Table of Contents #1.3 The operator is able to:
A: Inspect boat systems and safety equipment... B: by completing a predeparture checklist noting legally required (state, federal) equipment, and manufacturer recommendations appropriate for the intended trip and forecasted weather; identifying mooring/towing/anchoring points.
Understanding the Element
Inspection of boat systems and safety equipment reduces the risk of failure, ensures the vessel is legally compliant, and helps the operator locate essential gear, particularly in case of an emergency. Using a written checklist helps avoid missing items during the inspection.
• The skill is the use of a checklist to inspect the boat, not the development of a checklist.
• Boat systems include mechanical systems such as engine, gearshift/throttle, fuel system, navigation lights, etc., as well as electronics such as depth sounder, radar, and GPS/chart plotter, if the boat is so equipped.
• Identify mooring/towing/anchoring points so that the operator is aware of the location of these items in case they are needed during the trip.
Designing Instruction
• The school or instructor should have a checklist appropriate to the boat being used and set an example by consistently using the checklist before every departure.
• Develop and systematically use checklists for several activities, not just the pre-departure checklist addressed in this element. Also develop checklists for pre-start, docking, and various emergencies (fire, engine inoperative, boat taking on water, electrical failure, etc.).
• A helpful checklist includes decision rules as to what to do if certain systems are broken or inoperative.
• Having passengers assist the operator in using the pre-departure checklist can make the process more efficient, as well as enable the operator to give a pre-departure briefing.
• Consider including within the instruction design student demonstration and practice with deploying mandatory safety equipment.
• For information about potential contents of a checklist see:
https://help.coastguardfoundation.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/Departure-Checklist-1.pdf and
https://help.coastguardfoundation.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/Boating-Equipment-1.pdf.
Assessing Performance Level
Successful Performance
3 Needs 2 Improvement The operator:
Uses a checklist. Checks thoroughly for legally required equipment and manufacturer-recommended equipment appropriate for boat type. Identifies boat’s mooring, towing, and anchoring cleats. Has checked the forecast weather conditions for period of expected operation and beyond. Has a means of communicating distress and other messages to persons ashore or on other boats, including use of visual distress signals and marine VHF (if available).
The operator:
Uses a checklist improperly or only part of the time. Fails to check thoroughly for legally required equipment and manufacturer-recommended equipment appropriate for boat type, all mooring and anchoring cleats and attachments, and forecast weather conditions. Has limited means of communicating distress and other messages to persons ashore or other.
Proficiency description
This Technical Support Document was produced in part through USCG grant funds to develop National On-Water Skills Standards. 19 ©2022 United States Sailing Association. Facilitated by Think First Serve.
Element
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