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Powerboat ICC revision module 2 of 9

SAFE

Safety Prep and Crew Briefing

Lifejackets, kill cord, fuel, weather, communications, passenger briefings, and local limits.

kill cordlifejackets

3 guided lessons · 8 practice questions · 8 flashcards

3 outcomes · self-guided revision
  • Explain lifejackets, kill cord, fuel, weather, communications, passenger briefings, and local limits.
  • Apply kill cord to a realistic onboard situation.
  • Recall the core check: check fuel for the plan plus reserve.

A self-guided revision companion that explains essential concepts, then helps you practise and test them. It supports—but does not replace—recognised instruction, practical training, assessment or certification. Access is a one-time payment, not a subscription.

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Lesson routePre-Departure Checks0/3 read

Lesson 1 of 3

Pre-Departure Checks

Powerboat trips can go wrong quickly because speed compresses time. Pre-departure checks should cover weather, tide/current, fuel, engine, steering, kill cord, safety equipment, communications, crew clothing, and route limits.

A small open powerboat needs simple, reliable routines. Loose gear, low fuel, weak batteries, missing lifejackets, or an unbriefed crew become bigger problems at planing speed.

  • Check fuel for the plan plus reserve.
  • Check engine cooling, steering, controls, and kill cord.
  • Check lifejackets, VHF/phone, first aid, anchor, lines, bailer/pump, and lights if needed.
  • Secure loose gear before moving fast.
CheckWhyBad sign
Kill cordStops engine if helm leaves positionNot worn or wrong length
FuelPowerboats burn fuel quicklyNo reserve or uncertain quantity
Cooling tell-taleEngine cooling indicationNo flow or overheat alarm
Gear securePrevents injury/lossLoose bags, tanks, lines, anchor
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Lesson 2 of 3

Kill Cord Discipline

If the boat is fitted with a kill cord, it should be attached to the driver before starting and used correctly whenever the engine is running. It must not be wrapped around controls, clipped to the boat, or ignored because the trip is short.

Changing helm requires a deliberate handover: throttle neutral where appropriate, new driver briefed, kill cord transferred, lookout maintained, and passengers controlled.

  • Attach kill cord to the driver, not the boat.
  • Use it before starting the engine.
  • Transfer it deliberately during helm change.
  • Carry a spare if appropriate to the boat.
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Lesson 3 of 3

Crew and Passenger Briefing

Briefing should be short enough to remember and clear enough to change behaviour. Cover lifejackets, seating, handholds, moving around, propeller danger, emergency stop, man overboard, radio/phone, and what to do if the helm is incapacitated.

Passengers should know that the safest place may be seated and holding on. Crew should know lines, fenders, lookout, anchor, and emergency tasks.

  • Brief before leaving the berth or beach.
  • Give passengers simple movement rules.
  • Nominate a lookout when speed or traffic increases.
  • Tell someone how to stop the engine and call for help.
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