Introduction-to-Marine-Charts-Part 1

Posted on September 29, 2011 by captnmike

Introduction-to-Marine-Charts-Part 1A short PowerPoint Introduction to Marine Charts showing different scales and explains some basic information that is found on a chart and a few hints on what to look for on a chart and points out some often overlooked tidbits that will help make your boating safer.

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Chart 18446 Lab Exercise – Crew Class–Part 1

Posted on September 28, 2011 by captnmike

18446-West-Point-ThumbChart familiarization Lab Exercise done by the sailing crew class in the Fall of 2011.  This has examples of common questions encountered by small boat operators.  The Exercise was worked as a group effort by the students at each table.

The students used the compass rose for direction, found water depths and light characteristics.

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Can Your Crew Find The Safety Equipment?

Posted on September 26, 2011 by captnmike

J-92-Safety-DwgMany times the safety equipment is tucked away in cabinets and under cushions  making it difficult to find even simple equipment like a small Band-Aid and disinfectant.  This is a Safety Equipment Sheet that I use on my boat.  A blank fill in your own safety equipment location form is below for a sailboat.

Many of the boats I crew on have at least a short safety lecture that includes where equipment is located. However remembering where a few items are let alone where all the equipment is located a few hours later can be confusing.

Happily recreational boating is normally a safe sport and most of the safety equipment is not needed very often.  However even simple tasks like finding minor first aid supplies or a dock line can be daunting at times.  Making it easy for the crew to find equipment makes it easier on the skipper because the skipper is not interrupted to explain where something is located. Continue reading →

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Where Are You In Puget Sound?

Posted on September 6, 2011 by captnmike
Puget-Sound-AOR-Exam-Chart-Th

Section of a Puget Sound Training Chart

“Where are you” is a common question you hear on the VHF radio most any day in Puget Sound.  Sometimes the answer is a bit humorous such as “Puget Sound you idiot” or “A great fishing spot.”

But sometimes the answer can be heart breaking when someone is in great distress and does not know where they are.  Not all boats carry a GPS or charts.

I have put together a test for you Local Knowledge Experts to test yourself.  The test is based on a copy of the Coast Guard Coxswain Local Knowledge and Chart Exam. Last year a friend send me a list of the 162 points and some of the other Local Knowledge that a Coxswain needs to know before being trusted in command of a Sector Puget Sound Coast Guard Vessel.

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Introduction To U.S. Aids to Navigation – Examples from Shilshole Bay, Puget Sound

Posted on August 30, 2011 by captnmike
Meadow-Point-Buoy

The Meadow Point Buoy

Understanding what an Aid To Navigation (ATON) means and looks like from just the symbol on the chart can be very difficult for many boaters.

This is a narrated PowerPoint introduction  to U. S.  Aids to Navigation.  Individual chart symbols are shown with a picture of the Aid and the context of the Aid is explained.  Examples and pictures are from the Shilshole Bay area of Puget Sound, Washington.

A copy of the instructor notes are at the bottom for those wanting the “executive summery” and a quick review of ATON’s.

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Was This Your Fender Knot?

Posted on August 5, 2011 by captnmike

Fender-Knot

This Fender Knot was spotted recently at a Puget Sound Marina.  They are loosing massive style points here and while the knot will hold, I suspect that it might be difficult to untie.  See below for some options to restore the style points and make line handling easier and safer.

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Toe Rail Fender Knot

Posted on July 27, 2011 by captnmike

Toe Rail Fender Knot and Fender

The Toe Rail Fender Knot is a quick and easy knot for tying fenders to boats with a toe rail. The advantage of tying fenders on the toe rail is the ability to place the fender exactly where it is needed. The toe rail is also stronger than a stanchion or a lifeline.

Since the toe rail is usually mounted just above the gunwale, a fender can’t be placed right at the gunwale which can be a problem when tying against a wall (going through the Ballard Locks) or another vessel that is higher than the gunwale. This limitation can be reduced or eliminated by using large fenders.  Since most docks seem to be lower than the gunwale (floating docks for instance) this knot works great.

The Toe Rail Fender Knot is simple to tie and untie and is simply one bight of line passed through a slot in the toe rail and a second bight of the line captured by the first bight. A quick pull on the bitter end unties the knot.

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Tips on Folding the Main Sail

Posted on July 22, 2011 by captnmike
Folded-Main-Leech

Folded main sail with leach marks to help the crew fold the sail

Folding the Main Sail on many boats is one of those jobs that can be a bit frustrating getting the folds even as the sail is coming down with the boom moving around as the boat bounces in the waves.

I have put luff and leach markers on the main sail that are short pieces of one inch draft tape about four inches long.  The markers  on the leach of the sail center  the leach of the sail on the boom.

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