Non-Motorized Boat Operator Course. Course Layout Day 1 Classroom Day 2 Boat Orientation/Field.

Non-Motorized Boat Operator Course

Course Layout

Day 1

Classroom

Day 2

Boat Orientation/Field

Day 1-ClassroomAgenda

• Background

• Objectives

• What this course is

• What this course is not


• Moving Water

• River Channel Characteristics

• River Features and Hazard Definitions

• Moving Water Classifications

• Trip Planning


• Ramp Etiquette

• River Navigation Techniques

• On the Water Techniques

• Rules for Reading and Running Rivers

• Environmental Considerations


• Boat Operation

• Reasons Why Bad Things Happen

• If You Go Overboard

• 10 Absolutes of River Rescue

• Emergency Equipment

Day 2-FieldAgenda

• Float Plan• Gear Packing• First Aid List• Boat Types• Boat Orientation (types and parts)• Accessories• Maintenance and Care

Day 2-FieldAgenda

• Steering and Maneuvering

• Use of safety lines and throw bags

• Pulling a swimmer into the boat

• Use of Flip Lines/ Righting a boat

• Trip Leader Responsibilities

• Signals

Background• The goal of this module is to provide introductory

guidance and orientation to field staff on the appropriate use and hazards involved in using non-motorized watercraft in moving water situations.

Objectives

• Watercraft reactions to various forces of flowing water

• General rules for running rivers

• Determining if a section of moving water is safe to run

Objectives• Watercraft type, application, and

maintenance requirements

• Negotiating common maneuvers on moving water

• Avoiding common problems and identifying situations

What this course is….

• An introductory-level course on safe operation and maintenance of non-motorized boats

What this course is not….

• About running whitewater• River rescue

So, what is Moving Water?

• “Moving Water” refers to rivers, creeks, deltas, tailraces, bayous, canals, etc.. In short, it is any water that has a current.

And moving water is measured by..

• Water Flow (aka volume or discharge). Water flow is commonly measured in Cubic Feet per Second (CFS). For instance, 3500 CFS

• It is also measured in feet. For instance, 4 feet.

River Channel Characteristics

• General Channel/Thalweg- deepest part of the river bed.

River Channel CharacteristicsContinued

• Straight- There is an even depth across the entire channel. The thalweg is often difficult to distinguish.


• Meandering- A winding waterway. Generally fastest and deepest on the outside of a turn.


• Braided- Many similar sized channels. Difficult to choose the best route.


• Entrenched- Confined channel often containing rapids.


• Width- Greater width decreases power, but often adds complexity


• Gradient- Amount of drop in river elevation. Steeper gradient increases velocity and thus increases power. A waterfall is an extreme example.

River Features and Hazard Definition

• Laminar Flow-

Main Direction and energy of current flow.

River Features and Hazard Definitions Continued

• Helical Flow- Flow that is disturbed by the substrate (bottom) or banks of a river. Flow is slowed down and tends to churn in a helical fashion downstream.


• Current Vector- Determined by direction of laminar flow. Does not necessarily correlate with river banks.


• Pools- Slow, flat water surface. Usually deep. Difficult to detect submerged hazards.


• Runs (glides)- Mild elevation change, intermediate velocity, smooth surface, even depth, gradual decrease.


• Riffles- Associated with elevation change, higher velocity, rough but consistent surface and depth, some air entrainment.


• Rapids- Increased elevation change, high velocity, rough and inconsistent depth and surface, considerable air entrainment.


• Tongues- The V-shaped (downstream V) segment of river that occurs between two constricting object.


• Eddies- Occur where water is forced to go around an object rather than over it. Causes water to be drawn upstream and can provide a place to rest, stop, scout, or rescue.


• Eddy Fences- Demarcation line between the laminar flow and the eddy. Can be higher than the eddy itself, making escape difficult.


• Hydraulics- Also known as a “keeper”, “stopper”, or “Maytag”.

• When water flows over an object where a depression in water level exists.

• This water is then filled in by surrounding water higher than the level of the depression.

• Can trap debris, boats, and people. Highly aerated water also makes escape difficult.


• Standing Waves- Large, usually symmetrical waves in deep water caused by a major constriction in the river channel.


• Pillows or cushions- Lifting water found on the upstream side of obstacles such as rocks. Can be strong enough to ward debris and watercraft from impact.


• Undercut banks- Current is usually strong and deep. Be aware that debris may be lodged at angles.


• Strainers- A fallen tree or debris (major part underwater) that lets water pass through it but not a solid object.


• Sweepers- A tree, log, or other obstruction extending out over the water which can catch the boat or knock a passenger out.

Moving Water Classifications

• The combinations of all of the river and hazard features, including flow and gradient, determines the difficulty of a river.

• The scale used to determine difficulty is called the International Scale of River Difficulty.


• Class I- Moving water up to small waves. Passages are clear, no serious obstacles.


• Class II- Medium sized regular waves. Passages clear, some maneuvering may be required


• Class III- Waves Numerous and irregular. Rocks, eddies, and narrow passages require scouting and maneuvering.


• Class IV- Powerful, irregular waves; boiling eddies; dangerous rocks; congested passages; precise maneuvering and scouting required.


• Class V- Exceedingly difficult; violent rapids often following each other without interruption; big drops; violent current; counting mandatory and difficult.


• Class VI- Limit of navigability; generally considered impossible to run.

Alternate Moving Water Classifications

• Class I: Easy Fast moving water with riffles and small waves. Swimming is pleasant, shore easily reached. Almost all gear and equipment is recovered. Boat is just slightly scratched.

• Class II: Novice

Straightforward rapids with wide, clear channels which are evident without scouting. Swimming to eddies requires moderate effort. Climbing out of river may involve slippery rocks and shrub induced lacerations. Paddles travel great distance downstream requiring lengthy walk. Something unimportant is missing. Boat hits submerged rock leaving visible dent on frame or new gash in plastic.


• Class III: Intermediate Rapids with moderate, irregular waves which may be difficult to avoid. Water is swallowed. Legs are ground repeatedly against sharp, pointy rocks. Several eddies are missed while swimming. Difficult decision to stay with boat results in moment of terror when swimmer realizes they are downstream of boat. Paddle is recirculated in small hole way upstream. All personal possessions are removed from boat and floated in different directions. Paddling partners run along river bank shouting helpful instructions. Boat is munched against large boulder hard enough to leave series of deep gouges. Sunglasses fall off.


• Class IV: Advanced Water is generally lots colder that Class III. Intense, powerful but predictable rapids requiring precise swimming in turbulent water. Swimming may require 'must' moves above dangerous hazards. 'Must' moves are downgraded to 'strongly recommended' after they are missed. Sensation of disbelief experienced while about to swim large drops. Frantic swimming towards shore is alternated with frantic swimming away from shore to avoid strainers. Rocks are clung to with death grip. Paddle is completely forgotten. One shoe is removed. Hydraulic pressure permanently removes waterproof box with all the really important stuff. Paddle partners running along stream look genuinely concerned while lofting throw ropes 20 feet behind swimmer. Paddle partners stare slack-jawed and point in amazement at boat which is finally pinned by major feature. Climbing up river bank involves inverted tree. One of those spring loaded pins that attaches watch to wristband is missing. Contact lenses are moved to rear of eyeballs.


• Class VI: Expert Not recommended for swimming.


Remember!• Classification is not an

exact science• Perceived difficulty

varies between individuals and by geography

• A river changes throughout the year based on temperature, water flow, and other environmental factors.

Trip PlanningPrior to any trip…

• File a float plan• Consult your checklist• Identify your trip

leader and boat captains

• Explain expectations, requirements, limitations, and special concerns (med.)


• Explain safety equipment and emergency procedures;

• how, when, and where to scout.

• what to do if you go overboard;

• throw bags and their use; etc.


• Check weather forecasts and water levels

• Iron out communications (why, when, where)

• Set up your shuttling procedures


• Consult the following sources– Maps/Charts/Brochures– Books/River Guides– Experienced people– USGS Stream Gages

Ramp Etiquette• Have a Spotter When Backing• Boat set up and ready to go before backing onto the

ramp• Do not block the ramp with a prepping vehicle• Communicate with other parties. “Patience is a virtue”

River Navigation Techniques

• Memorizing routes– Can only be done on subsequent trips

• Reading the water– Navigation on the fly

• Map Reading– Doing advance homework

On the Water Techniques

• Approaching and Leaving Shore– Know your boat type

and shore/water conditions


• Ferrying (maneuvering across moving water)– Pull rather than push in an oar boat. – Orient upstream end (stern) of your oar

boat at 45 degree angle toward shore you want to go to

– Direct opposite of above for kayaks and canoes.


• Eddies– Anticipate associated forces such as

eddy fences – Velocity is slower or even opposite of

laminar flow– Can represent a resting place or place

to pull ashore.– Can affect oar stroke power


• Waves– Weight distribution

is key; heavy on downstream side, esp. in big waves

– Typical approach is straight on

– Push through large waves


• Highsiding (if you don’t hit straight on!)– Everyone shifts to the rising (high) side of the

boat


• Scouting Difficult Sections– Critical before entering a dangerous or unknown

section of river.– Use eddies for pull out opportunities– May require some effort


• Use Navigation Markers– Primarily of use on

large rivers for deep drafted boats


• Sketch tricky routes– Bring a notepad to sketch a route after successful

completion– Note river flow levels– Remember that the river system is dynamic; flows

change, hazards change, etc.

Rules for Running and Reading Rivers

• Center Channel Rule– Absent any other indicators, center channel is

usually safest place to be– Exception is large volume rivers where center

channel is difficult to exit


• Outside-Bend Rule– Outside bend is normally deepest part of the

river– However, this is also where most of the power

is in the river


• Chop (wave) Rule– The larger (taller) the chop or waves…

– …the deeper the water


• Bubble Line Rule– In slow rivers, bubbles and foam will

often follow deepest part of the channel


• Tongue Rule– A downstream

‘V’ usually funnels you into the best water

– An upstream ‘V’ points out a hazard


• Standing Wave Rule– If the distance

between large wave crests is about the same as your boat, don’t go there.


• Shoreline Rule– Get a good idea

what is hidden beneath the water by what the shore looks like.


• Dam Rule– Don’t assume river bottom will be normal

around dams, bridges, pump houses, or any other man-made structures


• Escape Rule– Continually ask yourself, “What

would I do if…?”


• Green Rule– Safest route is usually where there

is the most green (the least white)


• Right-of-Way Rule– Non-motorized

boaters have the right-of-way, but ..

– Leave motor boaters all the room you can

– You can hear them coming, they can’t hear you


• SAFE Rule– Scout

– Analyze

– Formulate

– Execute

Environmental and Personal Considerations

• Flow Levels– Check as often as

possible– Keep track of changes– High-flows=more

power– Low-flows=more

exposed hazards


• Day Length and Light– Low light and low sun

angles cause poor visibility (reflections, flat light, etc..)

– Plan your day accordingly


• Weather/Water Conditions– Multi-day trips– Temperature– Fog– Snow– Debris– Turbidity


• Personal Considerations– Clothing

(sunglasses, brimmed hat, non-cotton, etc..)

– Fatigue– General Health

Boat Operation

• Running Rapids– Ability to safely run a rapid or negotiate a

hazard is based on at least the following 7 elements:

Boat Operation

• Running Rapids1) Water Depth and

Velocity

Boat Operation

2. Air Entrainment (how white is it?)

3. Technical Difficulty

4. Boat Size/Type

5 Boat Load

6 Skill

7 Water/air temp

On- Water Interactions• Be aware of potential use conflicts. ALL

rivers have current (no pun intended), cultural or historical uses.

Weight Distribution Considerations

-Know weight capacity of boat-Keep center of gravity Low-Keep boat balanced-Leave room for passengers-Protect and organized gear-Protect boat and passengers from gear

Reason Why Bad Things Happen

1. Inexperience - Trying too much too fast

2. Complacency - Losing sight of the risks involved.

3. Accidents - They do happen.

4. Fooling around - Use good judgment.

5. Fatigue – Again, know when its time to quit for the day.

Reason Why Bad Things Happen

6. Poor communication - Make sure everyone knows their responsibilities. Don’t assume others are looking out. Consider assigning a raft or person to each other.

7. Lack of preparation - Make sure you are prepared knowledge of the water.

8. Poor or inadequate equipment - Carefully examine your equipment before the trip and replace damaged equipment before you go.

9. Mother Nature - Know the weather forecast and predicted water level changes.

If you go Overboard• Defensive swimming - Keep

your feet up and in front of you pointed downstream. Use the current (ferry angle) to eddy out

• Aggressive swimming – Aggressive swimming entails expending energy as you actively swim, usually toward an eddy, raft, throw line, or other form of safety.

Hypothermia

• a lowering of the body core temperature.

• Signs are: shivering vigorously, pale skin, confusion, clumsiness, and slurred speech.

• Remove from environment, Get dry and gently warm. Take a Wilderness First Aid Class

10 Absolutes of River Rescue:1. Always wear a PFD.

2. The priorities at the scene are always self-rescue first, the rescue and security of fellow teammates second, and the equipment and victims last.

3. Always have a backup plan that is well understood by all.

10 Absolutes of River Rescue:4. Always deploy upstream spotters above the location of

the rescue operation to warn or stop other boaters - ideally on both sides of the river.

5. Always have multiple downstream backups.6. Always use the right equipment.7. Never count on victims to help in their own rescue.

10 Absolutes of River Rescue:8. Never tie a rope around a rescuer and always use a

downstream back-up.

9. Once the victim is contacted, never let go unless your life is at risk.

10. Never put your feet down if swept away and swimming. Always crawl out of the river.

Emergency Equipment: • Bail bucket or hand bilge pump(s) • Repair kit - Have a dedicated repair box

for each boat. Maintain that box and replace parts, glue, and material as needed.

• First Aid Kit (small kit on each boat and large kit on trip leaders boat)

• Extra paddle/oar

Non-Motorized Boat Operator Course. Course Layout Day 1 Classroom Day 2 Boat Orientation/Field.

Documents

Transcript of Non-Motorized Boat Operator Course. Course Layout Day 1 Classroom Day 2 Boat Orientation/Field.