Features of water transport
Moving on water is not like moving on a road.
- No brakes: a boat keeps moving after the engine stops because of inertia. Water gives only small resistance, so the boat glides. It also cannot stop quickly.
- No fixed lanes: the water is open space, so every boat must look out for others.
- Wind, waves, current and tide move the boat, even with the engine off. A boat can drift on to rocks or into other boats.
- Help is far away: there is no roadside garage or ambulance, so the crew must manage alone for a while.
- Steering is slow: the boat turns only after the rudder or engine direction is changed, and it keeps sliding sideways a little.
In the 3D, a simple model is used: the boat glides about 3 m for each 1 km/h of speed. A real boat depends on its size, load and water, but the idea is the same: go slow when close to things.
The master's duties and conduct
The master (skipper, captain) is the person in charge of the boat. The master is responsible for the boat, the people, the cargo and the sea around them.
- Before leaving: check the fuel and engine, check the hull for leaks, count life jackets (one for each person), check the weather and sea forecast, and tell someone ashore the plan and expected return time.
- Load: carry no more people or goods than the boat is made for. Overloading is the most common cause of capsizing.
- While sailing: keep a proper lookout with eyes and ears, stay sober and awake, keep a safe speed, and keep passengers seated and in life jackets.
- In trouble: help anyone in danger if it is safe to do so, call for help on the radio or phone, and report accidents to the authority.
- Conduct: be calm, polite and responsible. The master's decisions protect everyone, so passengers must follow them.
Rules for small-vessel operators
Countries have written rules so that boats are safe for everyone. The names differ, but the ideas are the same.
- Licence: the operator must pass a test and hold a licence for the type and size of boat.
- Boat papers: the boat is registered and inspected, and the engine and equipment are in good order.
- Safety equipment: life jackets, lifebuoy, fire extinguisher, anchor, rope, signalling items, and a way to call for help.
- Speed: slow down near swimmers, ports, narrow channels and other boats.
- No alcohol or drugs for the operator.
- Keep the sea clean: no dumping of oil, plastic or waste in water.
- Report: accidents and dangerous incidents must be reported.
Breaking these rules can lead to fines, loss of the licence, or worse, injury and loss of life.
Try it
Push a toy boat or a bowl in a tub of water and let go. See it glide. Push it harder and see it glide farther. Then put more coins in it until it sinks low: that is overloading. Notice how little extra weight makes it unsafe.
Key formulas and definitions
- Master's five checks (F-L-W-T-L): Fuel, Life jackets, Weather, Tell someone, Lookout.
- Glide distance in the 3D = 3 m x speed in km/h.
- Safe load = number of people x average weight must not be more than the boat's limit.
- Fuel rule of thirds: one third to go, one third to return, one third reserve.
Worked examples
1. The boat goes at 12 km/h and the engine stops. Using the 3D rule (3 m per km/h), how far does it glide?
Glide = 3 x 12 = 36 m.
2. A boat can carry 450 kg of people. Eight people of 70 kg each want to board. Is it safe?
Total weight = 8 x 70 = 560 kg. This is more than 450 kg, by 110 kg. It is not safe. At most 6 people (6 x 70 = 420 kg) should go.
3. The tank holds 60 litres. Using the rule of thirds, how much fuel can be used on the way out?
One third of 60 = 20 litres to go, 20 litres to return and 20 litres as reserve.
4. Why must a boat slow down near swimmers even when it can stop the engine in a second?
Stopping the engine does not stop the boat. It glides on. A fast boat needs a long distance to stop, so it could hit a swimmer. Slow speed means a short glide.
Common mistakes
- Thinking that switching off the engine stops the boat at once. It glides because of inertia.
- Letting "just one more" person board. Overloading can capsize the boat suddenly.
- Keeping life jackets in a locker and wearing them only after trouble starts. They should be worn, or at least within reach and sized for everyone.
- Starting the trip without telling anyone the plan or checking the weather.