Marine exam pt. 5 Flashcards
Strong wind warnings
– Small craft warnings of strong winds are issued whenever mean wind speeds exceeding 25 knots are expected.
– For any mean wind speed forecast, gusts can be 40 per cent higher, so the very smallest of strong winds will produce gusts of 35 knots.
Severe weather
– The northwest of Western Australia is one of the most cyclone prone coasts anywhere in the world.
– The cyclone season extends from the months of November through to April, but most of the coastal impacts occur between January and March.
– No vessel should be at sea within several hundred miles of a cyclone.
Navigation charts
Marine charts give detailed information including depths, tidal range and streams, navigation hazards and anchorages. They are essential when operating in unfamiliar areas, and more than useful at all other times. Team them with local advice on local conditions. With a chart and a compass, you can work out your position (very important if you need to give your position to rescuers) and find a course back to shore if rain, fog, or smoke obscure the land.
Clothing
It is always colder on the water and the sun is stronger– extra jumpers, waterproofs and sunscreen are never a waste of space. Even on hot summer days you should carry at least a spray jacket, and preferably a jumper as well. These are even more important for children. Clothing should not restrict your movements or significantly reduce your buoyancy. If it’s cold and you need to bulk up, wear a buoyancy garment. Check your ability to swim or float in your clothes, try it out in shallow water.
Fire blanket
Especially useful if your boat has a galley, there may be times when a fire blanket is better than an extinguisher. Extinguishing a pan of burning oil or fat is one example.
Global Positioning System (GPS)
Global Positioning Systems (GPS) give an instant latitude and longitude position. They are constantly useful, and invaluable if you need to send a radio call for assistance. You should also carry a chart and compass as back-up.
Torch
A buoyant and waterproof torch is best, and you should also carry spare bulbs and batteries. This does not substitute for navigation lights. All boats should display navigation light(s) at night in accordance with the collision regulations.
Life buoy
Larger vessels may carry one or more life buoys, or something similar, stowed ready for throwing if a person goes overboard. It is easy to lose sight of someone in the water and in poor weather can take time to get back to them. Life buoys may have attachments including life buoy lights and buoyant lines. A light is a useful attachment.
Life raft
Inflatable life rafts are expensive, but are wonderful insurance for larger vessels on longer trips or travelling well offshore. They are the most efficient means of evacuating passengers and crew from a sinking boat, and are standard equipment on commercial vessels.
First aid kit
Burns, and injuries from fish hooks and gutting knives, are some of the special and not uncommon reasons for needing a first aid kit on board.
Australian Builders Plate (ABP)
Boats built from mid 2006 will carry the Australian Builders Plate, giving vital safety information to their owners – or to help prospective owners make buying decisions. Makers are now quoting maximum outboard weight as well as maximum power. The plate will be clearly visible, and includes:
– maximum number of people to be carried;
– maximum engine power and weight; and
– the boat’s buoyancy performance.
Overloading
If your boat does not have a plate or handbook recommending a maximum complement of people, use this table as a guide. Length of boat Maximum number of people aboard
Less than 3.0m 2
3.0m to less than 3.5m 3
3.5m to less than 4.5m 4
4.5m to less than 5.0m 5
5.0m to less than 5.5m 6
5.5m to less than 6.0m 7
