260 Appendix E
The key to stress management is to
stop, think, and analyze before jumping to
a conclusion. There is usually time to think
before drawing unnecessary conclusions.
There are several techniques to help
manage the accumulation of life stresses
and prevent stress overload. For example,
to help reduce stress levels, set aside time
for relaxation each day or maintain a program
of physical fitness. To prevent stress
overload, learn to manage time more effectively
to avoid pressures imposed by getting
behind schedule and not meeting deadlines.
Use of Resources
To make informed decisions during boating
operations, a boater must also become
aware of the resources found inside and
outside the helm station. Since useful
tools and sources of information may not
always be readily apparent, learning to
recognize these resources is an essential
part of BDM training. Resources must
not only be identified, but a boater must
also develop the skills to evaluate whether
there is time to use a particular resource
and the impact its use will have upon the
safety of boating. For example, the assistance
of the harbor master may be very
useful if lost, but in an emergency situation,
there may be no time available to
contact outside help.
Internal Resources
One of the most underutilized resources
may be another crew member or passenger,
even if the passenger has no boating experience.
When appropriate, the PIC can ask
passengers to assist with certain tasks, such
as lookout or reading checklist items. Some
other ways a passenger can assist:
Provide information in an irregular
situation, especially if familiar with navigation
aids and charting. A strange smell or
sound may alert a passenger to a potential
problem.
Confirm soundings to charted depths.
Learn to look at the compass when maintaining
a course.
Listen to logic or lack of logic.
Also, the process of a verbal briefing
(which can happen whether or not passengers
are aboard) can help the PIC in the
decision-making process.
When boating alone, another internal
resource is verbal communication. It
has been established that verbal communication
reinforces an activity; touching
an object while communicating further
enhances the probability an activity has
been accomplished. For this reason, many
boaters operating alone read the checklist
out loud; when they reach critical items,
they touch the switch or control. For example,
tug on the mooring lines to determine
if they are cleated for mooring, check the
fenders for a secure knot, visually check
engine temperatures and pressures are OK.
Checklists are essential internal
resources. They are used to verify the
readiness for getting underway, docking,
using radios and if the engine is operating
correctly. Boaters reluctant to use checklists
can be reminded that professionals at
all levels of experience refer to checklists,
and that the more advanced vessels with
greater instrumentation , the more crucial
checklists become.
It is necessary for a PIC to have a
thorough understanding of all the equipment
and systems on his or her vessel.
SITUATIONAL AWARENESS
Situational awareness is the accurate perception
and understanding of all the factors
and conditions within the five fundamental
risk elements (underway, PIC, vessel,
environment, and type of operation that
comprise any given boating situation) that
affect safety before, during, and after the
cruise. Monitoring radio communications
for traffic, weather discussion, and sound
signals can enhance situational awareness
by helping the boater develop a mental picture
of what is happening.
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