Download Boating Tip #31: Raymarine RAY230 VHF Operation (PDF format, 43KB)

There are _____ Raymarine RAY230 VFH (Very High Frequency) radio instruments aboard. They are located ______________________________________. The VHF antenna is installed at the top of the mast. A speaker with an adjustable volume knob is also located next to each Raymarine RAY230 VFH handset.

Prior to using the device, the breaker labeled “VHF” must be turned on at the 12 volt electrical panel. Then press the FUNC and 16/9 (POWER) keys to activate the device. Turning on the RAY230 handset at either the navigation station or the helm will also activate the device at the other location.

In addition to being a VHF radio, the RAY230 instrument is also the input / control device for several other onboard instruments. The handset can be used as a horn to produce sound signals, to provide NOAA weather information, to amplify your voice through the hailer (loud speaker), and can be used as an intercom between the cockpit and navigation station below decks.

Most of the keys on the RAY230 have both a primary and a secondary function. The primary function is activated by just pressing the appropriate key. The secondary function is activated by first pressing the FUNC key in the bottom right hand corner of the handset, then the appropriate key. Primary functions are written on the key in white. Secondary functions are written above the key in yellow.

In order to transmit, press and hold down the send PTT key on the left side of the handset, and speak into the handset. Remember to let go of the send PTT key so you can hear the response. You can hear a response through the handset, or if it is turned on, through the separate speaker.

Normally, while out sailing, radio channel 16, the international distress and safety calling channel will be selected and monitored. VHF channel number frequencies most often used by recreational boaters in the U.S., include:

Download Boating Tip #30: Raymarine Autopilot ST6001 Operation (PDF format, 24KB)

The Raymarine Autopilot instrument is located __________________________. It is also linked via the Seatalk network to the other Raymarine instruments onboard, so data can be displayed on the chartplotters by selecting the appropriate display screen.

The Autopilot instrument gathers information from the linear drive autopilot mechanism and allows you to engage or disengage the self–steering autopilot feature. The autopilot is attached to the rudder post by an independent tiller arm and separate from the primary steering system components (drive wheel, sheaves, quadrant, roller chain, wire rope steering cable, and fittings …) located below the steering pedestal. You can access the autopilot mechanism by opening the ________________________.

An autopilot is similar to cruise control in a car. You can set a course, then the autopilot takes over steering the boat on long stretches in open water. It can reduce the tediousness of having to manually steer the boat for long periods, acts as an extra set of hands when sailing short handed, and can usually steer a more precise and accurate course than a human helmsman. In case of wheel steering system failure, the autopilot can be used to steer the boat like an emergency tiller.

The separate autopilot breaker on the electrical panel, as well as the sailing instruments breaker on the 12 volt panel must be on for the autopilot to work.

There are 6 small buttons below the display screen, labeled: “disp”, “track”, “–1”, “+1”, “–10”, “+10”, and 2 larger red buttons labeled “standby” and “auto”. By momentarily pressing the buttons, you can select the various options.

To enter the autopilot mode and engage the autopilot, press the red “auto” button. To disengage the autopilot, press the red “standby” button.

To make 1° changes in your heading to port, press the “–1” button. To make a 10° change in your heading to port, press the “–10” button. Similarly, to make changes to starboard, press the “+1” and “+10” buttons. To return to the previous locked heading, press the red “auto” button for 1 second. The display will read “Last hdg?”. Press the “auto” button again to accept the heading.

The autopilot can automatically tack the boat 100°. Press the “–1” and “–10” buttons simultaneously to autotack to port. Press the “+1” and “+10” buttons simultaneously to autotack to starboard.

The autopilot can gather information from the chartplotter and steer the boat to the next waypoint. While the autopilot is engaged, press the “track” button. The display will read “Next wpt?”. Press the “track” button again to accept the new heading. To exit the track mode, press either the red “standby” or “auto” buttons depending on which mode you want to enter.

To adjust the response level up or down, press the “–1” and “+1” buttons simultaneously. Then use the “–1” or the “+1” buttons to increase or decrease the level of response. The higher the response level, the more frequently adjustments will be made by the autopilot. Lower the response level when sailing in large swells.

To adjust the illumination level on the keypad and display, hold down the “disp” button for 1 second, then press repeatedly to cycle through the brightness levels. After 10 seconds, the display will return to the mode that was previously displayed.

The autopilot is calibrated to display our true course. By subtracting the magnetic variation (13° – 14° East in most of Southern California) from the true course, you will have the magnetic course. Compare the magnetic course to the compass course (on the magnetic compass). The difference is the deviation. Remember to add westerly and subtract easterly variation when uncorrecting from magnetic to compass (TVMDC+W), and vise versa when correcting from compass to magnetic (CDMVT+E). For example, if the true couse displayed on the autopilot instrument is 270°, and the variation is 13° E, the magnetic course is 270 – 13 = 257°. If at the same time you are steering a compass course of 260°, the deviation is 257 – 260 = 3° W.

Download Boating Tip #29: Raymarine Tridata ST60 Instrument Operation (PDF format, 21KB)

The Raymarine Tridata instrument is located ____________________________. It is also linked via the Seatalk network to the other Raymarine instruments onboard, so data can be displayed on the chartplotters by selecting the appropriate display screen.

The Tridata instrument gathers information from the knotmeter, depthsounder and other transducers. It displays data on depth, speed through the water, trip length, and water temperature, and allows you to set timers.

There are 4 buttons below the display screen, labeled: “depth”, “speed”, “reset”, and “trip”. By momentarily pressing the buttons, you can cycle through the various options.

The depth button will cycle through: current depth, shallow water alarm threshold, deep alarm threshold, anchor alarm shallow threshold, and anchor alarm deep threshold.

The speed button will cycle through: boat speed, maximum speed, average speed, and velocity made good to windward.

The trip button will cycle through: total distance log, trip log, sea water temperature, count–up timer, 5–minute count down timer, and 10–minute count down timer. To start or stop the timers, press the “reset” button. To reset the timers, press and hold the “reset” button for 3 seconds.

To adjust the illumination level on the display, hold down the “depth” button for 1 second, then press repeatedly to cycle through the brightness levels.

To turn an alarm on or off, hold down the “reset” button for 2 seconds. To adjust an alarm value, simultaneously press the “trip” and “reset” buttons, then increase the value by pressing the “trip” button, and decrease the value by pressing the “reset” button. To exit the adjustment mode, simultaneously press the “trip” and “reset” buttons.

To recalibrate or change the depth, speed, log, or temperature units, simultaneously press the “depth” and “speed” buttons. Cycle through the options by momentarily pressing the “depth” or “speed” buttons. To save the changes and exit the calibration mode, simultaneously press the “depth” and “speed” buttons.

Download Boating Tip #28: Raymarine Wind ST60 Instrument Operation (PDF format, 23KB)

The Raymarine Wind instrument is located _____________________________. It is also linked via the Seatalk network to the other Raymarine instruments onboard, so data can be displayed on the chartplotters by selecting the appropriate display screen.

The Wind instrument gathers information from the anemometer and the windex located at the top of the mast. It displays data on velocity and direction of the wind.

As the analog signal is received electronically from the windex, the indicator will point at the boat’s angle to the wind on either a port or starboard tack.

There are 4 buttons below the display screen, labeled: “disp”, “true/app”, “VMG”, and “tack”. By momentarily pressing the buttons, you can cycle through the various options.

The disp, or display, button will cycle through: wind speed, Beaufort scale wind speed, maximum wind speed, high true wind speed alarm, low true wind speed alarm, high apparent wind angle alarm, and low apparent wind angle alarm.

The true/app button will toggle between true wind and the apparent wind readings. A black square appears in the lower corner of the display screen to indicate whether the true or apparent wind is being displayed.

The VMG button will display the velocity made good. VMG is the speed at which you are approaching the destination waypoint, or speed between any two waypoints.

Pressing the tack button will cause the tack heading to be displayed.

The display of all information is temporary, and after 7 seconds the display will return to the wind speed screen.

To adjust the illumination level on the display, hold down the “disp” button for 1 second, then press repeatedly to cycle through the brightness levels.

To turn an alarm on or off, hold down the “tack” button for 2 seconds. To adjust an alarm value, simultaneously press the “tack” and “VMG” buttons, then increase the value by pressing the “tack” button, and decrease the value by pressing the “VMG” button. To exit the adjustment mode, simultaneously press the “tack” and “VMG” buttons.

To align the transducer or change the wind speed units enter the calibration mode by simultaneously pressing and holding the “disp” and “true/app” buttons for 2 seconds. To save the changes and exit the calibration mode, simultaneously press and hold the “disp” or “true/app” buttons for 2 seconds.

Download Boating Tip #27: Waste Management Plan (PDF format, 29KB)

Purpose: To comply with requirements that all vessels 40 feet and over must:

• Describe the procedures for collecting, processing, storing, and discharging the vessel’s garbage in accordance with the requirements of MARPOL Annex V
• Designate the person in charge of making sure the plan is carried out
• Mention how the crew and/or passengers are educated to this plan

Vessel Name:

Person in Charge:

Plan 1 – Day Trips

Retain refuse on board

All the garbage generated on the vessel is put in a garbage bag and disposed of in the trash containers at the harbor at the end of each trip, or is given to the tender vessel to take to shore for disposal.

All crew members have been oriented to the requirements of MARPOL Annex V by the captain and all new crew are specifically shown the MARPOL V placard and told to keep all refuse stowed on board.

Passenger orientation to the vessel includes being shown the location of the trash receptacles and mention of refuse discharge regulations.

Plan 2 – Trips lasting longer than 1 day and more than 12 miles off shore

Food and paper discharged outside of 12 nm

Within 12 miles of shore: All the garbage generated on the vessel is put in a garbage bag and disposed of in the trash containers at the harbor at the end of each trip, or is given to the tender vessel to take to shore for disposal.

Outside of 12 miles from shore: All garbage with the exception of food materials and paper is put in a garbage bag to be hauled to the dockside trash receptacle at the end of the trip. Food materials and paper generated in the galley are collected in a trash can and the can is emptied over the side by a crew member.

All plastics will be retained on board for disposal on shore.

At the beginning of each trip, all crew members are reminded of the refuse discharge laws and shown the MARPOL V placard. Crew members are told that it is the vessel policy to stow all garbage materials on board except for food and paper when the vessel is outside of 12 miles.

The captain orients all new crew members and passengers to the rules governing the vessel including refuse laws and handling.

Download Boating Tip #26: Light List – San Diego Bay (PDF format, 27KB)

Boating Tip #26: Light List – San Diego Bay is available by download only.

Download Boating Tip #25: Pre–Sail Checklist (PDF format,)

Boating Tip #25: Pre–Sail Checklist is available by download only.

Download Boating Tip #24: Boat Log (PDF format, 46KB)

Time (Military)

Fill in the time when you took the readings. Use military time. For example: 0800, 2130. Ideally, the readings should be taken on the hour.

Helmsman (Past Hour)

Write in the name of the person who was at the helm the previous hour. If the autopilot was steering, also indicate by putting the circled letters AP in the cell.

True Course (Course Made Good)

Draw a line connecting your current position with your last plotted position. Place the course plotter on the chart and align the top edge along the course. Place your triangle along the top edge of the plotter. Keeping aligned with your parallel plotter, move the triangle to a meridian. When 0 touches a meridian, read the edge of the triangle compass to determine direction. Remember “East is least. West is best.” When heading in an easterly direction read the numbers less than 180°. When heading in a westerly direction, read the numbers greater than 180° on the triangle.

Variation

Find the variation by referring to the middle of the compass rose on your paper chart closest to the area where you are sailing. Subtract easterly variation from the true course, or add westerly variation to find the magnetic course.

Magnetic Course

Find the magnetic course by adding westerly or subtracting easterly variation from the true course.

Deviation

Find the difference between the magnetic and compass courses. Record the deviation as east if the magnetic course is larger than the compass course, or west if the magnetic course is less than the compass course.

Compass Course

Record the course on the magnetic compass that the helmsman steered.

Latitude / Longitude

Press the “Display” button on the chartplotter, if necessary, to display the chart. Press the “Find ship” soft key to place the cursor directly over the ship. Read the geographic coordinates at the top of the screen. Record latitude, then longitude rounding off to tenths of a minute. For example N 32° 15.2′ and W 117° 19.9′. Then, plot your position on the paper chart. Label the time of the electronic fix. Draw a line connecting your current position with your last plotted position. Measure the distance covered with the dividers, and the course made good with the course plotter and triangle.

Location

After plotting your position on the chart, check to see where you are. Write down your location. For example: approaching Avalon harbor, or LaJolla kelp beds, or south of Los Coronados, or 6 nm due west of San Onofre nuclear power plant.

Sail / Motor

Indicate whether you were sailing, motor sailing or motoring.

Engine Hours

If you were motoring or motor sailing, record the engine hours. For example: 4452.

Engine RPM

If you were motoring or motor sailing, record the RPM at which the engine was running. For example: 2500. Do not run the engine for prolonged periods above 2800 RPM. Full throttle for the 50 hp Perkins diesel auxiliary engine is 3600 RPM. Do not run in reverse at more than 2000 RPM. If the engine was not used, draw a line through the cell.

Engine Temperature

If you were motoring or motor sailing, record the engine water temperature. For example: 150°. Normal temperature when running for an extended amount of time is 160° – 180°. If the water temperature rises to 200°, then engine alarm will sound. Shut off the engine. WARNING – Do not open the metal filler cap to check the water level or top off the water; wait until the engine cools down. Make sure you are adding water to the correct reservoir. If the engine was not used, draw a line through the cell.

Fuel Level

Record the fuel level. If there is no fuel gauge, record fuel level as full minus the number of hours since the fuel tank was filled with diesel. Fox example: If the fuel tank was filled at 4414 hours and the engine hours read 4444, record F – 30. Fuel capacity is 44 gallons. Fuel usage is typically 1 – 1.5 hours per gallon.

Wind Speed & Direction (True / Apparent)

Record the wind speed and direction. Record the true wind speed and then the apparent wind speed by toggling between the two readings on the wind instrument. You can determine wind direction by looking at the windex and the compass. For example: 9.2 / 15 NW, or dead calm.

Point of Sail

Record your point of sail as: close hauled, close reach, beam reach, broad reach or running.

Weather

Briefly describe the weather. For example: sunny, foggy with visibility < 1 nm, raining.

Time Interval (Minutes)

Fill in the time in minutes since the last readings were taken. Usually, this will be 60.

Speed through Water (Knotmeter)

Record your average speed through the water as indicated by the knotmeter.

Speed over Ground (GPS or (60 x D) � T)

Calculate speed over ground using a 60 D ST calculation. If readings were logged exactly 60 minutes apart, speed over ground will be the same as the measured distance.

Distance (Measured or (S x T) � 60)

Measure the distance covered between the last and current readings using dividers and the latitude scale. Extend the legs and place one leg of the dividers on the previous location and the other leg of the dividers on your current location. Take the extended dividers, without changing their spacing, to the nearest latitude scale on the side of the chart and count the distance. Remember 1 minute of latitude equals 1 nautical mile. Or, extend the dividers to a known distance, then walk the dividers along the course.

Comments

Write a comment about the weather, astronomical events, marine life, other vessels, activities or unusual events. For example: Moon rise @ 0410, Switched to chart #83, Green flash @ sunset, Tanker spotted on the horizon @ 0210, Dolphins playing on our bow wave, California Gray Whales spotted, Cruise ship crossed our bow at a distance of < 1/2 nm, large mixed 8–10′ swells from NW and SE with short periods – very choppy, Island spotted on the horizon.

Download Boating Tip #23: Waypoints (PDF format, 37KB)

Way Points – California

Way Points – Mexico

Way Points – Australia

Way Points – Indonesia

Download Boating Tip #22: Watch Schedules (PDF format, 30KB)

Directions:

• The person coming off of watch gathers info, logs and charts before going off duty.
• Log all sightings of ships crossing or passing. Track the ship on RADAR.
• Wake up the captain if something goes wrong or if you spot a ship or an object you are unable to identify.
• Please be on time for your watch and on deck at the time indicated. Get up in enough time to get dressed and ready.
• Wear your PFD and harness at all times while on deck during night hours, and clip your tether onto a jack line.