Motorboating
With the fun of operating a motor boat boat comes the responsibility
for keeping that boat in first-class condition, knowing and obeying the
nautical "rules of the road," and gaining the general knowledge and
skills to operate a boat safely.
Requirements
- Do the following:
- Explain first aid for injuries or illnesses that could occur while motorboating, including hypothermia, heat reactions, dehydration, motion sickness, insect stings, tick bites, and blisters.
- Identify the conditions that must exist before performing CPR on a person, and explain how such conditions are recognized. Demonstrate proper technique for performing CPR using a training device approved by your counselor.
- Do the following:
- Before doing requirements 3 through 6, successfully complete the BSA swimmer test.
- Name the different types of personal flotation devices (PFDs), and explain when each type should be used. Show how to choose and properly fit a PFD.
- Do the following:
- Explain inboard, outboard, and inboard/outboard motors, and the uses and advantages of each. Discuss the special features of a bass boat and a ski boat.
- Explain the safety procedures and precautions involving handling fuel and engine servicing, and equipment storage and placement.
- Explain how to winterize a boat motor and tell why this procedure is necessary.
- Explain the safety procedures and precautions involving swimmers and skiers in the water, passenger positions under way, and boat wakes.
- Show you know safety laws for motorboating by doing the following:
- Have a permit to run a motorboat, if needed.
- Explain the rules or laws that apply to recreational boating in your area or state.
- Discuss how the hazards of weather and heavy water conditions can affect both safety and performance in motorboating.
- Promise that you will follow BSA Safety Afloat guidelines. Explain the meaning of each point.
- Discuss with your counselor the nautical rules of the road and describe the national and your state's aids to navigation.
- Explain and show the correct use of equipment required by both state and federal regulations to be carried aboard a motorboat.
- Explain federal and state rules for a ventilation system, and tell why these rules are required.
- Demonstrate proper boat-handling procedures and skills by doing the following:
- Board and assist others in boarding.
- Fuel the boat and complete a safety check.
- Get under way from dockside or from a beach launch.
- Run a course for at least a mile, showing procedures for overtaking and passing slower craft, yielding right-of-way, passing oncoming traffic, making turns, reversing direction, and using navigation aids.
- Stop and secure the boat in position on the open water using anchors; get under way.
- Land or dock; get out and assist others.
- Moor the boat and secure all gear.
- Point out and explain the mechanical and safety features of a boat trailer. With others assisting, do the following:
- Launch a boat from a trailer.
- Remove a boat from the water using a trailer.
Resources
Scouting Literature
Canoeing, First Aid, Fire Safety, Fishing, Fly-Fishing,
Lifesaving, Pioneering, Rowing, Small-Boat Sailing, Swimming,
Waterskiing, Weather, and Whitewater merit badge pamphlets; Boy Scout Handbook and Fieldbook
Books
- Aarons, Richard N. Small-Boat Seamanship Manual. International Marine/Ragged Mountain Press, 2006.
- American Red Cross. American Red Cross First Aid: Responding to Emergencies. Staywell, 2005.
- Armstrong, Bob. Getting Started in Powerboating. McGraw-Hill, 2005.
- Browne, Steven D. Nautical Rules of the Road: The International and Inland Rules, 4th ed. Cornell Maritime Press, 2006.
- Larkin, Frank J. Basic Coastal Navigation: An Introduction to Piloting, 2nd ed. Sheridan House, 1998.
- Low, Charles T. Boat Docking: Close Quarters Maneuvering for Small Craft. Harvey Island Enterprises, 1997.
- Maloney, Elbert S. Chapman Piloting and Seamanship, 65th ed. Hearst, 2006.
- Sergeant, Frank. Complete Idiot's Guide to Boating and Sailing. Alpha Books, 2005.
- Siminoff, Roger H. Boating 101: Essential Lessons for Boaters. International Marine/Ragged Mountain Press, 1999.
- Stagner, Eugene. Understanding the Outboard Motor, 3rd ed. Prentice Hall, 2002.
- Thompson, Luke. Essential Boating for Teens. Children's Press, 2000.
- U.S. Sailing Association. Start Powerboating Right! United States Sailing Association, 2003.
DVDs
The following DVDs are available from Bennett Marine Video (Web site: http://bennettmarine.com ):
- Back to the Basics of Boating
- Back to the Basics: Improving Your Boating Skills and Knowledge
- Back to the Basics: What to Do When Things Go Wrong
- Boating Basics for First-Time Boaters
- The Encyclopedia of Boating Tips
- On-the-Water Boating Tips
- 100 Boating Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
- Top 60 Boat-Handling Tips