Safety Talk - Coxswain Preparation
Coxswain PreparationThe Coxswain of the Dive Boat is an essential and integral part of any dive trip involving boats. In Nautical terms the Cox is deemed "Master before God" and their authority overrides that of the Dive Marshal on the day with regard to the safety of the boat and it's passengers.
It is therefor important that the Coxswain is suitably prepared for the activity in much the same way as the boat and the divers are prepared. This will include they are properly informed, have suitable training and experience and have made appropriate preparations.
Get Informed
Keeping up to date with information is as vital for boat Coxswains as it is for divers. The principles of seamanship over the years has become an established tradition for an island nation that is the UK and change less rapidly than in a comparatively new sport such as diving. Nevertheless, new and developing technology and the latest theories and regulations and the implications of new and developing activities (including diving) mean that there is still a need to update your knowledge and skills.
| Seamanship: a Guide for Divers Foreword  As National Diving Officer of the world's largest dive club I am extremely proud to have been asked to present this new edition of the BSAC's manual Seamanship: a guide for divers. Divers naturally crave to diversify and deepen their knowledge of all aspects of their Sport and the British Sub-Aqua Club exists to support its members in the attainment of new understanding through varied and inspiring Skill Development Courses. The result is a club of divers who are not only skilled in conducting diving operations, but are also competent, 'rounded' divers with expertise in a number of diving-related activities. Often these divers have come to understand the thrill of successfully, independently and safely navigating a boat to new dive sites and, through knowledge of tides, charts and electronic aids, are able to predict the underwater conditions for a dive. No text can replace the experience of going to sea with competent, experienced instructors who can guide you through the practical lessons to be learned about seamanship. However, this volume does prepare divers for their first experiences of going to sea to dive and it also serves as a reference manual for divers wishing to improve on many aspects of diving-related seamanship. Over the years I have had the good fortune to dive with some of the BSAC's great adventurers and through them have experienced dives in the remotest parts of the UK and the excitement of independent exploration. This manual represents the beginning of an expedition of understanding, fun and adventure. Clare Peddie National Diving Officer British Sub-Aqua Club |
Other BSAC Shop items
The BSAC Shop stocks a selected range of books that provide additional specialist knowledge and chartwork practice for responsible boat coxswains.
Get trained
| BOATHANDLER REQUIREMENTS It is essential that the handling of a RIB is carried out under the control of a qualified person at all times. This includes not only the on-site slow-speed manoeuvring during diving operations but also during the passage from launch point to site and vice versa. Qualifications The CDA considers that the most appropriate qualification for a boathandler to have, when operating a RIB involved in recreational diving activities, is the CDA Diver Coxswain award. This award is given after the candidate has passed the boathandling assessment, which includes appropriate diving operational skills and manoeuvring techniques. Other qualifications are available from other training associations but it is paramount that only qualifications that include specific aspects of diving operations, should be accepted for diving operations. Experience There are many boathandlers involved in branch diving activities, who have been successfully handling planing craft for many years and have never gained a recognised qualification. They may be members who have been taught by other experienced members during diving activities or gained the experience by owning their own boat. They may also have proved, over a number of years, that they are capable of handling a RIB in all the required circumstances associated with branch/club diving activities. Their experience may be limited to specific types of boat and/or specific limitations of weather conditions. It is important that these limitations are acknowledged and not exceeded. It is highly recommended that these experienced persons do take the CDA Diver Coxswain Award to formally confirm their skills. Training Attending a basic boathandling course does not imply that the person is competent at boathandling. Many of the skills taught may require further practice before that handler becomes competent. For this reason evidence of attending a boathandling course alone should not be considered evidence of the person’s competence. For the new boathandler there needs to be additional evidence, in the form of logged hours, of experience in a variety of sea conditions, using various manoeuvring skills before the training is accepted. Training on more advanced courses may be considered sufficient evidence of competence since the boathandler would have been required to show competence in their basic skills as a pre-requisite for the course. It is therefore imperative that, in selecting a boathandler to manage a RIB on a recreational diving operation, all experience and training is taken into account when judging their suitability. The risk assessment associated with the trip must take into account the personal limitations and/or experience of the proposed boathandler. While it is ideal that every dive boat should be under the direct control of a CDA Diver Coxswain provision must be made for the times when this Diver Coxswain wishes to dive themselves. For such circumstances there must always be another boathandler, deemed competent by the Coxswain under the conditions that prevail on site at the time, available to manage the boat for the duration of the dive, and in an emergency, recover the divers and boat to a safe haven. If such a person is not available then the Diver Coxswain should not dive. extract from CDA Guidelines for Safe Operation of Member Club Boats |
Boathandling
This course is designed to give members with little or no previous experience an insight into the safe use of small power boats, the equipment they should carry and a knowledge of seamanship, tides and weather which govern their safe use. The course syllabus is recognised training for the BSAC Diver Cox'n Certificate.
Boat Handling Syllabus
Boat Handling Course dates
Diver Cox
Having completed a Boat Handling Course and gained further experience, prove your competence as a dive boat handler by taking the assessment for the BSAC Diver Cox'n Award.
An 1 day practical assessment from which successful candidates will gain the BSAC Diver Cox'n qualification.
Diver Cox'n Syllabus
Diver Cox'n Course dates
Chartwork & Position Fixing
This course provides an introduction to the art of marine chartwork and tidal predictions. Ideal for those looking for wrecks or new dive sites.
This two day course is aimed at instructing members in the basic techniques of marine navigation to a level which will help them as active divers in planning and managing dives undertaken by a typical BSAC Branch.
Chartwork and Position Fixing Syllabus
Chartwork and Position Fixing Course dates
Outboard Maintenance
This one-day course looks at the design and operation of modern outboard engines; owner servicing, fault finding and rectification. It will also cover the care of the boat hull and trailer.
Outboard Engine and Boat Maintenance Syllabus
Outboard and Boat Maintenance Course dates
Short Range Certificate Course (GMDSS)
This one-day course replaces the Marine Radio Course (VHF Restricted).Due to changes in the assessment of this GMDSS Course, the BSAC is unable to offer this course as part of the coaching programme. Members wishing to attend the Short Range Course should contact BSAC HQ for a list of available instructors and advice.
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On completion of Boat Handling, Diver Cox'n, Chartwork and Position Fixing, and Outboard and Boat Maintenance Courses, members can apply for the Seamanship Specialist Award. Application forms are available from the Technical Department at HQ. Download the APPLICATION FORM (in pdf format). |
First Aid
As Coxswain you are often the first point of contact in dealing with any diving situation including diving medical emergencies. It would make sense therefor to be trained in relevant First Aid Skills and especially in the Administration of O2 as the primary first aid measure in any diving medical problems.
Oxygen Administration
The aim of this one-day course is to teach the administration of oxygen as a means of increasing the effectiveness of the first aid treatment of diving accidents. The course requires no prior knowledge of oxygen equipment but it is necessary too have an up-to-date knowledge of diving related disorders and their symptoms.
Oxygen Administration Syllabus
Oxygen Administration Course dates
Other Courses to consider:
First Aid for Divers
Practical Rescue Management
Rescue First Aid
Get prepared
Under the SOLAS (Safety Of Life At Sea) V Regulations there are certain requirements placed on people in charge of a vessel and these include the need to check weather and tidal information and take a record of these aboard the boat as well as prepare an adequate Voyage Plan. The SOLAS guidelines also recommend having various checklists available.
Casualty Evaluation Card
First Aid Kits
Diver Recall Systems
DSMB emergency systems
Life Saving Signals
EQUIPMENT
LIFEJACKETS
Whilst the CDA Guidelines accept that BC's and zipped up drysuits may be adequate for the crew of a diving RIB they clearly indicate that the Coxswain should always wear a lifejacket while operating in that role. This is because it is important that the person in charge of the boat is safeguarded in the event a serious incident or capsize of the boat. Where crew members fall overboard the Cox should be able to react sufficiently quickly to ensure they are recovered quickly and safely. However, should the Cox go overboard then there may be a delay whilst someone else takes control of the boat and is in a position to recover the Cox (see Kill Cord). This delay could have fatal consequences if the Cox is not supported by a Lifejacket on the surface.
LIFEJACKETS Care and maintenance
KILL CORDS
A key element for the safety of all on board a vessel is the safe and proper use of the engine kill cord. To understand more about the importance of this essential piece of Safety Equipment see the article on Kill Cords by Tim Moxey.
THERMAL PROTECTION
Perhaps the most important consideration for anyone in an open RIB is staying warm and comfortable and this applies as much if not more to the Cox than the crew. Even in summer months the wind created by one of these open craft adds a significant chill to the diver both on the way to the site and on a return journey. The crew can of course seek some shelter during the journey but the Cox will be exposed by virtue of their position at the controls. Keeping warm is vital to maintaining the level of concentration necessary to operate the boat properly.
Wear a hat
Up to 75% of our body heat can be lost through the head area, because of it's high level of blood supply and need to avoid fully enclosing it. In summer months a simple baseball style cap may be adequate to avoid excessive heat loss and give some protection from the sun.In winter or on cooler days a more appropriate version would be a hat with more insulating properties such as the Thinsulate wooly hat available from the BSAC Shop.
HIGH PERFORMANCE 3-IN-1 REGATTA ALL WEATHER JACKETOuter - Waterproof, windproof and breathable fabric with taped seams, concealed hood, adjustable cuffs, studded storm flap, also multi pocketed including mobile phone and security pocket. Inner - Showerproof anti-pill symmetry fleece with connecting zip to outer.
This jacket is ideal for the non-diving Coxswain or crew member as it can be used in a variety of formats to suit the prevailing conditions. The outer jacket provides protection from the wind and rain whilst remaining flexible enough not to restrict movement in and around the boat. The inner lining can be removed in warm weather but gives lots of insulation for the colder months.
COMMUNICATIONS
Crew Briefing
Notice Ashore
VHF/DSC
Crew Preparation
This a further important aspect that a Coxswain should consider. Having a properly prepared Crew on board a dive boat not only helps ensure that the overall trip will run smoothly but also means that more competent people are available to assist you as Cox a times when you are otherwise occupied.
You will find additional information listing advice for Crew linked here CREW PREPARATION
This includes information on:
What to take
Insulation
stowage
briefing
As well as "what to take" checklists drawn from the Dive Planning Resource Centre
Personal Equipment - Download Word 6 file - Download PDF file
Additional Equipment - Download Word 6 file - Download PDF file
Spares List - Download Word 6 file - Download PDF file
Finally
Boat Care
RNLI Outboard Engine advice card
RNLI Inboard Engine advice card
Remember to check out the boat on short trips before committing to more adventurous activities
Any suggestions for further items for inclusion would be welcome and can be made to divesafe@bsac.com
Page last modified: 31st Jan 2008 - 15:40:51