Table of Contents #1.5 The operator is able to:
A: Board the boat... B: by using three points of contact and distributing persons/gear while maintaining stability.
Understanding the Element • Boarding the boat properly helps prevent injuries from slips or falls.
• People can easily become distracted during the boarding process. The excitement of going out on the water, the need to transport gear or other people onto the boat, the perception that boarding a boat is easy, can all be distractions to the practice of safely boarding a boat. This skill is included to help avoid accidents and injuries that can arise when individuals are distracted or paying attention to many things during the boarding process.
• Coordinated use of hands and feet when entering the boat reduces the likelihood of falls when boarding.
• “Three points of contact”—Sitting, or using feet or hand holds, can all be considered as points of contact.
• Boarding the boat can involve boarding while the boat is moored at a mooring buoy, a dock, a ramp, or a shoreline. It can involve any boarding of the boat, including during a trip, not just at the starting point.
• “Maintaining stability” means being in control of body movements and balance throughout the process of boarding to keep the boat stable.
Designing Instruction
• Some practice may be required to perform this skill. Age, weight, and athletic ability may impact the ease with which boarding is accomplished. Boat size is also likely to be a factor.
• The person boarding should also take advantage of any assistance that others can provide, such as by steadying the boat and/or offering a helping hand from dockside.
• Boarding a boat safely is easier if persons are onboard before gear is loaded. Gear should be passed to a person already on the boat. Persons onboard can assist with stability by standing on the opposite side of the boat from the person boarding.
• The person boarding should consider whether the surface where they intend to step is slippery. • The boat should be properly secured, using fenders if applicable. • Instructors should be mindful of their modeling behavior and always board the boat properly.
Assessing Performance Level
Successful Performance
3 The operator:
Inspects the boat to ensure it is securely attached to the point of departure (e.g., dock, slip, pier, mooring, shoreline) to allow safe loading and boarding. Checks proper use of fenders (if applicable). Does not carry equipment while boarding the boat. Passes equipment to person already aboard. Moves carefully and securely when embarking/debarking. Uses hands in addition to feet to stabilize self while boarding. Is conscious of boat balance in positioning equipment and passengers in the boat.
While Boating
Statistics doesn’t have a specific category for fatalities from failure to correctly board a boat, over 25% of fatalities involve a fall overboard or fal within the vessel.
Proficiency description
This Technical Support Document was produced in part through USCG grant funds to develop National On-Water Skills Standards. 22 ©2022 United States Sailing Association. Facilitated by Think First Serve.
Element
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