1. Boating is fun, we’ll show you how
Join USPS…
Expand your knowledge and enhance your enjoyment of recreational boating
Boating is fun, we’ll show you how
…and don’t forget to wear your life jacket 1

2. Skipper Saver Manatee Sail & Power Squadron
Welcome to “Partner in Command.” This presentation is one in a series of USPS seminars designed to make you a comfortable, more confident boater.
Please remember that within the USPS Seminars you may need to advance the slides and animated slides by “click” even though the slide presentation has times saved. Click on the video clips to make them play. Animated slides may be reset, paused and restarted if you wish to seen them again.

3. Skipper Saver
The purpose of this seminar is to mitigate the consequences of emergencies at sea.
How you react will in most cases significantly improve the outcome.
If you have a serious problem, the information you learn here will help you!

4. Safety Equipment Let’s talk about safety equipment.
It is the skipper’s responsibility that everyone knows the use and location of safety equipment.
Some of this equipment is mandatory and some will be personal.
Everyone should know where the flares, whistles, and horns are located. Make sure that someone other than the skipper knows how to use them.
Someone other than the skipper should also know how to make and receive a radio call.
An American Red Cross First-Aid and CPR course is essential training.

5. The best defense against panic is:
Don't Panic!!!
The best defense against panic is:
Knowledge!

6. First Things First! 1 - Get the boat under control 2 - Man Overboard
3 - Fire: Learn to use a fire extinguisher
4 - Provide Emergency First Aid
5 - Call for help

7. First Things First 1 - Get the boat under control!
2 – Fire! Get it put out!
3 – Skipper
Skipper Overboard
Skipper Injured
Breathing
Bleeding
4 – Call For Help

8. Get The Boat Under Control
Under power
Gradually slow down
Reverse if needed
Anchor?
Under sail
Turn into the wind
Let the sails luff
Lower (furl) sails
Start the engine in neutral
If you are stopping a power boat, decelerate gradually so as not to swamp boat.
If sailing, turn into the wind, loose the sheets (lines controlling the sails) and let the sails luff. It is best to drop or furl the sails, then tighten the main sheet to secure the boom. Make certain the sail and lines will not fall into the water or interfere with engine operation.
After the sails are lowered start engine immediately to maintain control of the boat.
For all boats, you can put the engine(s) in reverse if necessary.
Stop the boat in the most expedient but controlled manner. 8

9. Man Overboard! Get the Boat Under Control
Throw PFD, cushion, life ring Assign a spotter Press MOB on GPS
Reduce speed
Turn around
Approach from downwind
Call for help from fellow boaters
Check for Hypothermia
If someone or the skipper falls overboard take action immediately.
The first person who sees someone fall overboard should immediately call out “Crew Overboard (Starboard or Port)”. This person has the responsibility to point to the victim and never let the person out of sight.
If you have equipped the PFDs with safety signaling devices (whistles, mirrors, strobes, flares etc.) the COB may be able to assist in recovery.
Follow this procedure to recover the victim:
Reduce speed.
Assign a spotter to constantly point at the victim so the boat operator knows where to go.
Throw the victim a PFD unless you know they are already wearing one.
Turn the boat around and carefully pull alongside the victim, approaching from downwind.
Stop the engine. Pull the victim onboard, keeping the weight in the boat balanced.
If the person is unconscious and as a last resort you absolutely have to get in the water, be sure to wear a lifeline and life jacket and have easy access to reboard.
Treat for potential or actual hypothermia and shock. 9

10. Recovery

11. Using The Fire Extinguisher
Pull pin
Aim at base of fire
Squeeze handle
Sweep side to side
What are the different kinds of fire could you have on a boat?
Know how to use an extinguisher in advance – do not try to read the label while the fire is in progress. To help you remember how to put out a fire think PASS:
Pull the safety pin.
Aim at the base of the fire. Aim the nozzle at the base of the fire from 6 to 8 feet away.
Squeeze the handle or lever.
Sweep side to side.
The usual fire extinguisher on a recreational boat has about 8 seconds of capability.
How many fire extinguishers do you have on your boat? How many do you need?
If there is an engine room fire and it has been controlled do not open hatches and allow additional air in that might help reignite a fire.
“Click” to start the video clip.
Note: Demonstrate or have the local fire department demonstrate the use of a fire extinguisher. 11 11

12. Apply First Aid Assess situation Apply first aid
Assure patient is breathing
Stop Severe Bleeding
Call for help if needed
Make patient comfortable
After you determine the severity, apply First Aid/CPR as necessary. Don’t forget to take the course.
General rules from the Red Cross:
- An injury that requires stitches, involves bleeding or breathing difficulties is more than first-air.
- Loss of consciousness requires medical evaluation.
- Reactions to medication requires medical evaluation.
- Excess exposure sun, heat, or cold may lead to more serious medical conditions.
- Internal injuries may not be readily apparent.
- Cold water immersion and hypothermia are serious issues even in relatively warm waters.
If in any doubt, call the Coast Guard or They are trained to handle these situations.
If you have the situation under control and feel comfortable handling the boat, then either head for home or the closest port. 12

13. “Call For HELP!” Marine radio Cell Phone Distress flag Flares
Lights (flash, strobe and spot)
Sometimes you need to signal for help. Each of these items has a useful signaling function.
Distress flag is a plastic sheet that unfolds 3'-5' or larger. It is orange with black dot or square in the center. You place it so that it may be seen from the air.
Radio, EPIRBS, cell phones will all be covered in later slides.
Flares are lit with fire and either held in the hand or fired from a flare gun. Flares can be dangerous if not properly used.
Keep plenty of flashlights with fresh batteries on the boat; strobes are good because they can be viewed from longer distances than ordinary flashlights at night.
“Click here” for a video demonstration of various VSDs.
Note: Coordinate with USCG or law enforcement to demonstrate the flare and flare gun. 13

14. Push to Talk! Release to Listen
Marine VHF Radio
Push to Talk! Release to Listen
Speaker
Channel Selection Up/Down
Channel
One Button Distress (DSC)
VHF radios allow you to switch channels by activating up/down buttons , punching numeric keys, or a rotary switch. We will deal with the specifically designated frequencies in the following slides. (Note this slide is animated.)
The VHF Marine Radio is actually easy to use.
1. Click on the on/off/volume knob
2. Click on the squelch ring on the on/off/volume knob
3. Click on H/L power
4. Click on UP/DOWN channel button
5. Etc.
VHF frequencies are keyed to channel designations. Thus, for instance, Channel 6 is at Mhz.
On/Off Volume
Scan/Channel Select
Channel 16/9 Instant Select
Power High/Low Key
Squelch Control
Courtesy of ICOM 14

15. Using the marine VHF radio to call for help!
Channel 16
Hailing channel
Coast Guard monitors 24/7
Working channel
Coast guard will tell you what channel to turn to.
If you don't make contact, always go back to channel 16. The CG will also.
Channel 16 is the most important channel on the radio. It is monitored 24/7 by the Coast Guard and is also the channel that a mariner’s radio must be tuned to when the radio is on.
Hailing the Coast Guard or another boat is done on channel 16. In some areas, channel 9 is the alternate hailing channel; it is not monitored by the Coast Guard. In an emergency, channel 16 is the one to use.
After contact is made on 16, both boats or shore stations must switch to a working channel such as 68 or 71. Usually the boat or station being hailed will suggest the working channel. 15

16. Place Near Your Radio!
If you are calling for help, you’ll need to provide this information.
It is a good idea to have a copy of this sticker near your radio.
You can read the boat’s latitude and longitude from the boat’s GPS or Loran if the boat is so equipped and the unit is operational. If not, look around for a prominent feature that you can identify ashore or a buoy or beacon on the water that you can identify and from which you can state your distance and direction.
Be as precise as you can about the nature of your situation so that the responder can be prepared to assist you.
Describe what kind of boat you are in, its color and any distinguishing features that would make it easy to identity. For instance you might say: we are a 30 foot sloop with a white hull and a grey deck trailing a dinghy. The Coast Guard or other responder will want to know how many people are on board and if any are injured or ill. They also will want to know the condition of the boat.
Note: If this decal is not on the student’s boat offer to give them one. 16

17. Emergency distress call - MAYDAY
MAYDAY, MAYDAY, MAYDAY THIS IS SAILBOAT LUCKY, LUCKY, LUCKY MAYDAY LUCKY: OVER
VESSEL CALLING MAYDAY - THIS IS COAST GUARD: OVER
THIS IS SAILBOAT LUCKY MY POSITION APPROXIMATELY 5 MILES OFF EGMONT KEY COMPASS BEARING WE ARE SLOWLY SINKING. ESTIMATED FLOAT TIME ONE HOUR. FOUR PERSONS ABOARD, ONE INJURED, FRACTURED LEG. WE ARE 25 FOOT SAILBOAT, COLOR WHITE WITH BLUE TRIM. LUCKY: OVER.
Here is a typical Mayday call: (Recording)
Mayday may only be used for the most severe emergencies where there is immediate danger to life or property, such as: boat is sinking, severely injured person or fire aboard.
Note that Mayday is repeated 3 times. Also that the skipper of Windsong has anticipated the questions the Coast Guard is going to ask and is prepared with the answers.
COAST GUARD REPLIES WITH FURTHER INSTRUCTIONS 17

18. Cell Phone Unreliable for primary contact
No broadcast
Useful as backup
Coast Guard (911)
Cell phones are handy to call other boaters who also have cell phones aboard, marinas for mooring or slip reservations and restaurants for dinner reservations.
Cell phones have limited range only a few miles.
The receiving party may not respond.
Cell phones talk to the “freest” cell tower not the closest.
Without a GPS or 911 chip the cell phone may not be locatable.
Only a convenience or backup.
The Coast Guard prefers that you contact them on the VHF radio for communications.
(Note: In most USCG Districts they will not answer cell phone calls. They will follow up with cell phone calls forwarded from 911 centers.) 18

19. GPS Provides Your Location!
Push page button till you find numbers like these!
Today more than ever, the GPS (Global Positioning System) has become an indispensable piece of equipment on boats.
GPS units have different features, but the primary and most important is that of providing the Latitude and Longitude of your location.
It may be a hand held unit on a small boat or on a larger boat a fixed mount that may be interfaced with other equipment such as a DSC radio, a chartplotter or a laptop computer.
’ N Latitude
’ W Longitude 19

20. Next!
When you have the boat, fire, and first aid under control, you have several options:
Wait for help to arrive
Proceed to the nearest land fall or port
Go home

21. Wait for help to arrive! Anchoring
Be sure the bitter end of the anchor line is tied to the boat!
In this section we will talk about anchoring, docking, being towed, and preparing for another boat to come alongside.
Anchoring is one of the primary ways of securing a boat in a fixed location and can be an essential safety skill. In an emergency or if the engine will not start lower the anchor to keep the boat from drifting.
In shallow waters, close to shore anchoring is a good defense against elements that might push a boat against the shore, into shallows, or out to sea.
Sometimes another boat may come alongside to render assistance. We will talk about how you should prepare for this.
If another boat is going to tow you to a safe haven, you may need to set lines. Generally, the towing vessel will give you instructions.
In the event you intend to dock the boat, you should understand the preparations. They are quite similar to preparing for another boat to come alongside.
The next two slides demonstrate the process of anchoring and recovering an anchor.
Note: If possible these skills should be demonstrated on-the-water.

22. Anchoring Drop the anchor straight down
Let boat drift down wind: about times water depth (power back gently if needed to set anchor)
Tie off on bow cleat

23. Anchor Recovery Do not drag the anchor
Retrieve anchor by taking in line while moving boat toward anchor
When directly above anchor, raise gear
If stuck, circle under power
Do not drag the anchor

24. Moving to Safety! Run blower for 4 minutes Start engine
Return boat to dock
Stop engine/drop sails
Using Lines
A good place to start is by identifying the base level skills that would be valuable if someone needed to take over as skipper.
The radio is an essential piece of boating equipment for non-emergency and emergency use. It allows you to communicate with other boats and with shore facilities.
Knowing how to stop, start and run the engine and steer and handle the boat is essential. We will cover the basics here and encourage all of you to learn how to stop and start the boat you will be using and to become familiar with its steering and handling.
Anchoring is a way to secure a boat in a fixed location and under certain circumstances can be an essential safety skill.
Returning a boat to save haven requires knowledge of sea rules – “rules-of-the-road”. These will be discussed.
Finally, it is possible that the situation that puts a Partner in Command in full command may be the result of an emergency of some type. We will cover some possible emergencies and discuss solutions.
Having said so much about the special skills of the skipper and the Partner in Command, there are some things everyone on a boat should know, whether they are skilled boaters (crew) or just along for the ride (passengers). 24

25. Typical Helm Controls for engine Controls for steering Instruments
Starter
Gear shift
Throttle
Controls for steering
Wheel
Tiller
Instruments
Navigation
Engine status
The helm is the driver’s seat, the position from which you control the boat when under way. Most power boats use a wheel for steering. Sailboats use either a wheel or a tiller to control the rudder.
The instruments and controls vary from boat to boat.
There are different types of engine starters: keys, pushbuttons and pull cords.
Typical navigation instruments include GPS, compass, radar display, fathometer, wind indicator, and knot meter. Engine status displays oil pressure, temperature, rpm. 25

26. Starting the Engine Inspect the engine and engine compartment.
Engine Instruments
Helm
Throttle& Gear
Shift
Circuit Breakers
Blower Switch
Before trying to start the engine, make sure that it is safe to start the engine (An obstruction, person or piece of line may be near – clear first).
Place throttle/shifter in the neutral position.
Inspect the engine and engine compartment.
Before starting a gas engine, run blower for about 5 minutes to evacuate any gas fumes.
Activate starter. Most gasoline powered boats start with a key turn like an automobile.
If the engine is cold, it may need to be choked. You need to understand how the choke mechanism works on your boat. (A class member may be able to offer one example of how the choke works on their boat and where it is located?)
If the boat has more than one engine start one first and then the second, third or fourth.
Most smaller outboards such as used on a dinghy have pull rope starters.
Note: This is an area of potential on-the-water instruction.
Key and Ignition Switch
Run blower 4 minutes before starting engine

27. Steering the Boat Gradual power change Single vs. dual engines
Wheel vs. tiller
Weather: Beware of
waves and wind
Direction: Watch for
effects of current and tide
Make all power changes slowly to avoid causing injury or swamping the boat.
If you have 2 engines and your steering is impaired (lost rudder?), it is possible to steer with dual engines instead of a rudder by varying the relative power to each engine.
When you turn a wheel, like a car, the boat turns in the same direction as the wheel turns. When you move a tiller, the boat turns in the opposite direction as the tiller.
Make directional changes gradually unless you are forced into a sudden turn by emergency situation.
Wind and current can affect the track of the boat, check your position frequently and adjust your course as needed.
If waves are large, steer at 45 degrees to the waves to avoid swamping.
If you have high winds, they may push the boat off course; compensate by steering more towards the wind.
Tides may influence your approach to shore. An outgoing tide may slow your speed over the ground, and an incoming one may increase your speed. Always make sure there is enough depth for your boat especially if the tide is out.
Currents will affect your course and speed, especially in a river or narrow channel. Strong currents may sweep you sideways or take you in a direction you don’t want to go. Check your charts.
Note: If the student(s) have a boat use their boat on the water to demonstrate steering control. Use the Inland On-the-Water certification checklist. 27

28. Rules of the Road Rules for Passing and Meeting
Navigation Aids (marks)
Basic Navigation Lights
By lateral marks, we mean the buoys, e.g., cans and nuns, and the beacons that mark navigable waters such as harbors, channels, rivers, etc.
What do you do when a boat is coming straight at you -- avoid a collision!
Navigation lights are important signals to boaters and convey important meaning.
Because of the information and time required for this critical material it is strongly recommended that students take the Rules of the Road seminar.

29. Navigation Aids Channel Aids ICW Aids
Come for the Boating Education ... Stay for the Friends!® 29

30. 2 Rules
Red Right Returning (in channels)
Red Land Side ( in the ICW)

31. Other Boats If other boat is to starboard (your right) Give Way
Dead ahead
Astern
Starboard beam
22.5 DEGREES ABAFT
STARBOARD BEAM
DANGER ZONE DEGREES
(FROM DEAD AHEAD TO
THE STARBOARD
BEAM).
If other boat is to starboard (your right) Give Way
If other boat is to port Maintain Course
Show the students how to define a boat’s Danger Zone. If a boat is in your danger zone, generally speaking you are the give-way boat. You must alter course and/or speed to avoid a collision.

32. When in a narrow channel, stay to the right side when possible
Meeting Head-On
Power
Give Way!
Power
Give Way!
Sail
Stand on!
Fig 4-7
Meeting Head-On
When you see another vessel ahead, or nearly ahead, you should assume the risk of collision exists and take steps to avoid it.
If both vessels are power (including sailboats using their engine), then the preferred method of passing is port-to-port. Both vessels are considered give-way .
If one vessel is a sailboat, not under power, then due to its lack of maneuverability, it is considered the stand-on vessel and must maintain its course and speed. The power vessel is the give-way vessel and must alter course and speed.
When in a narrow channel, stay to the right side when possible

33. Docking Prepare early Fenders Lines Proceed slowly- walking speed
Get help from people on the dock
Secure boat immediately or it will drift away
Even if you are inexperienced, you can do this if you stay calm and are careful. Experienced helmsman don’t always dock perfectly.
Determine the directions of the wind and current.
Before arriving at a dock hang some fenders on the side on which you will be docking. Make sure they are at an appropriate height.
Attach a line to the bow cleat and another to the stern cleat. Make sure the lines go outside any lifelines. Coil the lines for throwing.
Seek help from people on the dock. There will usually be someone there who knows the proper procedures.
Since boats do not have brakes move as slowly as you can while maintaining steerage way.
Bring the boat to a stop using reverse gear. Once the boat has stopped put the engine in neutral.
Never try to stop a moving boat with your arms, legs or boat hooks. 33

34. Using Lines Cleat Hitch Used to secure a line to boat or dock
Cleats are varied shapes, sizes, & materials
Paragraph 34-46B
>> 34

35. Round Turn and Half Hitches
Round Turns & ½ Hitches
Knots, continued
Round Turn and Half Hitches
A commonly used knot is the round turn with two half hitches. The round turn takes the strain, and the two half hitches keep the round turn from falling off. It tends to slip so many people prefer the clove hitch and two half hitches.
Start by taking a round turn around the piling.
Finish off with two half hitches.

36. Being Towed Put on your life jacket!
Towing skipper will tell you what to do!
Catch the tow line and tie off
Return to the cockpit
Follow the instructions of the towing skipper! (Everyone should already be wearing PFDs, shoes, eye protectors and gloves.)
Everyone should already be wearing PFDs, shoes, eye protectors and gloves.
When the towing vessel throws you a line, tie it off as instructed.
Return to the cockpit. The towing line will stretch. In the rare event that it breaks it will snap back with tremendous force. So, stay clear! 36

37. Other Emergencies
Unfortunately emergencies may occur when the skipper is disabled, falls overboard or is unable to perform his duties. In some cases, helping the skipper may cause injury without previous practice, i.e., man overboard rescue.
The most important thing is to stay calm, then assess the situation and determine if you, the crew, and the boat can handle the problem or if you will need outside assistance.
It is possible that the circumstances under which the Partner in Command might take over a vessel may be the result of an emergency. We are going to talk about some emergencies that might occur and procedures for dealing with them.
Emergencies can include medical issues that are beyond the scope of this seminar. We recommend that you take an American Red Cross First Aid/CPR course. These are given at local community colleges, high schools, etc. Go on the internet and look for the closest one and take it!
Join USPS and take advanced courses in Seamanship, Weather, Engine Maintenance.

38. Rough Weather Put on life jacket Adjust speed to conditions (slowdown)
Close hatches and portholes
Reduce sail
Seek shelter
Note: this slide is animated.
During stormy conditions, everyone above deck must wear a life jacket when in the cockpit area.
If anyone needs to go outside the cockpit, he or she should wear a harness attached to a Jackline.
Slow down in bad weather the seas are usually rougher.
If necessary, you should seek shelter in a harbor or inlet.
Make sure all of the hatches and portholes are closed and secured.
If you are in a sailboat, you should reduce sail area. 38 38

39. Crossing Large Waves Avoid traveling parallel to waves
Cross at angle – not head-on and slow down
Angle should maintain steerage
Avoid traveling parallel to waves
Control speed on up & down slope
Same procedures for large wake
Paragraph FIG 11-13 39
>>

40. Adverse Effects of Sun Sunstroke/Heatstroke Sever Sunburn
Move patient out of the sun
Sip cool water, or suck on ice chips
Cool patient with wet towels
Seek medical help
The sun can present a real hazard anywhere, but on the water, it’s effects may be magnified since there is limited shade available. In a very short period of time, it is possible to get 1st degree burns. In a matter of hours, you can get 2nd or even close to 3rd degree burns that require medical care. Prolonged and frequent exposure to sun leads to premature aging and possibly skin cancer.

41. Aground! Put on life jacket Check hull for damage and leaking
Check engine response: back and forward
Try to free boat
Stuck: call for help
Most boaters have run aground at one time or another. Remember those PFDs!
If this is a hard grounding, check the hull for damage.
If it is a soft grounding and there is minimal or no damage, you may be able to get free by floating or pushing off, shifting crew and passengers, or waiting for the tide to help lift you off.
Unless you know what you are doing using the engine to power off is not a good idea. You may draw sand and debris into the engine cooling system.
If you are really stuck, call a tow service. 41 41

42. Carbon Monoxide Odorless, colorless, deadly Present around exhaust
Also galley stoves, internal heaters, generators
Carbon Monoxide (or CO) is an ever-present danger.
It’s a colorless, odorless, very deadly gas produced by the burning process. (the red cloud in the picture depicts where CO may be present on an idling boat.)
Headaches
Dizzy
Listless
Confused thinking
What we are learning is the high concentration near the stern of your boat. Your engines, a generator, galley stoves, and internal heaters are all sources. CO robs the bloodstream of oxygen.
The carbon monoxide monitor is a gauge or color indicator in cabin or even outside. Know the symptoms of exposure and if you suspect a leak, ventilate, open hatches, get people out on deck and head into the wind. 42

43. Carbon Monoxide Treatment
Victim must breathe fresh air
If breathing stopped – CPR
Get medical attention
Watch for relapse
Paragraph graph
>>

44. Any Questions? End of Seminar!
Developed by: Manatee Sail & Power Squadron:
Education Department
Any Questions?
At best this has been an introductory seminar and we encourage you to continue your boating education and on-the-water boating experience.
Contributons from -
MSPS: N Club, Seamanship,
ABC, Partners in Command

45. Support Documents Skipper Saver Description
2 Power Point Presentations (lecture & class)
Things To Do Now
On Board Safety Card
Quick Summary
On Board Check List For Instructors
2 Hand Books (Lecture & Class)