Powerboats

Fleets:

The records of the boats owned are within the Groups asset registers but include:

• Plastic safety vessels - such as Rigiflexs and Whalys

• Displacement launches

• RIBs

Care: Not all vessels are suitable for RYA Training. In particular "Peggy" must not be used in this role due to the location of the throttle.

Operation & command

Within this section, “Coxswain” is the individual on board the vessel who is in final command of the vessel this will usually be the permit holder. Where supervisory permits are used the permit holder will designate a coxswain in conjunction with the Duty Officer - This will normally be done verbally and in many cases will be obvious, there is no requirement for the Coxswain to be helming the vessel as long as they are confident that they are able to maintain control having considered:

• The conditions on the day

• The individuals concerned

• The activity being undertaken

• The instructions of the Duty Officer(or supervisory permit holder where applicable)

Kill cords

• With the exception of diesel displacement craft where they are not fitted, kill cords must be used at all times in all craft.

• Kill Cords Should be worn around the thigh.

• Where the Coxswain is not helming the vessel, consideration should be given to double kill cording. This is especially relevant when the helm is a member of the Scout Section or younger. 

• Double kill cords should be worn when training 8 – 11 year olds. Powerboat training for below Cub age participants (pre 8 years old) should only take place with the prior approval of the Chief Instructor (Powerboating) or the Centre Principal.  See Appendix G for details on dual kill cords.

Equipment, rigging & operation: All powerboats shall carry the equipment specified within Appendix E – Centre Powerboat Checklist at all times. Much of this equipment is maintained in each vessel’s boat box. Conditions, activities or training areas may result in a Duty Officer requiring further equipment to be carried. 

Fuel

All those who are handling fuel should familiarize themselves with the Material data sheet in the fuel store and the good practice guide.

There must be no smoking in the vicinity of fuel containers or stores.

Transfer of fuel between containers should only be carried out within the concrete quarter decks. Guidance posted on the fuel lockers should be followed.

Transfer of fuel between containers on a boat shall be avoided. In the event that it cannot be avoided the following guidelines should be followed:

• In the first instance the boat should be alongside and suitable location ashore identified

• Failing this the boat should be secured alongside.

Transfer of fuel “at sea” should only be considered where the safety of the vessel is at risk and then only undertaken as a last resort. This does not include the swapping of sealed and prepared tanks.

Engine Mounting

Some of the centers powered craft have removable engines that are - for security reasons - not to be kept on the boat when the centre is not occupied.

When using these craft care is to be taken when mounting and removing engines. This should be done by the centre on flat ground. Mounting the engine should be done by two people and care should be taken not to trap fingers under the engine. Once fitted it is i important to ensure there is a security lanyard or strop in addition to the engine clamps. 

Launching and Recovery

Care should be taken with manual handling and vehcile handling of powerboats. Individuals should be familiar with the good practice guide.