SGBA Safety boat induction

To take the induction course you need an accepted power boat qualification. For those members without a qualification we run PB2 courses and those with extensive experience helming power boats but without formal qualification we offer PB2 direct assessment.

Here is an outline of the SGBA safety boat induction course:

Preparation

1. How much water to put the boats away?
2. What time can you go out/in to the creek?
3. Red markers meaning
4. Sticks in water meaning
5. Which side do you pass another boat coming toward you?
6. What is the speed limit on the river?
7. Examples of where you cannot anchor
8. How do you know when the water is shallow?
9. What to do if the engine fails.

Check list

Restrictions of use:

• Max 5 persons on board
• Buoyancy aids to be warn at all times
• Communications; VHF to be carried.
• Between Totnes Boating Association and Dartmouth Castle
• No grounding except when moored/anchored

Location and use of:

• Fuel Supply
• Mooring ropes
• Paddles
• Tools
• Throttle
• Steering
• Power tilt

Engine Start up

1. The engines have automatic cold start
2. Fuel - Petrol
3. Pump fuel bulb
4. Lower tilt to submerge prop and water pick up
5. Select Neutral
6. Attach kill cord to boat and helmsman
7. Turn ignition key and crank for max 5 secs
8. Release key as soon as engine starts
9. Check water is being ejected from just below the top cover at the rear of the engine
10. From cold - Allow engine to idle for 3 minutes before opening throttle
11. Check oil warning and heat lights are NOT illuminated

If the engine has a fault it will limit revs to 2000rpm and sound an alert. STOP ENGINE IMMEDIATELY IT IS SAFE TO DO SO. Check which alert lights are on and contact the Quartermaster (power)

Practical tasks

• Prepare crew and boat
• Clothing appropriate to the conditions and forecast
• Instructions
• Loading
• Safety checks
• Kill cord
• Take boat off berth (fit bung)
• Follow channel into and out of the creek
• Hover alongside a buoy
• Pick up a mooring on the bow
• Reverse around a mooring buoy
• Lay and recover an anchor
• Speed turns
• Fast stop
• Motor at a constant 6 knots
• Recover a fender from the water
• Return boat to berth

Boat shutdown

• Mooring lines
• Engine shut down
• Locking up
• Equipment check
• Remove bung
• Clean down

Report if fuel is below half-full.

Last updated 14:15 on 20 June 2023