Steve Johnson's Boating Safety

Most military ships, both Navy and Coast Guard, stationed in the Atlantic and Caribbean regions, visit Guantanamo Bay, Cuba for intense training called REFTRA which stands for Refresher Training. It is absolutely the most effective and practical education there is available anywhere in the maritime world. Through tough, expertly designed and delivered exercises, the training hones skill sets that make the ship and crew ready for any contingency, in all conditions or threat levels.  
 

Each night vessels return from sea off the Southern Coast of Cuba following a long day filled with countless drills and preparation for things like navigation, Search and Rescue, and other duties. US Navy Port Control assigns a different berth depending on mission and schedule. It is a very busy place when it comes to ship traffic so dock space can be limited. In command of the ship’s navigation as the deck watch officer, my duty was to safely pilot the ship into port and dock safely at the pier. Port Control decided the outside berth between two large US Navy Arleigh Burke class destroyers would be the location. In addition to the very difficult position, the prevailing wind was strong, especially in the evening hours blowing off the dock. A mere 200 yards from that very same side of the pier was shoal; complete with jagged rocks jutting sharply out of the water. No room for error, everything was literally riding on this task performed correctly.

The initial course to the starboard side berth – “port side to” – placed me below or to the left of the entrance at the beginning of the pier which would provide for the wind striking on the port side of the ship blowing me safely through the narrow gap. It’s a technique not for the faint of heart, as it relied on the force of the wind providing lateral movement. Once in the shadow of the first Navy destroyer the wind ceased to have an effect on control and I could now maneuver more effectively with engines and rudder. Preparing for the upcoming wind blowing me off the dock again as I breached the open and narrow space in between the ships, my objective was to decrease the surface volume of the superstructure of my vessel, lessening the adverse pushing effects of the wind. Retracting the helicopter hanger gave me the needed reduction of exposed side structure. Shortly thereafter, final reach. We are safely docked alongside, with all lines made fast. It could have gone wrong if not for continual training. 

 

It’s something all boaters should consider. Understanding the pros and cons of side forces can make you a better pilot in every aspect.  Each vessel has a unique character when operating in the wind. Knowing and understanding how  “Sail Effect” can be harnessed and controlled for your benefit and is one factor to boat handling success. Next time the wind starts to blow brisk take advantage of the situation and practice. You’ll be glad you did.

An explanation of LORAN (Long Range Navigation)

LORAN is an acronym for Long Range Navigation. It is currently an obsolete terrestrial radio navigation system which enabled ships and aircraft to precisely determine their position and speed from low frequency radio signals transmitted by fixed land based radio beacons, using a dedicated receiver unit. 

 

The final version of LORAN in North America was LORAN-C, which operated in the low frequency level of the radio spectrum from 90 to 110 kHz. Russia used a nearly identical system in the same frequency range, called CHAYKA. LORAN was in steep decline in the ’90s and early part of the 21st century with the satellite-based Global Positioning System being the preferred technology that eventually replaced it. 
 

However, there have been attempts to enhance and re-popularize LORAN, mainly to serve as a backup and land-based alternative to GPS and other satellite navigation systems. The current program has been phased out in the United States and Canada. The United States Coast Guard and Canadian Coast Guard ceased transmitting LORAN-C signals in early 2010. The other updated version of the navigation tool was E-Loran, primarily used in other parts of the globe. It was discontinued December 31, 2015 with international authorities leaving a few stations operating in the European sector ... just in case.
 

Instruction of this type of navigation skill was a requirement until a few years ago and to this day the training charts used in USCG license examinations are full of these remnant lines. 
 

Through the use of a Loran Linear Interpolator scale (upper right hand corner on the navigational paper chart graphic) you could very accurately determine your position. Even on some of the GPS Multi-Function Displays there is evidence of E-LORAN input in the operating systems. 
 

Why return to an old way of navigation? Maybe because it is terrestrial, not dependent on the premium cost and crowded space of satellites that orbit the Earth. Back-up systems are always critical to ensure accuracy regardless of the type vessel, aircraft, or vehicle you are operating. Are you absolutely sure your GPS is providing correct information all the time? Navigation is a vast arena of technology and utility. 
 

The return of LORAN can certainly help maintain a consistent environment and help reduce incidents that can develop with too little or inaccurate  sensor input.

 

Safe boating is no accident

That headline can be interpreted in a few different ways as in: preparation, education, and the positive results of these types of measures. Compared to other modes of transportation, boating is unique. You’re not required to have a complicated license unless you are taking passengers for hire or for commercial application. Driving your vehicle is demanding enough. Now factor in boating which most enthusiasts do at part-time intervals. Remember the road driving test? The final driving exam with actual demonstration of the newly acquired skills and abilities for complicated maneuvering.

 

In the maritime world of schooling and assessment, that’s where simulation now comes into play complementing actual experience and lecture based instruction.  Virtual immersion of the student into various scenarios, some hazardous, provides the opportunity to apply skills learned in the classroom.

It’s a perfect platform for a vital training element called Error Trapping; learning from mistakes and isolating the behavior to reduce further incidence in the future. There are maritime simulators around the country at various institutions and academies. The U.S. Power Squadron has a portable one at the Atlanta Boat Show each year and I would highly recommend you visit the booth to see the technology in action. 
 

The real question is: How does boating safety education correlate to a better experience on the water? The answer comes in many different forms: classroom, online, simulation, an especially hands-on, real time practice. If you encounter an incident or close call while on the lake you should go over the event’s time line, if that’s possible. Far too many emergencies occurred last year due to excessive speed with improper navigation, something that can be greatly reduced if boaters would learn and apply the basics.
 

Above all other factors of maritime awareness, the highest priority is familiarization with your vessel and having an additional person qualified to handle the craft properly, in case the primary operator is incapacitated. 
 

I’m not suggesting that everyone should attend some type of formal license education, unless required by law, but each operator should be proficient in all aspects of safe boating when underway and prepare for any and all contingencies. This can be accomplished with routine briefings and practice drills to hone the necessary skills.
 

Here’s three general guidance categories needed for safe boating for your consideration:

That’s all you need to begin your journey to a better, on the water, understanding. It does take time but these items are achievable with the proper system or training plan in place. Imagine the improvement of safety for you, fellow passengers, and other boaters that share the lake with you. 
 

Please contact me to discover how to develop and personally design your own approach for safer boating, ultimately providing an improved experience on your vessel for everyone. 

It is absolutely true ... Safe Boating Is No Accident.

July is a significant month full of celebration and patriotic events. Boaters have the opportunity to enjoy the fireworks show from unique position, out on the lake. It’s certainly an excellent vantage point, with clear, calm weather and surface. There are also many other vessels in your vicinity doing the same thing and that can pose a collision hazard once they begin moving.

 

Red, white and blue always takes center stage during July festivities, the proud colors of our flag ... but that’s not what I am referring to. There’s a different combination of shade: red, white and green. They are the colors of running lights found on watercraft of all sizes, even the wings of aircraft. Their sole mission is to provide the observer the direction of travel, also known as aspect and or target angle, for those with military experience.
 

The following example of this genius system with light demarcation lines provides the very core – extremely important information – for collision avoidance. As stated in the Navigation Rules of the Road, lights should be displayed during periods of darkness or restricted visibility. Actually most vessels equipped will exhibit them any time they are underway, especially commercial vessels. Lines that separate the colors into sectors have meaning beginning with;
 

Side Lights

• Red is left (port)

• Green is right (starboard)

Stern Light

• White

Masthead Light

• White

• Yellow (used for commercial towing and public service vessels, flashing).
 

When you see these lights it provides the most important part of visualization of the approaching water craft. For instance, if you see a red light then you are looking at the other boat’s left side and you are obligated to turn right, slow down, or both to avoid an incident. In a head-on situation you would see both red and green, and the white masthead light. White light only would indicate you were observing from astern. There are only three types of situations described in the Rules of the Road.

This one graphic, with the distinct colors and division of sectors with lines of demarcation speaks volumes of quick, easy to interpret, information.
 

Propose this idea to enhance safe boating and proper action to operating rules of collision avoidance. Place this small decal in the helm area to provide immediate visual reference. Graphics are universal in nature crossing the boundary of spoken language. Small, seemingly insignificant, pictures, displayed where they can best be seen at all times while operating underway both day and night, will deliver outstanding results and can help moderate risk when navigating a vessel. 
 

Contact me if you want to learn more about and apply this technique to enhance your safety on the water.

How many times have you heard that saying? It’s so true regardless how it is applied. Proficiency in boating is no exception. The concept is the very reason why US Coast Guard licenses or the International Standards are renewed every five years. Think of the amount of time spent on your boat if you are a weekend and holiday enthusiast. How does it compare in terms of time to other parts of your daily routine? 

 

Time is marching on ... so should your learning curve. Actual experience is the absolute best teacher of all. Boating safety training should be part of your mariner experience. There are a few different opinions in the professional maritime instructor community about the frequency regarding renewal of license and knowledge. 
 

My belief and witness tells me loud and clear that initially, know-how in planning and preparation are the introductory elements to safer boating. License renewal does little to solve that need but there are ways to always be ready.  
 

Best practices often come in smaller portions, the trade secret to boating safety education. Look back and remember how it felt to “cram” for an exam after many hours of class! Now ask yourself ... did I learn anything in the process? Lesser units of training deliver the greatest success: both in duration of the seminar and the mastery of the content. 
 

Consider a safety class offered by the USCG Auxiliary, Power Squadron, or other institutions credentialed to offer this service. That’s only the beginning. Something I recommend: dedicate time out of each trip to go over certain items with your passengers and crew. Such short briefings deliver benefits in numerous ways.
 

Here’s a sample list of topics to cover or design your own based on your specific boating needs:

Take a few moments to go over these items each time you venture out on the water. Not only will it enrich the knowledge and protection of others, you will also garner added expertise of your skill sets as a safe boat operator. Additional information about this process can be found on the internet or contact me for more details.
 

Always keep in mind, “Use it or lose it!”