PLEASE NOTE | The instructor will adjust the order of activities or the timings to ensure that all participants can complete the training effectively and cover the course syllabus below:
The course has a duration of 5 days usually scheduled from 9am to 5pm with a designated lunch break.
COURSE SYLLABUS - DAY SKIPPER SAILING PRACTICAL COURSE
1. PREPARATION AT SEA
Is able to prepare a yacht for sea, including engine checks, selection of sails, securing and stowage of all gear on deck and below
2. DECK WORK
Can prepare an anchor, mooring warps and take charge on deck when mooring alongside, coming to a buoy, anchoring, weighing anchor and slipping from a buoy or an alongside berth
3. NAVIGATION
Is proficient in chartwork and routine navigational duties on passage including:
- Taking and plotting visual fixes
- Use of electronic navigation equipment for position fixing
- Use of waypoints
- Working up DR and EP
- Estimating tidal heights and tidal streams
- Working out course to steer to allow for tidal stream, leeway and drift
- Knowledge of IALA buoyage
- Maintenance of navigational records (Logbook)
- Use of echo sounder and lead line
4. PILOTAGE- Can prepare and execute a pilotage plan for entry into, or departure from, harbour
- Understands the use of leading and clearing lines
- Use of transits and soundings as aids to pilotage
5. METEOROLOGY- Knows sources of forecast information
- Can interpret shipping forecasts and use a barometer as a forecasting aid
6. RULE OF THE ROAD
Has a working knowledge of the International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea
7. MAINTENANCE & REPAIR WORK- Understands and is able to carry out maintenance tasks
- Knows the properties and uses of common synthetic fibre ropes
8. ENGINES
Knows how to change fuel and water filters, pump impeller and to bleed the fuel system
9. VICTUALLING
Understands how to victual a yacht
10. EMERGENCY SITUATIONS- Is able to take correct action as skipper for recovery of man overboard
- Understands distress flares and how to use a liferaft
- Can operate a radio in an emergency and send a distress message
- Understands how to secure a tow
- Understands rescue procedures including helicopter rescue
11. YACHT HANDLING UNDER SAIL- Can bring a yacht safely to and from a mooring buoy and anchor under various conditions of wind and tide
- Can steer and trim sails effectively on all points of sailing
12. PASSAGE MAKING
Can plan and make a coastal passage, taking account of relevant navigational hazards and limitations imposed by the type of boat and the strength of the crew
