Skipper Saver
Onboard Check List
(For Instructors)
Life Jackets
Emergency Float
First Aid Kit
Emergency signaling gear
Flares
Emergency flag
Mirror
Line handling
Rope toss
Cleat hitch
2 round turns + 2 half hitches
GPS Review– MOB
Controls
Start Engine/s
Blowers
Control settings
Going in and out of gear
Maneuvering: forward & reverse
MOB– demo
Swim platform recovery
Life sling recovery
Radio use
Cell phones
GPS Use
Anchor handling
Docking
Developed by: Manatee Sail & Power Squadron
A unit of: United stated Power Squadrons
Notes for Onboard Check List
Life Jackets: Most people think of them as life jackets. Calling them PFDs for this group will only confuse things. I recommend sticking with ‘life jackets’. Have student locate them and put one on. It’s not as easy the first time as it seems. Discus different types if you think it appropriate.
First Aid Kit: See if they have one on board and have student locate it. Knowing how to use it is not part of this class. There are first aid classes available for that.
Emergency Signaling Gear:
Flares: Have student locate and describe how and when to use. Both hand held and aerial. Three current flares of either type are required by law.
Emergency Flag: Locate and demonstrate use
Mirror: Locate and demonstrate
Line Handling:Thesebasic skills will allow the student to get help at a landing and secure the boat.
Line Toss: Demonstrate correct method
Cleat Hitch: Have student tie a cleat hitch
2 round turns with 2 half hitches
GPS:Keep it simple.Demonstrate how to find coordinates on their GPS. Have student do it. You can go into way points to get to shore or home if you think it’s appropriate but in many cases it may just confuse things.
Controls:Go over all the important operating controls
Blower switch
Starter switch/s
Throttle/s
Shifter/s
Helm (Steering)
Starting Procedure: Have student go through the starting sequence: drives in neutral, throttles set appropriately, blowers, pause for 4 minutes, crank engine/s, any other setting specific to their boat.
Going In And Out Of Gear: Have student shift and operate throttle/s. Emphasize including a pause between each action. Let the boat coast!
Inboards:
Emphasize the pause between each action.
Throttle/s at idle, shift transition forward, pause, advance throttle
Return to idle, pause, shift to neutral, pause
Shift to reverse, pause, advance throttle
Return to idle, pause, shift to neutral
I/Os and Outboards:
Emphasize the pause between each action.
Idle in neutral, shift to forward, pause, advance throttle
Return throttle to neutral, pause, shift to neutral
If continuing to reverse, pause
Shift to reverse, pause, advance throttle
Maneuvering: forward & reverse: Have student operate the boat both forward and backing down. Practice low speed turning in both directions. Explain and demonstrate how the boat responds, which will be specific to each boat. Remember, this is Skipper Saver. We are only interested in this boat, not boats in general.
Radio use: Have the student locate the marine VHF radio if available. Demonstrate its use. Turn it on, set the squelch, tune to ch 16 and remind the student it is the primary calling channel. Explain general use of microphone. Key mic, talk, release mic, listen. You can practice by calling for a radio check (Ch 26 or 27 locally). Go through the MAY DAY drill. Go back to the GPS and have student find the boats coordinates. Remind the student the Coast Guard will want to know what the emergency is, how many people on board, any injuries, location, size and color of boat. Remind the student that once they contact the coast guard (or water patrol, or whatever) they will be told what to do from there on. Show the student ( and skipper if necessary ) how to use the DSC button, and explain what it does. Explain what a MMSI number is and how to get one.
Cell phones: Remind student that cell phones are OK as a backup but they don’t call emergency marine services directly and don’t broadcast your emergency to other boats. Range is limited out on the water. If you use your cell phone, call 911 and ask for emergency help on the water and give your location as closely as you can. Be prepared to supply the same emergency information as you would for a MAY DAY call.
GPS Use: Once you have talked about finding the coordinates, you can go over other GPS functions if the student and skipper want to, such as way points and steering screens. However they can also do this on their own at a future time. The most important thing with the GPS is the coordinates to give to emergency services.
Anchor handling: Find a quiet spot and have the student release and set the anchor. Be sure the bitter end is secured. You can expect the skipper to assist with this exercise. Then have her retrieve and secure it. We will have talked about this in the class and explained why it may be needed.
Docking: Now comes the exercise most beginners fear the most. Coming up to a dock. Remember, this is Skipper Saver. We just need to get there, not look professional. Demonstrate how to slowly approach at about a 30 degree angle. At ½ walking speed, in neutral. Reverse briefly as you approach. In and out of gear. Most people stay in gear way long. At this speed even if they hit the dock it won’t do much if any damage. Remember this is an emergency. Call out for help and throw a line as you practiced. Tie up the boat! You’re not there till the boat is secured. If it isn’t, it will immediately begin to drift away.
If you haven’t already done so, call for help.