A RIB is making a passage that crosses a tidal estuary with a 3-knot tidal stream. The passage is 12nm and the RIB cruises at 20kn. Why does the tide still matter?

A. Only the tidal height matters for powerboats — stream direction is irrelevant

B. At 20kn the tidal stream has no effect — only vessels below 10kn need to account for tide

C. Set a course to the destination waypoint — GPS corrects for any tidal drift automatically

D. Even at 20kn, a 3kn beam tide will push the RIB significantly off course. At 20kn, 3kn of set gives a 8.5° course error — across 12nm that is 1.8nm set off track. Navigate using ground track not heading. At low speed (entering harbour, mooring) tidal stream control becomes critical

A. The kill cord is only required when travelling above 15 knots

B. If the driver is thrown from the helm, the cord pulls the kill switch stopping the engine — preventing the vessel continuing at speed unmanned (a "circle of death" where an uncontrolled powerboat circles at full throttle striking the crew in the water)

C. The kill cord prevents fuel surging at high speed

D. Kill cords are advisory only — they are not required by law for leisure powerboats

A. Check fuel and kill cord only — all other checks are annual service items

B. Fuel (level, no leaks, correct mix if 2-stroke); oil (4-stroke: check dipstick); engine mounting bolts tight; kill cord condition and function; propeller (no damage, cotter pin present); safety equipment (lifejackets, flares, VHF, bailer, paddle); kill cord attached before starting

C. Run the engine in the water for 10 minutes before departure — no pre-launch checks needed

D. Only check fuel level — outboard engines are self-maintaining