This page has been prepared to help Sunstar mates and coxswains (especially those newly qualified) when they use the club's boats. It covers the two boats; Calypso and Buzo. It cannot, in any way, replace the practical training and experience needed to become fully competent at preparing and using the boats.
This page is designed to be helpful. Please let the Boat Officer know if you see any way it can be improved.
A number of Sunstar forms and guides are available for download:
Calypso Logging in/out form (Word 44k)
Buzo Logging in/out form (Word 41k)
Passage planning (Word 81k)
Marshalling Sheet(Word 66k)
Operations guide (Word 42k) (This is reproduced below)
Manual for the VHF handheld(pdf 1.5M)
Also recommended reading are two other documents:
The first is "GUIDELINES FOR THE SAFE OPERATION OF MEMBER CLUB DIVE BOATS" produced by The Combined Diving Assocations (BSAC, SAA, SSAA, PADI) and is available on the BSAC website in the 'Boat Safety' section.
The second are the SOLAS V regulations for pleasure craft that came into force on 1st July 2002. This can be found on the MCGA site here. A summary of the key points of SOLAS V is provided here.
The Sunstar diary system can be used to book the boats. A suitably qualified cox must be on board the boat at all times (this means a second cox must be on the boat if the first cox intends to go diving!)
Authors: Dave Tonge/Ken Gould/Andrew Auchterlonie/Pete Young/Dave Lock (latest)
Issue 8; 2nd January 2010
These check lists have been prepared to help club mates and cox's (especially those newly qualified) when they use the club's boats. They cover the 2 boats; the Crompton Marine 7.2m RIB, Calypso, and the smaller Humber inflatable, Buzo, and their engines (Yamaha 200 for Calypso, and Mariner 40 for Buzo). They do not deal with the specialised electronics kit (Magnetometer, GPS systems, GMDSS or VHF radio or Echo Sounders). Nor can they in any way replace the practical training and experience needed to become fully competent at preparing and using the boats.
The check lists are designed to be helpful. Please let the Boat Officer know (or make a note below) if you see any way they can be improved.
Book the boats beforehand via club web site diary system, but also inform the Boat Officer directly. Please ensure you have keys both to the hut, and to the key cabinet which contains boat, fuel store and anti-theft devices keys. You will also need to know the combination of the lock on the door of the fuel store.
Ensure any required electronics is charged beforehand (eg magnetometer, hand-held VHF) etc...
Ensure that the necessary waypoints etc are set in the GPS for the planned main (and backup) dive sites.
1.1 Check all required equipment is aboard. A check list of kit is posted in the hut, and is also included on the back of the boat logging form (in the blue A4 ring binder on the table near the main door). Please make use of these.
Ensure as a minimum:
..plus appropriate electronics (eg GMDSS/VHFs, GPS, Echo Sounders, Magnetometer) together with cables and chargers for longer expeditions as appropriate.
1.2 Check the fuel tank is full (they should always be returned full), spare fuel may taken for longer voyages, and fuel for the Mariner 40 engine is the correct 50:1 petrol/oil mixture. The RIB main engine has a built-in tank with associated fuel gauge on the console, and a separate oil tank (inside the engine cover and under rear port side seat) which should always be topped up with 2-stroke oil before and after use.
The RIB auxiliary engine can be run from either the main fuel tank or from the dedicated auxiliary fuel tank.
Lead Replacement Petrol is recommended for the Mariner 40 engine, as this is less flammable and therefore safer to use than unleaded with portable tanks. Calypso's Yamaha 200 main engine has, however, been designed to run on unleaded petrol, and so this should be used. Access to the built-in tank is via the filler cap on the deck in front of the console.
1.3 Check that boat tubes are not too hard before towing, especially in hot sunny weather.
1.4 Once a month, the oil level in the engine gearboxes should be checked by removal of the upper level plug. If topping up is necessary, this should be done from the lower level (drain) plug to ensure against false readings. Check at the same time for any signs of oil emulsification, which could indicate a failing oil seal.
1.5 Once a month or at the start and end of a trip, whichever is more frequent, spray the entire engine area under the cover with a light coating of WD-40 and other areas showing any sign of salt corrosion.
1.6 Fill out the appropriate boat check list. There are lists for Calypso and Buzo in the A4 folder in the boat hut. For Calypso, record the engine hours figure which can be obtained from the engine hour meter on the base of the driver's seat.
Note: Check you are insured to tow BEFORE the day! You need to be over 25 years of age and have an appropriate licence to drive a 9-seat minibus and trailer combination. Anyone who passed their driving test after 1st January 1997 cannot tow a trailer greater than 750kg MAM (Maximum Authorised Mass) without taking a further test. (Such test is currently ~£90). This means that towing Buzo is ok for them, but Calypso (~1.9 tonnes) isn't.
2.1 RIB Calypso
Ensure the boat is properly secured to the trailer: check winch strap is taut (but not over-tightened) and winch ratchet is engaged. Check safety line secures winching eye to trailer. Check the two stern safety straps are in place between the transom eye-bolts and the trailer. Check the bow safety span-set is taught, but not over tight as to damage the rubbing strake. Check that the Yamaha 8 auxiliary engine is in the correct raised position and the tiller arm is secured. Check tow ball safety hawser is connected to the safety hawser eye and NOT looped around the tow ball. If there isn't one on the towing vehicle get one fitted!
Ensure the Yamaha 200 main engine is supported in a tilted position and the two mechanical engine supports are in place. Lower the engine down onto the supports until the engine's weight is taken the supports, rather than the hydraulic raising and lowering rams. Continue to wind the engine down so that the engine is hard against the support bracket. The engine tilt/trim mechanism prevents further movement of the engine whilst towing.
Turn off the main electric isolation key at the rear of the port side rear seat for transit.
Ensure that any loose gear is well secured (especially buoys, which have a habit of bouncing out given half a chance!). Anchors can damage the Hyperlon tubes.
Ensure trailer jockey wheel is fully retracted and the housing, anti-swivel location lug is engaged and that it is raised as high as possible in the clamp before towing out of hut. Do NOT over tighten the jockey wheel post clamp!
Ensure that the trailer hand-brake is OFF!
Pull out of hut slowly and carefully
2.2 Small Humber Inflatable Buzo
Use 3 self-locking straps to secure boat to trailer, one around whole of bow, and one each around stern tubes (tubes, although not too hard, must not be too soft either for this method of fixing!). Ensure metal buckles are not in contact with tubes (to prevent abrasion). Secure painter to trailer as an additional safety precaution.
Ensure engine is securely clamped AND BOLTED to the transom. For local journeys, tilt and secure with a good stretch strap to prevent bouncing during transit. Use a piece of wood to securely lock engine in tilted position without stressing metal tilt-lock lugs. Drive slowly and carefully, especially over bumpy roads!
For longer journeys stow engine inboard bolted to the transom (i.e. reverse mount the engine), with a softening pad to prevent damage to the decking by the engine skeg. Do NOT lie the engine down horizontally in the boat itself, to avoid any possibility of water or emulsified oil reaching the upper engine.
Ensure the trailer tow-bar support strut is retracted before towing out of the hut.
2.3 Kit Stowage
For either boat ensure any additional kit is secured to boat, and is well packed to prevent damage by movement whilst towing (this can occur very easily with heavy kit!!).
2.4 Trailer Checks
Do not tow the RIB with the tow hitch lock in place, as this reduces the arc through which the trailer can be safely swung.
Observe speed limits whilst towing. These are 60 mph on motorways, and 50 mph elsewhere.
Avoid snaking by driving carefully, especially in side winds. If snaking occurs, decelerate GENTLY by removing power (ie DON'T brake) whilst steering straight (as on ice).
On a long journey, check periodically that boat and all gear are secure, that nothing is chafing on the sponsons (tubes), and that the trailer tyres look OK and are not overhot.
On long journeys >100 miles, check the end-float on the wheel bearings, this can be done by raising each of the trailer wheels and rocking the wheel (holding it at 6 and 12 o'clock). There should be a slight perceivable movement but no more. If the wheel appears to wobble, do not continue the journey without adjusting the wheel bearings if possible or seeking expert advice.
Always use the wheel clamp, hitch lock and the engine security hawsers if the boat and/or trailer are left parked anywhere. This is a condition of our insurance.
4.1 RIB Calypso
Remove trailer lights and 2 stern and bow safety straps. Remove engine security hawser. Move engine mechanical support brackets out of position. Ensure the engine is fully tilted. Fully inflate tubes. Ensure painter is clipped onto front winching shackle the correct way round (ie clip "single" end to this point). Make sure the hull plug at the bottom of the transom is correctly fitted.
It is advisable to deploy the GPS system at this point because of the length of time that is required for the system to acquire satellites.
Reverse the trailer into the water until enough depth is reached below the stern to ensure a safe launch. Launching Calypso normally requires the water line to be up to the centre of the hubs nearest the towing vehicle. In some cases depending upon the slope of the beach or slip, it may be necessary to immerse the trailer up to the top of the wheels nearest the towing vehicle.
While immersing the wheel bearings completely shortens wheel bearing life, it's almost impossible to avoid doing this launching Calypso. Thorough washing down and regular maintenance is therefore even more essential with Calypso's trailer.
Release winch line and detail someone to take control of the painter. Carefully push boat off the trailer into the water. Ensure sufficient people are detailed to take control of boat as it enters the water (especially on a shallow slipway) to control the speed of launch, and help ensure the rear of the hull does not strike the slip on entry.
Ensure all diving gear is safely and tidily stowed. Turn on GPS and GMDSS radio. Test navigation lights.
4.2 Small Humber Buzo
Remove fixing straps, untie painter, fully inflate tubes, and carry boat to the water's edge. If necessary, remount engine with prop outboard. Fully tilt engine, connect up fuel tank, and launch by carrying into sea bows first. Ensure all gear is safely and neatly stowed.
If the trailer is used to launch the boat, ensure that the trailer board is removed and the wheel hubs are kept clear of the water.
4.3 Launching in Surf
DO NOT launch either boat if surf conditions are dangerous. If in doubt, wade in yourself to check strength of surf! In moderate surf, get bows into the oncoming waves as soon as possible and ensure boat is held in this position until ready to go. A big wave catching the boat side-on could easily overturn it, cause injury to crew and dump all the gear into the sea!!
4.4 Contact Coastguard
Before setting off on any voyage, call the coastguard on channel 16 (he will normally ask you to go to channel 67). Let him/her know who you are, where you plan to go, how many divers are on board, what time you plan to get back, and that you will confirm safe arrival back on shore. Don't forget to do this! You may be asked for the position of your intended dive site _ be prepared to give it.
Remember the RIB's callsign is CALYPSO (Charlie Alpha Lima Yankee Papa Sierra Oscar) and the radio licence callsign if requested by the coastguard is MWAC4 (Mike Whisky Alpha Charlie 4)
The small inflatable's callsign is BUZO (Bravo Uniform Zulu Oscar) and the radio licence callsign for the transportable (if asked) is T (Tango)101191.
Best local inter-vessel VHF channels are 77, or 72 if this is busy.
Monitor channel 16 at all times throughout the voyage; the best arrangement is to dual watch channels 16 and 67 (local coastguard safety channel).
4.5 Information Left Ashore
SOLAS regulations require that somebody ashore must know where you are going, when you expect to return and what to do should they become concerned about your well being.5.1 RIB Calypso (Yamaha 200HP)
Ensure engine is upright with lower shaft water intakes covered by water. Ensure petrol is connected and hand pump is primed (hard to squeeze). Check engine is in neutral, turn on ignition, insert safety (deadman's) latch and connect to cox'n. Set idle control about half way, check master battery switch is on, and turn key to start. Use remote choke just to start engine (and only if engine is cold). Release as soon as engine starts, to avoid flooding. Check cooling water tell-tale indicates a good flow - if none, stop engine and check out. Warm up engine for a few minutes before setting off. It will not be possible to engage forward or reverse gear while the idle lever is in the raised position.
Do not connect the deadman's clip to the boat keys. If the cox does go overboard, you do not want the keys to be broken off in the ignition, or even worse, taken overboard with the cox!!
5.2 RIB Calypso Auxiliary (Yamaha 8HP)
Lower the engine into the water so that the intakes are covered with water. Connect up petrol tank and hand prime. If using the dedicated tank, loosen air vent on tank filler cap. Check engine is in neutral. Use choke sparingly to avoid flooding. Set throttle to "Start" position. Check elbow room behind and if all clear, pull starting cord smartly. Check cooling water tell-tale. If there is no flow, stop the engine and sort out the problem.
Undo A-Frame securing bolts and lower the A-Frame into the 'down' position. This will make steering the boat with the auxiliary engine much easier.
5.3 Small Humber Buzo (Mariner 40HP)
Ensure engine is upright with lower shaft water intakes covered by water. Ensure petrol is connected and hand pump is primed (hard to squeeze). Check engine is in neutral, turn on run switch, and set throttle control to "Start" position. Check elbow room behind, and if all clear, pull starting cord smartly. Use choke sparingly (and only if engine is cold) to avoid flooding. Check cooling water tell-tale indicates a good flow - if none, stop engine and check out. Warm up engine before setting off.
5.4 Starting Problems
If any engine fails to start, check plug and HT leads are dry, and fuel line is delivering fuel to engine. If all OK, engine may be flooded. If so, it can usually be started by turning engine over several times without choke, with idle control set to maximum revs (Yamaha 200), or throttle control fully open (Yamaha 8 or Mariner 40).
Boat handling is beyond the scope of this manual. Suffice it to say that the hallmark of a good cox is that she will use a variety of different skills to assess the conditions, and assuming that these are OK, will get the diving party safely to the dive site and back, without shaking them to bits in the process!
Remember Ken Blowers' 3 golden rules:
Obviously conditions will dictate just how fast you can go. Aim to use the engine most efficiently, ie once on the plane, back off a bit to get the best compromise between speed, fuel efficiency, and diver comfort. As a guide, 4200 rpm is usually about right for the RIB, and about three-quarters throttle best for the small inflatable. The trim of the RIB main engine will be subject to loading and conditions, but somewhere between 2 and 3 as indicated on the console tilt gauge will normally be about right.
N.B. A common mistake when putting the engines into gear is to move the gear lever too slowly which causes excessive wear on the selection dogs in the gearbox. When selecting gear, do so positively. However, take care with the Yamaha 200 as the gear selection lever is also the throttle lever!
7.1 Beaching
Approach any beach with caution, and with engine off lock (Mariner 40) or raised slightly (Yamaha 200) in case it should come into contact with the bottom. Ensure that auxiliary engine is raised (unless you are using it). Keep a good lookout behind in surf to avoid a surprise swamping, and choose the right moment to approach the beach (a quiet patch, and just behind a wave for maximum water depth).
When the Cox estimates that the depth is right, she should call for the engine to be stopped, tilted and locked in position, and for the "bow crew" to jump out of the boat and take control of it. Get the boat out of surf quickly to avoid swamping. If the boat is to remain in the water, get the bows round quickly into the oncoming surf.
7.2 Recovery from slipway
Para 7.1 applies, however, there will usually be less surf, and the boat can be drawn onto the slip bows first. Position the trailer as required, avoiding immersion of wheel hubs if possible, and carry (Small Humber) or winch (RIB) back onto the trailer.
When winching the RIB back onto its trailer, it must be emptied of all heavy equipment to avoid excessive stress on the winching gear.
ALWAYS ENSURE THE WINCH RATCHET IS ENGAGED BEFORE USING THE WINCH.
Ensure the rollers engage properly with the hull of the RIB as it is drawn onto the trailer, and that the boat is at all times kept in line with the centre of the trailer.
Keep track of the boat keys.
On arrival back at base, the boat, engines, and all equipment should be hosed down with fresh water to avoid corrosion. Particular attention should be paid to the trailer if this has been partially immersed or splashed with salt water. In this case rinse thoroughly, including the inside of any open metal box sections and the backs of the wheels/brake assemblies. Use the pressure washer as necessary.
Engines should be thoroughly hosed down and then be internally cleansed using the "hydrophones". These allow water to be delivered to the engine's water intakes (lower section of engine shaft) whilst they are running. Note that only one side of the hydrophones transfers water to the engine intake, the other side has a blanking plug!
Ensure water is turned on before starting the engine. After starting, monitor the water tell-tale to ensure water delivery is adequate. If no tell-tale appears, turn off the engine and re-check water delivery arrangements. Run engine for AT LEAST 5 MINUTES to ensure thorough internal cleansing. Disconnect tank and turn off ignition as soon as engine begins to splutter.
In the case of the 8 HP air-cooled Yamaha, simply run the carburettor dry after first hosing and wiping down.
Before replacing Calypso in the hut, ensure that the main engine is raised so that the skid doesn't contact the ramp
Before putting to bed, check the following:
--- END ---
