Unit 3 Flashcards
Num buoys
Cone-shaped. Always marked with red markings and even numbers. They mark the edge of the channel on your starboard (right) side when entering from the open sea or heading upstream
Can buoys
Cylindrical-shaped. Always marked with green markings and odd numbers. They mark the edge of the channel on your port (left) side when entering from the open sea or heading upstream
Lighted buoys
Use lateral marker shapes, colors, and numbers discussed previously. In addition, they have a matching colored light.
Daymarks
Permanently placed signs attached to structures, such as posts, in the water. Common daymarks are red triangles and green squares. These may be lighted also.
Intracoatal Waterway (ICW) symbols are most commonly found in
Daymarkers
Channels that are part of the ICW
identified by yellow symbols on channel buoys and markers
When following the ICW in a clockwise direction starting from new jersey and heading to brownsville, texas, these rules apply
Any marker displaying a yellow triangle should be passed by keeping it on the starboard (right) side of the boat. Any marker displaying a yellow square should be passed by keeping it on the port (left) side of the boat
Western Rivers System
The navigational markers aren’t numbered. Numbers displayed below daymarks along the system indicate the distance from the river’s mouth, these are not associated with the right or left side of the channel.
Non-lateral markers
Give information other than the edges of safe water areas. The most common our regulatory markers that are white and use orange markings and black lettering. These markers are found on lakes and rivers
Square
Give directions and information
Diamond
Warn of hazards and obstructions
Circle
Mark controlled areas
Crossed diamond
Mark exclusion (closed) areas
Safe water marker
White with red vertical stripes. Indicate on abstracted water on all sides. They mark mid-channels or stairways and maybe passed on either side.
Mooring buoy
White with blue horizontal band. Are usually placed in marinas and other areas where boats are allowed to anchor. These are the only buoys you may tie up to legally
Inland waters obstruction marker
White with black vertical stripes. Indicate an obstruction to navigation. You should not pass between these buoys and the nearest shore
Plow-style anchor
Good for most boots and get its holding power by plowing into bottom sediment
Fluke-style anchor
Similar to the plow style but is more lightweight. It is also good for most boats and get Citoyen power from its pointed flukes digging into bottom sediment
Mushroom anchor
Get its holding power by sinking into bottom sediment. It should not be used to anchor boats larger than a small canoe, rowboat, small sailboat, or inflatable boat since the holding power is weak. You should never depend on a mushroom anchor to hold your boat in rough water or weather
Prepare your anchor before setting out
Attached 7-8 feet of galvanized chain to the anchor. Helps prevent abrasion of the anchor line from sand or rock on the bottom. Be sure its strong enough to anchor your boat. Should be 7-10 times the depth of the water where you are setting anchor.
Cleat
Metal fitting on which a rope can be fastened
Downcurrent
In the direction the current is flowing
Downwind
In the direction the wind it blowing
Upwind
In the direction that is against the wind
Anchoring your boat
- Select anchor with plenty of room. Should be a well-protected area with adequate water depth and a sandy or muddy bottom
- Head slowly into wind or current to a position upwind or upcurrent of where you actually want to end up
- Stop the boat and slowly lower the anchor over the bow to the bottom, never anchor from the stern as this can cause the boat to swamp. The square stern may be hit by waves and water will splash onto the boat. The motors weight will add to this problem.
- Slowly back the boat away downwind or down current. Let out about 7 to 10 times as much anchor line as the depth of the water. Tie off the line around eight though cleat, and pull the anchor line to make sure that anchor is set
- After anchoring, take visual sightings of onshore objects or buoys in the water to help you know where your boat is positioned. While at anchor recheck these sightings frequently to make sure the anger is not dragging
- Periodically check connecting knots on your anchor line. When possible, use splices instead of knots. Knots weaken a line more than splices
Allow “swing room”
Be aware that the boat will swing downwind or down current from the anchor. Allow “swing room” for any change in wind or current
To retrieve and anchor
- Move the boat directly over the anchor while pulling in the line. Pulling the anchor straight up should break it free
- If the anchor is stuck, turn your boat in a large circle while keeping the anchor line pulled tight
- When the anchor breaks loose, stop the boat and retrieve the anchor. Never drag the anchor behind the boat
Low-head dams
Surface currents below Lowhead dams can suck vessels towards the face of the dam
Low-head dams
Currents above Lowhead dams can sweep vessels over the dam
Large structure dams
More easily spotted because of their powerhouses and spillways
When approaching locks
Be aware that commercial traffic always has priority over recreational boats. Wait at least 400 feet away from the lock for the flashing light signal to enter the lock. Alert the lock attendant that you wish to go through the lock. You can sound one prolonged blast followed by one short blast on your boat. Can also contact lock attendant by VHF radio, but never interrupt commercial communication. Enter the lock only after you’ve been signaled to enter by the locks traffic lights or by the lock attendant. Otherwise, stay well clear of the lock
Traffic signal lights at locks
Flashing red- Light means stay well clear of the lock and do not enter. Allow plenty of room for boats to exit the lock.
Flashing amber- Light means approach the lock at a safe speed and under full control.
Flashing green- Light means enter the lock.
What boaters should do when using locks
Have fenders and at least 100 feet of rope to use in securing your boat inside the lock. Follow lock attendants instructions and proceed slowly. Avoid passing another boat when inside the lock, unless directed to do so. Wait to be signaled to exit the lock
Fenders
Cushioning device placed between vessels or between a vessel and a dock to prevent damage
Chart
Map used for navigation
Passing under bridges
On charted waters, the chart will indicate bridge clearance at a particular water level. Current water level and tide must be factored in to determine present clearance.
Aground
Touching or stuck on the bottom
Tides on coastal waters
High and low tides are predictable, and each one normally occurs twice-daily and approximately six hour intervals.
Steering compasses
Mount a boat compass away from iron, magnets, and electrical wiring and equipment. Practice with your compass and other navigation equipment in good weather. Make sure you know how to use them.
Nautical charts
Contain important information such as water depths and the location of channels, sandbars, rocks, and vegetation
Before you go out on your PWC
Read and understand the owners manual. Review the video most PWC manufacturers provide. Inspect your PWC periodically, and preform necessary maintenance to keep it in good operating condition. Be aware of all local, state, and federal laws that apply to PWC’s. Don’t forget that in addition to obeying all boating laws, the PWC operator must adhere to laws specific to personal watercraft
Wake
Waves that a vessel leaves behind as it moves through the water
Lanyard
Short cord used for fastening something or securing rigging; on a PWC and most powerboats, it attaches the ignition safety switch to the operators wrist or lifejacket
How to prevent propeller strikes
Turn off the engine when passengers are boarding or disembarking
How to prevent propeller strikes
Maintain a proper lookout for people in the water
How to prevent propeller strikes
Prevent passengers from being thrown overboard accidentally
Devices that reduce propeller strikes
Guards- Devices that provide some type of physical barrier around the propeller
Propulsion- Devices other than a propeller such as jet drives in pump jets
Interlocks- Devices that automatically turn off the engine or sounds an alarm
Sensors- Wireless sensors or other devices worn by boaters that shut off the boats engine or trigger an alarm if the wearer falls overboard
