Low Speed powerboat handling & familiarisation
UNDERSTANDS:
- Steering, controls, effect of current or tidal stream
CAN:
- Carry out low speed manoeuvres including: turning in a confined space, effect of wind on bow and holding off. Demonstrate an awareness of flooding when going astern
Familiarisation:
KEY TEACHING POINTS: 1 hand gear, 1 hand steering wheel
Area: Large open space clear of hazards
ACTIVITY:
Starting: Killcord, Pre-start checks, Starting procedure
Gears: Practice smooth gear change, Forward, Neutral, Reverse
Ahead: Engage forward gear, gradual slow speed increase from tick over. Practice turning to Port and Starboard, note the fact that turning is most effective when in gear. Awareness of pivot points.
Astern: Look astern when going backwards but also maintain a 360 deg look out, Awareness of risk of flooding. Awareness of pivot points.
Stopping: Ensure area is clear of other vessels and hazards, Engage Neutral gear, Turn off engine
Session Example:
Instructor to move powerboat into open area clear of hazards.
- EXPLAIN: What the activity is, Why it is being done
- DEMONSTRATE: How to carry out activity (i.e. large Fig 8 course in FWD gear, Engage Neutral, large Fig 8 course in astern)
- IMITATE: Students to mimick demonstration
- CORRECTION: Give your students positive feedback & points for improvement
- TRY AGAIN: Allow your students to have another go to increase their confidence and improve their skills
- SUMMARY: Emphasise or Q & A session with students to bring out key teaching points
