TNF_Boat_Certification_Task_Book.pdf

USDA Forest Service, Tongass National Forest

Small Boat Certification Task Book

APPROVED BY: /s/ Gordon B. Brooks, Sr 1/15/2011

Forest Fleet Manager Date

T O N G A S S N A T I O N A L F O R E S T

Small Boat Certification Task Book

Eternal Father strong to save

Whose arm has bound the restless wave

Who bids the mighty ocean deep

Its own appointed limits keep.

Oh hear us when we cry to Thee, For those in peril on the sea.

January 2011 ii

Table Of Contents

INTRODUCTION

CERTIFICATION PROCESS

RESPONSIBILITIES

1 BASIC SEAMANSHIP

1.1 CONSTRUCTION AND PROPERTIES OF ROPE

1.2 WATCHES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

2 SMALL BOAT HANDLING

2.1 BOAT HANDLING

3 BOAT SEAMANSHIP

3.1 UNDERWAY OPERATIONS

3.2 ANCHORING AND MOORING

3.3 WEATHER, WIND AND TIDES

3.4 OPERATORS RESPONSIBILITIES

4 NAVIGATION RULES AND AIDS

4.1 NAVIGATION LIGHTS AND DAY SHAPES

4.2 SOUND SIGNALS

4.3 RULES OF THE ROAD

4.4 AIDS TO NAVIGATION ( ATON )

5 PILOTING AND NAVIGATION

6 SMALL BOAT MAINTENANCE

6.1 UNDERWAY MAINTENANCE

6.2 ROUTINE AND SEASONAL MAINTENANCE

7 MISCELLANEOUS

7.1 RADIO COMMUNICATIONS

7.2 TRAILERING AND TRAILERS

7.3 RENDERING ASSISTANCE

7.4 SKIPPER SAFETY BRIEF

7.5 DAMAGE CONTROL

7.6 MAN OVER BOARD (MOB)

REFERENCES

Introduction

The purpose of this Task Book is to provide employees with the required knowledge and to document their skills of effectively and safely operating various Forest Service Small Boats in the performance of their duties.

The Forest Service Health and Safety Code Handbook (HSCH) requires that all watercraft operators be licensed and experienced (HSCH Section 15.11 Qualifications). We give credit to The Glacier Ranger District that developed this Task Book as a primary tool to license boat operators on their District. Trainee operators (Trainees) are required to complete a course dependent on length and type of vessel. Trainees must attend appropriate courses such as the

United States Coast Guard Auxiliary Safe Boating Skills and Seamanship classes and Alaska

Marine Safety Education Association (AMSEA) Marine Survival Equipment, Procedures

Drills.

Certification Process

The process for Small Boat certification involves three steps:

Trainees are required to attend the course(s) listed under each level of certification found in Appendix A, Small Boat Operator Requirements and Training. Other courses can be substituted with District Ranger recommendation. Training certifications from previous experience unrelated to Forest Service work can be substituted. Appropriate documentation must be presented for review.

Satisfactory completion of the required tasks, documented in the Task Book, for a particular class of vessel (Appendix B).

Evaluation Record (Appendix C) will be approved by the District Vessel Coordinator for Trainee’s completion of Task Book and signed off by a Staff Officer or District

Ranger.

Responsibilities

The Trainee is expected to have mastered or have a working knowledge of a task prior to requesting signoff by a trainer. It is the Trainee’s responsibility to acquire these skills through reference material and or practical experience.

A trainer is a currently licensed boat operator that has worked on the District for more than one boating season and has at least 100 hours of relevant boating experience.

The trainer may initial and date any task for which they currently hold a certification in.

1 Basic Seamanship

A good seaman is only known in bad weather.

1.1 Construction and Properties of Rope

References: Chapman Piloting, pp. 775-778, 782-788.

U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary Boating Skills and Seamanship, pp. 8-6-8-10.

1.1.1 ______ / ______ State the general properties and the proper care and stowage/storage of natural fiber, nylon and polypropylene rope.

1.1.2 ______ / ______ Identify or demonstrate the following parts / characteristics of a line:

bitter end, standing and running part, bight, turn.

1.1.3 ______ / ______ Demonstrate the following knots, bends or hitches and explain their uses; figure eight, square knot, bowline, clove hitch.

1.1.4 ______ / ______ Demonstrate proper techniques for tending lines off cleats, drums and samson post. Discuss safety concerns.

1.1.5 ______ / ______ Demonstrate proper dock jumper technique and explain responsibilities of the dock jumper and safety precautions.

1.1.6 ______ / ______ Demonstrate proper method for securing small boats to a dock, rafted to another boat or a piling. ID each mooring line and explain its use.

1.1.7 ______ / ______ Demonstrate proper line handling techniques for setting and weighing anchor onboard Forest Service small boats.

1.2 Watches and responsibilities

References: Beating the Odds on the North Pacific pp. 52-54, 180-181, 73.

1.2.1 ______ / ______ Explain the responsibilities of a bow watch. Demonstrate how to report a submerged object.

1.2.2 ______ / ______ Demonstrate how to manually deploy an EPIRB and put on a survival suit.

1.2.3 ______ / ______ Demonstrate proper use of VHF radio and when to send a “SECURITY”, “PAN-PAN” and “MAYDAY” call and determine vessels approximate position.

1.2.4 ______ / ______ Demonstrate how to report a man overboard (MOB) and maintain a

MOB watch. Explain how to retrieve a MOB to the deck.

1.2.5 ______ / ______ Identify the location of the following for each FS vessel: fire extinguishers, signal and first aid kit, collision mat, plugging / patching kit.

1.2.6 ______ / ______ Identify fuel and electrical shutoffs.

2 Small Boat Handling

And in the days of wooden ships and iron men none would come this way again.

2.1 Boat Handling

References: Chapman Piloting, pp. 189-194, 200-209.

2.1.1 Demonstrate the proper technique for pulling away from a dock under the following conditions: windward / leeward berth, wind or current ahead and astern, and under close quarters for each FS small boat.

2.1.2 Demonstrate the proper technique for docking forward and astern under the following conditions: windward / leeward berth, wind or current ahead and astern, and under close quarters for each FS small boat.

2.1.3 Demonstrate safe transit through small boat harbor and actions to be taken to avoid collisions for each FS small boat.

2.1.4 Demonstrate the proper technique for putting each of the FS small boats on and off step and proper trim adjustment.

2.1.5 Demonstrate the proper technique for making emergency stop and turns for each of the FS small boats.

3 Boat Seamanship

“One mast, one man-that’s the rule”. Yankee schooner passage.

3.1 Underway Operations

References: Boating Skills and Seamanship, pp. 2-19, 2-21-23.

Chapman Piloting, p. 47-48, 352.

3.1.1 ______ / ______ Discuss the following factors as they relate to boat handling and operation; wind, breaking waves, choppy seas, swell, current, load.

3.1.2 ______ / ______ Describe the physical characteristics of a wave and explain what happens as it approaches shore, estimate various wave heights.

3.1.3 ______ / ______ Discuss under what specific conditions a voyage should not be undertaken or an operator should seek a safe anchorage.

3.1.4 ______ / ______ Discuss what preparations an operator should make when anticipating rough seas.

3.1.5 For each of the FS small boats safely operate under the following conditions taking appropriate actions: meeting head seas, in and across the troughs and in a following sea.

3.1.6 For each of the FS small boats conduct a pre-start checklist.

3.1.7 For each of the appropriate FS small boats demonstrate safe beaching operations and the unloading of crew and equipment.

3.1.8 ______ / ______ Discuss how trim and load effect the maneuverability and performance of FS small boats under various conditions.

3.2 Anchoring and Mooring

References: Chapman Piloting, pp. 330-343.

3.2.1 ______ / ______ Explain the term “anchor scope” and how it relates to weather, depth and sea bottom.

3.2.2 ______ / ______ Explain what to consider when determining an anchorage.

3.2.3 ______ / ______ Explain what actions to take if an anchor should begin to drag.

3.2.4 ______ / ______ Safely demonstrate the proper technique for dropping and weighing an anchor.

3.2.5 ______ / ______ Demonstrate the proper technique to secure to a mooring buoy.

3.2.6 ______ / ______ Demonstrate the proper technique for setting more than one anchor and for offshore anchoring.

3.2.7 ______ / ______ Demonstrate the proper techniques for weighing a fouled anchor on your boat and on another boat.

3.3 Weather, Wind and Tides

References: Chapman Piloting, pp. 807-810, 827-832, 582-592.

3.3.1 ______ / ______ Discuss where the latest weather information is available.

3.3.2 ______ / ______ On a NWS weather map identify the following symbols: air masses and fronts, isobars, wind direction and speed, total cloud cover.

3.3.3 ______ / ______ Explain under what weather conditions you might expect rain fog and how it might affect your voyage.

3.3.4 ______ / ______ Define the following terms as related to tides; high, low, ebb, flood, stand (or slack), local range and the average period between tides.

3.3.5 ______ / ______ Discuss sources for tidal information and demonstrate how to accurately read a tide table for the local area.

3.3.6 ______ / ______ Discuss the significance of fluctuating tides on; sea conditions, anchoring, off loading equipment and personnel, chart interpretation.

3.4 Operators Responsibilities

References: Chapman Piloting, p. 108.

3.4.1 For each of the FS small boats state the U.S. Coast Guard minimum required safety equipment for that class of vessel.

4 Navigation Rules and Aids

…sailing over a calm sea, we may be wafted to a land surpassing in wonders….What may not be expected in a country of eternal light?

Mary Shelly, Frankenstein (1818).

4.1 Navigation Lights and Day Shapes

References: Chapman Piloting, pp. 124-130.

4.1.1 For each of the FS small boats state the required CG navigation lights and when they should be displayed.

4.2 Sound Signals

References: Chapman Piloting, pp. 154-160.

COLREGS, Rule 33, 34.

4.2.1 ______ / ______ Sate under the COLREGS what sound devices and signals are required on a vessel under 12 meters in length.

4.2.2 ______ / ______ Describe the appropriate sound signals under the following conditions:

altering course to starboard, to port, astern propulsion, and the danger signal.

4.3 Rules of the Road

References: Chapman Piloting, pp. 158-159.

COLREGS, Rule 8,17,18

4.3.1 ______ / ______ Explain what is meant by “give-way” and “stand-on” vessels.

4.3.2 ______ / ______ Discuss at length COLREGS Rule 8, Action to Avoid Collision.

4.3.3 ______ / ______ Give three common examples of when you would disregard another vessels right of way.

4.3.4 ______ / ______ Define the danger zone concept as it relates to a crossing situation.

4.4 Aids To Navigation ( ATON )

References: Chapman Piloting, pp. 476-483.

4.4.1 ______ / ______ Explain the basic principle behind the International Association of

Lighthouse Authorities (IALA-B) buoyage system.

4.4.2 ______ / ______ On a chart and while underway identify the following aids to navigation and discuss their meaning: nun, can, lighted and sound buoy, day beacon, preferred channel mark / buoy and mid channel mark / buoy.

5 Piloting and Navigation

I would not wish to have the power of the captain diminished an iota. It is absolutely necessary that that there should be one head and one voice…and to be responsible for everything. Richard Dana, Two Years

Before the Mast. (1840).

5.1 Electronic Navigation

References: Owners manuals for specific boat.

5.1.1 ______ / ______ On a chart plotter demonstrate how to correct you current position when in error. Discuss when should you do this?

5.1.2 ______ / ______ Explain the various orientations a chart plotter may have and the importance of knowing what mode you are currently in.

5.1.3 ______ / ______ Demonstrate how to enter, edit and delete waypoints and create a route on a chart plotter.

5.1.4 ______ / ______ Discuss some of the hazards when using a chart plotter for navigation and how to avoid them.

5.1.5 ______ / ______ Discuss when you should use the Radar for navigation and detection of other vessels.

5.1.6 ______ / ______ Discuss false echoes, their causes and identification, also discuss what type of objects return poor echoes.

5.1.7 ______ / ______ Accurately distinguish other vessels on the radar screen and determine their heading, range and bearing.

5.1.8 ______ / ______ Demonstrate how to determine depth, bottom composition, and set an anchor alarm using the fish finder.

6 Small Boat Maintenance

The intense beauty of the Arctic firmament can hardly be imagined…I have trodden the deck and the floes, when the life of the earth seemed suspended…Elisha Kent, The second Grinnell Expedition in search of Sir

John Franklin (1856).

6.1 Underway Maintenance

References: Troubleshooting Marine Diesels, pp. 34, 40, 44

Outboard Engines, pp. 46, 68,99.

6.1.1 For each of the FS small boats demonstrate and discuss the following underway checks: fuel levels, engine cooling, rpm’s, motor synchronization, fouled or damaged prop or impeller, voltage and engine exhaust.

6.1.2 For inboard and outboard boats explain the indications of an overheated engine and what corrective actions to take.

6.1.3 For inboard and outboard boats, explain the indicators of water in the fuel system and how to prevent this from occurring.

6.1.4 For inboard and outboard boats, explain what corrective actions to take if the fuel system is contaminated by water and how to prime the fuel system.

6.1.5 For inboard and outboard boats, explain what procedures to follow if battery voltage is insufficient for starting.

6.1.6 ______ / ______ Discuss causes and effects of cavitation and how to correct it.

6.1.7 ______ / ______ Demonstrate how to properly remove and replace a propeller.

6.1.8 ______ / ______ Demonstrate how to clear fouled jet intakes and if applicable how to install the pump collars to access the jet units while afloat.

6.1.9 ______ / ______ Demonstrate the proper settings on battery selector switches for:

moored with and without shore power, at anchor, starting, underway.

6.1.10 ______ / ______ Demonstrate the proper fueling procedures for the various Forest

Service small boats.

6.2 Routine and Seasonal Maintenance

References: District Fleet Manager

6.2.1 ______ / ______ Discuss who is responsible for conducting or scheduling routine and seasonal maintenance.

6.2.2 ______ / ______ Discuss where information can be found that explains servicing requirements for boats and trailers.

6.2.3 ______ / ______ Discuss where routine and seasonal maintenance records should be recorded.

7 Miscellaneous

…She fights clear, sails are set, and the west wind fills them at once. In minutes she is out of sight. Sir Ernest Shackelton, the voyage of the James

Caird (1916).

7.1 Radio Communications

References: Tongass National Forest Safety Action Plan.

7.1.1 ______ / ______ Identify the most commonly used VHF channels and their uses.

7.1.2 ______ / ______ Identify the Forest Service channels and repeater locations.

7.1.3 ______ / ______ Discuss the location of FS radio shadows and check in policy.

7.1.4 ______ / ______ Discuss alternative methods of communication.

7.2 Trailering and Trailers

References: Chapman’s Piloting pp. 252-264.

7.2.1 ______ / ______ Perform a trailer inspection prior to use and explain what things to watch for when towing.

7.2.2 ______ / ______ Safely launch, retrieve and secure various small boats and perform post launch trailer maintenance.

7.2.3 ______ / ______Discuss what vehicles can be used to tow various size boats and demonstrate backing maneuvers under various conditions.

7.3 Rendering Assistance

References: Chapman Piloting, pp. 66, 366-368, 410-411.

7.3.1 ______ / ______ Discuss an operators obligation to render assistance to another vessel in distress and the “Good Samaritan Provision”.

7.3.2 ______ / ______ Discuss the Forest Service policy on assisting private vessels.

7.3.3 ______ / ______ Discuss the responsibilities and safety precautions of taking another vessel in tow.

7.3.4 ______ / ______ Discuss what steps to take if you overhear a Mayday call.

7.4 Skipper Safety Brief

References: Beating the Odds on the North Pacific, pp.187-191.

7.4.1 For each of the FS small boats identify what items to discuss in a safety brief and conduct a safety brief.

7.5 Damage Control

References: Beating the Odds on the North Pacific, pp.200-202.

7.5.1 ______ / ______ Discuss the first actions to take in the event of a shipboard fire.

7.5.2 ______ / ______ Discuss the chemistry of fire and techniques to combat the following types of shipboard fires: stove/galley, fuel, engine and electrical and the role of good housekeeping in the prevention of fires.

7.5.3 For each of the FS small boats discuss the potential causes of flooding.

7.5.4 ______ / ______ Discuss what initial actions to take in the event of flooding due to the following conditions: vessel holed, through hull fitting leak, hose leak.

7.5.5 ______ / ______ Discuss under what conditions and how to prepare to abandon ship safely and who should order it.

7.6 Man Overboard (MOB)

References: Chapman Piloting, pp. 422-426.

7.6.1 ______ / ______ Discuss the major causes of people falling overboard and how to minimize this risk.

7.6.2 ______ / ______ Discuss MOB recovery procedures for the pilot and leeward vs.

windward approaches.

7.6.3 For each of the FS small boats conduct a MOB recovery drill.

References

Compton, P. 1998. Troubleshooting Marine Diesels. International Marine, Camden

Maine.

Jensen, S. C. 1998. Beating the Odds on the North Pacific. University of Alaska

Sea Grant, Fairbanks, Alaska.

Maloney, E. S.2003. Chapman Piloting Seamanship and Boat Handling 64th Edition.

Hearst Marine Books, New York.

Sherman, E. R. 1997. Outboard Engines Maintenance Troubleshooting, and Repair, International Marine. Camden Maine.

U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary, 1988. Boating Skills and Seamanship Tenth Edition.

Library of Congress Catalog Card Number: 74-164-688.

U.S.D.A. 2009. Tongass National Forest Safety Action Plan.

U.S. Publication, 1972. COLREGS: Convention on the International Regulations for

Avoiding Collisions at Sea.

U.S.D.A., 2010, Tongass National Forest Fleet Management Plan.

U.S.D.A., 2010, Tongass National Forest Aviation Safety Plan.

Appendix A

Small Boat Operator Requirements and Training

Level 1

Skiffs and Inflatable Less than 16’ boat. (Class A)

Vessels: Rubber skiffs, and all boat less than 16’.

Classroom Instruction : 8 hr. Boating Safety instruction course.

And

AMSEA – 18 hr Survival Equipment, Procedures and Drills Course.

And

Annual Ranger District Small Boat Orientation.

On-The Job Training: A minimum of 10 hours documented OJT under the direct supervision of a qualified operator is required for skiffs up to 16 feet. It will be the responsibility of the trainee and their supervisor to schedule OJT with a qualified operator.

Equal, documented marine experience in approved waters and concurrence of Ranger District Trainer.

Demonstration: Upon completion of the required OJT, the trainee will successfully demonstrate all elements required in Appendix B of Small Power Boat Certification

Task book for the Tongass National Forest designated examiner.

Additional Training: Current in CPR.

Training Accomplished__________________ Type_________________ Date________

Trainer Signature/Date___________________

Level 2

Operation of small boats between 16 and 26’ in length with outboard motors. (Class 1)

District Vessels: BOATS or equivalent.

Classroom Instruction: Coast Guard Auxiliary – Boating Safety Course.

Or Equivalent Classroom Training.

And

AMSEA – 18 hr Survival Equipment, Procedures and Drills Course.

And

Annual Ranger District Small Boat Orientation. 1 additional hour to include instruction in GPS navigational systems.

On-The Job Training: A minimum of 10 hours documented OJT over a

10-day period, under the direct supervision of a qualified operator is required. This insures that the trainee experiences a variety of marine conditions.

It will be the responsibility of the trainee and their supervisor to schedule OJT with a qualified operator.

Or

Equal, documented marine experience in approved waters and concurrence of Ranger District reviewer.

Demonstration:

Upon completion of the required OJT, the trainee will successfully demonstrate all elements required in Appendix B of Small Power Boat Certification

Task book for the examiner.

Trainer Signature/Date___________________

Level 3

Operation of small boats 26’ to 40’ with outboard motors (Class 2).

District Vessels: BOATS.

Classroom Instruction: Coast Guard Auxiliary – Boating Safety Course.

Or

Equivalent Classroom Training.

And

AMSEA – 18 hr Survival Equipment, Procedures and Drills Course.

And

Annual Ranger District Small Boat Orientation.

1 additional hour to include instruction in GPS navigational and operating systems.

On-The Job Training: A minimum of 100 hours previous boating experience in approved waters.

And

Current Small Boat Operator license for Class 1

(16’ to 26’ boat).

And

A minimum of 20 hours documented OJT over a minimum 10-day period, under the direct supervision of a qualified operator is required. This insures that the trainee experiences a variety of marine conditions. It will be the responsibility of the trainee and their supervisor to schedule OJT with a qualified operator.

Or

Equal, documented marine experience in approved waters with similar craft and concurrence of Ranger

District reviewer.

Demonstration: Upon completion of the required OJT, the trainee will successfully demonstrate all elements required in appendix B of Small Power Boat Certification

Task book for the examiner.

Trainer Signature/Date__________________

Appendix B

Table of required tasks for Small Boat Certification.

T a sk

E g le k

W il li w w

B o a t

W h a r

R iv er

B o a t

A ir b o a t

S k if f le ss t h n

1.1.1 X X X X X X X

1.1.2 X X X X X X X

1.1.3 X X X X X X X

1.1.4 X X X X X X

1.1.5 X X X X X X

1.1.6 X X X X X X

1.1.7 X X X X X X

1.2.1 X X X X X X X

1.2.2 X X X X X X X

1.2.3 X X X X X X X

1.2.4 X X X X X X

1.2.5 X X X X X X

1.2.6 X X X X X X

1.2.7 X X X X

1.2.8 X X X X

1.2.9 X X X X

2.1.1 X X X X

2.1.2 X X X X

2.1.3 X X X X X

2.1.4 X X X X X X

2.1.5 X X X X X X

3.1.1 X X X X X

3.1.2 X X X X X

3.1.3 X X X X X

3.1.4 X X X X X

3.1.5 X X X X X

3.1.6 X X X X X

3.1.7 X X X X X

3.1.8 X X X X X X X

3.2.1 X X X X

3.2.2 X X X X

3.2.3 X X X X

3.2.4 X X X X

3.2.5 X X X X

3.2.6 X X X X

3.2.7 X X X X

3.3.1 X X X X X X X

3.3.2 X X X X X X X

a g li w

B o a t

W h a

R iv er

B o a t

A ir b o a t

S k if f

3.3.3 X X X X X X X

3.3.4 X X X X X X X

3.3.5 X X X X X X X

3.3.6 X X X X X X X

3.4.1 X X X X

4.1.1 X X X X

4.2.1 X X X X X X X

4.2.2 X X X X

4.3.1 X X X X

4.3.2 X X X X

4.3.3 X X X X

4.3.4 X X X X

4.4.1 X X X X

4.4.2 X X X X

5.1.1 X X X

5.1.2 X X X

5.1.3 X X X

5.1.4 X X X

5.1.5 X X X

5.1.6 X X X

5.1.7 X X X

5.1.8 X X X

6.1.1 X X X X X X

6.1.2 X X X X X X

6.1.3 X X X X X X

6.1.4 X X X X X X

6.1.5 X X X X X X

6.1.6 X X X X X X

6.1.7 X X X X X X X

6.1.8 X X

6.1.9 X X X X

6.1.10 X X X X X X X

6.2.1 X X X X X X

6.2.2 X X X X X X

6.2.3 X X X X X X

7.1.1 X X X X X X X

7.1.2 X X X X X X X

7.1.3 X X X X X X X

7.1.4 X X X X X X X

7.2.1 X X X X X X

7.2.2 X X X X X X

7.3.1 X X X X X X X

7.3.2 X X X X X X X

7.3.3 X X X

7.3.4 X X X X

a g li w

B o a t

W h a

R iv er

B o a t

A ir b o a t

S k if f

7.4.1 X X X X X X X

7.5.1 X X X X X X X

7.5.2 X X X X X X

7.5.3 X X X X X X

7.5.4 X X X X X X

7.5.5 X X X X X X

7.6.1 X X X X X X X

7.6.2 X X X X X X X

7.6.3 X X X X X X X

Appendix C

Evaluation Record

Trainee Name: John Jones

Trainee Position:_______________ Vessel Name: WCF 2365

District Vessel Committee /Date________________________________

Classroom Course/Dates: _______________________

Date Task Book Complete: _______________________

Notes upon review, Limitations, vessels:

Signatures

Staff

Officer: __________________________________Date____________________

District Ranger: ___________________________Date_____________________

Trainee Name: _________________________________

Trainee Position: _________________________________Vessel Number:__________

District Vessel Coordinator/Date________________________

Classroom Course/Date_______________________

Date Task Book Complete: _____________________

Trainee Name: _________________________________

Trainee Position: _________________________________Vessel Name______________

District Vessel Coordinator/Date________________________

Classroom Course/Date_______________________

Date Task Book Complete: _____________________