1&2 Introduction
Educational Objectives
3 The Boat
Terminology
Boat Types
Measuring Length
Hull designs
Types of hulls
Propulsion
Carbon Monoxide
Capacity Plate
Engine Systems
Checklist
Review Quiz - 3
4 Legal Requirements
Who May Operate
Registration and Numbering
Hull ID Number
Required Equipment
Personal Flotation Devices
Navigation Lights
Fire Extinguishers
Ventilation
Backfire Flame Arrestor
Sound Producing Device
Visual Distress Signals
Pollution Regulations
MSDs
No Discharge Zones
Aquatic Nuisance Species
Recommended Equipment
Review Quiz- 4
5 Preparation
Vessel Check List
Trailering
Environmental Conditions
Leeway
Tide and Current
Local Hazards
Float Plan
Preventive Maintenance
Fueling
Review Quiz-5
6 Operations
Operator responsibility
Homeland Security
BUI
Navigation Rules
Definitions
Proper Lookout
Seamanship
Sound Signals
Rules of the Road
Meeting & Crossing
Commercial Vessels
Restricted Visibility
Aids to Navigation
Review Quiz-6
7 Getting Underway
Line Handling
Docking/Undocking
Maneuvering Underway
Anchoring
Water Sports
Hunting and Fishing
Swimming
Diving and Snorkling
Paddle Sports
Skiing and Towing
Personal Watercraft
Review Quiz-7
8 Accidents
Fatal Vs Non-fatal
Accident Reports
Crew Overboard
Assistance from Shore
Hypothermia
Fires on Board
First Aid
Rendering Assistance
Running Aground
Review Quiz-8
9 Special Items
Vessel Repairs
Locks
Dams
Security
Sailing
Review Quiz-9
State Requirements
Final Exam

Chapter V - PreparationSection 1 - Vessel Check List

Preparation

Vessel Check List

We have discussed in the previous section all of the required equipment for a safe outing. In addition to the minimum requirements, common sense tells us that we should check everything about our boat which could make the difference between an enjoyable recreation or a disaster.

We all use recreation to reward ourselves or to help relieve the stress of our day-to-day lives. Because it is not an everyday occurrence and because of the mere excitement involved, it is possible that we could overlook something which could be critical to the safety of our trip. Just as pilots have a pre-flight checklist, we, too, should have a pre-departure check list. It just makes it simple to go down the list and check each item. This could prevent an unpleasant event or even save lives.

Here is a sample pre-departure check list that can be modified for use on your particular boat.

Skipper's Passenger Safety Orientation:

• Locate PFDs, explain when to put them on and demonstrate how.
• Locate fire extinguishers and explain there use if there is a fire emergency.
• Locate required flares (VDS) and explain why, when and how they are used.
• Point out Oil Pollution Placard and Save Our Seas Placard (if required) and explain details of discharging waste and waste management procedures.
• Point out location of anchor and give brief explanation of its use and how to deploy.
• Explain operation of the Marine Radio (if equipped) and explain its use during an emergency.
• Have a discussion of weather watching and explain each passengers/crews duties and responsibilities in the case you encounter heavy weather.
• Prior to docking or undocking explain fully the procedures for line handling. Use terms describing lines that the passengers/crew can understand or explain the terms you use.
• Explain what to do in case of operations emergencies such as loosing steering, loosing an engine, etc.
• Explain procedures and responsibilities of passengers and crew in case of a crew overboard situation.

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