Basic Knowledge of Rescue Boats

Basic Knowledge of Rescue Boats – Master ferry angles, weight distribution, and eddy approaches for safe rescues

Ferry Angle

The ferry angle is a technique used to adjust the orientation of a boat according to the river’s flow and conditions. This is especially useful for rescue operations and avoiding obstacles when moving downstream.

Boat Orientation

Pointing Upstream: The boat’s bow (front) should always be pointed upstream to maximize control and maneuverability.
Avoid Pointing Downstream: If the bow faces downstream, the boat’s responsiveness decreases, making it harder to control.

Fundamentals of the Ferry Angle

Bow Angle: Adjust the bow to 15–30 degrees relative to the upstream direction. This allows the current to push against the side of the boat, making lateral movement easier.
Response Control: The stronger the current, the stronger the boat’s response.
- If the bow is angled left, the boat will naturally move left.
- If the bow is angled right, the boat will naturally move right.

Considerations for Rescue Operations

Counteracting Movement:
- When rescuing someone on the right side of the boat, the current may pull the boat in that direction.
- To maintain position, use the motor to counteract this pull by adjusting in the opposite direction.

Practical Handling

Holding Position:
- During a rescue, the boat’s bow naturally shifts rightward.
- Use the motor to compensate and stabilize the boat’s position.
Understanding the Current:
- Assess the current’s strength and direction to adjust the ferry angle accordingly.

Managing Boat Load During Turns

Managing weight distribution is essential for safe turning, particularly when using Jon boats.

Basic Principles

Positioning Crew on the Downstream Side:
- This helps prevent capsizing during a turn, ensuring stability.

Crew Instructions

When Traveling Upstream

Right Turn: Move all crew members to the right side to counterbalance the boat’s tilt.
Left Turn: Move all crew members to the left side for stability.

When Traveling Downstream

Sharp Right Turn: Move all crew members to the left side.
Sharp Left Turn: Move all crew members to the right side.

Key Safety Points

Boat Tilt Awareness: These are general guidelines, but always assess your boat’s tilt and water intake risk.
Downstream Turns: Boats may naturally tilt upstream, requiring extra caution, especially when making tight turns near obstacles.

Understanding Boat Limits

Know Your Boat’s Limits: Be familiar with how your boat handles different situations and distribute crew weight accordingly.
Prevent Water Intake: Avoid letting upstream waves spill into the boat, reducing the risk of capsizing.

Different Boat Types

Understanding how different boats handle can improve maneuverability.

Shuttlecraft Features

Highly Responsive:
- Unlike flat-bottom boats, Shuttlecraft moves as if on rails due to its hydrodynamic design.
Eddy Turns:
- When entering an eddy downstream, Shuttlecraft lifts its bow slightly, allowing smoother repositioning.

Jon Boats & Flat-Bottom Boats

Less Responsive than Shuttlecraft
Eddy Turns:
- Unlike Shuttlecraft, their bow does not lift as much, making maneuvering slower.

General Boat Handling Principles

Know Your Boat:
- Each boat has unique handling characteristics. Learn how it responds in different water conditions.
Practice & Experience:
- The best way to understand boat handling is through hands-on training.

Approaching an Eddy

Eddies are areas of slow or reverse currents behind obstacles. Entering them correctly ensures better boat control.

Upstream Approach

Use the Ferry Angle:
- Approach at 15–30 degrees into the eddy.
Throttle Control:
- Reduce speed before entering strong eddies.
- Increase throttle slightly if needed to avoid obstacles.
Find a Safe Position:
- Once inside the eddy, adjust the boat to maintain position.
Rescue Operations:
- Eddies provide a safe zone for rescues, especially when fighting against strong currents.

Downstream Approach

Boat Positioning:
- Keep about one boat length away from the target area.
Tight Peel Turn:
- Steer the boat sharply into the eddy, ensuring stability.
Balance the Load:
- Once inside, distribute weight evenly to avoid tilting.
Throttle Adjustment:
- Reduce speed immediately to maintain position.

Exiting an Eddy

When leaving an eddy, two methods are commonly used:

Downstream Eddy Turn

Set a Ferry Angle:
- Position the boat so that the current helps guide it out.
Execute a Sharp Turn:
- Steer towards the downstream direction while maintaining control.

Ferry Angle Exit

Adjust Ferry Angle:
- Offset the impact of the river’s flow.
Use the Motor:
- Gradually steer upstream as you leave the eddy.

Conclusion

Understanding how to approach and exit eddies is crucial for effective boat operation in rescue scenarios. Mastering ferry angles, throttle control, and weight distribution ensures safer and more efficient rescues.

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References　National Fire Protection Association (NFPA)