8. Maintenance and Emergency Repairs

Rescue Boat Readiness

Before the ship leaves port and at all times during the voyage, all life-saving appliances shall be in working order and ready for immediate use. The Fast Rescue Boat must be launch-ready within 5 minutes.

Equipment Readiness

Fuels and Oils

• Boats fuel is to be full prior to launch and topped up at the end of every use for emergency use and to prevent moisture/condensation build up in fuel tank.
• Boats oil, hydraulic and cooling systems are full.
• Boats electrical system is to be fully charged and Zinc/lead anodes are in good shape.
• All lines, towing, rescue equipment is in the boat and in proper operational state and stored properly if applicable.
• All lights and search lights are functional.
• VHF radios are checked periodically for proper operation and kept covered.
• All dash indicators are working properly.
• Remember that after every use of the boat, the engines/jets should be flushed with fresh water to prevent corrosion.
• Jet boats should be run for a few seconds out of water to flush them.

Boats Batteries

• Boats batteries depending on the design can be 12 volt to 24 volts so understand your type of electrical system.
• Boats electrical systems can be hooked up to a trickle or low charging system while on ship
• While boat is sailing the boats batteries are charged by the alternator
• Depending on the battery checks on voltage, water level and hydrometer test

Emergency systems

Sea anchors provide a FRC the ability to stay in a near fixed position when deployed or to assist with towing operations by running it off the stern of the vessel being towed.

Emergency steering systems

• In case of loss of rudder or steering controls emergency steering systems or procedures should be practiced.
• For single screw boats using a rudder can be used, or an emergency steering handle.
• Twin screw boats, maneuvering can be done by adjusting the power on the engines.

Emergency Kill Switches

These are to be always tethered to the body. They shut the engine down when you are thrown clear or if it capsizes.

Hull Maintenance

Hulls should be in kept in good condition, fiber glass hulls should be repaired if cracks or breaks in the fiberglass appear as water will penetrate the flotation material and making the boat less buoyant and heavier, plus if and freezing takes place the expansion and contractions of the material will create further damage.

• Sponsons require to be checked for cracks penetrations and wear.
• Sponsons are projections from the sides of a watercraft, for protection, stability, or the mounting of equipment such as armaments or lifeboats.

Image Credits

1. Smart Marine Boating Fishing Outdoors. (2022). Outboard Kill Switch (Lanyard) & Keys. https://www.smartmarine.co.nz/product/3345/outboard-kill-switch-with-cord-lanyard-keys
2. Wing Inflatables. (n.d.). Zodiac 670 S.O.L.A.S. https://www.inflatablesolutions.com/replacement-sponsons.php