Starting A Rescue Boat Engine: A Step-By-Step Guide

Knowing how to start a rescue boat engine is crucial for maritime safety. In this context, the term rescue boat typically refers to a small, fast craft used for emergency rescue operations, such as a man overboard. These boats are mandatory on all ocean and offshore vessels. To start the engine, one must first prepare the boat by releasing any lashing arrangements, disconnecting external power, and removing obstacles. Then, the operator should connect the fuel hose to the fuel tank, ensuring adequate fuel levels, and connect the other end to the outboard oil supply system. The battery charging circuit should be disconnected to prevent battery damage. Next, the control lever is placed in the neutral position, and the battery switch is turned on. Finally, the start button is pressed, and the engine should ignite. It is essential to maintain these engines properly and conduct regular checks to ensure they are in good working condition when needed.

Preparation before launch

Release the lashing arrangement

The first step in preparing a rescue boat for launch is to release the lashing arrangement. This involves freeing the boat from any restraints or ties that hold it in place, allowing it to be moved and lowered into the water.

Disconnect external power

External power should be disconnected from the rescue boat. This is a safety measure to prevent electrical hazards and ensure the boat's systems are independent and functioning on their own power source.

Remove all obstacles

The area around the rescue boat should be cleared of any obstacles or obstructions. This is important for the smooth deployment of the boat and to prevent any delays or hazards during the launch process.

Wear lifejackets and prepare for embarkation

Crew members should don their lifejackets and prepare for boarding the rescue boat. This step ensures the safety of the crew and is a standard procedure before embarking on any rescue operation.

Lower the boat until it is fully waterborne

The boat should be carefully lowered into the water. This process involves lowering the boat from its storage position, typically on a ship or platform, until it is fully floating in the water, ready for engine start-up and navigation.

Release hook and painter

Once the boat is in the water, the hook and painter (a rope at the bow of the boat) should be released simultaneously. This step allows the boat to detach from its launch system and become fully independent, ready for manoeuvring.

Prepare the engine for start-up

With the boat now in the water, the focus shifts to preparing the engine for start-up. This includes several critical steps to ensure the engine functions effectively:

• Open the oil valve of the fuel tank to allow fuel flow.
• Put the control lever in the neutral position.
• Ensure the starting gear is in the neutral position, with the neutral throttle lever opened.
• Connect the fuel hose to the fuel tank and check the fuel quantity using the fuel gauge. The amount of oil should meet the requirements of the relevant maritime conventions, ensuring the boat can sail at a speed of 6 knots for at least 4 hours with a full load.
• Connect the other end of the fuel hose to the outboard oil supply system.
• Ventilate the fuel tank by unscrewing the bleed screw on the fuel tank cap a few times.
• Pump fuel into the carburettor using the soft airbag in the fuel hose until it feels full.
• Disconnect the battery charging circuit to prevent damage to the battery.
• Select the battery required to start the engine. Typically, only one battery is needed for this process.
• Insert the engine key and attach the emergency brake switch cable to the operator's wrist or clothing. This cable is essential for safety; if the operator falls into the water or moves away from the rudder, the cable will stop the engine to prevent unattended operation of the vessel.

Final checks before engine start-up

Before starting the engine, it is crucial to perform the following checks:

• Ensure the boat propeller is immersed in fresh water. It is important to never start the engine without cooling water.
• Check the cooling water outlet for any blockages. If there is no water flowing out when the engine is running, stop the engine immediately and address any blockages.
• Inspect the engine and control unit to ensure all parts are in normal working condition.
• Observe the trim and heel of the boat; it should maintain a normal floating state.
• Ensure the emergency tiller is ready for use in case of a failure with the main steering system.
• Check the fuel system for any leaks and address them immediately to prevent future issues.
• Test the searchlight to ensure it is operational.
• Inspect the paddle, hooks, and other equipment to ensure they are in place and functional.
• Check the boat drain plug to ensure it is properly closed.
• Regularly lower the rescue boat into the water to maintain engine efficiency and understand engine performance under load.

By following these comprehensive preparation steps, the rescue boat will be ready for a swift and efficient launch, ensuring the safety of the crew and any individuals requiring rescue.

Connect the fuel hose

To connect the fuel hose, first attach it to the fuel tank. The fuel tank should contain enough fuel to meet the requirements of the SOLAS Convention. When the boat is fully loaded with occupants and attachments, it should be able to sail at a speed of 6 knots for at least 4 hours. Filling up the fuel tank will ensure that the tank has 10% space, allowing room for the fuel to expand.

Next, connect the other end of the fuel hose to the outboard oil supply system. Then, unscrew the bleed screw on the fuel tank cap counterclockwise 2-3 times to ventilate the fuel tank. This will help to ensure that the engine receives an adequate flow of fuel.

At this point, you should use the soft airbag in the fuel hose to pump fuel into the carburetor until you can feel that the inside of the soft airbag is full. This step is crucial to ensure that the engine has access to an immediate supply of fuel upon startup.

Finally, check the fuel gauge to ensure that the fuel tank contains a sufficient amount of fuel. By following these steps, you can be confident that the fuel hose is properly connected and that the engine will have an adequate fuel supply when starting the rescue boat engine.

Check the fuel tank

Checking the fuel tank is a crucial step in starting a rescue boat engine. Here are some detailed instructions to ensure the fuel tank is properly prepared:

First, connect the fuel hose to the fuel tank. This is a vital step as it allows the fuel to flow from the tank to the engine. The next step is to check the fuel quantity in the tank using the fuel gauge. It is important to ensure that there is sufficient fuel to meet the requirements of the relevant conventions and regulations. For a rescue boat, it is recommended to fill the tank to allow for a 10% expansion space, ensuring the boat can sail at a speed of 6 knots for at least 4 hours when fully loaded.

Once the fuel level is satisfactory, connect the other end of the fuel hose to the outboard oil supply system. This step ensures that the engine receives the necessary oil for lubrication. It is important to get the oil ratio right. Too little oil can cause poor lubrication, leading to accelerated wear and tear on the piston and cylinder liner. On the other hand, too much oil can result in carbon deposits and sticking to the piston ring, affecting engine performance.

The next step is to ventilate the fuel tank. To do this, unscrew the bleed screw on the fuel tank cap counterclockwise 2-3 times. This allows air to escape and prevents airlocks from forming in the fuel system. After ventilation, use the soft airbag in the fuel hose to pump fuel into the carburetor until it feels full. This ensures that the carburetor has enough fuel to create the air-fuel mixture necessary for engine combustion.

Before starting the engine, it is important to check for any fuel leaks. Leaks can be dangerous and can cause damage to the boat. If any leaks are detected, address them immediately. Additionally, ensure that the fuel tank is securely fastened and that all fuel connections are tight to prevent leaks during operation.

By following these steps, you can ensure that the fuel tank is properly prepared and ready to supply the engine with the necessary fuel and lubrication for a successful start and smooth operation of the rescue boat.

Battery and key

The rescue boat is equipped with a TOHATSU two-stroke, two-cylinder, 25-horsepower outboard engine. It is important to ensure that the battery is connected and charged before attempting to start the engine.

To do this, first, disconnect the battery charging circuit, as failing to do so may cause damage to the battery. Then, insert the battery selector switch key and select the battery required to start the machine. Typically, only one battery is required to start (as there are two sets of batteries), and the position indicated by the key handle is the state of the battery.

Next, insert the engine key and attach the emergency brake switch cable to the operator's wrist, or to a firm garment, or another part of the operator. This cable is essential for safety. If the operator falls into the water or leaves the rudder position, the cable will pull out the locking plate and stop the engine ignition, preventing the ship from continuing to operate without an operator. Ensure the cable is not tied to clothing that may fall off, and do not let the cable pass through a place where it may become entangled. The length of the cable should be between 122-152cm, allowing the operator sufficient space to move while reducing the possibility of accidentally pulling the cable.

Once the battery and key have been correctly set up, you can proceed to start the engine.

Cooling water

Once the engine is started, it is imperative to immediately check if the cooling water is flowing out from the cooling water outlet. If no water is flowing out, it is a sign of a blockage in the inlet or outlet holes, and the engine must be stopped immediately. The blockage could be due to deposited salt or rust, and it is necessary to report the issue, request spare parts, and perform overhauling if possible.

The cooling water plays a critical role in maintaining the engine's temperature and preventing overheating. By allowing the engine to take in cooling water, you can help regulate its operating temperature and ensure the engine's longevity. Additionally, the cooling water outlet returning function is an important indicator of the engine's overall health.

It is worth noting that the quality and ratio of cooling water, gasoline, and oil are crucial factors in engine maintenance. The use of the wrong ratios can lead to poor lubrication, accelerated wear and tear, and even piston overheating. Therefore, it is essential to refer to the engine manufacturer's manual and follow their recommendations for the specific type of engine in your rescue boat.

Frequently asked questions