In Episode 7, it’s time to put all the theory into practice with a series of essential exercises designed to build your skills and confidence on the water. These drills cover core techniques like straight-line travel, pivot turns, figure-eight manoeuvres, docking, and the all-important man-overboard drill. Let’s dive in.
For some this course can the first time they have handled a powerboat on the water. In which case there is much to learn about handling the boat and some of this depends on whether you have tiller or steering wheel control. My boat has a steering wheel whereas the boat I went out on the course was a tiller control outboard. For safety boat duties perhaps this boat has slightly better control.
Keeping a steady course in a powerboat can be trickier than it sounds. Here’s how to master it:
Keep on the correct side of the River:
Fix Your Gaze:
Choose a fixed point on the horizon, such as a tree or buoy, and keep your eyes on it. This helps reduce unintentional drifting.
Use Small Adjustments:
Avoid over-correcting by making slight adjustments to the rudder as needed.
Be aware of the speed limits and byelaws:
The speed limit on the River Thames is 8 knots. This can easily be exceeded. By boat has a speedometer some have GPS and others require some common sense.
Keep a good lookout for:
Other water traffic, boats coming towards you and behind you, sailing boats - on this part of the river powered boats have the right of way over the far more manoeuverable sail boats, rowers, paddleboarders and swimmers in the water. Wild life is also important. They live on the river - it is their home so try not to disturb more than you have to.
Practicing figure-eights helps improve control and manoeuvring precision.
Start to Port:
Begin the figure-eight by turning to the left (port) and complete a full loop.
Switch to Starboard:
Once the first loop is complete, change direction to the right (starboard) for the second loop.
Maintain a Consistent Speed:
Use steady throttle control to keep the loops smooth.
Repeat :
Begin the figure-eight by turning to the right (starboard) and complete a full loop and then switch.
This exercise helps you understand how speed affects turning radius.
Adjust Speed to Change Circle Size:
As you turn, increase speed slightly to widen the turn or reduce speed for a tighter turn.
Experiment with Forward and Reverse:
Practice turns in both directions and in reverse, noting how the pivot point shifts based on speed and direction.
Manoeuvring to pick up a buoy requires careful control and a precise approach, especially when the water or wind conditions are less than calm. Here’s how to do it effectively:
Approach Slowly:
Begin by slowing down and approaching the buoy at a controlled pace. Just like with docking, the slower you approach, the easier it will be to make fine adjustments.
Choose an Approach Direction:
Upwind or Upstream Approach:
In most cases, it’s best to approach the buoy from upwind or upstream. This way, you can use the current or wind to help control your final position and slow the boat naturally as you approach.
Downwind Approach:
If you need to approach from downwind, be prepared to apply a bit more reverse power at the end to counter the wind’s push and avoid overshooting the buoy.
Align with the Buoy:
Aim to approach the buoy slightly off-centre, keeping it on the side of the boat where you have the best visibility and access (typically the port side for single-helmed boats).
Shift to Neutral for the Final Few Metres:
As you near the buoy, shift into neutral and let the boat’s natural drift carry it the last few metres. This keeps you from overshooting and provides a gentler approach, reducing the risk of bumping the buoy.
Positioning and Pick-Up:
When the buoy is within arm’s reach, one crew member can reach down to secure it. It’s helpful for the helm to use small bursts of forward or reverse power to hold the boat steady if needed. If the buoy is intended for mooring, attach the boat’s line to the buoy’s pick-up ring or handle, then secure it onboard.
Avoiding Propeller Contact:
Keep in mind that the buoy should remain clear of the propeller area. After securing the line, position the boat as needed to prevent any risk of the buoy getting caught.
Practical Tips:
Practise in Calm Conditions First:
It’s wise to start practising buoy pick-ups in calm water to get used to the feel of approaching and securing it.
Communication with the Crew:
Clear communication is essential. The helm should guide the crew on timing, approach direction, and which side to use for pick-up.
With a steady hand, clear instructions, and plenty of patience, you’ll master the buoy pick-up manoeuvre. It’s a skill that becomes especially useful in situations where anchoring isn’t feasible or in areas with designated mooring buoys.
These docking exercises help you practice precision and approach control.
Approach at 45 Degrees:
Move toward the wall or jetty at a slight angle, around 45 degrees, to make docking smoother.
Use Neutral Gear for the Final Approach:
Shift to neutral as you approach, letting the boat glide in for the last few meters, slowing naturally with the upstream current.
Dock Gently:
As you reach the dock, adjust fenders as needed and secure the boat with dock lines.
This drill simulates retrieving a person who’s fallen overboard—a vital skill for any boater. The same skills are required as picking up a buoy.
Call "Man Overboard!":
When the instructor throws a buoy into the water, a crew member should immediately call out “Man overboard!” and point at the buoy continuously to maintain sight.
Turning the Boat:
The helm should make a controlled turn back toward the buoy, deciding to approach from up or downstream based on current and wind conditions.
Coordinate with the Crew:
The helm guides the crew, instructing them to call out distances as they near the buoy.
Neutral for the Final Approach:
Shift to neutral a few meters away to slow down naturally. As you reach the buoy, turn off the engine for safety.
Alternative Approach:
In strong wind, approach from upstream and allow the wind to push the boat gently sideways toward the person in the water, offering shelter from waves.
Practicing tight turns with forward and reverse gears will be invaluable when operating in congested marinas or narrow channels.
Use Short Bursts of Power:
Alternate between forward and reverse gears, with brief bursts to move the boat incrementally.
Coordinate Rudder Direction:
Set the rudder to the side you want to pivot toward and use gentle adjustments to manoeuvre around obstacles.
This exercise helps you understand how speed affects turning radius.
Adjust Speed to Change Circle Size:
As you turn, increase speed slightly to widen the turn or reduce speed for a tighter turn.
Experiment with Forward and Reverse:
Practice turns in both directions and in reverse, noting how the pivot point shifts based on speed and direction.
