Power 1 Checkout Procedures
Every Power 1 member receives an onboard orientation on each model of boat.
Below is a list of all the required knowledge and skills needed to successfully complete a Power 1 Checkout.
Each Checkout can take anywhere from 1-3 hours depending on the model boat.
We recommend bringing only people who will be active crew members during your outings. Additional passengers/children are not recommended for checkouts.
Preparation
- Be able to demonstrate ability to recognize and forecast prevailing weather conditions.
- Determine wind direction. Explain clues to finding wind direction (i.e. moored boats, flags, wind on water).
- Show proper boat boarding technique.
- Be able to perform a preparatory check of the boats equipment based on the Checkout Sheet.
- Display the ability to tie up a boat with bow, stern and spring lines.
- Demonstrate cleat hitch, double half hitch, stopper knot, bowline, and coiling line.
- Show proper way to put on a PFD.
- Identify weather information sources. (Windalert, NOAA)
- Locate recommended and required safety equipment/documentation.
- Be able to explain pre-start procedures and motor operation.
- Exhibit familiarity with nomenclature and parts of the boat and engine.
Safety and Emergency Procedures
- Be able to explain the proper procedure for using safety gear including fire extinguisher, flares, and horn.
Leaving the Dock
- Display proper seamanship using the engine, thruster, lines, and crew coordination for a departure appropriate for wind and weather conditions.
Power Boat control in Confined Waters
- Demonstrate starting, stopping and backing.
- Exhibit appropriate shifting technique.
- Use minimal control speed.
- Execute a pivot turn.
- Explain how to leave, return, and tie up to a mooring or anchored buoy appropriate for wind and current conditions.
Navigation
- Point out landmarks in the harbor and local waters and respond accordingly (water tower, radio towers, entrance to Back Creek, etc.).
- Be familiar with aids to navigation (ATONs), such as buoys, day marks, regulatory marks, and others.
Rules of the Road
- Illustrate the use and understanding of the rules of the road.
- Be able to demonstrate and understand the use of constant bearing to avoid collisions.
Power Boat Control in Open Waters
- Display safe transition from displacement to planning speed.
- Execute controlled high speed turns.
- Demonstrate ability to safely stop a boat after operating at high speed.
- Be able to describe how to anchor using the proper amount of scope.
Returning to the Dock
- Using proper seamanship and boat handling return to the dock demonstrating steering, stopping, securing boat, and deploying fenders in its proper slip.
Securing the Boat
- Stow equipment, clean, install covers, and secure hatches and locks.
- Complete post power checkout sheet.