Safety Boat Manual

TORPOINT MOSQUITO SAILING CLUB

Safety Boat Operating Manual

Roger J Holman Summer 2004

PREFACE

This manual was prepared for the benefit of all operators of TMSC Safety Boats. It is probably not exhaustive in its coverage, but it attempts to offer guidance to the Coxswains and Crews of the club Safety Boats in the day to day operation of the vessels, the preparation for use, the care after use, and most important, the method of use.

Throughout this manual, pictures and diagrams depict Rigid Inflatable Boats (RIB’s).

The backbone of the TMSC Safety Boat fleet is provided by RIB’s. Cox’ns must exercise caution if called upon to use boats other than RIB’s for some functions depicted in this manual.

Whilst no manual, however exhaustive can ever offer a solution to all situations which arise, this publication will attempt to provide Safety Boat crews with a framework upon which, with experience and practice, they can build a fund of experience to help them cope with any situation which may confront them.

The manual is divided into sections, the sections match closely the topics set by HM Coastguard for qualification as MCA 3. Safety Boat Crews who have read, learned and inwardly digested this manual can be assured therefore that they are in possession of basic knowledge common to all HM Coastguard Crewmen.

Safety Boat Crews should not use this manual in isolation, as part of their individual development, crews should try to read those publications as listed in the appendix, all of which will have valuable information relevant to the task.

This knowledge, if well used, will provide confidence in the equipment, and the ability to handle any rescue situation which may arise.

Acknowledgements.

Thanks are due to a great number of people who have, wittingly or un-wittingly co-operated in the production of this manual. The dinghy sailors at TMSC have provided an ongoing opportunity to research and practice the various techniques portrayed, The Safety Boat crews who have shown what can be done with the application of goodwill and common sense.

Particular thanks are due to Nigel Bunker, Station Officer HMCG Tamar for his help and guidance, and to Len Charrington, who suggested additions and helped iron out my mistakes.

Tom and Joanie Ogilvie proof read and corrected the typographical, and other, errors.

The whole exercise would not have been possible without Victoria who provided the technology, and Daniel who showed me how to use it.

TMSC Safety Boat Operating Manual.

1. Personal Preparation.

Dealing with Emergencies

2. Pre-Duty Checks.

Before going to sea.

Engine Start Up

3. Command and Control.

Operational Communications and Safety.

Co-Operative Safety

Load Distribution and Stowage.