Charts & Navigation

• Sounding: The depth of the water as measured from the chart datum (usually Mean Lower Low Water).

• Units of Sounding: Feet, fathoms, or meters.

• Fathom Conversion: 1 fathom = 6 feet.

• Latitude: Horizontal lines (parallels) measuring degrees north or south of the Equator.

• Longitude: Vertical lines (meridians) measuring degrees east or west of the Prime Meridian.

• Measurements:

  • 1 degree of latitude = 60 nautical miles.

  • 1 nautical mile = 1 minute of latitude.

• Navigation Aids (Chart Symbols):

  • Can: Green, cylindrical, marks the port side when returning from sea.

  • Nun: Red, conical (triangular), marks the starboard side when returning from sea.

  • Preferred Channel Buoy: Red and green horizontal bands; the top color indicates the preferred channel (e.g., top green means keep the buoy to port for the main channel).

  • Day-mark (Day-beacon): An unlighted structure fixed to the shore or in the water. Identified by: 1) Shape, 2) Color, and 3) Number/Letter.

Boat Systems & Equipment

• Storage & Interior:

  • Most aft storage: Lazarette.

  • Lowest part of interior: Bilge.

  • Pulpits & Lifelines: Designed to prevent crew from falling overboard.

  • Safest place to step: Amidships (where the boat has the least freeboard and the most stability).

• Environmental Compliance:

  • Oil: Never discharge oil into the water.

  • Trash/Packaging: It is illegal to discharge plastics or packaging into the water (MARPOL).

• Safety Gear:

  • Harness/Tether/Jack-line: Equipment used to keep crew secured to the boat while on deck in heavy weather or at night.

• Components:

  • Transom: The vertical surface forming the stern of the boat.

  • Rudderpost: The shaft that connects the rudder to the steering mechanism.

  • Through-hull fitting: A hole cut in the hull to allow water in or out (e.g., for cooling, head, or cockpit drains).

  • Binnacle: The stand or housing that holds the compass and sometimes the steering wheel.

Lights & Rules of the Road

• Vessel Requirements:

  • Under 65.5 ft (20m): Standard navigation lights (sidelights, stern light, masthead or combined lantern).

  • Note: Sailing vessels under sail use sidelights and a stern light.

• Diving Flags:

  • Alpha: Blue and white flag; indicates a vessel has a diver down and is restricted in ability to maneuver.

  • Diver Down: Red flag with a white diagonal stripe; indicates divers are in the water.

• Rules:

  • Lookout: Every vessel must at all times maintain a proper lookout by sight and hearing.

  • Collision Course: If you are on an obvious collision course, you must take early and substantial action to avoid collision.

  • Right of Way: Starboard tack has the right of way over port tack. Windward boat keeps clear of leeward boat.

Anchoring, Docking & Towing

• Anchor Rode: The line and/or chain connecting the anchor to the boat. Two types: All chain (best for heavy weather) or Rope/Chain combination (lighter, easier to handle).

• Scope: The ratio of the length of the rode to the depth of the water. For overnight, a minimum of 5:1 to 7:1 is standard.

• Bottom Type: Danforth anchors excel in sand or soft mud.

• Missing Mooring: Do not stop; circle back and try again.

• Dragging: Reset immediately.

• Spring Lines: Lines used to prevent the boat from moving forward or backward along a dock.

• Towing: Tie your line to a strong point (primary cleat) on your boat, not the rudder or steering gear.

Weather & Meteorology

• Reefing: Reducing sail area when the wind increases to maintain stability and prevent excessive heeling.

• Marine Weather: The most important source is NOAA Weather Radio (VHF Channel WX).

• Barometer:

  • Rising: Improving weather (High pressure).

  • Falling: Approaching bad weather (Low pressure).

  • Rapid Change: Approaching storm/front.

• Cloud Types:

  • Cumulonimbus: Towering, thunderstorm clouds.

  • Cirrus: High, wispy (often fair weather, but can indicate change).

• Reduced Visibility:

  1. Slow down.

  2. Post a dedicated lookout.

  3. Monitor radar/GPS and listen for sound signals.

Emergency Procedures

• Hypothermia:

  • Stages: 1) Shivers/goosebumps. 2) Apathy/confusion. 3) Unconsciousness/death.

  • Treatment: Remove wet clothing, warm gradually, do not massage limbs.

  • PFD: Use the HELP (Heat Escape Lessening Position)—draw knees to chest and arms to sides.

• Grounding:

  1. Stop the boat/drop sails.

  2. Check for leaks.

  3. Check depth around the boat.

  4. Determine tide direction (is it rising or falling?).

  5. Check for structural damage.

  6. Determine if you can kedge off or need assistance.

• Fire: Use the P-A-S-S method: Pull the pin, Aim at the base of the fire, Squeeze the handle, Sweep side to side.

• Engine Failure:

  • Most common reason: Fuel issues (dirty filters, air in lines).

  • Action: Check fuel level, check filters, check for water in fuel.

• Fouled Prop: If a line is in the prop, stop the engine immediately to prevent seal damage.

Knots

• Figure 8: Stopper knot to keep line from slipping through a block.

• Bowline: Creates a fixed loop at the end of a line; essential for attaching sheets to jibs.

• Clove Hitch: Used for temporary securing to a piling or rail.

• Reef Knot: Used to tie two lines of equal diameter together (not for heavy loads).

• Round Turn with 2 Half Hitches: Used to secure a line to a piling or cleat for a semi-permanent hold.

Quick Study Tip: Since you are preparing for an ASA 103 practical, review the “Right of Way” diagrams on page 81 of Sailing Fundamentals repeatedly—visualizing these scenarios is the best way to master them for the exam.

Do you feel confident about the “Rules of the Road” sections, or would you like a few practice scenarios to test your knowledge?