COMM.I.I — Water and Seaplane Characteristics, Seaplane Bases, Maritime Rules, and Aids to Marine Navigation (ASES, AMES)

Objective: To determine that the applicant exhibits satisfactory knowledge, risk management, and skills associated with water and seaplane characteristics, seaplane bases, maritime rules, and aids to marine navigation.

Knowledge

The applicant demonstrates understanding of:

• CA.I.I.K1The characteristics of a water surface as affected by features, such as:
  • CA.I.I.K1aa. Size and location
  • CA.I.I.K1bb. Protected and unprotected areas
  • CA.I.I.K1cc. Surface wind
  • CA.I.I.K1dd. Direction and strength of water current
  • CA.I.I.K1ee. Floating and partially submerged debris
  • CA.I.I.K1ff. Sandbars, islands, and shoals
  • CA.I.I.K1gg. Vessel traffic and wakes
  • CA.I.I.K1hh. Other characteristics specific to the area
• CA.I.I.K2Float and hull construction, and its effect on seaplane performance.
• CA.I.I.K3Causes of porpoising and skipping, and the pilot action needed to prevent or correct these occurrences.
• CA.I.I.K4How to locate and identify seaplane bases on charts or in directories.
• CA.I.I.K5Operating restrictions at various bases.
• CA.I.I.K6Right-of-way, steering, and sailing rules pertinent to seaplane operation.
• CA.I.I.K7Marine navigation aids, such as buoys, beacons, lights, sound signals, and range markers.

Risk Management

The applicant demonstrates the ability to identify, assess and mitigate risks, encompassing:

• CA.I.I.R1Local conditions.
• CA.I.I.R2Impact of marine traffic.

Skills

The applicant demonstrates the ability to:

• CA.I.I.S1Assess the water surface characteristics for the proposed flight.
• CA.I.I.S2Identify restrictions at local seaplane bases.
• CA.I.I.S3Identify marine navigation aids.