Misc Additional Knowledge from ASA 103 Flashcards
After how many years are fire extinguishers considered “expired”
Fire extinguishers are considered expired after 12 years.
Which of these conditions triggers the need to carry a fire extinguisher on a vessel:
a. Permanently installed fuel tank(s)
b. Closed compartment under thwarts and seats wherein portable fuel tanks may be stored.
c. Double bottom not sealed to the hull or that is not completely filled with flotation material.
d. Closed living space.
e. Closed stowage compartment in which combustible or flammable materials is stowed.
Any one of these conditions triggers the need to carry a fire extinguisher on a vessel.
True or False…
One 10B rated fire extinguisher can replace the need to carry two 5B rated fire extinguishers
FALSE - One 20B extinguisher can replace the need to carry two 5B rated fire extinguishers.
True or False…
Vessels of 2018 model hear and newer may carry 5B, 10B or 20B rated fire extinguishers
FALSE - Vessels of 2018 model year and newer may carry only 5B or 20B rated fire extinguishers.
If the vessel length is 16 -25 feet, how many 5B rated fire extinguishers are required?
If the vessel length is 16 feet to 25 feet, one 5B rated fire extinguishers is required (assuming there is no fixed fire extinguishing system in the machinery space)
If the vessel length is under 16 feet, how many 5B rated fire extinguishers are required?
If the vessel length is under 16 feet, one 5B rated fire extinguishers is required (assuming there is no fixed fire extinguishing system in the machinery space)
If the vessel length is 26 - 40 feet, how many 5B rated fire extinguishers are required?
If the vessel length is 26 - 40 feet, TWO 5B rated fire extinguishers are required (assuming there is no fixed fire extinguishing system in the machinery space. If there is a fixed extinguishing system, ONE 5B rated extinguisher is required) One 20B extinguisher can replace two 5B extinguishers.
True of false….
Boats of model year 2018 or newer may carry either 5-B, 20-B rated extinguishers with date stamp OR B-I, B-II rated fire extinguishers.
FALSE Boats of model years between 1953 and 2017 may carry either 5-B, 20-B rated extinguishers with date stamp or B-I, B-II rated fire extinguishers.
Name three requirements for a fire extinguisher to be acceptable on a vessel.
- Be on board and readily accessible
- Be of an approved type
- Not be expired or appear to have been previously used; and
- Be maintained in good and serviceable working condition, meaning:
(i) If the extinguisher has a pressure gauge reading or indicator it must be in the operable range or position;
(ii) The lock pin is firmly in place;
(iii) The discharge nozzle is clean and free of obstruction; and
(iv) The extinguisher does not show visible signs of significant corrosion or damage.
At what age are children no longer required to wear Coast Guard approved life jackets, while aboard recreational vessels underway, except when the children are below decks or in an enclosed cabin.
Children of 13 years of age or older are no longer required to wear Coast Guard approved life jackets, while aboard recreational vessels underway, except when the children are below decks or in an enclosed cabin.
When looking at the bottom of a fire extinguisher, is the date stamped there (a) date of expiration or (b) date of manufacture?
The date stamped is the date of manufacture.
Name three acceptable visual distress signals.
- Pyrotechnic devices (e.g. flares or smoke signals) They must be readily accessible, USCBG approved and in serviceable condition and not expired.
- Orange distress flag (for use during the day only)
- Electric Distress light (for use at night only). Must auto flash SOS in Morse Code
Sound Signals -
One short blast means…
Turn to starboard, I intend to pass you on my port side.
Sound Signals -
Two short blast means…
I intend to pass you on my starboard side
Sound Signals -
Three short blast means…
I am operating under astern propulsion. (I’m backing up).
Sound Signals -
Five short blast means…
Signals signal danger or signal that you do not understand or that you disagree with the other boater’s intentions
Sound Signals -
One long long blast followed by two short blasts means…
This signal is used under restricted visibility. It is sounded at intervals of not more than two minutes is the signal used by sailing vessels when underway.
Sound Signals -
One long blast means…
This signal is used under restricted visibility. It is sounded at intervals of not more than two minutes is the signal used by power-driven vessels when underway.
Name at least three things you should do when you see bad weather or fog approaching.
- Lock your position using the MOB button on your compass.
- Record your position visually using landmarks on shore
- Continue at ‘Safe Speed” (dependent on conditions)
- Turn on Nav Lights
- Make Sound Signals
- Hoist Radar Reflector
True or False:
Regarding Markers… Nun bouys are sometimes red and are always odd numbered
FALSE - Nun bouys are ALWAYS red and ALWAYS even numbered.
Are can bouys odd or even numbered?
Can bouys are ALWAYS Odd numbered
Are can bouys red or green?
Can bouys are ALWAYS Green
Are nun bouys red or green?
Nun Bouys are ALWAYS red
When you approaching a fork in the channel, you may see a red and green striped bouy. What does it mean when the top stripe is green?
When the top stripe is green, it means that the preferred channel is to starboard.
Are lighted bouys typically red or green?
Lighted bouys can be either red or green.
As you view numbering on bouys, does the number sequence get bigger or smaller as you approach land
The number sequence will be getting bigger as you approach land.
What is a bouy or marker with red and white VERTICAL stripes?
A bouy with red and white vertical marks is a “Safe Water” or “Deep Water” Bouy - you may pass on either side. It tells approaching large vessels to start looking out for nuns and cans as you approach shore.
A white marker with an orange diamond means….
Danger - Watch out - May be indicative of shoals, rocks, etc.
A white marker with an orange circle means….
Restricted operations in this area. Maybe something like No lobstering, speed limit, No wake, etc.
A white marker with an orange diamond with an “X” through it means….
This is an exclusion zone - boats are NOT permitted here. May be swimming area or some other restricted area.
A white marker with orange square or rectangular border means….
Informational - Read it to get the information.
In the Intercoastal Waterway, markers will have a symbol identifying that you are operating in the ICW. What color are the symbols?
The symbols indicating that you are operating in the ICW are yellow and will generally be in the same shape as the marker (I.e.. Triangular, yellow symbol on a triangular marker.) 
When navigating the ICW, do channel markers follow the same guidelines as traditional markers (i.e. nuns are red and even numbered and cans are green and odd numbered)?
NO - on the ICW, RED triangles are ALWAYS on the MAINLAND side and GREEN squares are ALWAYS on the OCEAN side
What lights are required when a vessel is anchored
a 360 degree white light “above the superstructure” - typically at the top of the mast.
What lights are required when under sail
Red sidelight on port side
Green sidelight on starboard side
White light off Stern
OR - Tri-color light on the top of your mast - All three lights creating a full circle. This light can ONLY be used while under sail.
OR - Red and green sidelights, one sternlight, and two all-round lights in a vertical line (upper red, lower green) also meet the navigation lights requirement for sailboats that are not operating under engine power.
What lights are required when under power at night.
Whether sails are set or not, if under power at night, you must follow rules of a powerboat:
One all-round white light and red and green sidelights meet the navigation light requirement for powerboats less than 12 metres (39.4 feet) in length (Rule 23).
OR one masthead light, red and green sidelights, and one sternlight meet the navigation lights requirement for powerboats less than 50 meters (164 feet) in length
What lights should be used at anchor
Use an all-round white light located at the top of the mast.
What VHF Channel is used for emergencies
Channel 16 - Always keep your VHF tuned to Channel 16
What VHF Channel is used for normal calling
Hail another vessel or a port on Channel 9, them move the conversation to a working channel.
How to you make an emergency call on VHF radio
Make sure you are on Channel 16
Announce “MAYDAY, MAYDAY, MAYDAY”
THIS IS (your boat name THREE TIMES)
Give position of vessel by latitude and longitude and distance to a well-known landmark.
Announce the nature of distress (i.e. sinking, hit submerged object, fire, etc.)
Announce kindof assistance desired.
Announce number of people onboard.
Announce other helpful information (color of hull or sails, persons needing medical attention)
Announce OVER
How do you make an urgent (but NOT emergency) call on VHF radio?
Make sure you are on Channel 16
Announce “PAN_PAN, PAN-PAN, PAN-PAN”
THIS IS (your boat name THREE TIMES)
Give position of vessel by latitude and longitude and distance to a well-known landmark.
Announce the nature of your situation and the type of assistance requested.distress (i.e. sinking, hit submerged object, fire, etc.)
Announce number of people onboard.
Announce other helpful information (color of hull or sails, persons needing medical attention)
Announce OVER
How do you make a safety information call on VHF radio
Make sure you are on Channel 16
Announce “SECURITE, SECURITE, SECURITE”
THIS IS (your boat name THREE TIMES)
Give position of vessel by latitude and longitude and distance to a well-known landmark.
Announce the nature of the navigational safety warning.
Announce OVER
When would you make a SECURITE call over VHF Channel 16?
Securite calls are made to announce marine safety or navigational issues.
When would you make a PAN-PAN call over VHF Channel 16?
PAN_PAN calls are made to request help in the event of distress (that is NOT an emergency). For example boat is broken down, Broker rudder, lost your mast, minor injury that does not require immediate assistance.
When would you make a MAYDAY call over VHF Channel 16?
MAYDAY Calls are made to request help in an EMERGENCY (grave and imminent danger) situation and immediate assistance is needed. For example, boat is on fire. Person on board had a heart attack.
What is this knot and when is it used?
This is a Square Knot.
It is used to join two ropes OF THE SAME SIZE or to tie together two ends of the same rope.
What is this knot and when is it used?
This is a Cleat Hitch.
It is used to secure a vessel to a cleat on a dock or pier.
What is this knot and when is it used?
This is a Sheet Bend.
It is used to join two ropes of DIFFERENT sizes or materials
What is this knot and when is it used?
This is a Bowline.
It is used to put a non-slipping loop in the end of a rope (for example, tying a sheet to the clew of a sail).
What is this knot and when is it used?
This is a Clove Hitch.
It is a temporary knot and can be used for tying a line to a stationary object. For example… when docking, tying your fender line to the lifelines.
What is this knot and when is it used?
This is a round turn and two half hitches.
This is used for fastening a line to a stationary object. One example is fastening a docking line to a pier column when there are no cleats to secure the boat.
What is this knot and when is it used?
This is a Rolling Hitch.
It is used to tie a line to another line or to a spar. Useful when trying to transfer load from one line to another (take weight off the working side of a winch line).
What are the three stages of Hypothermia and their typical symptoms
MILD - Person shivering uncontrollably.
MODERATE - Stopped shaking by himself but walking like a drunkard, sluffing words. (Exhaustion, Incoherence, Loss of muscle control) REALLY Dangerous. PAN-PAN Call.
SEVERE - Typically had a heart attack and passed out. IMMEDIATE MAYDAY. Needs urgent medical attention NOW. You can’t help him now.
What is the HELP Method for addressing Hypothermia?
HELP is an Acronym for:
Heat Escape Lessening Position
Trying to mitigate heat escaping your body.
If in the water in a PFD, go into fetal position. Protect your core. PFD will pop you over so head is out of the water.
What are some methods for handling hypothermia?
- Do NOT head up too quickly
- VERY Gradual heating
- Take all wet clothes off
- Lie them down
- Heat up core and head (body shuts down capilaries).
- DO NOT RUB extremities.
- DO NOT GIVE Hot liquids. Tepid ONLY. NO Alcohol.
- Put warm (not hot stuff) on him.
- Put another body on him.
What is the Quick Stop Method to save a Man Overboard.
Can do this only from Close Haul or Close Reach.
Person typically falls in from leeward side.
1. Go to Heave-to position to take the BOW of the boat through the wind like you are tacking, BUT do NOT release the working sheet on the jib.
2. Ease the Mainsail
3. Tiller to Lee
The Jib will backwind and want to push you toward the person overboard
Turn the boat downwind with the rudder
Approach the MoB on a close reach
Ease the Jib
As you approach, Ease the Main
Pick up on leeward quarter to protect MoB from waves and wind (unless waves and wind are severe)
Before casting off, be sure to close and secure all ________ and _______ to prevent spray from entering the cabin
Hatches and Port Lights
When the engine is running, the battery should NEVER be in the _____ position because it could damage the electrical devices, including the alternator
Selector switch should NOT be in “Off” position when engine is running.
When the engine is running, the battery selector switch SHOULD be in the ____ position so the alternator is recharging both batteries.
Selector switch should be in the “Both” or “All” position to charge both (house and starting) batteries.
