Overview

Powerboats provide both a platform to allow participants to get out on the water and learn new skills or have new experiences and also provide safety cover to our other activities. Boats being used for safety cover should be clearly identified and remain focussed on that purpose.

Pre-session:

Complete checklists

Wheelyboat Checklist.

RIB Checklist

O-Boat Checklist

Launch Checklist

Photograph checklist and upload to store.

Launching

Due to their weight in comparison to rib and o-boats, additional consideration and care needs to be exercised when launching the wheelyboat and launch. 

Make a visual assessment of the condition of the slip before operation taking into account in particular any growth that may decrease traction.

Standard practice is to use the winch as a minimum when launching or recovering powerboats. If the tractor is also being used, the winch should be attached for additional back up. Winch and tractor should only be operated with sign off.

Fenders should be prepared and made ready at the top of the slip.

Consideration to where boat will end up and appropriate lines ready.

Care should be taken when climbing in and out of boat when on the hard. Do so when boat is on the level (i.e. not part way down the slip) and consider use of step to assist.

Whilst the boat and/or tractor are moving up or down the slipway, there should be no-one below any wheels. A spotter can assist the reversing driver from the wall above the slip if required.

If already afloat.

Do not assume checks have already been completed – do them yourself.

Pay particular attention to water already on deck.

Wheelyboat - Check for indications of water ingress into the buoyancy chamber – the boat sitting low in the water or a feeling of instability underway especially in a turn. If a suspicion of water ingress exists, do not use the boat further until a full examination can be done.

During the session:

Decision making for activity and go/no go

Absolute maximums – the wheelyboat is certified up to and including RCD Cat C, which means conditions up to wind F6 (22mph) and wave heights to 2 m. However, we would expect to operate well below those levels given the inexperience of helms, crew and participants. Conditions likely to lead to a wave height of more than 0.5m should be considered as the normal working limit and intentionally exceeding this would require a further specific risk assessment. 

Factors that would reduce those max levels

Vulnerabilities of participants

Expected conditions (wind & tide -directions and strengths/heights, temperature, precipitation)

Distances from safe haven

Specific wind directions that might be expected to limit participant exgress

Getting participants on board (all boats)

Over side access

The boat should be secure and the engine usually stopped before passengers board or alight. Many participants will need support from others both on the shore and inside the boat. Care should be taken of potential entrapment between boat and pontoon and to ensure secure firm footing is available. The crew should ensure participants and supporters are appropriately briefed.

Getting participants on board (Wheelyboat)

Bow access

If using bow access from shore or slipway, the keel at the bow should be touching the ground, the bow door fully resting on the ground and no pressure on the winch.

Wheelchair users and people who are mobility impaired can board or disembark via the bow door  from the pontoon but utmost care must be taken to avoid water coming in  over the door’s threshold. The bow door  must be resting on and be supported by the pontoon. The bow should be secured on both sides and provided it is not needed to help hold the boat in position, the engine should be off. If the engine remains on, the helm must remain in position and not assist in loading in order to guard the throttle. Be aware of possible limb and digit entrapment between pontoon and bow door.

These passengers must board first and disembark last. 

As soon as each passenger is on board they  must move to the stern of the boat before the next passenger boards. When all the passengers requiring bow access have boarded, the bow door must be closed and locked before the remaining passengers and crew are allowed to board over the side. 

If any water has come in during boarding it must be allowed to  drain out or be manually bailed out before getting under way.

Loading (Wheelyboat)

Manufacturers limit 

RCD Cat C : 800kg  (6 people @75kg +129kg wheelchairs and cargo+221kg engine, helm, steering, battery)

RCD Cat D: 950kg  (8 people @75kg +129kg wheelchairs and cargo+221kg engine, helm, steering, battery)

SEAS normal operating limits will be 800 kg, with anchor and fuel this leaves 550 kg for people and all cargo including wheelchairs and any seating other than the helms chair. The UK average weight is 85 kg for men and 75 kg for women. Our usual operating limit is likely therefore to be no more than 6 people (including the skipper and crew) and two standard wheelchairs. Operating with large electric wheelchairs, may mean a single chair user, their support, skipper and a single crew only at a time.

Weights of wheelchairs

Type of Wheelchair

Average Weight

Ultralight (carbon)

3.5 kgs

Manual Wheelchair

9 to 15 kgs

Heavy Duty Wheelchair

16 to 20 kgs

Transit Chair

12 to 20 kgs

Electric Wheelchair

22  to 80 kgs

Custom-Made Wheelchair

36 kgs + 

Distribution of load

The load should be evenly distributed, bearing in mind that stability is most significantly reduced  by weight high up in the boat or towards either side. 

The boat should be loaded with a level trim port  and starboard and fore and aft. At slower speeds, a level or slightly bow-up trim will prevent water  being pushed above the bow door threshold. 

Avoid a bow-down trim at all times. When directing  passengers to their seats, they should always fill the boat from the stern.

Ensure visibility for helm

Stability

Correct closure of the bow door is essential otherwise loss of stability and buoyancy could occur.  The bow door should be closed and kept closed in the watertight position with the safety clip engaged  and locked in place before the boat gets under way.

Free surface water effect will seriously compromise stability and can lead to capsize. If water has  come aboard over the sides or through the bow door it must be bailed out immediately. Water running  towards the stern will drain out through the stern drains located either side of the engine well.

In operation, the skipper should maintain awareness of any indications of water ingress into the  buoyancy chamber – signs will be the vessel listing or sitting low in the water and it will feel unstable  underway especially in a turn. If water ingress is suspected withdraw the craft from service and  physically inspect the buoyancy chamber.

Securing Wheelchairs  

Wheelchair brakes should normally be sufficient to hold  wheelchair and occupant in position at slower speeds.

For high speed operation, wheelchairs may need securing to the floor if the wheelchair user is  unable to keep a steady hold using wheelchair brakes and holding on to the handrails or does not  have a carer to keep them steady. D rings will have been fitted to the floor in which case use ratchet  straps or cam straps to secure the wheelchair in position.  

For helming from a wheelchair, D rings are situated on the floor and on the console. It is important  to secure the wheelchair in position so the driver can concentrate on driving rather than holding on.  It is as important to stop the wheelchair sliding forward as well as back

Our standard practice is that where possible, wheelchair users are not strapped into their chair where there is risk of them going into the water (on the pontoon, in the boat).

Some users require strapping for support. For these cases, we have available strapping that can be simply held by a carer or crew member to be released in emergency. There should be a clear briefing that outlines the responsibility of all persons on board in an emergency.

If this is still not sufficient and an alternative method considered (such as quick release webbing staps) then a further individual risk assessment should be made and a plan recorded that includes consideration of not only how straps will be released but also by whom and the briefing they will receive.  The I/C for the event, the operations manager or a trustee must approve before the plan is actioned.

Briefing

There should be a briefing for all participants each time that new people board the vessel. With experienced people, the briefing might take the form of question and answer, however regardless of whether they have been on the boat before, the skipper must ensure that all are aware of key safety information. 

Typical boat briefing

• Where to sit, what to hold on to, keep hands inside boat

• What will be happening when on the water

• How to communicate with the skipper

• What to do in an emergency (MOB, medical, helm incapacitated)

• Location of radio and how to use it

• Where the equipment is and how to use 

• How to signal for help

• Correct fitting and operation of lifejackets/buoyancy aids

• Role in emergencies

• Straps

• Location of first aid kit

• Posture, bumps

• Planned route/expected conditions

• Moving around the boat

Crew and boat management

Minimum qualification for skipper when participants are onboard is a PBI who has received appropriate induction. When boat is being used for safety or supporting other activity then PB2 with appropriate induction is sufficient.

Crew with training (PB2) for example, can provide the skipper with valuable support, helping participants and with manoeuvres such as coming alongside the pontoon. Standard practice will be to operate with skipper and crew. 

If skipper is to operate single-handed then assessment should be made of risks including weather conditions, participants, availability of support in emergency from other powerboats. Volunteers without appropriate training or experience should be considered as participants.

Carers/supporters for participants should be specifically briefed on their role in an emergency. This should be confirmed on each occasion that they take part.

Typical activity including instruction, taster and safety boat roles

We are not providing powerboat trips. ‘joyrides’ or the like. Unless the boat is being used to provide safety cover or to support other activity, then the aim should be to provide some level of learning and experience as part of the session. 

Powerboat taster

Skill training, powerability/PB1/PB2 or above

Speed

For some participants, going fast will be part of the fun of learning about powerboating. However, for others high-speed will not be appropriate either due to anxiety or the uncomfortable ride (and susceptibility to injury). Before going fast, the skipper should consider the participants and the purpose of the session paying particular attention to the sea state. All on board should be secure and there should not be excess water on the deck. The nature of the hull and ride mean that hard fast turns should be avoided as should repeatedly crossing the boats own (or another’s) wake.

To ensure support in the case of difficulties, the wheelyboat  will normally operate within visual sight and close proximity to another powerboat.

Swapping participants

Reminder to re-brief – even if new participants have experience

Post-session

Leaving afloat

Wheelyboat: Use a bridle off both bow cleats to attach to a swinging mooring. Raise the engine leg. Ensure panel instruments and battery are off.

Launch:

RIB:

Boat recovery

The winch can be used to provide additional back up to the  tractor

Fenders should be prepared on the port side of the wheelyboat to avoid collision with the dock wall.

Depending on the state of the tide, it may be useful to have a stern line ready so that someone ashore can keep control of the back of the boat.

It is usually easier and less likely to cause damage to manually bring boat on to trailer rather than drive it on. At least one and if possible two people should be dressed appropriately to be in the water and guide boat.

The wheelyboat should be central between the skids and pulled on just far enough that the safety chain can be secured.

If there is anyone (skipper or crew) still in the boat when it is recovered, they should remain seated until the boat has been brought up the slipway and is level before climbing out. A step may be required.

Boat checks

Remove fuel and safety packs, check levels and seals

Check propellor

Wheelyboat: Leave bow door slightly open to protect seals

Fault reporting

Report issues to the event I/C and/or operations manager who will ensure the Conway Centre are aware.

Put a pink tag on the keys or piece of equipment to identify items that should not be used.

Authorisation

Qualifications

All powerboat helms must hold RYA Powerboat level 2 as a minimum unless under direct instruction from an authorised powerboat instructor. There is no 'sign off' alternative

When operating as a safety boat, it is desirable that the helm and crew have their RYA Safety Boat certificate. 

Any powerboat carrying participants other than when in a rescue situation or transporting to another activity (i.e. to the keelboat) will be considered to be providing training and will be skippered by a RYA Powerboat Instructor or above with authorisation.

The Wheelyboat, due to it's unique operation and loading considerations, requires an additional authorisation.

Who can Authorise?

Authorisation can be made by the following:

Matt Beaumont, RYA Powerboat Trainer and Advanced Examiner