Coastguard NZ Day Skipper flashcards

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

Port side

The left-hand side of a vessel when facing forward. Port is opposite starboard and is marked by a red navigation light at night.

Starboard side

The right-hand side of a vessel when facing forward. Starboard is marked by a green navigation light at night and has right-of-way in crossing situations.

Bow and stern

Bow is the forward end of a vessel; stern is the rear end. Knowing these terms is essential for giving directions and understanding right-of-way rules.

Lifejacket requirement

Every person on board must have a correctly fitting lifejacket. Inflatable lifejackets must be worn and serviced annually; foam jackets must be in good condition.

Give-way vessel

The vessel required to keep clear of another. In a crossing situation between power vessels, the vessel with the other on its starboard side must give way.

Stand-on vessel

The vessel that has the right of way and must maintain course and speed, but must still take action if the give-way vessel does not keep clear.

Five knot rule

A common harbour speed limit of 5 knots within 200 metres of shore or 50 metres of another vessel, or as set by local harbourmaster bylaws.

Fuel reserve rule

Plan to use one-third of fuel for the outward trip, one-third for the return, and keep one-third in reserve. Calculate burn at cruising speed.

Speed distance time

Speed in knots equals distance in nautical miles divided by time in hours. Distance equals speed times time. Time equals distance divided by speed.

One minute of latitude

One minute of latitude equals one nautical mile, which is about 1.852 kilometres. This relationship is used to measure distances on nautical charts.

Chart datum

The reference level from which charted depths are measured, usually Lowest Astronomical Tide (LAT). Actual depth equals charted depth plus height of tide.

Rule of Twelfths

A rough method to estimate tidal height between high and low water: 1/12, 2/12, 3/12, 3/12, 2/12, and 1/12 of the range each hour.

Spring tides

Tides with the greatest range, occurring near full and new moon when sun and moon align. They produce the strongest tidal streams and lowest low waters.

Neap tides

Tides with the smallest range, occurring near the quarter moons when sun and moon are at right angles. Tidal streams are weaker and tidal heights are less extreme.

Variation

The angular difference between true north and magnetic north at a given location. In New Zealand variation is easterly and changes slowly over time.

Deviation

Compass error caused by magnetic influences on board the vessel. It varies with the vessel's heading and is recorded on a deviation card.

Passage plan

A written plan for a trip that includes route, distance, time, tidal gates, hazards, alternate ports, fuel, weather, and a trip report to a responsible person.

Port-hand buoy

In IALA Region A, a red can-shaped buoy marking the port side of a channel when entering harbour. Keep it to port when proceeding inward.

Starboard-hand buoy

In IALA Region A, a green cone-shaped buoy marking the starboard side of a channel when entering harbour. Keep it to starboard when proceeding inward.

Channel 16

The international VHF distress, safety, and calling channel. Use it to establish contact, then move to a working channel such as 06, 08, or 72.

MAYDAY

The spoken distress signal used on VHF radio when a vessel or person is in grave and imminent danger and requires immediate assistance. Say it three times.

PAN PAN

The spoken urgency signal used when a situation is urgent but not an immediate danger to life or vessel. Say it three times, then give details.

SÉCURITÉ

The spoken safety signal used to announce navigational or weather warnings. Say it three times, then broadcast the safety message on a working channel.

DSC distress alert

A digital distress alert sent by pressing and holding the red distress button on a DSC VHF radio for five seconds. It transmits vessel identity and position automatically.

Phonetic alphabet

A set of words used to spell out letters clearly over the radio, such as Alpha, Bravo, Charlie. Used for call signs, names, and positions.

Radio check

A short test transmission to confirm the radio is working, usually with Coastguard on channel 16 or a working channel. Keep it brief and do not use channel 16 for long calls.

Man overboard

An emergency procedure: shout 'Man overboard', throw a buoyant object, press MOB on GPS if available, turn back on a reciprocal course, and recover the person on the leeward side.

Anchor scope

The ratio of anchor line or chain length to water depth. A common scope is 3:1 to 5:1; more scope improves holding in strong wind or current.

Kill switch lanyard

A safety device attached to the driver that stops the engine if the driver falls overboard or moves away from the helm. Always wear it when underway.

Leeward side

The side of the vessel sheltered from the wind. In man-overboard recovery, approach and recover the person on the leeward side to avoid drifting into the propeller.

Spring line

A mooring line used to control forward and backward movement when berthing. Spring lines help hold the boat against the dock and prevent surging.

Capsize response

If a boat capsizes, stay with the boat if it provides flotation, account for all crew, activate EPIRB or call for help, and do not swim for shore unless very close.