User manual

Part B Section Appendix A.3
A.3 SEAMANSHIP
01 INTRODUCTION
Once on the water the Catalina is a boat and is bound by the rules for normal, safe
operation of marine craft. The pilots therefore need to know the rules of maritime traffic
and must develop skills at anticipating the movement of boats and shipping. A basic
understanding of marine terminology and some experience in the use of nautical
equipment is also required. Fortunately there is some commonality in the nautical and
aeronautical languages.
02 MARINE EQUIPMENT
Anchor:
This is a basic item and should always be stowed in an accessible place with at least 30m
of suitable line attached and 10m of chain. The line required to hold a Catalina in rough
and windy conditions is sturdy indeed and the braided line currently fitted is only suitable
for light conditions. Alternative anchors are available.
Lines:
Braided lines are easier to work with than the older style twisted (laid) lines but for heavy
towing or anchoring the twisted type is probably better. Synthetic materials have all but
replaced the traditional manila and sisal fibres. Nylon lines are strong and flexible and
stretch well so while versatile, they will whip badly if they break and they do not float.
Nylon absorbs very little water and is the strongest material for a given diameter line.
Polypropylene lines are less elastic than nylon, are usually cheaper and do float but are
stiffer to work with, and are weaker than nylon for a give size. Polypropylene is however
lighter than nylon for a given length of the same diameter. Never use polypropylene or
other floating line on an anchor; it is too easily snagged by the propellers of manoeuvring
boats.
Sufficient lines should be carried for security at docks, beaches, ramps etc as well as a
suitable anchor line. A minimum of 4 lines each of 30m length should be on board for most
water operations.
Lifejackets:
A full complement of 19 jackets is to be carried for all water operations with passengers on
board. These are standard aviation approved jackets with lights.
Life raft:
A raft will be carried as required by ICAO rules. At present this is required for flights
greater than 200NM off shore. The raft must be large enough to accommodate all the
aircraft occupants, have a location indicator light, a survival kit, one or more pyrotechnic
signalling device and one ELT fitted
Bilge Pumps:
Four electrically driven bilge pumps are fitted in the hull. One under the front passenger
cabin floor, two under the pylon compartment floor and one under the floor of the rear
passenger cabin. They are powered by a 12Vdc system independent of the aircraft
electrical system (24Vdc) but charged by the aircraft generators via a voltage regulator.
The pumps are “hot wired” to the battery bus.
Stichting Catalina PH-PBY Rev No: 02
01 April, 2006 Page: 1