RFO Study Guide
Courtesy of BM2 David Race
www.boatswainsmate.net
FIRST AID
1. How can you protect yourself from disease transmission when giving
care?
-Avoid contacting the victim’s blood or other body fluids and use protective
equipment such as disposable gloves and breathing barrier when administering
care.
2. You are helping a co-worker who is cut and bleeding severely. You
control the bleeding but you think the victim may be in shock. What do you
do?
-Make sure 911 has been called, keep the victim from getting chilled or
overheated and monitor and reassure the victim until advance medical help
arrives.
3. What is the definition of Hypothermia?
-Hypothermia is a lowering of the core body temperature due to exposure of cold
water or air resulting in a subnormal body temperature. Hypothermia is very
dangerous and sometimes fatal.
4. What is the treatment for Hypothermia?
-Remove from environment, lay them face up, and remove wet clothes, if dry
clothes are available, give nothing orally, blankets. Contact EMS
5. What are the 4 steps in order, regarding controlling bleeding?
-Direct pressure, Elevation, Pressure Points, Tourniquet
6. What are the symptoms of shock?
-Restlessness, faint, thirst, nausea, weakness, anxiousness, fright, dizziness.
Weak and rapid pulse, shallow, rapid and irregular breathing, cold and clammy
skin, dilated pupils.
7. You determine the victim in the above question is in shock. What should
you not do?
-Give the victim water
8. How should you give rescue breaths to an adult?
-Breathe slowly into the victim, about once every five seconds.
9. How do you administer adult CPR?
-Give 1 chest compression about every 2 seconds and 2 rescue breaths every
minute. 30 compressions 2 rescue breaths every minute.
10. You have bandaged a boater’s cut forearm in a way that applies
pressure on the wound. Blood is still soaking through the dressing and
bandage. You help the boater elevate his arm in an attempt to stop the
bleeding, but the bleeding continues. What should you do?
-Apply additional dressings and bandages, and apply pressure on the inside of
the arm midway between the shoulder and elbow.
Disclaimer: Any study guide may have incorrect information, as everyone is human...including the BMs
who've written the study guides (not to mention policy changes). This is why it is critical that you read the
appropriate manuals when studying, not just read the study guides. If you find something wrong, notify the
study guide author so they can update it and submit a corrected copy. You are responsible for knowing the
material, so I encourage you to hit the books first and use the study guides as a companion document to
your studying.
RFO Study Guide
Courtesy of BM2 David Race
www.boatswainsmate.net
SURVIVAL
11. The Kokatat dry suit or MSD 900 shall be worn when both air and water
temperatures are below?
-50 degrees
12. The MK-127A1 parachute illumination signal is normally fired at an
angle less than 90 degrees and greater than 45 degrees.
13. Scheduled passengers who have not been formally trained to use
military specification pyro shall not wear equipment that contains MK 79 or
MK 124 pyro.
-These passengers shall be outfitted with PFDs that contain whistles and
personal marker lights or strobe lights
14. If the MK-79 Signal fails to fire, you should try firing it two more times, if
that fails you should wait 30 seconds before removing the projectile.
15. You are conducting the Self test sequence on the Fast find PEPIRB. The
green light on the left flashed three times, but the buzzer did not sound.
What should you do?
-Repeat self test. If problem persists check battery expiration date. Return unit to
dealer.
16. Each end of the MK-124 signal will burn for about 20 seconds.
17. What is the H.E.L.P. position and its purpose?
-Heat Escape Lessening Position. It is used to decrease the amount of body heat
that is lost while someone is in the water.
18. List the types of PFD’s and describe each.
-Type I- Off shore life jacket used for survivors/ passengers. Places an
unconscious person face up in the water
-Type II- Near shore buoyant vest, also turn an unconscious person face up in
the water
-Type III- Flotation Aid, used when freedom of movement is required while on
board a vessel. Does not turn an unconscious person face up in the water
-Type IV- Throw able PFD, seat cushion, ring, or Jim buoy
-Type V- Special use device as the Anti- Exposure coverall, thermal protective
COXSWAIN AND BOATCREW KNOWLEDGE
19. List Coxswain’s responsibility in order of precedence.
- The safety and conduct of passengers and crew
- The safe operation and Navigation of the boat assigned
- The completion of Sortie or mission’s assigned or undertaken pursuant to
USCG policy and regulations
- An U/W Coxswain will at all times respond, within the limits of capabilities and
legal Authority to observed hazards to life or property, and violations of law or
regulations.
20. List the 8 duties of a Boat crew Member.
-Helm Watch, Lookout Watch, Tow Watch, Anchor Watch, Line Handling,
Surface Swimmer, Administer First Aid, Operate DC Equipment
Disclaimer: Any study guide may have incorrect information, as everyone is human...including the BMs
who've written the study guides (not to mention policy changes). This is why it is critical that you read the
appropriate manuals when studying, not just read the study guides. If you find something wrong, notify the
study guide author so they can update it and submit a corrected copy. You are responsible for knowing the
material, so I encourage you to hit the books first and use the study guides as a companion document to
your studying.
RFO Study Guide
Courtesy of BM2 David Race
www.boatswainsmate.net
21. Where do you measure distances on charts?
-Latitude scale on the sides of a chart and Graphic scale
22. Which color represents shoal water on a nautical chart?
-Blue
23. When is the anchor reported as being at a short stay?
-When the anchor line has been hove in just short of causing the anchor to break
free of the bottom.
24. Where is a relative bearing measured from?
-Your vessel’s bow
25. What is the correct way to set up for passing the drop pump to another
vessel when it is not safe to come alongside by the indirect method?
-Secure a 2-inch mooring line to a pump can handle. This is the inhaul line.
Secure a heaving line to the inhaul line. Secure a 2-inch mooring line to the other
pump can handle. This is the tending line. Attach a bridle, each with an eye in the
center to the tow-line. Secure the ends of the bridle to the handles of the pump
can.
26. How often is an 8 hour Team Coordination Training required to maintain
currency as a boat crewmember?
- Every 12 months
27. How can you attach a heaving line to a towline?
-snap hook, clove hitch, or bowline
28. How often do CG boats U/W (non-SAR) have to establish comms
contact with a CG shore unit for an Ops normal or POSIT Report?
-At least every 60 minutes
29. What is a dip in the towline caused by its weight called?
-The catenary
30. As a lookout while U/W, which is the correct way to report the following
sighting? An aircraft bearing 270 degrees relative to the bow of the vsl, 40
degrees above the horizon and at a distance of 5 nautical miles.
-Aircraft, bearing TWO SEVEN ZERO, Position Angle FORTY, Range TEN
THOUSAND yards.
31. What is the track spacing for a Sector Search for PIW?
- 200 yards
32. Datum is defined as the most probable location of the search object
corrected for movement over a period of time.
33. In what publication would you find important information about a port
such as harbor regulations, small craft facilities, bridges and visual
landmarks that cannot be shown graphically on standard nautical charts?
-Coast Pilot
34. Water that is free to move inside a compartment, and can shift from
side to side is called?
-Free surface effect
35. What is Free Communication with the Sea?
-Movement of water in and out of a vessel through an opening in the hull.
Disclaimer: Any study guide may have incorrect information, as everyone is human...including the BMs
who've written the study guides (not to mention policy changes). This is why it is critical that you read the
appropriate manuals when studying, not just read the study guides. If you find something wrong, notify the
study guide author so they can update it and submit a corrected copy. You are responsible for knowing the
material, so I encourage you to hit the books first and use the study guides as a companion document to
your studying.
RFO Study Guide
Courtesy of BM2 David Race
www.boatswainsmate.net
36. What are the 2 types of stability?
-Longitudinal- Fore and aft
-Transverse- Side to side
37. What are the forces that affect stability?
-Static- Constant or internal forces
-Dynamic- Forces associated with the changing environment example: wind,
current, or weather
38. What is cavitation?
-The formation of a partial vacuum around the propeller blades of a vessel
39. What are the differences between Heeling, Rolling and Listing?
-Heeling is a temporary lean of a vessel. Listing is a permanent lean, and Rolling
is the motion of a wave lifting one side of a vessel and dropping that side, then
lifting the other side and dropping it in turn.
40. What is the difference between Tilt and Trim?
-Tilt is a faster speed used to bring the engine completely up and trim is a slower
speed used for changing the propeller’s angle in relation to the water’s surface.
41. What is prop pitch?
-The distance a propeller will travel a solid object in one revolution.
42. What is Center of Gravity and Buoyancy regarding stability?
-Center of gravity is the weight of a vessel pushing downward and Buoyancy is
the water pushing upward against the vessel’s hull.
43. What are the 3 types of hulls?
-Displacement- Tankers or Freighters, a displacement hull pushes away water
allowing the vessel to settle down
-Planing- At certain speeds the hull of a boat with planning characteristics will be
lifted onto the water’s surface, causing the vessel to skim across the water.
-Semi-Displacement- Medium sized small boats such as MLB or UTB. A
combination of a displacement hull and a planning hull. This hull will rest in the
water at slow speeds and come up to a partial plane when speed is increased.
44. What is a drogue?
-Device used to slow the rate of movement by increasing drag. Commonly used
to prevent Yawing or Broaching.
45. What is the Scope of a line?
-Amount of line from the bit to the eye of the line on a tow. Bit to chain in an
anchoring situation.
46. How much line should be paid out when anchoring in calm water?
3-5 times the depth of water
47. What are the Colors and Arc’s of visibility for Navigation lights?
-Sidelights- Port Red, STRBD Green with arc’s of 112.5 degrees
-Stern- White 135 degrees
-Anchor Light- White 360 degrees
-Masthead Light- White 225 degrees
-Tow Light- Amber 135 degrees
Disclaimer: Any study guide may have incorrect information, as everyone is human...including the BMs
who've written the study guides (not to mention policy changes). This is why it is critical that you read the
appropriate manuals when studying, not just read the study guides. If you find something wrong, notify the
study guide author so they can update it and submit a corrected copy. You are responsible for knowing the
material, so I encourage you to hit the books first and use the study guides as a companion document to
your studying.
RFO Study Guide
Courtesy of BM2 David Race
www.boatswainsmate.net
48. What are the 4 sides of the Fire Tetrahedron?
- Oxygen, Fuel, Heat, Chemical chain reaction
49. What are the 4 types of fires and their preferred extinguishing agents?
-Alpha- Combustible materials such as wood, cloth, paper, rubber and certain
plastics. Extinguish with Water/ ABC Dry Chemical Extinguisher
-Bravo- Flammable liquids, gasses, greases, petroleum products. AFFF, CO2,
and PKP are the preferred extinguishing agents
-Charlie- Energized electrical equipment. Secure power, CO2, PKP
-Delta- Combustible metals such as magnesium, potassium, phosphorous and
sodium. Copious amounts of water, Sand placed underneath
50. What are the 3 phases of SAR?
-Uncertainty- Doubt
-Alert- Apprehension
-Distress- Danger
51. What is Deviation and Variation?
Deviation is the effect of metal objects on the compass and Variation is the
difference between magnetic and true north bearings
52. What type of projection is used on nautical charts?
-Mercator projection
53. What is the difference between true, Magnetic and Compass bearings?
-True is directly north on a chart, Magnetic bearing is from a compass +
Variation, and Compass bearings are from different boats + Deviation
54. What is set and drift?
-Set is the direction an object is moving and Drift is the rate/speed the object is
being moved at.
55. How should contacts be reported?
-Object, Bearing, and Range
BOAT SPECIFICATIONS
41 UTB
Length, molded 40' 08"
Length (with rub rails) 41' 03 3/4"
Beam, molded 13' 05- "
Beam (with rub rails) 14' 01"
Freeboard, bow 4' 06"
Freeboard, Amidship (Frame 7) 3' 09"
Freeboard, stern 2' 09"
Draft (maximum) 4' 01" at Frame 9
Fixed height (top of radar antenna) 13' 02"
Unfixed height (top of AM antenna) 26' 8"
Mast height (top of RDF antenna) 17' 00"
Engines Cummins Diesel VT-903M
Disclaimer: Any study guide may have incorrect information, as everyone is human...including the BMs
who've written the study guides (not to mention policy changes). This is why it is critical that you read the
appropriate manuals when studying, not just read the study guides. If you find something wrong, notify the
study guide author so they can update it and submit a corrected copy. You are responsible for knowing the
material, so I encourage you to hit the books first and use the study guides as a companion document to
your studying.
RFO Study Guide
Courtesy of BM2 David Race
www.boatswainsmate.net
Shaft horsepower, each engine 340 SHP
Fuel #2 diesel (Red in color)
Fuel capacity 486.8 gallons
Fuel capacity (95% full) 463.0 gallons
Fuel, usable 420.0 gallons
Propellers Two, 4-bladed,26" DIA x 28" pitch
Maximum speed 26 kts
Endurance at maximum speed 10.5 hours
Range at 18 kts (2,000 RPM) 300 NM
Displacement, full load 30,000 pounds
Displacement, less cargo 26,000 pounds
Crew 3
Passengers 20 / D11 SOP = 12
Maximum Operating Winds
30 knots
Maximum Operating Seas
8' (no surf)
Maximum Towing Capacity
100 gross tons
Maximum Towing Length 80' UTB Manual / 75' D11 SOP
Maximum Operating Distance Offshore
20 NM
Disabling Casualties
Main Engines and Reduction Gears Failure
Steering System Failure
Watertight Integrity Broken
Compass Inoperable (with red light at night)
Engineering Alarm Parameters
Lube Oil = 18psi or 12psi (Red Light and Bell)
High Water Temperature = 200+/- 5 or 205+/- 5 (Amber light & Bell)
Engine Room Temperature = 190 by the UTB Manual (horn)
Water Temp at: Idle = 140, Cruising = 165-195, At Dock = 100-120
Engineering Pressure Parameters
Tachometer Reads: Idle = 700-725, Cruising = 2300, Max = 2700
Lube Oil Reads: Idle = 10-30, Cruising = 40-65
Marine Gear Reads: Idle = 25-70, Cruising = 190-220
Marine Gear Type
Twin Disc Marine Gear 509 2-1 Ration
Engineering Oil Capacity & Type
Lube Oil = 15W40 @ 6 Gallons total (1-Filter, 5-Sump)
Marine Gear = 40weight @ 11 Quarts total (10-M.G.,1-Oil Cooler)
Disclaimer: Any study guide may have incorrect information, as everyone is human...including the BMs
who've written the study guides (not to mention policy changes). This is why it is critical that you read the
appropriate manuals when studying, not just read the study guides. If you find something wrong, notify the
study guide author so they can update it and submit a corrected copy. You are responsible for knowing the
material, so I encourage you to hit the books first and use the study guides as a companion document to
your studying.
RFO Study Guide
Courtesy of BM2 David Race
www.boatswainsmate.net
Size & Length of Line on Board
600' of 2 3/4" Double Braided Nylon (DBN) for Towline
300' of 2 3/4" (DBN) for Anchor line
2x30' of DBN, 2x60' of DBN by the book
2x40' of 2" (DBN) of Extra Line (Up to 150' of Extra Line)
Size & Length of Fire Hoses
2x1"(25' & 50') , 2x2" (12' & 30')
Fire Main Pressure Parameters
Max PSI = 100 & Minimum = 80 by the book / 250GPM & 1000RPM's
P-6 Pump Parameters
12' Lift with 250 GPM, 4-5 Hours Continuous
25 RBS
Design Length of Hull (RB-S measurement includes bow cover)
25' 2½" (7.7 meters) (RB-S)
Length Overall (bow to lowered taffrail) 29' 6½"
Length at Waterline 22' 8½"
Beam Overall 8' 6" including collar (2.6 meters)
Operational Draft (DIW with engines vertical) 39" (.98 meters)
Highest Fixed Point Above Waterline 8' 9" (2.7 meters)
Highest Point When On Trailer (anchor light)
11' 1½" (3.4 meters)
Highest Point When On Trailer (anchor mast down)
8' 10" (2.7 meters)
Crew Capacity (cabin seats)
04
Passenger Capacity (sitting on aft boxes and gunwales) 06
Seating Total
10
Fuel Tank Capacity 105 gallons (RBS)
Propulsion Machinery Twin Honda 225-HP, 4-stroke outboards
Engine Weight Each 633 pounds
Propellers 14x19 Mercury Offshore or Vensura Series
Boat Weight (fully outfitted, no crew) 7400
Boat Maximum Weight (fully outfitted, four crew, six passengers)
9200
Weight (fully outfit, fuel, trailer, no crew)
9450
Maximum Speed
46 knots at 6000 RPM
Cruise Speed
35 knots at 4800 RPM
Maximum Range at Cruise Speed
150 NM (RB-S)
Maximum Operating Winds
25 knots
Maximum Operating Seas
6' (no surf)
Maximum Towing Capacity
10 displacement tons
Maximum Operating Distance Offshore
10 NM
Outside Air Temperature
0 to 105 °F
Disclaimer: Any study guide may have incorrect information, as everyone is human...including the BMs
who've written the study guides (not to mention policy changes). This is why it is critical that you read the
appropriate manuals when studying, not just read the study guides. If you find something wrong, notify the
study guide author so they can update it and submit a corrected copy. You are responsible for knowing the
material, so I encourage you to hit the books first and use the study guides as a companion document to
your studying.
RFO Study Guide
Courtesy of BM2 David Race
www.boatswainsmate.net
Outside Water Temperature
28 to 95 °F
Dewatering Pump Parameters 1100 GPH & activates at 2 1/8"
Dimmable LED Lights 12 Total ( 08 outside , 04 inside )
Frame Scheme Numbered Aft to Forward 1 - 20
DSC & SINS? Digital Select Calling & Scalable Intergrated Navigational System
EPIRB 406mhz Category 2 ( Manual Deployable )
Fire Extinguishers 02 B1 ( Aft STBD Deck Box & FWD Port BKHD in Cabin )
Watertight Bulkheads Frames 7 1/2 , 13 1/2 , & 16
Towline = 300' of 1 1/2 Double Braided Nylon
Boat Design and Construction
Deep V, Rigid Mono Hull
Hull = Marine Grade 5056 Aluminum, Cabin = 5052
Collar = Closed Cell Poltethylene foam with a UV coating
Performance Fins provide lift upon acceleration and Vacuum during turns
Beaching Plate 1/4" 5086 Aluminum Plate welded to the Keel
Searchlight 180,000 Candlepower
Horn Rated At 106 Decibel Blast
Disclaimer: Any study guide may have incorrect information, as everyone is human...including the BMs
who've written the study guides (not to mention policy changes). This is why it is critical that you read the
appropriate manuals when studying, not just read the study guides. If you find something wrong, notify the
study guide author so they can update it and submit a corrected copy. You are responsible for knowing the
material, so I encourage you to hit the books first and use the study guides as a companion document to
your studying.