Purpose:

To describe, in detail, the process of lowering a Monomoy lifeboat the correct way. A Monomoy lifeboat is a boat made out of wood that is raised above the water when not in use to prevent corrosion.

Overview:

Put on lifejackets Lower the boat using the mechanical falls even with the dock Enter the boat and insert the boat plug Lower the boat into the water Two people unhook the boat from the falls Raise the falls 10 to 15 feet above the boat Tie the boat lines to the dock Enter the boat and distribute the weight on the boat evenly The boat is ready to be launched

Hazards:

SAFETY ALWAYS COMES FIRST Lower each fall in sequence with each other to prevent the boat from entering the water incorrectly Fasten the boat plug very tightly to make sure that water does not enter through When raising the falls, hold them until they are above your head to prevent them from swinging Tie the lines on the dock so they are able to be released from the boat Make sure all the weight is even to prevent the boat from tipping Use the proper hand signals when lowering and raising the boat

Procedure:

1. Put on a United States Coast Guard certified lifejacket Tie a bow tie on both the upper and lower straps of the  lifejacket and clip the middle strap of the jacket and tighten

2. Next switch the boat falls to the on position and prepare to lower the boat

3. Next to the fall switch, use the boat falls remote to lower the boat Press both red buttons (at the same time) until the Monomoy is two feet above the water

4. Next safely enter the boat and locate the boat plug

5.The boat plug is located in the middle of the boat in a apparent hole on the floor

6. Turn the boat plug counter clockwise until it is secured

7. Next exit the boat safely and return to the mechanical falls remote

8. Using the mechanical remote lower the boat into the water

9. Keep lowering the falls for 3 to 5 seconds after the boat has entered the water to create slack

10. Next take the lines from the stern and bow of the boat and tie them to the dock

11. Then have two people (wearing lifejackets) enter the boat to release the falls

12. Unhook the falls by pushing down on the hooks

13. Then signal to the operator of the fall remote to raise the falls

14. Hold onto the falls until they are above your head to prevent the falls from swinging

15. Raise the falls 10 to 15 feet above the boat

16. The boat is then ready to be entered into the water

17. Distribute the weight of the people evenly when entering the boat to prevent the boat from tipping

18. The boat is then ready to be operated Insert the oar locks into the holes next to  each seat

19. Then pass the sweep oar to the coxswain of the boat Next distribute the oars among the personal of the boat and hold the oar in an upright position

19. The boat is now ready for the coxswain to take command of the boat

Proper Hand Signals for Lowering Boats

Hoist: With forearm forefinger pointing up, horizontal circle.

Lower: With arm extended vertical and forefinger downward, move hand hand in small in small horizontal circle.

Definitions of Terminology

• Monomoy- a boat made out of wood

• Boat Falls- the chains that connect to the boat to hoist up the boat much like a pulley device

• Dock- a landing pier

• Boat Plug-used to plug the bottom of a boat to prevent water from coming in and let water out

• Mechanical Falls- a device used to raise a boat without using manpower

• Boat Lines- the rope on a boat used to tie the boat to another object

• Stern- another name for the back of a boat

• Bow- the front of the boat

• Oar locks- any of various devices providing a pivot for an oar in rowing

• Oars- a long shaft with a broad blade at one end, used as a lever for rowing or otherwise propelling or steering a boat.

• Coxswain- a person who is in charge of a ship's boat and its crew, under an officer, and who steers it.

Conclusion:

When lower the boat it needs to be taken very serious and your safety needs to be in consideration at all times. You need to be aware of your surroundings and the safety of the other personal around the boat. Following the proper directions is important for your safety and the condition of the boat.