Pleasure Craft Operation and Handling
What this domain tests
This domain covers hands-on boat handling: starting and stopping, docking, anchoring, towing, and personal watercraft operation. Questions ask you to choose the correct maneuver or control input for a given situation.
Basic handling
- Before starting, check fuel, ventilation, and that the kill switch lanyard is attached; run the blower on inboard gasoline engines.
- Use smooth throttle and steering inputs; a propeller's torque and the boat's momentum affect turning, especially at low speed.
- Stop by reducing throttle and using reverse to brake; reverse thrust is less effective than forward thrust.
- Know your stopping distance; a loaded boat takes longer to stop and turn.
Docking and close quarters
- Approach slowly and into the wind or current, whichever has more effect, so you can use it to control the boat.
- Have lines and fenders ready before arrival; assign crew to handle lines and never put hands or feet between the boat and dock.
- Use spring lines to hold position and to help pivot out of a slip.
Anchoring
- Choose a sheltered spot with good holding bottom, lower the anchor with enough scope (typically about 5 to 7 times the depth in calm water, more in rough conditions), and set it by backing down gently.
- Confirm the anchor is holding by taking bearings on fixed objects.
Personal watercraft and towing
- PWC operators must wear a PFD, attach the kill switch, and keep clear of swimmers and other craft; avoid wake jumping and excessive speed near shore.
- When towing, use a tow line appropriate to the load, keep the line clear of the propeller, and have a spotter; tow slowly and avoid sharp turns.
Worked example
You must dock with a crosswind blowing onto the dock. Reasoning: approach into the wind at a shallow angle, using the wind to slow the boat and hold it against the dock, with fenders on the windward side and lines ready. Approaching downwind would push the boat onto the dock too fast to control.
Traps that cost marks
- Approaching a dock too fast or downwind.
- Too little anchor scope, causing the anchor to drag.
- Putting hands or feet between boat and dock.
- Forgetting the kill switch lanyard or blower on inboard gasoline engines.
Key points to memorize
- Attach the kill switch and run the blower before starting an inboard gasoline engine.
- Approach docks slowly, into wind or current, with fenders and lines ready.
- Use about 5 to 7 times depth for anchor scope and set the anchor by backing down.
- Reverse thrust is weaker than forward thrust for stopping.
- PWC operators wear a PFD, attach the kill switch, and keep clear of others.