EU Boatmaster (Flanders) flashcards

33 cards. Read the term and the definition here. The deck at the top of this page is optional.

CEVNI sign: blue board with white arrow

A blue square board with a white arrow pointing left or right indicates the recommended channel or direction of navigation to be followed. It is advisory, not compulsory, but ignoring it may lead into shallow or obstructed water.

Four short blasts meaning

Under CEVNI, four short blasts signal that the vessel intends to turn around or is unable to manoeuvre as required. Other vessels should keep clear and reduce speed until the manoeuvre is complete.

Red-white-red buoy

A buoy striped red-white-red marks a bifurcation where the main channel lies on the side indicated by the red-white-red band. The secondary channel is marked red-white-green. It is a safe-water junction mark.

Right of way in narrow channel

In a narrow channel, a vessel proceeding downstream normally has right of way over one proceeding upstream. The upstream vessel must reduce speed and give way early enough to be clearly seen.

Pivot point under way

A vessel under way pivots roughly one-third of its length aft of the bow. When going astern the pivot point moves aft, which changes how the bow and stern swing during docking manoeuvres.

Propeller walk

A right-handed propeller pushes the stern to starboard in forward gear and to port in reverse. Knowing the direction of walk lets the boatmaster use it deliberately when docking or turning in a confined space.

Springing off a quay

A spring line led forward or aft is made fast, then the engine is put ahead or astern so the hull pivots against the line. This swings the bow or stern away from the quay before departure.

Stopping distance and speed

Stopping distance in still water grows roughly with the square of speed. Doubling speed roughly quadruples the distance needed, so reducing speed early is the most effective way to shorten a stop.

Man-overboard immediate actions

Shout 'man overboard', throw a lifebuoy, mark the position, slow down and turn back on a reciprocal course. Approach from downwind and recover with the engine in neutral to avoid propeller injury.

Fire aboard: first actions

Stop the engine, shut off fuel and gas, close hatches to starve the fire, and aim the extinguisher at the base of the flames. Head for the nearest bank and call for help if the fire spreads.

Lifejacket buoyancy standard

Lifejackets for inland craft must carry CE marking and a buoyancy rating suited to the wearer's weight. Children need child-sized jackets, and everyone on an open deck should wear one.

Carbon monoxide risk afloat

Carbon monoxide from petrol engines, generators and stoves is odourless and can build up in enclosed cabins. Ventilate before starting and never run a petrol engine in a closed space.

Masthead and sidelights

A power-driven vessel under way at night shows a forward masthead light, red and green sidelights, and a sternlight. Vessels over 50 m show a second, higher masthead light aft.

Vessel not under command lights

A vessel not under command shows two all-round red lights in a vertical line by night and two black balls in a vertical line by day. Other vessels must keep well clear of her.

Crossing rule give-way vessel

When two power-driven vessels cross, the one with the other on her starboard side is the give-way vessel. She must avoid crossing ahead and normally passes astern of the stand-on vessel.

Restricted visibility sound signal

A power-driven vessel making way sounds one prolonged blast at intervals of no more than two minutes. A vessel stopped sounds two prolonged blasts with a one-second interval between them.

Rule of twelfths

Tidal height rise over a tide is divided into twelfths: 1, 2, 3, 3, 2, 1 in successive sixths of the period. This estimates depth at any state of tide without tables.

Beaufort force 6

Force 6 is a strong breeze with wind speeds of 10.8 to 13.8 m/s. Whitecaps and spray appear, small craft should seek shelter, and manoeuvring in open water becomes difficult.

Sea breeze formation

On sunny days land heats faster than water, so air rises over land and cooler air flows in from the sea. The resulting sea breeze typically peaks in the afternoon at force 4 to 5.

Spring and neap tides

Spring tides occur at new and full moon when sun and moon align, producing the largest tidal range. Neap tides at quarter moons give the smallest range because the pulls partly cancel.

Metacentric height GM

GM measures initial stability. A small positive GM gives a stiff, quick roll; a very large GM gives a tender, slow roll; negative GM means the vessel is unstable and may capsize.

Free surface effect

Liquid moving in partly filled tanks or bilges shifts the centre of gravity and lowers effective metacentric height. Keep tanks full or empty to preserve stability in a seaway.

Reserve buoyancy

Reserve buoyancy is the watertight volume above the waterline. It determines how much extra weight or water a hull can take before swamping and is reduced by overloading.

Diesel engine air lock

If a diesel runs out of fuel, air enters the lines and the engine will not restart. Bleed the low-pressure circuit at the filter and injector pump until fuel runs free of bubbles.

Alternator charging voltage

With the engine running, a healthy alternator should show about 13.8 to 14.4 volts at the battery. A reading below 13 volts suggests a failed alternator, regulator or belt.

Engine overheating causes

Overheating usually comes from a blocked raw-water intake, a worn impeller, a slack belt or low coolant. Stop the engine, find the cause, and never continue with no cooling water flow.

Sewage discharge rule

Discharging sewage is prohibited in Belgian inland waters. Use holding tanks and pump-out stations, and retain waste on board until it can be disposed of properly ashore.

MARPOL Annex V garbage

MARPOL Annex V prohibits dumping plastics, garbage and oily rags overboard. Waste must be sorted and landed at port reception facilities, both at sea and on inland waterways.

Adult CPR ratio

Adult CPR uses 30 chest compressions followed by 2 rescue breaths, at 100 to 120 compressions per minute. Continue until help arrives or the casualty starts breathing normally.

Hypothermia first aid

Move the casualty to shelter, remove wet clothing, insulate with dry blankets and warm gradually. Do not rub the skin, give alcohol, or warm too quickly; call emergency services.

Fire classes A B C

Class A fires involve solids such as wood and paper, class B flammable liquids, and class C gases. Water suits class A, foam or dry powder class B, and dry powder or CO2 for electrical fires.

Alcohol limit for boatmasters

In Belgium the limit for a boatmaster is 0.5 g/l blood alcohol, equivalent to 0.22 mg/l breath. Professional boatmasters face stricter limits, and refusal to test is an offence.

Compulsory third-party insurance

Motorised craft on Belgian inland waters must carry third-party liability insurance. The certificate must be on board and produced on request by the waterway authority or police.