Sea prowess

Sun Nov 01, 2009 12:56 pm

Hi all, what is your understanding of the term “sea prowess” or “sea capability” of the vessel? I understand that it is very illusive and there is no definition or measure (at least according to my knowledge). If that’s the case what this term can be used for?

How “sea capable” boat needs to be to be able to take her for shark fishing drift or for the odd trip to the off shore wrecks?

Re: Sea prowess

Sun Nov 01, 2009 9:05 pm

In my opinion, the sea keeping abilities of a boat are totally determined by the sea conditions on the day you are going fishing, weather that a charter boat could go out in quite comfortably could be beyond the sea keeping abilities of say a warrior 175 or orkney 19, personally I would not consider going out in anything less than a 17 footer with minimum Catagory C. certification.
Dave

Re: Sea prowess

Sun Nov 01, 2009 9:13 pm

Thanks for your answer. What do you mean by "Catagory C. certification"? Is it certification for boat or skipper? Please excuse my ignorance :)

Re: Sea prowess

Sun Nov 01, 2009 10:02 pm

No prob, under the European Recreational Craft Directive, a Catogery C craft is certified for inshore use, in Wave conditions not exceeding 2mt height, and Beaufort wind scale up to but not exceeding force 6, carrying a maximum of 6 people or 600kg whichever is less.
This certification ensures the vessel is designed for, and is strong enough and stable enough to withstand the above conditions.
I'm not sure what the offical definition of "inshore" actually is, but I would say anywhere up to 30 miles from the nearest point of land.

Re: Sea prowess

Sun Nov 01, 2009 11:28 pm

I think inshore is classed as 15 mile over that is offshore

Re: Sea prowess

Sun Nov 01, 2009 11:47 pm

the maritime safety directorate & irish coast guard, says that category C-inshore is within 10 miles of land. Dave the 30 mile thing is the coverage of vhf.

Re: Sea prowess

Wed Nov 04, 2009 7:37 pm

Hi Guys,
just catching up with the topic.

Does this certificate is granted to type of the boat or to each vessel individually?

Re: Sea prowess

Wed Nov 04, 2009 8:24 pm

tommy its like saying a boat is small medium or large. some small polyethylene
punts are class C, but if 6 people went 10 miles out to sea in force six winds in it they would all die.
So too in a warrior.

so it really means boats up to those capable of going out in these conditions
fit in this category. But the manufacturers dangerously claim - look
this boat is guaranteed by the EC unsinkable and safe for six people up to a force 6.

Re: Sea prowess

Wed Nov 04, 2009 8:32 pm

Its given to the boat model, as opposed to each individual boat constructed.

Its based on each vessel being built using the same moulds, same materials, same build process etc as the one which was tested.

Hope this answers your question.