on the sponsons, not ideal at any time, but at night it is vital that you know everyone is safe and secure. It’s also worthwhile planning in a stop during the night cruise, be it to nip to the loo, get a hot drink, or just to have a few minutes off concentrating so hard. Looking after the crew is about making sure they are happy with what is going on, but equally about not wearing them out with huge long legs in rough conditions leaving them desperate to get off!
Show them the chart and any electronic nav aids you are intending to use. Explain the route and any key points of note. As distances can be more difficult to judge at night, let the crew know that you want them to get involved in keeping a look out and identifying marks and features of the plan. When the crew feel they have a part to play in the safe navigation of the boat, they feel part of the team and are more likely to learn about night time running that if they were just along for the ride.
For more information about RYA training courses visit
www.rya.org.uk/training and for further reading visit
www.rya.org,uk/shop
MARCH 2017 FORE & AFT 35
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