Boat, generic term for small watercraft propelled by paddles, oars,

sail, or motor, open or partially decked, and usually less than 45 feet
(roughly 14 metres) in length
• The use of veneer and plywood to build small craft developed very rapidly after 1920
in the United States. However, the use of plywood panels instead of planking not
only required a complete framework but also limited the practical hull forms to V-
bottom and flat-bottom types.

• A number of ancient boat types have survived into the present. The rafts still in use
include the Brazilian jangada and the catamaran of Sri Lanka. The Brazilian and
other sailing rafts have dagger boards or centreboards fitted between the two centre
logs to allow windward sailing.
• A Boat Handler is defined as someone who is: Aware of their responsibilities. Able
to voyage plan considering weather, tides and local area. Able to prepare, launch
and recover a small boat. Competent to drive a boat safely while conducting
diving operations.

• Boat owners need to have a wide variety of skills. From tying knots to backing a
trailer to diagnosing a motor problem
 BOAT DOCKING BASICS

Boat handling also involves making sure your boat is docked safely. Here are some
basic tips:

•Decrease your speed when approaching the dock, secure fenders on the docking side,
and ready the docking lines.

•If you are headed to a marina with limited docking stations, be patient and courteous.
Communicate your intention to other vessels that are departing.

•Take water current into account when docking as it can have much of the same
affects as wind.

•Take wind into account when docking. If the wind is in your face approach the dock at
a steep angle of 30 to 45 degrees and swing the boat quickly.

•If the wind is at your back approach the dock at a shallow angle of about 10 to 20
degrees, stop the boat, and allow the wind to drift the boat into the dock.
FIVE ESSENTIALS OF SAILING
 The Rules of the Road – Safe Speed and Boat Handling Skills
The following different factors should be considered to determine safe speed:

1. Heavy seas: Slow down as winds and seas increase; the boat will handle more easily.
Pounding or becoming airborne fatigues the hull and could injure your crew or cause them
chronic body aches and pains.

2. Traffic density: Do not use high speed in high traffic density areas. A safe speed allows
response to developing situations and minimizes risk of collision, not only with the nearest
approaching vessel, but with others around it.

3. Visibility: If conditions make it difficult to see, slow down. Fog, rain, and snow are obvious
limits to visibility, but there are others. Visible features and obstructions (river bends,
piers, bridges and causeways), along with heavy vessel traffic, can limit the view of “the big
picture.” Darkness or steering directly into the sun lessens ability to see objects or judge
distances. Prevent spray on the windscreen (particularly salt spray or freezing spray) as
much as possible and clean it regularly. Spray build-up on the windscreen is particularly
hazardous in darkness or when you experience glare
When meeting another vessel in a narrow channel or operating near a
bank the following bow cushion and stern suction considerations apply:

 The deeper your vessel’s draft, the greater the cushion and suction effect,
particularly if your boats draft is nearly the same as the depth of the
waters you are operating in.

 The closer to a bank or another vessel, the greater the cushion and suction
will affect your boat.

 In very narrow waterways, slow down to decrease cushion and suction

effects, but not slow your vessel to the point of losing your ability to
maintain bare steerage.
BOAT HANDLING: 5 WAYS TO IMPROVE YOUR BOATING SKILLS

1. Enroll in Boating safety & Training Courses

2. Practice navigation skills

3. Double check onboard equipment
4. Learn your boating knots
5. Ask for advice
BASIC SAILING SKILLS

 wind awareness,
 rigging,
 sailing on all points of sail,
 positioning yourself in the boat,
 steering,
 tacks,
 gybes,
 docking,
 mooring,
 anchoring,
 launching, and;
 trailering.
THANK YOU!!