Seamanship
Small Boat Operations
UNCLASSIFIED
References
Boats and Small Craft, NSTM 583
Boat Officers Handbook
SORM
NAVEDTRA 14343 Boatswains Mate
Boat Information Book (BIB)
Navy Search and Rescue Manual, NTTP 3-50.1
Terminal Objectives
Given a small boat DESCRIBE the parts of the craft and safety
precautions prescribed in the NSTM 583 (Small Boats and
Crafts)
Given a small boat DISCUSS the proper procedures of a small
boat to include: lowering/hoisting, start up/shut down,
maneuvering while underway as discussed in the NSTM 583,
SORM, and Boat Officers Handbook
Given a situation DISCUSS the small boat etiquette as it applies
in the Boat Officer Handbook
Given a SAR situation DESCRIBE the duties and procedures of
a rescue boat IAW the SAR Manual
3
Enabling Objectives
DISCUSS the components of small boat structure to include:
hull, rudder, outdrives, handrails, hoisting sling, sampson post
DISCUSS the engineering systems to include starting, fuel,
drainage, and outdrive systems
DISCUSS the marine reduction gear, jet drive and outboard
motor
DISCUSS the instrument panel
DESCRIBE what indications and warnings there are if the
system is malfunctioning
EXPLAIN the safety precautions that must be observed during
operation of a small boat
4
Enabling Objectives
STATE the basic duties of each member of the small boat crew:
coxswain, boat engineer, bow hook, and boat officer
DISCUSS the hoisting/lowering capability of U.S. naval vessels
DISCUSS the procedures and precautions for launching and recovering
small boats during calm and heavy weather
DESCRIBE the equipage found on a small boat
DISCUSS planing speed, pivot turns, preventing tripping and
preventing a RHIB from becoming airborne
DISCUSS rendering/receiving honors for officials embarked and
between naval vessels
DISCUSS boat hails during daylight and night and the proper
procedure for embarking/disembarking personnel
Enabling Objectives
DISCUSS the flag staff insignia for embarked officers
DISCUSS actions taken if conducting small boat operations
during Colors
LIST all required rescue boat equipment
DISCUSS the duties of each member of the rescue boat crew
DISCUSS SAR swimmer hand, flare, and light signals
DISCUSS procedures to be followed when approaching and
recovering a survivor in the water
Introduction
Rigid Hull Inflatable Boat (RHIB)
Captains Gig / Admirals Barge
Paint Punt
RHIB Features
FLAG STAFF
HOISTING SLING
SAMPSON POSTS
SPONSON
TRANSOM
BOW POST /
JACK STAFF
LIFE LINES
KEEL
RHIB Features
FLAG STAFF
HOISTING SLING
SAMPSON POSTS
SPONSON
TRANSOM
BOW POST /
JACK STAFF
LIFE LINES
KEEL
Small Boat Engineering
10
Operation
The service life and maintenance requirements of
any diesel engine are greatly influenced by the
speeds and load factors imposed by the user
during its operation.
An engine operated at full rated (nameplate) power
output will require more maintenance and more
frequent overhauls than the engine would require
if the load were reduced to about 80 percent of full
load and the speed reduced to about 90 percent of
full rated speed.
11
Starting
Engines start most readily when the throttle (fuel
injector rack) is slowly opened to the full fuel
position during cranking.
12
Cooling System
Engine Coolant
Engine coolant transfers heat from the hot areas of an
engine to a heat exchanger.
Without engine coolant, engine components would rapidly
overheat and fail due to the large amounts of heat
produced by combustion.
Water
Water is used as coolant because it is readily available and
because of its large heat capacity (the quantity of heat it
can absorb).
Depending on its source, water quality can vary widely.
For example, seawater contains large amounts of dissolved
salts as well as seaweed, and debris.
13
Lube Oil System
Lubricants are used to:
Reduce friction
Dissipate heat
Prevent corrosion
14
Lube Oil System
Friction Reduction
Friction can be greatly decreased by using the correct
lubricant for the specific application.
Lubricants form a film between contacting
surfaces, thereby separating the surfaces and
reducing friction. Consequently, wear and seizing of
parts are also reduced.
15
Lube Oil System
Heat Dissipation
Friction generated heat shall be rapidly dissipated to
prevent damage to equipment
Corrosion Prevention
Corrosion resulting from continuous exposure to a
marine environment is a major maintenance problem.
The lubricant should accomplish the following:
Remain on the surface to be protected under adverse conditions
of pressure and temperature.
Retard or prevent the formation of corrosion, particularly in the
presence of moisture or seawater.
16
Lube Oil System
Internal combustion engine lubricants
Contain additives that keep combustion products
such as soot, wear and oxidation products in
suspension, thereby reducing the amount of
contaminants deposited on engine parts.
This property is particularly important in modern,
high speed, turbocharged diesel engines.
17
Fuel Oil System
JP-5 fuels RHIBs
Fuel Contamination
During transfer and handling, the danger of
contamination with foreign material increases. The
major contaminants are:
Water
Rust
Sediment
Oil Soluble Soap
Contaminated fuel will cause the motor to stall or not
start
18
The Valve
All mechanical equipment requires a VALVE
LINE UP to be performed.
There is ONLY ONE VALVE to be manipulated
on a RHIB.
It is called the Sea Cock.
Allows sea water suction for the cooling of the
engine.
If not opened, the diesel engine will start and BURN
ITSELF OUT.
19
Engine Problems
Report if you experience any of the below:
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Difficulty starting the engine
Abnormal Engine Oil temperature
Abnormal engine oil pressure
Abnormal engine tachometer reading
Unusual engine noise
Unusual engine vibration
Excessive smoke
Jet Drive
21
Jet Drive
22
Inboard Motor
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Inboard Motor
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Outboard Motor
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Outboard Motor
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Steering Console
27
Safety Precautions
For the Crew:
Make sure fire extinguishers are in place and charged (fire hazards
prevelant)
Inherently buoyant lifejackets, readily accessible, should be in
boats for all members of the crew and passengers
Rules of the road must be strictly obeyed
If a boat swamps or capsizes, do not panic and stay with the boat
For Passengers:
28
Obey coxswain commands
Embark in a quiet, orderly manner and move as far forward as
possible
Once embarked, stay in place
Keep all parts of your body in the boat
Boat Crew
The Boat Crew consists of at least 3
personnel: Coxswain, Bowhook, Boat
Engineer
The minimum can be added to by the
CO
Boat Officer is assigned during foul
weather, runs after sunset, or
whenever the CO directs
All crew members must be at least 2nd
Class swimmer qualified
29
Coxswain
Responsible for the care and handling
of the boat
In charge of the boat in the absence of
a Boat Officer
Familiar with all aspects of the boat
including : operation, safety gear,
navigation, capacity in fair and foul
weather
Responsible for the behavior and
appearance of the boat crew
Responsible for the safety and welfare
of all passengers
30
Boat Engineer
Ensures proper operation and
maintenance of the boats engines
Makes any repairs or adjustments
while the boat is underway
Ensures repair parts are onboard, boat
is fueled and the battery is charged
Responsible for part of the Daily Boat
Report
Doubles as the Sternhook, handling
lines and fenders when mooring or
getting underway
31
Bowhook
Assists the Coxswain in the operation
of the boat
Provides a lookout while underway,
and handles lines and fenders while
mooring or getting underway
Has the knowledge to operate the boat
in an emergency when the Coxswain
must be relieved
The SAR swimmer usually doubles as
the Bowhook
32
Boat Officer
Jointly responsible for the safety and
welfare of the crew and passengers
with the Coxswain
Will identify the senior line officer
aboard and notify them of such. As the
senior officer they have overall
authority of the boat
Directs the Coxswain to ensure safety
precautions are taken and the boat is
safely navigated
Ensures that the Engineer inspects and
fuels the boat before launch
33
Additional Crew Options
Corpsman: administers first aid to boat crew or recovered person
Gunners Mate: Armed as Shark Watch
Coast Guard Legal Detachment (LEDET): specialized maritime
law enforcement team
Visit, Board, Search and Seizure (VBSS)
34
Small Boat Equipage
35
Bow hook
Stockless anchor
Fenders
Life Ring
Sea Painter
Steadying lines
Grapnel hook
Compass
Fire Extinguisher
Handheld BTB radio
Lifejackets for passengers
Hoisting and Lowering Terminology
Fall: a heavy cable used to hoist/lower the boat
Monkey Lines: Knotted safety lines that hang from the top of the
davit to the waters edge. Crew members aboard the small boat
are required to support 80% of their weight with these lines as the
boat is hoisted/lowered
Steadying Lines: Lines tended by the boat deck crew to keep the
boat from twisting
Sea Painter: Line attached to the bow of the boat and connected
to a forward section of the ship. Allows the boat to ride along
with the ship to allow the boat crew time to fasten/unfasten lines
in the water
36
Hoisting and Lowering of Small Boats
A ships boats are hoisted/lowered by either a davit
or crane
There are several davit designs in use, but all can be
divided in two categories:
Mechanical, ex. Slew Arm Davit
Gravity, ex. Double Pivot Gravity Davit
37
Pivot Gravity Davit
38
Gravity Davit
39
Slewing Arm Davit (SLAD)
40
SLAD
41
Cranes and Small Boats
42
Launching and Recovering
* Boat Deck receives permission for all actions from OOD*
OOD ensures CONN creates a lee on the side of launching and slows
to 3kts
1) Prepare the boat for launch
Disconnect stowage lines
Boat sling is attached to the davit and steadying lines are made ready
2) Lower the boat to the ships rail
3) Embark crew and lower boat
**Before boat touches the water, start engine to ensure some
maneuverability when waterborne**
43
4) Boat rides sea painter
5) All lines clear and boat is free to proceed
Recovering small boats follows the same actions in reverse
Maneuvering a RHIB
44
Planing
RHIBs are designed to hydroplane.
Planing speed is that speed that slightly
raises the boat so that it glides over,
versus ploughs through, the water
Pivot Turns
Sharply turn the rudder to come about
180o
Prevent tripping
Manage acceleration to prevent overspeeding of the engine
Prevent becoming airborne
Manage speed based on sea state.
Becoming airborne can severely damage
the boat
Small Boat Etiquette
Rendering Honors
- When Passing:
Boats with embarked officials in view pass each other, the
coxswain and senior officer embarked render hand salutes
Coxswain of the junior boat idles the engine
After the senior boat returns the salute, speed is resumed
Unless it is dangerous, the coxswain must rise while saluting
- When Overtaking:
No junior should overtake a senior boat without permission
Junior boat slows and salutes first, once returned by the senior
permission is granted
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Small Boat Etiquette
Embarking/Disembarking
- Whenever an officer embarks or disembarks, the coxswain will rise
and salute, as is safe and practical
- Seniors embark a boat last and disembark first. Seats farthest aft are
reserved for senior officers
Daylight Boat Hails
-
OOD raises arm straight up with a clenched fist
Coxswain replies by showing fingers amounting to how many side boys the
officer/official onboard is designated
Night Boat Hails
46
OOD calls out Boat ahoy!
Coxswain replies with the proper name from the NTP 13 series
Flag Staff Insignia
President Spread Eagle
Flag Officer Halbert
Captain Ball
Commander Star
Officer below Commander Flat Truck
When an officer is embarked and has a
personal flag or pennant, it will be
flown at the bow
47
Small Boat Etiquette
Actions during Colors
- Stop engines or proceed at the slowest safe speed
- Boat Officer or Coxswain stands and salutes, rest of the
crew stands at attention
- Passengers sit at attention
- The ensign in lowered once the boat returns to shore or
ship
48
Rescue Boat
49
Rescue Boat Equipment
50
Boat Hook
Life Ring
Battle Lanterns
Medical Kit
Rifle Shark watch
SAR MEDEVAC Litter
Swimmer Tending Line
Radio set (BTB and Portable)
Flashlights
V-Bladed Rescue Knife
Heaving Lines
Grapnel Hook
Rescue Boat Crew
Similar to normal Boat Crew
- Mandatory additions are a Boat Officer and SAR Swimmer.
Common optional crew members include a Corpsman or Shark
Watch
Swimmer carries SAR Swimmer NEC
- Each ship is required to have 2 SAR swimmers onboard
- Specially trained at man overboard recovery from ship or
RHIB
- Basic Swimmer Gear: Wet/Dry suits, swim fins, snorkel and
mask, lifting harness, light, and dive knife
51
SAR Swimmer Signals
Day Signals
- I am alright: Arm raised above head with flat palm
- Ready for pickup: Raised arm, thumb up
- In trouble, need assistance: Vigorous waving of one arm
- Heave around: Raised arm, thumb up, trail line in hand
Night Signals
- I am alright: Arm raised straight with chem light
- Ready for pickup: Waving chem light
- Need Assistance: Waving flare or blue strobe light on
52
Approaching a Survivor
Approach should be made directly at
the survivor, keeping the survivor on
the port bow until the Swimmer is
deployed off the starboard bow
Once the Swimmer has positive
control of the survivor and signals,
the RHIB comes alongside the
survivor
To prevent back injury, survivors
should be recovered outboard facing
on a RHIB
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Questions?
54
Review
Boat Crew
Small Boat Etiquette
55
Review
56
Types of Small Boats
Utility Boat
Personnel Boat
Captains Gig
2-7-7
57
UNCLASSIFIED
