If you're firmly stuck - or if the water's too shallow for the propeller - use your crew's weight to tilt the boat by moving them to the side of the boat that's still floating. Instead, use reverse gear to back away into deeper water. Remember that it's more difficult to steer when you're in reverse gearĮvery skipper goes aground at some point - it's not necessarily a disaster.ĭon't try to force your way over the obstacle or you'll find yourself even more stuck. Ease off the throttle, move into neutral and then use short bursts in reverse gear to slow down and come to a final halt. Remember - no gear, no steer.īecause boats don't have brakes, you need to give yourself plenty of time to stop - especially when travelling downstream. You can't steer unless your boat is in gear. If you line up the bow only and then try to turn into a narrow gap - a bridge or lock, for example - you risk hitting the side with the stern of your boat. That means you need to watch out for the bow and the stern. Your boat pivots from a point about halfway along its length. Using a tiller to steer is simple - as long as you remember that pushing to the right will make the boat head left and vice versa. Get to know the feel of the wheel and the rudder position before you set off. Steering a boat with a wheel is like steering a car, but it's more difficult to judge where your wheel should be for going straight ahead. Watch out for weed cutters in front of the propeller. Turn the engine off and take the key out of the ignition. If your boat has a weed hatch make sure your propeller is clear of debris, but take care. Before you set off, spend some time getting to know your boat. You should slow down when passing anglers or moored boats to avoid rocking them about.īoats come in different sizes, shapes and materials - and they all behave differently. In practice, on most canals and rivers, you'll keep to the centre of the channel - it's shallow near the edges - unless there's another boat coming towards you. On all waterways, you drive on the right(port to port rule). When the boat's straight, go into forward gear and accelerate gently to cruising speed. In shallow water, push the stern of the boat out, and then reverse away until there's room to straighten up. Push the boat away from the bank so you can make a clean get away, with your propeller in deep water. If you're using mooring stakes, don't forget to stow those and the hammer too. Make sure your ropes can't trail in the water and get caught in the propeller. On rivers, untie the downstream rope first. Untie the bow and stern mooring ropes from the bank, and leave them safely stowed, coiled and ready for use. Start the engine and keep it in neutral until you're ready to move off. Vessels restricted in their ability to manoeuvre.Vessels not under command (unable to manoeuvre).Power driven vessels crossing: the one with the other vessel on its starboard side gives way Power driven vessels approaching head-on: both turn to starboard Vessels less than 20m in length should not impede vessels using a traffic separation scheme or vessels confined to a narrow channel If action becomes necessary, avoid turning to port Vessels with right of way should hold a steady course and speed. Take early and obvious action when giving way Proceed at a safe speed according to conditions, visibility, traffic etc The risk of collision exists if the bearing of the other vessel remains constant or nearly so. “The following is intended as an aide memoir and not as a working knowledge of the International Rules.” Once you are on the list, we will keep you updated with upcoming recruitment events.T he International Rules for the Prevention of Collisions at Sea apply on the Lower Bann, Lough Neagh and If you think you'd be a good addition to GCSSAR, please fill out the following questionnaire to be added to our applicant mailing list. It's important to recognize that search and rescue is a major time commitment for everyone involved: members typically devote 15-20+ hours each month. Operational members are expected to respond to at least 20% of all callouts. During that time, you'll be expected to attend 50% of trainings, which occur roughly twice a month.
#ARGUMENT FOR GRID MAPPING AN AREA FOR SEARCH AND RESCUE FULL#
Becoming a full member is, at minimum, a one-year process. If you want to be part of Search and Rescue but don’t have the skills or can’t commit to making calls at all hours, Friends of GCSAR might be a good fit.Įach section takes on new members as needed. If you live in the Gallatin Valley, we encourage most people to start by joining the Valley Section. You can get involved with SAR through membership in one of our volunteer groups.