TEXAS A&M WATER SKI CLUB BOAT DRIVER S MANUAL Effective 10-8-13 The purpose of this manual is to teach the basic duties and responsibilities of a Texas A&M Water ski Club boat driver. This information will help prevent damages to the boat, lake or site, as well as ensure the safety of all participants involved. This manual is only applicable for the Texas A&M Water Ski Club.
Boating Safety Rules to be read aloud before every practice or play on the lake 1. NO shoes in the boat, ever 2. NEVER sit on the gunnel while the boat is turned on 3. NEVER sit on the engine cover, stand, or otherwise be out of your seat while the boat is in motion 4. Always wave to let the observer know that you are OK after a fall (indicated by a wave) 5. NEVER push each other or engage in excessive horseplay on the boat 6. ALWAYS respect the water, your teammates, the equipment, and the boat For the Boat Driver (Also Read Aloud) 7. ALWAYS turn your head and look around before turning the boat 8. ALWAYS inform the boat crew whenever the boat is about to be in motion 9. NEVER perform a power turn or whip the back end of the boat around 10. NEVER pull a skier that you aren t certified to be pulling 11. ALWAYS be aware of where the skier and passengers are located at all times 12. ALWAYS pull up to a skier on the driver s side of the boat if possible 13. NEVER have more than the recommended number of people in the boat 14. NEVER leave the engine running when somebody is getting on the platform 15. ALWAYS have the boat in forward gear before the skier steps off the platform 16. NEVER be too comfortable around a boat, remember that it can kill you
Boat Driver Checklist Upon arriving at the lake Read over previous checklist, specifically the notes section Check the prop and hull for dents or fractures Remove boat cover, fold, and place out of the way Open engine cover and check engine oil level Check to insure the boat plug is screwed in tightly Public lake: check for life jackets, throw-able, and fire extinguisher Check to make sure a charged cell phone is in the boat Read boating safety sheet out loud Ensure that all skiers have lake release and AOR s turned in Back boat into water or lower lift (trailer lights must be plugged in) Push boat off lift or trailer, DO NOT back the boat Start boat (LET ENGINE RPM subside before putting it in gear) Record hours and fuel level Idle boat to the dock Upon leaving the lake Record hours and fuel level Push boat onto trailer or lift with boat off if possible Raise lift or pull trailer Lift engine cover and remove plug Spray boat hull and upholstery with water/vinegar solution Wipe boat hull and upholstery with a towel until dry Remove all trash and equipment from boat Screw plug back in and open engine cover (on lift), place plug in cup holder Pull cover over boat and cinch tightly if staying on site Write notes and comments on boat and equipment upkeep if needed Leave this checklist on the front of the clipboard for the next driver
Start hours: hours End hours: hours Start fuel level: F 7/8 3/4 5/8 1/2 3/8 1/4 1/8 E End fuel level: F 7/8 3/4 5/8 1/2 3/8 1/4 1/8 E Location: Name of driver: Name of skiers: Signature of driver: Date: Was Boater s Safety Sheet read out loud to skiers? (Y/N): Comments and notes (new damage or issues) :
Basic Driving Notes: Docking the boat- Docking at any dock, boathouse, slip or other form of water access should be done in a SLOW and CAUTIOUS manner. This is where the majority of accidents can happen and boat or docks may become damaged. If you have not docked a boat before make sure someone in the boat is already a certified driver with experience to help you learn, and/or dock the boat for you for the time being. Turning around- The risks involved in making boat turns varies greatly upon location and/or other potential boaters in the area. If you are not familiar with a particular ski location DO NOT drive there until you have been with a certified driver who can explain the lake and its potential hazards to you. For all public bodies of water the boat driver must be very attentive to all the other boats on the body of water at all times. Most importantly, ALWAYS be aware of where skiers, swimmers, or otherwise vulnerable objects are before completing turns. Boat patterns- Certified boat drivers, upon teaching, will instruct the proper boat patterns for each event pulled. These patterns are based upon effectiveness, lake size/shape, and safety measures to prevent accidents. Skier pick-up- When picking up skiers, ALWAYS approach skiers with a direct line of sight on the driver s side of the boat to prevent injuries. This is absolutely essential for safety and should be followed under all circumstances except for in the case of an emergency where no other options are available. Lake Weeds- If the boat floats or is driven through the weeds, STOP the boat immediately, push the boat out of the weeds, and remove the weeds by hand with the engine OFF (They will not come off by themselves). If you continue to drive, you will damage the boats engine and propeller.
Failure to comply with Rules- The following can result in removal of boat driving privileges for a period defined by the head boat driver (usually 2 weeks): Not reading the Boating Safety Rules upon arrival at the lake Not filling out and processing through the Boat Driver Checklist Causing damage to the boat or equipment out of NEGLECT Neglecting to notify the proper parties of a trip to the lake (i.e. Group-Me) While in the period of probation, you will meet with the head boat driver and discuss the faults that occurred, the period of probation, and what can be done to keep it from happening again. Other Information: Filed Rudder- The rudder on the boat has been filed to improve the tracking. As a result, in motion the boat pulls to the LEFT. This means you should always keep at least one hand on the steering wheel and be prepared for increased difficulty in coming out of a left hand turn. Also in the event you drive with the barefoot boom on the boat there is an even more significant pull to the right. If you are not familiar and have not been adequately trained with driving with a boom DO NOT operate the boat without proper supervision to learn. Buoys- Many of the ski sites have slalom courses put up on them currently. It is the boat driver s responsibility to be aware of and cautious around all buoys in the lake. In the event a buoy is run over or knocked off, notify someone with course maintenance knowledge and experience so action can be taken to resolve the issue. Fueling the boat- When the boat needs gas, first find the necessary equipment used to fill it up. If you are not familiar with or can t find the right equipment do not hesitate to ask someone. Always refuel the boat with the engine off and be careful to spill as little as possible on the boat and/or in the water. If any is spilled when finished clean up the spill to the best of your ability. Never top off the tank as it may lead to unnecessary spills while running and turning the boat. Always remember to turn off the line to the gas tank when finished.
Keeping your mind on the lake- Even certified boat drivers cannot teach you the correct methodology for every scenario on the lake. It is your job and your responsibility to use your best judgment in any scenario we cannot prepare you for. Remember to always use your brain while on the lake and think about who is around with you and knowing that their safety is in your hands. Becoming a fully certified driver-in order to be fully certified as a Texas A&M waterski boat driver you need to complete the following checklist requirements and demonstrate the responsibility required to operate the boat in front of a previously certified boat driver teacher. In addition to this checklist you need to have either been an active club member for a full semester and/or engage in a minimum of 8-10 lake trips with the team to gain experience and general knowledge of our procedures. If you do not feel comfortable after completing these requirements, then DO NOT drive the boat without another competent boat driver with you to help you gain more experience. Completion of these tasks in an adequate manner is a judgment call by the boat driving trainer that day. *NOTE* a driver can become certified to pull certain events before fully completing certification, however, a fully certified driver must be present during that day to ensure the boat is properly put up and that the general maintenance has been completed. Head Boat Driver- The head boat driver may be appointed by the previous head boat driver at any time. The maximum term limit for any head driver will be set at 2 years. The head boat driver must select a new head boat driver the semester before his/her graduating semester. To be qualified you must be fully certified in all aspects (including driving with the boom and pulling barefoot skiers) as well as have a full year before graduation, and must show serious interest in maintaining the google document as well as updating the manual as needed.
Show proof of Boaters certification Complete set-up for a normal day skiing (depending on location) (one time) *includes trailering, backing down, lowering lift, etc. to start a trip* Launch boat correctly from trailer and or lift (two times) *both forms should be completed* Demonstrate the knowledge of common skier hand signals and pulling procedures Approach dock properly and in a controlled manner (3 times) Pull away from dock in a proper and controlled manner (3 times) Pull a trick skier/wakeboard (5 pulls) Pull a slalom skier (5 times)** Pull a slalom skier through course (5 times) *can be done at the same time* Pull a jump skier through the jump course (5 times) trailer the boat/put on lift correctly (2 times) *includes maintenance, replacing boat cover, storage procedures* *note* Even after you complete the check list, you must still go through a final evaluation by the head boat driver. There are optional qualifications located on the google doc to be certified to drive both with the boom as well as with a barefoot skier. These requirements are not presented in this checklist, however you must be certified via the google doc to engage in either of these activities.
Boat Driving Paths NO DRIVE ZONE (BOX) TRICK PATH (AT LEAST 30 feet from shore, when in doubt, drive further from shore) SLALOM PATH (Tight Turn at far end of lake)
This is to confirm that is now a TEXAS A&M UNIVERSITY WATER SKI CLUB CERTIFIED BOAT DRIVER As a certified club driver, you are trusted by the club to carry out your duties in a responsible manner, and to always do what is in the best interest of the TAMU Water Ski Club. By signing this document, you confirm you have completed at least the minimum requirements and you understand what is required and expected of you as a certified driver and agree to take on the responsibilities as such. Signature: Of new Certified Driver Date Signature: Previously Certified trainer Date