Patrol Boat Duties
Please arrive 1 hour before the race start time and report to the duty sailing committee member or race officer.
Crews should be dressed to go into the water.
Please consider the weather conditions - it can get cold and wet sat in the rib during the races - wind protection is required.
There MUST be TWO members of crew for each safety boat or racing cannot go ahead.
- The main functions of the patrol boat crew are:
- Prepare the the rib for duty
- Prepare the race marks
- To launch the rib in time to lay the race marks prior to the start of the race
- Maintain radio contact with the race officer at all times
- Lay the race marks as per the race officer's instructions
- Provide safety cover for the race
- Lift the race marks
- Recover the rib, wash out and stow all equipment and ribs securely.
PATROL BOAT PREPARATION - CHECK LIST
It is the patrol boat helm’s responsibility to ensure that the craft is prepared properly and equipped for the duty. Please use the check list to ensure this is achieved and tick each stage.
| 1 | INSPECT TROLLEY & WHEELS | Check the tyres are pumped up |
| 2 | ENSURE CONDITION OF BOAT IS SEAWORTHY | Hull Condition and tubes firm |
| 3 | ENSURE EQUIPMENT IS IN BOAT | Kill switch strap Engine ignition key First Aid Kit (stored in container) Paddle Anchor and warp(Secured to boat) Tow Rope Safety Knife VHF Radio ( Not stored in boat - available from duty Sailing Committee Member) |
| 4 | FUEL TANK FULL & IN BOAT | Please note that the fuel on both ribs is now a 50:1 petrol:oil mixture. |
| 5 | CHECK FUEL LINE CONNECTIONS | |
| 6 | CHECK ENGINE STARTS AND RUNS SMOOTHLY AT LOW REVS | Lower engine. Ensure water is flowing through ‘ears’, area around engine is clear and engine is in neutral before starting |
| 7 | STOP ENGINE AND REPLACE IN THE UP POSITION |
The patrol boat is now ready for use.
Perform a RADIO CHECK with the DUTY RACE OFFICER before going afloat.
ENSURE THE REQUIRED MARKS ARE IN THE BOAT AND THE POSITIONS WHERE THEY ARE TO BE LAID IS UNDERSTOOD
ENSURE THERE ARE TWO MEMBERS OF CREW
BOTH WEARING BUOYANCY AIDS
ON RETURNING THE BOAT PLEASE ENSURE THAT:
- THE ENGINE IS FLUSHED THROUGH WITH FRESH WATER
- THE RADIO RETURNED
- ALL EQUIPMENT IS IN THE BOAT (keys and kill cord returned to signal station)
Fuel is kept in the fuel store, engine oil is kept in the left hand garage.
An electric pump is kept in the galley area with an extension lead for pumping up the rib inflation tubes
The radios are available from the duty sailing committee member. Always use channel P4 (ICOM radios) and M2 (Horizon radios). - Do not use other channels as we are not licensed to use them. The race officer's call sign is LEE SHORE, the rib's call sign is LEE PATROL 1, 2 or 3 (as marked on the Rib)
It is essential that you maintain a listening watch on the radio at ALL TIMES, as the race officer may want you to investigate a capsized craft that you cannot see from your position.
For further advice or to arrange a practical briefing email the club.