PRYCA Safe BOATR Program Performance Standards

The Boat Operation and Training Retention (BOATR) program was designed and will be administered by Potomac River Yacht Clubs Association (PRYCA). The intent is that the member yacht clubs of the PRYCA will use the program as part of their individual club’s efforts to promote boating safety.

The program includes 10 basic activities. The performance standards for each PRYCA Safe BOATR program activity are listed in this document. Participants in the program will receive this document and a PRYCA Safe BOATR wallet size passport record.

This is a boating safety program that starts where basic boating courses end. It is primarily an on-the-water program that certifies the boaters’ retention of skills learned in boating safety courses. When a PRYCA Performance Examiner (PE) observes the owner successfully perform the tasks associated with an activity, the PE will annotate this document and the passport record.

The boater is to submit a copy of the passport record to the Vice Commodore after completing all Safe Boater program requirements. The PRYCA will maintain a record of all members that have completed the entire program and award a Safe BOATR sticker and a certificate to indicate the boater is certified as a PRYCA Safe BOATR.

PRYCA Club Name __________________________________________

Boater’s Name _______________________________________________

Activity: BOATING SAFETY TRAINING

CONDITION: Performed in a classroom setting.

STANDARD: Successful completion of a National Association of State Boating Law Administrators approved boating safety course

Performance Criteria:

1. Provide a certificate or card indicating successful completion of a approved boating safety course.

ACCOMPLISHED: _____________________________________________/_______________

PERFORMANCE EXAMINER DATE

Activity: MARLINSPIKE SKILLS

CONDITION: Performed ashore, dock side, or afloat, using line of adequate length and
size (double becket bend requires two lines of different diameters).

STANDARD: Tie the below listed knots, hitches, and bends quickly and confidently.

Performance Criteria:

________1. Tied a square knot. Bitter ends must be of sufficient length to preclude their working loose under strain.

________ 2. Tied a round turn and two half hitches.

________ 3. Tied a bowline in end of mooring line. Bitter end must be of sufficient length to preclude it from working loose under strain.

________ 4. Tied a clove hitch and slip clove hitch. The completed hitch must hold fast under strain.

________ 5. Tied a double becket bend. Bitter ends must be of sufficient length to preclude their working loose under strain.

________ 6. Successfully demonstrate Dipping the Eye. The completed skill must be accomplished in a marina, using a piling on which there is already a line occupying the piling.

ACCOMPLISHED: _____________________________________________/_______________

PERFORMANCE EXAMINER DATE

Activity: VHF RADIO USAGE

CONDITION: Performed ashore, dock side, or afloat.

STANDARD: Identify the different operating parts of the radio, operate controls, and
properly call in a MAY DAY, PAN PAN, and SECURITY (simulated).

Performance Criteria

________ 1. Identified off-on switch, channel selection switch, volume and squelch control, and high/low power switch and explained their use.

________ 2. Explained Distress Signal – MAYDAY.

________ 3. Explained Urgency Signal – PAN PAN.

________ 4. Explained Safety Signal – SECURITY.

________ 5. Recited the Phonetic Alphabet.

________ 6. Successfully, without delay, spelled (1) name of their vessel; (2) their first and last name (using the Phonetic Alphabet).

ACCOMPLISHED: _____________________________________________/_______________

PERFORMANCE EXAMINER DATE

Activity: HANDHELD AND AERIAL FLARES

CONDITION: Performed or simulated ashore or afloat. Received prior approval before
firing pyrotechnics.

STANDARD: Demonstrate ability to recognize and explain the use of various distress signals. Candidate states from memory a minimum of six of the eight distress signals.

Performance Criteria

________ 1. Demonstrate ability to use various types of pyrotechnics.

________a. Hand held flares.

________b. Pistol-projected or rocket propelled flare.

_______ 2. Stated six of eight distress signals a boat displays, if in distress or requires assistance.

_______ 3. Stated conditions when each of the above distress signals would be the most effective.

ACCOMPLISHED: _____________________________________________/_______________

PERFORMANCE EXAMINER DATE

Activity: FIRE EXTINGUISHER USAGE/COMMON FUEL SOURCES

CONDITION: (Part A) Performed ashore or afloat; (Part B) Performed ashore. If required, obtain permission from local fire department before lighting the fire to be extinguished. A mixture of gasoline and oil floated upon a tray or deep pan half filled with water may be used. Appropriate safety precautions will be observed.

STANDARD: (Part A) State the common fuel sources and the primary extinguishing agent for each class of fire; (Part B) Demonstrate and explain how to extinguish a fire using either a CO2 or dry chemical fire extinguisher.

Performance Criteria:

Part A.

________ 1. Stated most common fuels for class A fires.

________ 2. Stated the primary extinguishing agent for use on a class A fire.

________ 3. Stated most common fuels for class B fires.

________ 4. Stated the primary extinguishing agents for use on class B fires.

________ 5. Stated most common cause for class C fires.

________ 6. Stated the primary extinguishing agents for class C fires.

ACCOMPLISHED: _____________________________________________/_______________

PERFORMANCE EXAMINER DATE

Part B.

______ 7. Demonstrated and/or explain the proper technique for extinguishing a fire using a CO2 Extinguisher:

________a. Follow extinguisher’s operating instructions.

________b. Approach fire from the windward side.

________c. Point horn at the fire.

________d. Explain the activation process.

________e. Direct the CO2 discharge at the base of the fire.

________f. Extinguish the fire without delay.

________ 8. Demonstrate and explain the proper technique for extinguishing a fire using a dry chemical extinguisher:

________a. Follow extinguisher’s operating instructions.

________b. Approach fire from the windward side.

________c. Point extinguisher at the base of the fire.

________d. Explain the discharge procedure.

________e. Extinguish the fire without delay.

ACCOMPLISHED: _____________________________________________/_______________

PERFORMANCE EXAMINER DATE

Activity: ANCHORING

Part A. Anchoring the Boat

CONDITION: Performed underway. PERFORMANCE Examiner will provide the candidate with a general location to anchor. Candidate should select the specific spot for placing the anchor.

STANDARD: Accomplish the task in accordance with the steps below. Task must be
accomplished so as not to endanger personnel or the boat. Boat must be
anchored with room to swing.

Performance Criteria

________ 1. Selected plotted position for placement of the anchor noting the depth of water, bottom contours, and characteristics.

________ 2. Briefed crew on anchoring procedure to be used. Defined their duties and what hand signals will be followed.

________ 3. Piloted boat to a selected position.

________ 4. Described expected effects of wind and current on anchoring the boat.

________ 5. Determined approximate length of the scope (rode) by checking depth of water, adding boat’s freeboard at the bow and room available for the boat to swing.

________ 6. Directed crew to rig anchor and prepare for anchoring.

________ 7. Approached anchorage keeping boat headed into the wind and/or current.

________ 8. Checked boat’s headway at the charted anchoring position.

________ 9. Directed crew to LOWER the anchor to the bottom with round turn on bitt/cleat.

________ 10. Backed boat down away from the anchor with the crew slowing veering (paying
out) the anchor line.

________ 11. Payed out line until proper scope was reached.

________ 12. Directed crew to make anchor line fast to bitt/cleat with a round turn and figure
eights.

________ 13. Fixed actual position using three visual or radar bearings.

________ 14. Checked water depth using depth finder, lead line, or sounding pole.

________ 15. Ensured anchor was not dragging.

________ 16. Set anchor watch, briefed watch on responsibilities.

ACCOMPLISHED: _____________________________________________/_______________

PERFORMANCE EXAMINER DATE

Part B. Weigh The Boat’s Anchor

CONDITION: Performed upon the completion of an anchoring evaluation during daylight, in calm to moderate seas. A boat properly anchored is required for this task.

STANDARD: Weighed the boat’s anchor without injury to crew or damage to the boat.

Performance Criteria

________ 1. Briefed Crew (duties, safety, hand signals).

________ 2. Moved boat ahead slowly, using engines.

________ 3. Directed crew to take up slack in the anchor line as boat moved forward to prevent fouling screw(s). Faked the anchor line IMMEDIATELY or rewound on reel.

________ 4. Attempted to retrieve anchor when anchor line was tending up and down (vertical).

________ 5. If anchor failed to break free:

________a. Directed crew to snub the anchor line around the forward bitt/cleat.

________b. Maneuvered boat ahead a few feet after anchor line was snubbed.

________c. If anchor not freed, placed engine ahead slow and ran around in a wide circle until anchor freed.

________ 6. Made up and secured all gear.

ACCOMPLISHED: _____________________________________________/_______________

PERFORMANCE EXAMINER DATE

Activity: TOWING

Part A. Rigging for a Stern Tow

CONDITION: Performed underway. A second boat will be required.

STANDARD: Perform all line handling and boat maneuvering related to taking a disabled boat in stern tow. (Actually towing the boat is not required. If the boat is not to be towed, criteria 13, 14, and 17 are to be disregarded.)

Performance Criteria

________ 1. Made ready towline, bridles, shackles, knife, chafing gear, and other towing equipment as directed by boat Captain.

________ 2. Maneuvered boat to accomplish successful passing of towline.

________ 3. Secured the towline to the attachment point designated by the boat Captain.

________ 4. Made sufficient towline ready to pass to the disabled boat.

________ 5. Passed towline to boat to be towed as directed by boat Captain.

________ 6. Tended towline while the crew on disabled boat made attachment.

________ 7. Crew advised the Captain when towline was made fast to the disabled boat.

________ 8. Disabled boat informed to put on lifejackets.

________ 9. Danger signals for towed boat and danger items to watch for (yawing, jerking, etc.) discussed.

________ 10. Crew and passengers on disabled boat informed to stay clear of towline (snap back areas) when underway.

________ 11. Captain directed crew to tend lines that run over the side of the boat.

________ 12. Directed crew to pay out appropriate length of towline for size and type of boat
being towed. (Skip to criteria 15, if the boat will not be towed.)

________ 13. Adjusted speed for type of boat being towed and weather/sea conditions.

________ 14. Adjusted scope of towline to put boat and towed boat in step.

________ 15. Set tow watch.

________ 16. Stated actions that would be taken to prevent veering (yawing) of the boat in tow.

________ 17. Towed disabled boat one nautical mile successfully. (Optional)

ACCOMPLISHED: _____________________________________________/_______________

PERFORMANCE EXAMINER DATE

Part B. Shift a Stern Tow to an Alongside Tow

CONDITION: Performed underway in calm weather. Two boats are needed.

STANDARD: Task must be done without releasing/dropping tow. Task must be done without endangering or damaging either boat or crew.

Performance Criteria

________ 1. Briefed crew and assigned duties. Emphasized the necessity for communication between crew and Captain.

________ 2. Briefed operator of boat to be towed on procedure to be used.

________ 3. Directed crew to break out mooring lines and rig fenders on side to which boat will be secured.

________ 4. Brought boat speed down in increments while tow was being shortened. (If stern tow was not actually performed, start with an extended towline of the appropriate length to simulate a stern tow.

________ 5. Maintained positive control of the tow with towline kept in view during the
shortening process.

________ 6. Crew hauled in the towline as tow shortened.

________ 7. Led towline forward to the bow as disabled boat came alongside (or replaced with another line).

________ 8. Secured towline as the bow line (#1) to forward cleat/bitt keeping the bow of the disabled boat slightly towed in.

________ 9. Secured tow strap (#2) ensuring that one third of the tow boats length is aft of the towed boat.

________ 10. Secured stern line (#4).

________ 11. Attached backing line (#3).

________ 12. Secured all bitter ends on own boat, not towed boat.

________ 13. Tightened after spring line up by going astern and pulling in slack.

________ 14. Tightened all other lines by moving forward and taking up slack.

________ 15. Successfully towed the disabled boat a short distance.

________ 16. Successfully executed a turn to starboard.

________ 17. Successfully executed a turn to port.

ACCOMPLISHED: _____________________________________________/_______________

PERFORMANCE EXAMINER DATE

Activity: NAVIGATION

Part A. Boat Operation and Control

CONDITION: Performed Underway

STANDARD: In response to the PE, respond to various helm, throttle, and shift
commands.

Performance Criteria:

________1. Brought boat on course given by PE.

________2. Course maintained within five degrees over 15 minute staged run.

________3. Course altered (at least 35-degrees) to new course on PE’s command.

________4. Boat steadied up on new course and held within 5-degrees.

________5. Engine gauge(s) monitored.

________6. Brought engine(s) up from clutch speed to a speed directed by the PE.

________7. Brought engine(s) down to clutch speed on command of PE.

________8. Candidate kept careful watch of surrounding area.

________9. Acknowledged all commands received from the PE in a loud clear voice.

ACCOMPLISHED: _____________________________________________/_______________

PERFORMANCE EXAMINER DATE

Part B. Identify Common Aids to Navigation used in Small Boat Piloting.

CONDITION: Performed while underway, with a nautical chart of the local area.

STANDARD: Identify different aids to navigation by pointing to them and stating their use. Candidate must discuss each aid listed below even if not in the local area. The candidate will also locate each type of aid on a nautical chart.

Performance Criteria:

________1. Identified a Nun buoy.

________2. Identified a Can buoy.

________3. Identified a Channel buoy.

________4. Identified a Day Beacon.

________5. Identified a Junction buoy.

________6. Identified Range Markers.

________7. Explained the significance of color, shape, numbers, and lights for Aids to
Navigation in local area.

ACCOMPLISHED: _____________________________________________/_______________

PERFORMANCE EXAMINER DATE

Part C. Determine Approximate Position on Local Chart

CONDITION: Performed underway using nautical charts of the local area.

STANDARD: Use aids to navigation and/or visual estimates of the distances and bearings to landmarks and other visible objects to determine position.

Performance Criteria:

________1. Determine approximate position of vessel when questioned by the PE.

________2. Show position on local nautical chart.

________3. Describe location to PE, as if calling in location to USCG, stating approximate location, navigation aids, landmarks etc. (use of GPS, etc. not permitted).

ACCOMPLISHED: _____________________________________________/_______________

PERFORMANCE EXAMINER DATE

Part D. Execute the Required Sound Signals for Maneuvering and Restricted Visibility

CONDITION: Task must be performed by manually operating the boat’s horn or fog signal. May be done at the dock or underway, day or night, in any weather. Signals under INTERNATIONAL or INLAND RULES should be demonstrated depending on which rule commonly applies in the candidate’s operational area.

STANDARD: Demonstrate the proper sound signals as listed below.

Performance Criteria:

________1. Activated horn manually.

________2. Demonstrated short blast.

________3. Demonstrated prolonged blast.

________4. Sounded signal for action or intention and answer for a boat altering course to starboard or passing port to port.

________5. Sounded signal for action or intention and answer for a boat altering course to port or passing starboard to starboard.

________6. Sounded signal for operating astern propulsion.

________7. Sounded signal for overtaking and passing another boat on the starboard side.

________8. Sounded signal for overtaking and passing another boat on the port side.

________9. Sounded signal for avoiding collision, or when failing to understand the action/intention of another boat (danger signal).

_______10. Sounded signal for power driven boat underway in restricted visibility.

_______11. Sounded signal for power driven boat underway with no way on in restricted visibility.

_______12. Sounded signal for boat not under command or with restricted maneuverability in restricted visibility.

_______13. Sounded signal for boat with stern tow in restricted visibility.

_______14. Sounded signal for boat being towed astern in restricted visibility.

_______15. Sounded signal for boat at anchor in restricted visibility.

ACCOMPLISHED: _____________________________________________/_______________

PERFORMANCE EXAMINER DATE

Part E. Successfully Complete the Navigation Rules of the Road Examination

CONDITION: Performed ashore in the manner prescribed.

STANDARD: Receive a passing score (90%) on the PRYCA’s Rules of the Road exam
(open book).

Performance Criteria:

________1. Passed the Navigation Rules exam.

ACCOMPLISHED: _____________________________________________/_______________

PERFORMANCE EXAMINER DATE

Activity: PILOTING

Part A. Obtain and Plot a Danger Bearing

CONDITION: Performed both ashore and underway. The underway portion will
be accomplished during daylight, in fair weather conditions, in calm seas. The PERFORMANCE Examiner will provide the candidate with a compass course and “two” selected objects. One being a danger area; i.e., real or simulated, submerged rocks, wrecks, and shoals. The other object must be visible to the eye, indicated on the chart, and its bearing from the danger area should be in the same general direction. A boat and a nautical chart covering the required area, navigation kit and a pencil are required to perform the task.