Safe Boating Tips
Practical Seamanship

Seamanship is a very broad term applicable to many aspects of running a vessel. It encompasses boat handling, repairs and maintenance, navigation, basic meteorology, collision regulations, etc. There is no substitute for formal training however, if you cannot attend a Practical Seamanship Course then use the following list as a guide to the basic seamanship skills.

Manoeuvring your vessel:

• can you use spring lines?

• can you berth port side to wharf?

• can you berth starboard side to wharf?

• can you manoeuvre in confined waters?

• can you reverse into a berth?

Mooring your vessel:

• can you pick up the mooring single handed?

• can you moor between two poles?

Anchoring your vessel:

• can you approach an anchorage and let go correctly?

• can you check scope and setting of anchor?

• can you check for drag?

• can you weigh anchor correctly?

• can you anchor across current with one anchor?

Handling under tow:

• can you secure a towline correctly?

• can you manoeuvre a vessel under tow to a mooring or jetty?

Crew overboard:

• can you position your vessel to recover a person overboard?

Colregs:

• can you take appropriate action in a head-on situation?

• can you take appropriate action in an overtaking situation?

• can you take appropriate action with a vessel approaching from port?

• can you take appropriate action with a vessel approaching from starboard?

• can you interpret navigation lights on different vessels?

Navigation:

• can you identify cardinal marks?

• can you identify lateral marks?

• can you identify speed zones?

• can you identify no-wash zones?

• can you read your local area charts?

Radio:

• can you use the marine radio fitted to your vessel?

• do you know the difference between 'mayday', 'pan pan' and 'securite' messages?

Meteorology:

• can you interpret weather forecasts?

Ropework:

• can you coil a line on deck ready for running out?

• can you coil a line for stowing on a cleat?

• can you secure a line to a cleat?

• can you 'dip' the eye of a berthing line?

• can you tie the knots, bends and hitches listed in the page on basic knots?