SAFETY ON and OFF the WATER

Big Gun Warship Combat is a game. The game pieces are our ships, and the playing board is the lake. We have rules for play that define and control the form of the game, and allow for as much individualism as possible. During the playing of this game, there are many things that must be considered; gas and ammo supplies on board, the status of your ship's pumps, the other side's strategy or deception campaign, it goes on and on. But the foremost important issue to be watched at all times is SAFETY. The pieces in this game SHOOT real projectiles that can cause harm if not treated with proper respect and if not considered with common sense.

Safety is a broad subject in concept, but easily maintained in practice. There are a few simple things to do and watch for in order to keep the vast majority of concerns to an easily manageable few.

THE SHIPS:

Safety Switch

• Each and every armed combat vessel must have a "Safety Switch" installed. This is a pneumatic valve that completely disables the ship's armament and prevents accidental firing of the guns. It bleeds the firing side of the system. This switch looks like a simple electrical toggle switch, and flips back and forth in much the same manner. It is harder to move to the ARM position, and easy to move to DISARM.

• The switch must be mounted in an easily accessible position on the deck. This is to allow rapid disabling of the gun system when needed. Typically, the system is in DISARM while the ship is on the bench, and not ARMed until it is actually on the water. A quick flip of the switch will make the ship's guns battle ready. Also, before the ship is lifted from the water, the switch is thrown to shut down the guns.

• The highest guns of any ship are rarely more than 5" above the water, and typically do little harm to objects off the water. While on a work bench at the pond or shop, these guns can hit just about anything depending on the angle of the hull and thus the barrels.

Gun Pressure

• The original Rules state that the highest pressure allowed to the guns is 120 psi., though some clubs run up to 140 psi on modified Rules and have had no problems. The pressure limit exists mainly to prevent catastrophic failure of the gun itself, and its support system. (Explosions). Guns and gas supply components are made of various materials that can withstand pressures higher than the Rules allow. The mandated limits are in place to assure a substantial safety margin. Depending on which club you are in, the Rules state pressures above 120 (or 140 psi) are not to be allowed. Failure to comply will result in loss of playing privileges.

Gun and CO2 Delivery System Design

• Any single portion of either of these systems that is substandard can cause a failure resulting in harm to people or damage to the ship. The Safety Officer of the club has the Duty to insure that gun system components are built and installed in a safe manner. (ALL members of the club have a right and duty to bring safety violations into the open, and ask that they be corrected before the ship or captain in question is allowed to play.) The Safety Officer should be very familiar with gun system design. In the case where a new club is forming, and the required expertise is not directly available, consultation with existing clubs is encouraged.

THE CAPTAINS:

Safety Goggles

• All captains and spectators near the ships are required to wear Safety Goggles. These goggles must have full wrap around protection to protect against any rounds passing to the eye from any direction. Impact glasses with no side protection are not considered safe, and can actually ricochet a round off the inside surface of the lens back into the eye. Most goggles are available at hardware stores for less than $10. If you value your vision, this cost is nothing. The club is responsible for maintaining a safe atmosphere. If spectators are to be allowed near the ships, they must have goggles, or the club must supply goggles for them. Otherwise, spectators must be kept away from the playing area. Can you say LAWSUIT??

Responsible Play

• The Rules specify who is in authority during events, but ALL captains are responsible for their own safe playing conduct. Some things are expressly forbidden by the Rules or common sense. There is no firing from the bench, no looking into a barrel - live or otherwise, no adjusting system pressures without a pressure gauge, etc. Any situation that can lead to an unmonitored rise in system pressure, or shooting anywhere except into the lake FROM the lake is not allowed. Some may see it as an inconvenience, but that's the way it is.




People and their property are more important than the game.

OTHER CONSIDERATIONS:

Safety Screens

• Only one club currently uses Safety Screens. This is the South Coast Battle Group. The SCBG members chipped-in to buy 4 foot tall plastic screen of the variety used to build or recondition screen doors. It is supported by steel rods placed into the ground before each game and removed afterwards. The screen stretches along the shore to protect the captains while they play and launch / retrieve ships. Also, there is a long stretch of it along the back line of the shore area to protect spectators. The screens can block a 200 foot area from shot penetration. To my knowledge, no round has ever passed through the screen when it was properly set up. If your club doesn't have such protection, it may be something to consider.

Insurance

• Some clubs play on private land. The owners of the land are generally protected from suits brought against them by their homeowner's policies. In these cases, they have agreed to allow these policies to be the sole insurance protection. In cases where the games are held on public lakes or park ponds, it is recommended that each and every participant be a member of NAMBA in order to have insurance protection. NAMBA has a policy that becomes in effect when you pay your dues as a member.

The ultimate authority regarding safety is the local municipal codes in your area. If you are using public lands, the curators of those lands will generally know what those codes are, or be able to tell you where to find answers to your questions. Do not use public lands for play unless you have permission from the governing body in charge. Failure to seek and receive proper permissions can result in fines and penalties.

When playing, use common sense. Avoid situations that can result in injury or damage. Refer to the Rules for specifics on Safety, and then go blow your buddy's ship into match wood!