Safety at sea for small-scale fishers

Boat Basics
Course Contents

• Terminology
• Propellers
• Handling
• Mooring Lines, Fenders and Anchors
• Outboard Engine Basics
Terminology
Terminology Bow

Port
Hull

Stern

Starboard

Term Meaning
Hull Body of the boat
Bow Front of the boat
Stern Back of the boat
Port Left side when you’re facing the bow
Starboard Right side when you’re facing the bow
Terminology

Please Note:
There are no Right and Left sides on the water, only PORT and STARBOARD. These
sides are determined when facing the bow and are fixed no matter what heading you
have
Terminology
Beam
Transom
Gunwale

Keel
Draft
Propeller

Term Meaning
Beam Widest point of the hull
Keel Bottom centre of the boat
Transom The back section of the boat that connects the port and starboard sides
Gunwale Raised sides of the boat
Draft The vertical distance between the waterline and bottom of the hull
Propeller A rotating device paired with the engine to propel the boat through water
Terminology Super Structure

Outboard Tiller

Rudder

Single screw

Term Meaning
Inboard Engine mounted within the hull
Outboard Engine mounted on the outside of the transom
Rudder Primary control surface underwater that controls steering
Tiller Horizontal bar attached to the rudder post and used for steering
Steering Wheel Control mechanism attached to the rudder to control steering
Super Structure Additional structure on top of the vessel
Single screw Boat with one propeller
Twin screw Boat with two propellers
Terminology
Aft Going Ahead

Forward

Thrust

Term Meaning
Going Ahead / In a forwards direction
Headway
Forward Towards the front of the boat
Going Astern / Behind the boat or going backwards
Sternway
Aft At, near or towards the back of the boat
Thrust Force of the boat moving through the water
Propellers
Propellers

Boat propellers involve blades that are attached to a

shaft which is powered by a motor
The rotation of the shaft creates the torque (or energy)
to turn the blades of the propeller
The rotation of the blades displace water, causing the
boat to move, the force at which the boat moves through
the water is referred to as thrust
The size, shape, number and positioning of the blades
of the propeller all influence how much thrust can be
created
Propellers
Most single engine boats
When moving forward, Righthand propellers produce greater thrust have right hand propellers
to Starboard at the stern and Lefthand propellers produce greater on them
thrust to Port at the stern
All propellers rely on smooth flow of water for maximum efficiency

Effect of left-handed and right-handed propellers while backing

Left-handed Right-handed
Propellers

Rudder(s) are placed in the center of the

Discharge flow and the current of water
rushing by produces a pressure on the
rudder blade which controls the direction of
the boat moving in the water
Rudder(s) are only effective when the boat
moves through the water
Handling
Factors that affect handling

A boats handling characteristics will be affected by

multiple factors such as:
• The Hull Type
• Wind and weather conditions
• Current
Hull types

There are two basic hull types:

• Displacement Hull: When loaded, sits low in the water
Flotation depends on the amount of water displaced by
hull, water displaced >/= weight of the vessel, usually
this type of vessel is slower
• Planing Hull: Sits on top of the water and is fast
moving, flotation does not depend as much on the
amount of water displaced by the hull
• Planing vs displacement hulls:
• Heavy built: Displacement, load carrying hulls, stable
and slower
• Lighter built: Planing; Sport hulls, shallower draft, much
faster and less stable
• Planing hulls revert to displacement hulls at low speeds

Note: Hull types handle completely differently, especially in heavy weather

Wind and weather conditions

• Flat bottomed / planing hulls handle well in light winds, but will struggle in
anything more
• Planing hulls handle less comfortably in rough weather due to sitting on top
of the water and being susceptible to the force of the wind
• Displacement hulled vessels are less affected by wind, but due to their low
speed capability, they are less agile, so may not be able to zig zag around
breaking waves
• Displacement hulls handle more comfortably in rough weather
Current

Currents are determined by a number of factors such as:

• Winds
• Water Density
• Tides
• Sea floor features
• Earth rotation
All currents have a set and a drift:
Set is the true direction towards which the current flows, and the drift is the speed at which it
flows. Both of these will affect the handling of the vessel, and the speed at which it is able to
travel.
Handling characteristics

• The deeper the draft, the more effect from the current
• The effect of the current is greater than the effect of the wind on displacement hulls
• Water is much denser than air – so a half knot cross current may have more effect on
a displacement hulled vessel than a 15 – 20 knot wind
Handling characteristics

• The more structure above the water, the more effect from the wind
• The effect of the wind is greater than the current on planning hulls
Mooring Lines, Fenders and Anchoring
 Mooring lines
= Bow
= Stern

STERN LINE: BOW LINE:

Stops the stern Stops the bow
from moving from moving
forward backward

STERN BREAST: FORWARD STERN AFTER BOW BOW BREAST:

Stops the stern from SPRING: Stops the SPRING: Stops the Stops the bow from
moving out from the boat from moving boat from moving moving outward
dock forward back from the dock
Fenders

Boat fenders are essential for any boat to protect the hull
from contact with the dock
• Ball fenders and cylindrical fenders are the most common
types
• Cylindrical / long fenders offer great versatility and can be
used both vertically or horizontally
• Ball fenders provide point of impact protection and rolls
easily to move the point of contact along with the hull
• General rule of thumb – boats smaller than 10m is 2
fenders for each side, or boats over 10 meters, 3-4 fenders
per side
Anchoring

• When anchoring, lower the anchor to the bottom and let the
vessel go astern until sufficient line is let out
• Sufficient line is normally three times the depth of the water,
increasing to 5 times in bad weather
• Always anchor by the bow, anchoring a small boat (or
vessel not equipped for it) by the stern can cause the vessel
to flood
• There should always be a length of chain between the
anchor and the anchor line – this cushions the vessel’s
motion and helps the flukes to dig in and prevents the
anchor line chafing on the bottom
Anchoring

• Consider tides, winds (and possible wind changes) and the amount of room
required to keep the vessel away from hazards
• Always ensure the anchor line is attached to the boat before dropping anchor
Securing lines

It is essential to have some knowledge on the basic boating knots to keep your vessel safe and
secure when docked
These include the cleat hitch and mooring hitch
The Cleat Hitch is one of the most utilized mooring knots, making it quick and easy to secure
the vessel to a cleat on a dock
The Mooring hitch is a good temporary knot. It holds fast under load but can be released
instantly at the pull of the free end

Release
Outboard Engine Basics
Engine Essentials
It is essential to protect against the engine falling into the water.
If the clamp screws or engine clamp bolts loosen, the outboard
motor may fall overboard
As a safety measure a rope or chain should be attached to the
outboard motor to help in securing the engine and ensure the ZMU02012

rope or chain is short enough to prevent the engine from

becoming submerged or lost
All moving parts of an outboard engine should be
lubricated every three months
The moving parts of an outboard engine include:
• Grease nipples
• Clamp screws
• Cover latches
• Propeller shaft splines
Following the lubrication procedure will ensure that all moving ZMU02013

parts operate smoothly and efficiently

 Propeller
Propellers are easily damaged by hazards in the water and
even slight damage to the propeller can cause a reduction
in speed and an increase in vibration, resulting in poor
engine performance
As a safety precaution, some propellers are fitted with a
shear pin, which is designed to break if the propeller hits a
solid object
If the propeller is lost, you will lose propulsion
If the propeller blade is bent or badly chipped, it would be
ZMU02416

better to replace the entire propeller, as the damaged

propeller will vibrate and cause the engine to malfunction
Ensure you only fit a propeller that has been
recommended by the manufacturer
The propeller shaft should be maintained every three
months
ZMU03227
 Anodes
Zinc anodes are attached to various parts of the outboard
engine
The anode is used to prevent corrosion.
Anodes should be replaced when 50% of the anodes have
been utilized
ZMU02820 Generally, zinc anodes should be removed and scrubbed
once every three months

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Outboard Engine Safety
Outboard Engine Safety

Propeller
People can be injured or killed if they come in contact with the propeller
The propeller can keep moving even when the motor is in neutral, and sharp edges of the
propeller can cut even when stationary
● Shut off the engine when a person is in the water near you
● Keep people out of reach of the propeller, even when the engine is off
Rotating parts
Hands, feet, hair, jewellery, clothing, PFD straps, etc. should be kept away from parts as
these can become entangled with internal rotating parts of the engine, resulting in serious
injury or death
Keep the top cowling in place whenever possible and do not remove or replace the cowling
with the engine running
Only operate the engine with the cowling removed according to the specific instructions in
the manual
Hot parts
OUTBOARD ENGINE SAFETY
During and after operation, engine parts are hot enough to cause burns so avoid touching any
parts under the top cowling until the engine has cooled

Electric shock
Do not touch any electrical parts while starting or operating the engine. They can cause shock or
electrocution

Engine shut-off cord (lanyard)

To prevent a loss of control, attach the engine shut-off cord so that the engine stops if the operator
falls overboard or leaves the helm:
• Attach to a secure place on clothing or body
• Attach securely so it won’t tear lose or entangle
• A tangled cord may result in the engine being shut off and a loss of steering
OUTBOARD
Gasoline ENGINE SAFETY
Gasoline and vapors are highly flammable and explosive and proper procedures should be
followed for refuelling

Spills
Handle gasoline and all fuels with caution, ensuring spills are wiped up immediately and rags are
disposed of, and remove clothing that may have had fuel spilled on it
Exposure
Avoid siphoning by mouth, contamination to eyes and mouth should receive appropriate medical
attention
Carbon monoxide
Exhaust gases contain carbon monoxide, a colorless, odorless gas which may cause brain
damage or death when inhaled, be mindful of symptoms including nausea, dizziness, and
drowsiness and keep all areas well ventilated

Modifications
Do not attempt to modify your outboard motor as this may reduce safety and reliability, and render
the outboard unsafe or illegal to use
Outboard Engine Systems
4 Crucial Systems
There are 4 crucial systems that need to work correctly in order for your outboard engine to function
safely:
• The fuel system
• The electrical / ignition system
• The cooling system, and
• The lubrication system

Three major factors ensure the smooth running of the outboard engine:
• Good Quality Fuel
• Full Compression
• A strong spark
These three factors are very important for the efficient operations of your outboard engine.
If any of the above is absent or not operating efficiently then the engine performance will be impaired,
or starting the engine may sometimes not be possible.
If the engine fails to start check the fuel system, compression and spark plugs.
Fuel System
The fuel system should be regularly inspected for leaks, cracks or malfunction

Common areas to check for leaks are:

• Fuel Joints
• Hose
• Carburetor

Other possible fuel system defects:

• Carburetor leakage
• Fuel pump malfunction or leakage
• Fuel tank leakage
• Fuel hose joint leakage
• Fuel hose cracks or other damage
• Fuel filters leakage
• Fuel connector leakage
• Primer bulb leakage or damage
Portable Fuel Tanks
Fuel tanks should be cleaned at least once every 6 months by following these steps:
• Empty the fuel tank, and pour a small amount of detergent, and clean the tank thoroughly by shaking it
• Flush the inside with fresh water and drain it completely
• Repeat the flushing and draining procedures several times until all the detergent has been removed from
inside the tank
• Thoroughly clean the fuel tank filter with detergent. (The filter is located at the end of the suction pipe in the
fuel tank)
• Blow dry the filter and fuel tank with compressed air until they are both dry

ZMU02324
ZMU02834
 Fuel Filter
The engine fuel filter should be cleaned every 100 hours of
operation or every 3 months (whichever is soonest)
If the fuel quality is poor cleaning should be carried out more
frequently

Steps for cleaning:

• Stop the engine before removing the fuel filter
• Keep away from sparks (lighted cigarettes or other sources
of ignition)
• Remove the fuel hoses and clean the fuel filter with
detergent
• Air dry the filter and replace the filter ensuring that the filter
ZMU06201 case is tightly secured
• Clean up any spillage
 Spark Plugs
Spark plugs on an outboard motor can become oily and
coated in a black deposit in a very short time. This build
up will cause your engine to malfunction. When this
ZMU02179
happens the motor will run roughly or fail to start.
If spark plugs are dirty, they should be cleaned or
replaced with new ones as per the manufacturers’
recommendations.
Spark plugs should be removed and inspected after
every 100 hours of operation or once a month
(whichever is soonest).
How to clean spark plugs:
• Remove the spark plugs
• Using a brass bristle wire brush, gently brush off
heavy carbon build up around the electrodes
• Using a feeler gauge, adjust the spark plug gap to
the recommended specification
The Cooling System
• The cooling system is critical to the operation How to flush the cooling system
of the outboard engine
To help prevent some problems caused by salt
• Cooling systems are designed to reduce the buildup, it is recommended that the cooling
amount of heat in the engine system is flushed after every use
• The engine only takes seconds to overheat at The steps should be followed at least once a
high RPM and if it does not cool it can month:
damage the engine power head • Mount the motor in a tank partly filled with
fresh water. (Water must be about the anti-
• A cooling water pump is used to send cool
cavitation plate)
water through the engine to keep it cool
• Put the motor into the neutral position, start
whilst it is running
the engine and run at low speed for about five
• Do not rely on a water hose to check the minutes
condition of the impeller
Note: The water pump impeller, regardless of how
• A water hose will pressurize the system,
thereby overriding the impeller and will give many operating hours are on your engine, should
you a false sense the impeller is functional be replaced every 6 months - Remember that an
impeller will dry rot due to non-use
Lubrication Systems
There are two types of lubrication systems for outboard motors:
• Pre-Mix Two-Stroke Oil and Gasoline. (Used on Small
Horsepower Outboard Motors)
• The lubrication of a two-stroke engine requires a mix of oil and
fuel to prevent the engine overheating and seizing
• Follow manufacturers instructions for the correct amount of oil
and gasoline, the amount varies between different engines
• The operator is required to mix the fuel
• Oil Injection System:
• Consists of an oil tank, oil pump and an alarm system
• An oil pump which automatically adjusts the mix of oil required by
the engine, dependant on varying conditions such as speed
• Fitted with an alarm system which alerts the operator when the
engine is no longer receiving oil
• Require spark plugs which generate the required ignition

Note: Excessive oil will foul spark plugs causing an

excessive smoke exhaust and heavy carbon deposits
Both will cause engine failure!
Outboard Engine Troubleshooting
The Fuel System
What can go wrong?
• Tank not venting
• Broken pick up tube
• Defective primer bulb (pump)
• Defective fuel connections
• Clogged fuel filters (in tank or engine)
• Defective fuel pump
• Check valve stuck in the closed position.
• Jets in carburettor clogged
• Low or no compression in cylinder
supplying pulse to fuel pump
ZMU06201

Check each component systematically to locate and diagnose the problem

Engine Fails To Start
To troubleshoot the problem follow these steps:
• Check fuel level in tank
• Check air vent screw on tank (if it is open)
• Check that the fuel lines are properly connected, and primer
bulb is primed
• Check that the engine is in neutral position and the throttle
control is in the start position
• Inspect the battery and connections (if it is an electrical start ZMU02295

engine)
• Check that the emergency stop lock plate is connected firmly to
the switch
• Inspect the fuel filter, fuel tank and clean if necessary
• Check internal fuel filter to ensure filter casing is tightly secured
• Inspect spark plugs and clean if necessary
• Check fuel pump to ensure diaphragm is not damaged
• Check the carburetor to ensure that drain screw is closed
• Check if fuel line is kinked or damaged (repair as necessary)
ZMU06621
Engine Fails to Start
• Check if fuel is reaching carburetor (defective check valve)
• Check if carburetor is flooded (adjust float as needed)
• Check for clogged fuel jets in carburetor (repair as necessary)
• Inspect spark plugs (clean and adjust as necessary)
• Check for spark at the spark plugs, if there is no spark, check the
ignition system
• Check compression system for adequate compression
• Check battery for adequate charge
• Check if there is corrosion on the battery terminals
• Check for loose/slack, corroded or broken electrical wiring ZMU06082

If the engine starts but stops almost immediately – check the choke has been
replaced correctly

If the engine starts but stops when gear is changed – check if the propeller is
obstructed
Engine Overheating Prevention
What to do if you have an overheating problem:
• Check that the water pump and thermostat are operating correctly
• Check if pilot (“tell tale”) water stream flow is at the normal rate
• Inspect water intakes to ensure they are not clogged by seaweed, plastic bags, etc. Clear if necessary
• Check if the oil in the tank is at the appropriate level (if it is fitted with an oil injection system)

ZMU02856
Engine Submerged in Saltwater
Once an outboard motor has been submerged it must be
serviced immediately as the engine parts will quickly begin to
corrode
Submerge in fresh water to rinse the seawater in order to
minimise corrosion
If a 2-stroke engine has been submerged in saltwater, follow
the steps below:
• Remove the engine cover and rinse the power head with
fresh water
• Disconnect spark leads and remove spark plugs
• Disconnect fuel lines from engine, drain and clean all fuel
lines and fuel tank
• Place the engine in a horizontal position (spark plug opening
down) and remove water from the cylinder by slowly rotating
flywheel about twenty times or until there are no signs of
water coming from the spark plug openings
Engine Submerged in Saltwater
• Drain carburetor and place engine in the upright position and removed the carburetor
for disassembling and cleaning
• Disassemble, clean and flush starter, electrical connectors and all electrical
components with fresh water
• Treat disassembled parts with water, displacing electrical spray and thoroughly dry
them with compressed air before reassembling
• Inject and lubricate cylinders with two stroke engine oil
• If sand has entered the engine you may hear a slight grinding when the flywheel is
rotated

Do not attempt to start the engine if sand is present as

the engine must be disassembled and cleaned

• When the engine is cleaned, reassemble the parts, start the engine and run for 30
minutes in fresh water
• If the engine fails to start, remove spark plugs again and check if water is present on
the spark plug electrodes, if water is present, blow out the water and re-install or
replace with new spark plugs
• Repeat the starting procedures
Spark Plugs - Troubleshooting
If the outboard engine turns over but does not start, the spark
plugs should be checked for spark

To check for spark, you should first ensure that there is

good ventilation in the area and no fuel vapor is present

Steps for checking spark plugs:

• Remove the spark plug from the engine and reconnect it to its
lead
• Hold the body of the spark plug against the engine block (to
ground it) and crack the engine over
• If the spark plug is firing across the gap, then your spark is
good
• Keep the spark plug away from the plug hole to safeguard
against the risk of ignition
• If spark is present and plugs are dry, then check fuel supply
lines and filters
• If plugs are dirty – clean or replace plugs
• If plugs are wet – your engine may be flooded, if flooded let the
engine stand for a while, then repeat the procedure
Outboard Engine Tools and Spare Parts
Tools and Spare Parts
Tools and spare parts to be carried on board:

Spare Parts Outboard Motor

Manuals for engine and other equipment X
Parts for water pump (impeller, gasket, replacement pack, etc) X
Spark plug X
Shearpin for propeller X
Split pins for propeller nuts X
Starting rope X
Propeller X
Pliers X
Screwdrivers X
Knife X
Fuel oil filter (or cartridge) and filter spanner X
Tools and Spare Parts

Spare Parts Outboard Motor

Water repellent oil/spray X
Bolts, nuts, washers, screws, hoses and hose clamps of various X
diameters
Glues, electrical tape, electrical wire and electrical connectors X
Ropes and twine of varying types and diameters X
Bulbs and fuses for lights, including navigation lights and torches X
Spare batteries for torches, radio communication equipment etc. X
Parts for bilge pump(s), including impeller pack X
Spanners X
Socket set X
Adjustable spanners X
Spark plug wrench / spanner X
Outboard Engine Checklists
Daily Engine Check List

Daily Engine Check List – before voyage

Check for fuel leaks (repairs and correct as necessary)
Check fuel filter for water and drain and necessary
Check engine for water leaks
Check engine and lower unit for oil leaks. (Repair as necessary)
Check that the engine is properly secured to the vessel transom (clamp screws, bolts / nuts and
safety line)
Check bolts and nuts on engine for tightness (Correct as necessary)
Check electrical wiring for defects (slack connections, broken wires or corrosion)
Check that all batteries are secured, fully charged, corrosion free at the terminal posts and that they
have the correct electrolyte levels in each battery cell
Check the propeller/s for damage (bends, cracks or breakage)
Check propeller nut for tightness
Check that propeller nut split pin is in good condition
Check that your engine/s can start and stop
Check that gear selection (Forward, Neutral and Astern) are operating smoothly
Daily Engine Check List

Daily Engine Check List – before voyage

Check that steering functions are operating properly

Check if trim and

Clean exterior oftilt are functioning
outboard motor. properly
Check pilot water
Open fuel tank vent screw
Check fuel hose connection
Check priming
Check fuel level
Check shut-off cord (lanyard)
Make sure fuel-oil mixture (50:1)
Warm up engine
Daily Engine Check List

Daily Engine Check List – after voyage

Clean exterior of outboard motor
Check outer casing for any wear and tear damage
Check lower unit for oil leaks
Check propeller for damage (bends, cracks or breakage)
Check propeller but and split pin for any defects
Check that anodes did not fall off during voyage
Remove top cover and perform a visual inspection for water and fuel leaks

Check for any loose or broken wires

Flush engine to remove and prevent salt build up within the outboard motor

Tilt up engine
Check for anyand secure
loose or broken wires.
Cool down engine

Close vent screw

End of Session

Group Question and Answer Session