Boat Safety – Week/Lesson 6
tonight’s class we’re learning ropes and how to tie knots. But, before we got started with that, we reviewed a few things:
When radioing for help use ch16. You must give your boat name, color of your boat if you’re in a sailboat, where you are and number of people on board. (for number of people on board, say the actual number then pob, for ex. 3 pob)
If someone goes overboard, slow down. Have lookout person point with full hand, not just a finger. Then when you get to them, grab them up by the waist of their pants and pull up.
First Aid kit – good idea to have a set of wire cutters, just in case of fishing accident. If a hook gets stuck in you, cut the end sticking out off, then tape up remaining hook till you get to the hospital. Don’t try to remove the full hook yourself!
The current is slower but more powerful; always tie up when the current is pushing away.
Thunderstorms are local weather as are seabreezes.
Dark clouds – the higher they are, the further away they are.
Check you skin. If it’s dry, then it’s a good day for sailing.
If wind is with you, then use your paddle to go with the tide.
Remember when entering either a kayak or canoe that you are a 3 legged-stool. Put one foot, one hand, then other foot into boat to prevent falling over.
Chapter 11 – Lines and Knots
What’s the difference between a line and a rope?
You purchase rope in the store, but once it goes onto your boat, it becomes line.
There are, of course, exceptions to the rule. These are:
- bell rope – the line used to move a bell’s clapper which makes the bell ring
- bolt and foot ropes – controls the sails (occasionally sewn into a sail)
- tiller rope – once used to control the tiller on ships
There are 3 types of ropes:
wire, synthetic and natural fibers
Wire is used for rigging sailboats, almost all other ropes are made from synthetic fibers. Natural fiber ropes are rarely used today.
The synthetic ropes are: nylon, polyester, polypropylene, shock cord.
The natural ropes are: manila, hemp, jute, cotton, flax and sisal.
There are three ways to make rope, also: braiding, laying or weaving.
Knot tying – several workstations were setup to practice the various knots used on a boat.
We were told about this cool website that has animated knot tying. To learn more or practice click on one of the photos below:
More information about ropes, lines and knot tying will be posted shortly.
Upcoming Exam (July 6) was discussed – chapters 1,2,4,5,6, 8, 9 (pages 220-229 only), 11,12,13
