RYA Helmsman
A great 2 day course to introduce you to motor cruising and undertaking short in-shore trips, such as through a harbour or down river to the local beach. Time is focused on developing the core slow speed handling skills and good ‘seamanship’ skills.
Description
Course syllabus
1. Types of craft- Sportsboat, motor cruisers planing/displacement
- Types of hull, seakeeping, wash and considerations
- Advantages and disadvantages
- Petrol/Diesel
- Single/twin screw
- Shafts/outdrives, outboard, waterjets
- Pre-start checks inboard/outboards
- Engine checks while running
- Routine maintenance checks
- Fuel consumption range, reserve and location of fuel cut-offs
- Basic fault diagnosis
- Personal safety equipment - lifejackets, buoyancy aids, flares, first aid kit
- Anchoring - types, stowage, depth of water, preparation, check holding, weighing
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Has a working knowledge of the International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea
- Local boating conditions and regulations
- Preparation of boat, lines and fenders
- Safety equipment, life jackets, dangers, number in boat
- CE marks, loading, effect on handling and performance
- Use of killcords, if trailer - number of people for launching and recovery, slipway condition, steep/slippery, wind
- Can tie & knows use of: bowline, round turn & 2 half hitches, clove hitch, single & double sheet bend
- Preparation of mooring warp and boat hook
- Method of approach in various conditions
- Crew communication
- Making fast
- Preparation and use of lines, springs, attachment to boat, stowage underway, securing to cleats
- Method of approach in various wind and tide conditions
- Making fast - importance of 'taking a turn'
- Use of springs to leave a berth
9. Man overboard
- Immediate reaction & proper observation of man overboard
- Correct return
- Awareness of propellers
- Final approach and recover of man overboard