Small_Boats_Practical_Test_Standards_2015.pdf

PRACTICAL TEST STANDARDS Small Boats (Classes Class A, 1, 2)

Practical Test Standards (PTS) establish the standards for SMALL BOAT operator certification practical tests.

These practical test standards are minimum expectations for operators of SMALL

BOATS.

Tongass National Forest designated SMALL BOATS operator examiners shall conduct SMALL BOATS practical tests in compliance with these standards. SMALL BOAT Trainers and Trainees should find these standards helpful during training and when preparing for the practical test.

A. TASK: DOCUMENTS (SMALL BOATS) NOTE: The examiner shall develop a scenario based on real time weather to evaluate TASKs C and D. REFERENCES: Operator’s Manual.

Objective. To determine that the applicant exhibits knowledge of the elements related to documentation by:

1. Explaining—

□ specialized equipment operator certificate privileges, limitations and recent operating experience requirements. (This is a place for Trainee to elaborate on where they might be licensed to operate, such as restricted to Wrangell District waters, or other restrictions).

□ trip records. (This is where trainees discuss how they record number of hours they operated the boat and what they do with receipts for fuel or repairs they may have incurred).

2. Locating and explaining—

□ operating limitations, placards, gauge markings, and motor or boat operator’s manual (if available).

This information is available in the operator’s handbook.

□ weight and balance considerations. (Loading characteristics are available for all boats).

□ JHA for the particular operation.

B. TASK: EQUIPMENT READINESS REQUIREMENTS (SMALL BOATS) REFERENCES: EM 7130-2.

Objective. To determine that the applicant exhibits knowledge of the elements related to equipment readiness requirements by:

1. Explaining—

□ required logbook requirements. (Monthly requirement for operator’s to perform the FS 7100-9g, Safety and Preventive Maintenance Inspection of Watercraft).

□ procedures and limitations for determining equipment readiness with inoperative instruments.

(Typically, this is the Pre-trip check list).

2. Locating and explaining—

□ monthly inspection record. (FS 7100-9g)

□ maintenance/inspection requirements. (Logbook has FS 7100-2, Equipment maintenance Record and this shows whether the Annual inspection has been done).

C. TASK: WEATHER INFORMATION (SMALL BOATS) REFERENCES: TNF Safety Handbook

Objective. To determine that the applicant:

1. Exhibits knowledge of the elements related to weather information by analyzing weather reports, charts, and forecasts from various sources with emphasis on—

□ significant weather reports. (Knows where to obtain current weather information).

□ Makes a competent “go/no-go” decision based on available weather information.

D. TASK: FLOAT TRIP PLANNING (SMALL BOATS) REFERENCES: TNF Safety Handbook Objective. To determine that the applicant:

□ Exhibits knowledge of the elements related to float trip planning by preparing and explaining a trip assigned by the examiner, based on maximum allowable passengers, baggage and/or cargo loads using real-time weather.

□ Uses appropriate and current nautical charts.

□ Properly identifies obstructions, and navigation aids.

□ Selects easily identifiable en route checkpoints.

□ Selects most favorable routes considering weather conditions and equipment capabilities.

□ Computes headings, travel time, and fuel requirements.

□ Completes and files float plan.

E. TASK: PERFORMANCE AND LIMITATIONS – LOAD MANAGEMENT (SMALL BOATS) REFERENCES:

Operator’s Manual.

Objective. To determine that the applicant:

□ Demonstrates use of the appropriate performance charts, tables, and data.

□ Exhibits knowledge of the elements related to load management procedures.

□ Ensures all loose items are secured.

F. TASK: OPERATION OF SYSTEMS (SMALL BOATS) REFERENCES: Operator’s Manual

Objective. To determine that the applicant exhibits knowledge of the elements related to the operation of systems on the equipment provided for the practical test by explaining at least two (2) of the following systems:

□ Powerplant. (Two cycle vs four cycle engine basic concepts).

□ Fuel, oil, and hydraulic. (Location of gas, 2-cycle, and lube oil as applicable).

□ Electrical. (Location of battery and fuses).

G. TASK: MEDICAL FACTORS (SMALL BOATS) REFERENCES: TBD Objective. To determine that the applicant exhibits knowledge of the elements related to medical factors by explaining:

1. The symptoms, causes, effects, and corrective actions of at least one (1) of the following—

□ carbon monoxide poisoning.

□ dehydration.

□ first aid for hypothermia.

H. TASK: PREOPERATION INSPECTION (SMALL BOATS) REFERENCES: EM 7130-2, Operator’s Manual.

□ Exhibits knowledge of the elements related to pre-operation inspection. This shall include which items must be inspected, the reasons for checking each item, and how to detect possible defects. (Pre-trip checklist).

□ Inspects equipment with reference to an appropriate checklist.

□ Verifies equipment is in condition for safe operation.

I. TASK: RADIO COMMUNICATIONS (SMALL BOATS) REFERENCES: TBD.

□ Selects appropriate frequencies.

□ Transmits using recommended nomenclature.

□ Acknowledges radio communications and complies with instructions.

J. TASK: NORMAL OPERATIONS (SMALL BOATS) REFERENCES: Manufacturer’s Operating Manual,

□ Briefs occupants on the use of safety devices; PFDs, Bailing devices, signaling devices, and emergency procedures.

□ Demonstrates the proper procedure to tie down loads.

□ Inspects TIE-DOWN STRAPS and Exhibits knowledge of the standards for tie-down strap serviceability.

□ Operates the boat and performs maneuvers as directed by the examiner. (Anchoring, mooring, leaving docks, beaching, etc.) Exhibit knowledge of the elements related to normal operations.

K.TASK: EMERGENCY PROCEDURES (SMALL BOATS) REFERENCES: TBD.

□ Discusses Tongass National Forest Emergency procedures.

N. TASK: SYSTEMS AND EQUIPMENT MALFUNCTIONS (SMALL BOATS) REFERENCES: TBD.

□ Exhibits knowledge of the elements related to system and equipment malfunctions appropriate to the

SMALL BOATS provided for the practical test. Analyzes the situation and takes the appropriate action for simulated emergencies appropriate to the SMALL BOATS provided for the practical test for at least two (2) of the following:

□ partial or complete power loss. (including Single Engine Operations)

□ engine roughness or overheat.

□ loss of oil pressure.

□ fuel starvation.

□ electrical malfunction.

□ smoke/fire/engine compartment fire.

□ Follows the appropriate checklist or procedure.

M. TASK: EMERGENCY EQUIPMENT AND SURVIVAL GEAR (SMALL BOATS) REFERENCES: TBD.

□ Exhibits knowledge of the elements related to emergency equipment and survival gear appropriate to the equipment and environment encountered during trip. Identifies appropriate equipment that is onboard the boat.

O. TASK: AFTER OPERATION, MOORING, AND SECURING (SMALL BOATS)

REFERENCES: TBD. Objective. To determine that the applicant:

□ Exhibits knowledge of the elements related to after operation, mooring and securing procedures.

□ Moors in an appropriate area, considering the safety of nearby persons and property.

□ Conducts an appropriate post operation inspection and secures the SMALL BOAT.