REFRESH YOUR KNOWLEDGE
HERE WE HAVE A COLLECTION OF ARTICLES FROM ‘REFRESH YOUR KNOWLEDGE’
THE STORY BEHIND PORT AND STARBOARD
Ever wondered why the terms “Port” and “Starboard” are used to indicate the left and right sides of the vessel? Let’s look back in time to when these names were originated.
When boating first began before ships had rudders on their centerlines, boats were controlled using a steering oar.
A steering oar was an alteration of an oar usually attached in a vertical direction to one side of the vessel.
During this timeframe, the majority of the sailers were right-handed so the steering oar that once controlled the ship was placed over or through the right side of the stern.
Starboard
Most of the sailors previously called the right side of the boat the “Steering side” which soon became “starboard”.
The word “starboard is formed by combining two old English words stéor (meaning “steer”) and bord (meaning “the side of the boat”).
As the size of the boats grew so did the steering oar making it much easier to dock on the side opposite to the steering oar. This meant the boats used to dock with the left side of the boat facing the dock.
Port
The original name of the left side of the ship was not “port” but rather the old English word “Baecbord”. After “Baecbord” came “Ladderbord” meaning “Ladden” (meaning to load) and Bord meaning (ship side). This gave rise to the starboard rhyming word “larboard.”
Over time, larboard which was too easily confused with starboard was replaced with Port as this was the side that faced the port or the dock, allowing cargo to be loaded or released. This is how the terms “Port” and “Starboard” came into existence. Since “Port” and “Starboard” never changed sailers prefer to use these nautical terms instead of left and right.
Cloud Formation
Continuing on from our weather articles, this issue we want to focus on cloud formation in order to predict the weather. Just by following these simple tips, you will be able to plan your day out boating and maybe even impress your friends and family.
The first step in predicting the weather is to understand the three main categories. These include high clouds, middle clouds, and low clouds.
Another way of identifying a cloud formation is through its shape. A bunch of clouds would describe a cumulus shape. Status represents clouds that are long and streaky. A nimbus represents the shape of ‘rain’, which is all familiar to us.
If you notice the clouds are moving, that means there will be a change of weather, and depending on the direction you can work out which way the storm is approaching.
HIGH CLOUDS
High Clouds - 16,000 - 43,000.
You may find high clouds on high mountains or at the cruising altitude of an airplane. Clouds that look like these, will tend to be comprised of ice crystals. Fact - High clouds do not block sunlight.
High clouds include: Cirrus, Cirrostratus and Cirrocumulus
MIDDLE CLOUDS
Middle Clouds - 6,500 to 23,000 feet.
Middle clouds are made up of water and when temperatures are low, ice will occur.
You will find that middle clouds will generally block sunlight.
Middle clouds consist of Altostratus and Altocumulus
LOW CLOUDS
Low Clouds - below 6,500 feet.
When determining a low cloud, look for the clouds that are in line with tall buildings. They are generally made up of water and snow when the temperature is low. Low clouds are known to block sunlight and can bring precipitation and wind.
Low clouds include: Stratus, Stratocumulus, and Nimbostratus
CYCLONES
Continuing with our four-part weather series, this month we grasp a deeper understanding of cyclones and where you can find up-to-date-date forecasts . As stated by the Bureau of Meteorology, an increase of tropical cyclones is expected for 2021. The Australian tropical cyclone season is the months from November to April. Thus, this is the perfect time to enhance your knowledge surrounding cyclones.
La Niña is a term to be familiar with as it refers to the shift to cooler water temperatures in the central and eastern Pacific Ocean. This means surrounding areas are likely to have much wetter conditions, thus more tropical cyclones.
El Niño refers to sustained warming over a large part of the central and eastern tropical Pacific Ocean. El Niño events occur about every four to seven years and typically last for around 12 to 18 months. They are a natural part of the climate system and have been affecting the Pacific Basin for thousands of years.
Further, there are changes in the atmosphere that affect weather patterns across the majority of the Pacific Basin, including Australia. The change created promotes further warming of the ocean causing ocean currents. El Niño events often result in a decrease in rainfall across parts of eastern and northern Australia, particularly during winter, spring, and early summer.
A monsoon trough refers to a seasonal wind that causes widespread, constant rainfall across the broad region. The word monsoon comes from an Arabic word meaning ‘season’. In regards to Australia, it is associated with the northern part of Australia. The monsoon season runs from October to April around the north of the Northern Territory.
The Bureau of Meteorology website gives warning services, up-to-date forecasts on imminent cyclones, and safety tips. Click here to view the Australian Tropical Cyclone Outlook for 2021.
Due to the popularity of the December E-Magazine ‘Refresh Your Knowledge’ weather topic, we have decided to put together a four part series to enhance your knowledge on weather systems and forecasts.
In this series we grasp a deeper understanding of low and high-pressure systems allowing you to determine the offshore and inshore conditions before heading out on your boat.
High-pressure systems are regions of sinking air. Initially, they were called anti-cyclones due to the air-pressure travelling anticlockwise. Clear skies and fair weather will usually occur in these regions. Also known as an anticyclone, highs are a system consisting of closed isobars surrounding a region of high pressure. They mainly cover a greater area, move more slowly and have a longer life. When over land, the weather will be typically more dry with clear skies.
Low-pressure systems are regions of rising air that travel in a clockwise direction. Clouds, rain, and strong winds will usually occur in these regions. As the rising air cools, clouds begin to form. The instability of the air will create clouds followed by rain-showers. Low-pressure systems are also known as depression and cyclones.
An elongated extension of isobars away from a low-pressure centre is known as a trough of low pressure. This trough usually contains one or more cold fronts.
East Coast Low
You may have heard of the term ‘East Coast Lows’ which, refers to an intense low-pressure system that will happen many times off Australia’s eastern coast, every year. East coast lows produce heavy rainfall, powerful winds, and thunderstorms. East Coast Lows will generally intensify quickly over a period of 12-24 hours making them one of the more dangerous weather systems to affect the eastern coast.
THEORY BEHIND TIDES
This month we want to refresh your knowledge on the theory behind tides, what they are and why they happen. Tides are one of the essential areas of knowledge that boaters should be fluent in. When using your boat this information becomes useful when you’re planning your anchorage spots and also can assist in choosing the most accessible wharf to pick up and drop off guests.
Tides are the rise and fall of water level in the oceans. A high tide is when the sea level rises to its highest point. Thus, low tides is when the water level falls to its lowest point.
The moon and sun are the two main factors that cause this process to happen. The moon has gravity of its own, which pulls the oceans towards it causing a bulge or high tide on the side of the earth closest to the Moon. The sun also has its own gravity which affects the tides. The sun may be much larger than the moon but as it’s further away, the gravity isn’t as strong.
Before heading out for a cruise take a look at a tide table so you know the times relevant to your area. It’s also useful to understand the tides through observation. Look at the water and the shore; the tidal current is visible as the water flows in towards or retreating away from the land. A simple give away when looking at the shore line is whether there are any oysters visible - if they are, then you know the tide is lower than its highest point. When approaching a swing mooring its important to note the tidal flow as the rope will be taken in the same direction. Make sure you know what the tide is doing when you leave your tender on the beach, especially in the Whitsundays as tides can range between 1.3M and 3.8M.
These days on majority of the Riviera vessels you have the capacity to view current and future tide times within the helm navigation equipment. Feel free to give one of our team members a call for guidance when you’re next on board.
BOATING TERMINOLOGY
Boating Terms - When owning a boat, we recommend that you refresh your knowledge on certain terms that can be handy when out on the water. These terms have been developed over the years that enhance better communication for skippers and especially when visiting new marinas or unfamiliar waters.
Terminology Definitions
Aft Towards the ‘stern’, or rear of the vessel.
Bow The front of the vessel
Stern The back or rear of the vessel
Draft The minimum depth of water a vessel needs to float in.
Fairway Any navigable channel
Go astern Reverse engines or travel backwards
Stand On Continue on the same course and speed
Ebb tide The falling or run-out tide
Flood tide The rising or run-in tide
Give way Reduce speed, stop, go astern or alter course so as to keep out of another vessel’s path.
Leads (transits) Marks used in channels and at bar entrances which when in line indicate the centre of the navigable channels.
Knots (speed) One knot is a speed of one nautical mile per hour, or 1.852km/h
COLLECTION OF OUR FAVOURITE BOATING APPS
This month we’ve decided to put together a collection of our favourite apps that we believe will be most beneficial for you when preparing and are out on the water.
Windy
Windy is an app known for weather forecasts with high technology visualisation. An app that allows you to feel prepared in any circumstance. It is best used for keeping up with weather warnings with its fast, intuitive and detailed structure. Simply move the pin to get your current and future wind forecast.
Safe Anchor
Safe Anchor gives you piece of mind once you’re anchored. If the boat's anchor leaves the border an alarm on your phone will go off, prompting you to check your anchorage. Best tip on anchoring " If in doubt, put more chain out"
BOM
When planning your perfect trip out on the water BOM is is a great app to use. Localised hourly and 7 day forecasts, radar and warnings wherever you are! More reliable than the weather app, straight from Australian’s official weather source, the Bureau Of Meteorology.
TIDESAU+
TIDESAU+ is an excellent and comprehensive app that gathers everything you need to know onto the one platform. Understanding the current tide conditions with the simple and easy to use format provided, will allow you to cruise comfortably.
Navionics
Navionics is an essential app to everyday boating. From planning your route to tracking your journey, it’s an app you will always rely on. With constant updates and detailed information this is our number one app we recommend every skipper should have.
CPR PROCEDURE
We highly recommend all owners to keep up to date with CPR procedures as they are continually updating. We can’t emphasise just how important it is in changing a persons life. Practicing CPR the right way can double or even triple a person’s chance of surviving cardiac arrest.
Please express your interest below if you would like to take part in one of our upcoming first aid courses.
Healthdirect.gov.au suggests these 7 simple steps can help in preparing for a life-threatening emergency.
1. Position your hand (above). Make sure the patient is lying on his back on a firm surface. Kneel beside him and place the heel of your hand on the centre of the chest.
2. Interlock fingers (above). Keeping your arms straight, cover the first hand with the heel of your other hand and interlock the fingers of both hands together. Keep your fingers raised so they do not touch the patient’s chest or rib cage
3. Give chest compressions (above). Lean forward so that your shoulders are directly over the patient’s chest and press down on the chest about two inches. Release the pressure, but not your hands, and let the chest come back up.
Repeat to give 30 compressions at a rate of 100 compressions per minute
4. Open the airway (above). Move to the patient’s head. Tilt his head and lift his chin to open the airway again. Let his mouth fall open slightly.
5. Give rescue breaths (above). Pinch the nostrils closed with the hand that was on the forehead and support the patient’s chin with your other hand. Take a normal breath, put your mouth over the patient’s, and blow until you can see his chest rise.
6. Watch chest fall. Remove your mouth from the patient’s and look along the chest, watching the chest fall. Repeat steps five and six once.
7. Repeat chest compressions and rescue breaths. Place your hands on the chest again and repeat the cycle of 30 chest compressions, followed by two rescue breaths. Continue the cycle.
LATERAL MARKS
This month we familiarise ourselves with lateral marks. Just like all navigational marks and signs, identifying what they mean will allow the skipper to pass them safely on the correct side. When talking about lateral marks we focus on port and starboard marks.
Port markers are red and active. These will alert the skipper with a red flash. Refer to the diagram to view the variety of different shapes of the Port Marker.
Starboard markers are green and will alert the skipper with a green flash. Refer to the diagram to view the variety of different Starboard markers. If ever you see both the port and starboard marks near to each other, navigate your vessel between the two marks.
Single lateral marks usually wont be placed in pairs, therefore they will give you the choice to navigate your vessel on the safest side. The safe side of a lateral navigation marker is determined by your direction of travel to, or from, the sea. The saying we like to use is ‘Green to green when going up stream. Green to red when seas are ahead’.
Keep red (port hand marks) on your left hand side (to port) when going upstream.
Keep green (starboard hand marks) on your right hand side (to starboard) when going upstream.
Keep red (port hand marks) on your right hand side (to starboard) when going downstream.
Keep green (starboard hand marks) on your left hand side (to port) when going downstream.
Reviewing these simple marks and signs will ensure you are feeling comfortable and safe while on the water. Being an owner with Boating Partnerships provides you with a minimum of 2 days training on your own boat with our experienced skippers. As rules and regulations alter between states, refer to your local handbook for more information.
LIFEJACKET REQUIREMENTS
REFRESH YOUR KNOWLEDGE ON…lifejacket requirements as regulations are continually updating in order to keep you safe.
What are the requirements for wearing a lifejacket on our tender boats while in enclosed waters ? Here’s a friendly reminder!
A levle 100 plus
A level 50 or greater lifejacket is required when alone or operating between Sunset and Sunrise in a vessel under 4.8 meters.
For children under 12 years of age, a level 50 or greater lifejacket must be worn at all times when in a vessel under 4.8 meters or when in an open area of a vessel under 8 meters in length.
For our boats fitted with PWC (jetski’s) a level 50 or greater life jacket must be worn at all times. This is also the case for anyone being towed on a waterski, wakeboard or other towing activity.
Most Importantly however, whenever the skipper of any vessel instructs you too if he deems needed! Remember you’re the skipper, you’re responsible.
IMPORTANT:
On all boats less than 4.8m… (Ie. tender/kayaks)
Level 50 or greater lifejackets at all times when:
Boating between sunset and sunrise
Boating on alpine waters
Boating alone ( without another person 12 years of age or more on the same vessel.)
BOWLINE AND CLEAT HITCH
REFRESH YOUR KNOWLEDGE ON… two key rope handling skills that are essential to everyday boating.
Bowline
The Bowline makes a reasonably secure loop in the end of a piece of rope. It has many uses, one for example is to fasten a mooring line to a ring or a post. Under load, it does not slip or bind and with no load it can be untied easily. But it cannot be tied or untied when there is a load on the standing end. It should therefore be avoided when eg: a mooring line may have to be released under load. Bowlines can be linked together to join two ropes.
Form a loop a short distance from the end – allow for the size of the loop and the knot itself. Pass the end of the rope through the loop as though making a simple knot (a half-hitch). Pull the end through, then round the standing end, and then back through the loop to finish the Bowline.
Cleat Hitch
The Cleat Hitch, or Cleat Knot, secures a rope to a cleat. It is deceptively simple and an unwary skipper who invites visitors to tie the dock line to a cleat may be dismayed by the unsatisfactory results.
Pass the rope around the distant horn of the cleat and continue on round the other horn. Then, cross the middle and pass the rope round alternate horns to form figure eights. Finally create a half hitch and pull the end so that it is snug beside the crossover.
VOLVO PENTA IPS DOCKING SYSTEM
REFRESH YOUR KNOWLEDGE ON… the Volvo Penta IPS docking system.
First of all, IPS stands for Integrated Propulsion System and it is this system that helps our owners enjoy the most relaxing way to own a boat! Often we hear that people are afraid of driving 'bigger boats' and think its 'To complicated' to maneuver a larger vessel, which to this we say it can be- but not with IPS!
So lets refresh your knowledge of how the system works and more importantly a few tips and tricks on how to operate it. Volvo Penta IPS works smarter not harder with forward facing props that allow for a greater flow of water resulting in both greater performance and efficiency. The pod drives act just like a bow and stern thruster but dont spin all the way around, in fact It is only 28 degrees that the pods move- resulting in the ability to move your Riviera any direction you please.
The IPS system over traditional shafts generates much lower fuel consumption and emission levels with virtually no noticeable exhaust fumes. The twin counter rotating props are a Volvo Penta signature with precision gears that are cut within 1/10,000th of a milimeter. The curve cut design of the gears results in a very smooth and quiet operation. It is thanks to the drives themself that are made of nickel, bronze and aluminium which constantly propel power in whichever direction the pod moves. In simple terms this means which ever way your pods are facing, you have full power available. It is this availability of power and ease of operation that allow for a hydrodynamic masterpiece.
So now onto how to master it- Owners take note!
When operating the IPS control the power available is somewhat daunting. Our first tip is "Be Gentle". Often when approaching a dock or mooring skippers overcompensate with the power available, Remember that in calm conditions you can be gentle on the power! A light push of the joystick and a hard push might be the difference between the superchargers kicking in. If they do kick in, dont worry! your Volvo Penta Engines are simply giving you the power on standby if you need it.
Our second tip is "What goes forward must go back". The IPS joystick can easily counteract any movement it just made. When pushinging the joystick forward, dont forget you can pull it back to counteract your motion. The same rule applies when twisting the boat clockwise or anticlockwise.
Lastly when using IPS we often remind owners to "Watch your bow"! The IPS system has the ability to mimic a bow or stern thruster. Meaning if your stern is in the right place, but not your bow- you can hold your stern steady and swing your bow. To achieve this the skipper must hold the IPS joystick right on the sweet spot of stern control and bow movement. This is different on each boat and we highly recommend our owners remember this during our training.
The Volvo Penta IPS system is one designed, manufactured and serviced all by the same company resulting in the consumers benefit. To experience the IPS convenience for yourself feel free to contact us and make an appointment.
REGULATIONS FOR WHALE AND DOLPHIN WATCHING
REFRESH YOUR KNOWLEDGE ON…dolphin and whale watching regulations and in order to protect our wildlife.
More than 30,000 humpback and southern right whales relocate down the coastline between May and November. In their annual migration they begin in Antarctica and head north to the warmer waters of the pacific. Thus, the east coast is the ideal location to watch these wonderful creatures show off.
Below are the current regulations that all boat owners need to be aware of in order to protect our wildlife:
If a whale is sighted within 300m away slow down and watch from a distance but if it’s only an adult, 100m is acceptable.
If a dolphin is sighted within 150m slow down and view from a distance. If it’s an adult, 50m is acceptable.
All vessels must have no wash in order to protect our incredible species. No more than three vessels at a time should approach whales and dolphins. If a whale approaches your vessel, approach at a 30 degree angle to their direction. Slowly move past and be sure to veer away from the path of the whale(s) when leaving. The main priority is making sure you make no sudden movements avoid loud noises.
