Power Coxswain

A Powerboats
Have a detailed knowledge of the steering and sailing rules for power and sailing
vessels and show by demonstration, using diagrams of models, that you have a
practical knowledge of local waters, including:

Tides and/or currents.

Local hazards, sandbars, shallows, rocks, underwater obstructions and any

dangerous features such as weirs.

Lights, daymarks and buoyage in relation to local water traffic, including fishing
craft and fishing grounds.

Alteration of course and turning signals.

Know the safety precautions necessary in power craft, including the proper use
of fire-fighting appliances and 'man overboard' drill.

Have a knowledge of the elementary principles of the motor boat engine and by
demonstration afloat show:

That you can start the engine, operate the gears and understand the effect of
transverse thrust with a single screw.

That you can turn circles using reverse gear, control the boat in confined waters
and stop the engine when going slow ahead.

That you can recognise the minor faults in an engine.

Take charge of a small crew and prepare the boat for service, to include the
provision of all equipment. Supervise checking the engine, fuel and pump, and
then:

Show that you can operate the correct towing procedure, including disposition of
crew, and that you are familiar with the use of the kedge anchor in an
emergency.

With minimum assistance, cast off with the tide (or current) ahead using the
spring method. Steer a compass course (as set by the examiner) and anchor

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correctly. Recover the ground tackle, get under way and return alongside against
the tide (or current) without using reverse gear. Moor with spring and headrope.

Respond to a 'distress' signal, take charge of the crew, cast off with the tide (or
current) astern, using the spring and headrope method and proceed to a
'stranded craft' (aground in confined waters). Approach across the tide (or
current) and take aboard a 'survivor'; manoeuvre clear, using reverse gear, and
proceed to pick up a 'body' (not an actual person) from the water. Bring your boat
alongside with tide (or current), using reverse gear, giving appropriate orders to
crew, and make fast. Supervise preparations necessary to disembark the
'casualty'.

Notes:

The conditions described are designed for the use of inboard power craft and this
type of craft should be used if practicable.

For the use of outboard motor craft the tests should be modified accordingly, for
example:

Include use of engine safety cut-out (kill cord).

(a) Include some 'additional practical knowledge in care and maintenance of

outboard engine' and 'mixture of fuel and lubricant'.

(b) Modify accordingly.

(c) Substitute 'veer down on wreck using anchor'.

Holders of the R.Y.A. National Powerboat Certificate 2 qualify automatically for

parts 1, 2 and 3 of this badge.

B Narrowboats
Have a detailed knowledge of the steering of a narrowboat on canals and have a
knowledge of a canal including:

Suitable places to moor and wind;

Locks, bridges and local hazards;

Water points, sanitary stations;

Shops and telephones.

Know the safety precautions necessary in narrowboats including:

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Fire-fighting appliances;

'Man overboard' drill;

Locks;

Tunnels.

Have a knowledge of the elementary principles of a marine engine and by

demonstration afloat show:

That you can start and stop the engine, operate the gears and understand the
effect of transverse thrust with a single screw.

That you can turn the boat in a winding hole and control the boat in confined
waters.

That you can recognise fouling of the screw due to weed or rubbish and know
how to clear it with special emphasis on immobilising the engine.

Demonstrate how to use the stern gland screw.

Take charge of the boat under qualified supervision and complete the following
manoeuvres:

Prepare the boat for service and, with the help of a crew, cast off and leave your
moorings.

With the help of a crew take the boat through a lock.

Show that you can steer the boat past moored boats, past a boat moving towards
you and through a bridge hold, and show that you can moor the boat.

Whilst moving forward, stop and reverse the boat to an object dropped in the
water. Be aware of the dangers to a person in the water from a moving screw.

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