how to boating

Module 1 is the Introduction to Yachting Certificate

The International Recreational Crew Certificate is divided into 6 modules
module 2 gets us under way and you will be learn about safety on board a boat and the use of the life raft and first aid kit
fire extinguishers
flares
life jackets and safety harnesses. What clothing and footwear is suitable for the varying conditions met while sailing. Seasickness and it's symptoms
cause and prevention. How various equipment works including: battery selector switch
bilge pumps
cabin lights
cooker & butane/propane gas
heads and water pumps together with general housekeeping rules. You will learn a very basic theory of how a diesel engine works and maintenance procedures such as checking the level of the oil
changing the oil
changing filters
ensuring the flow of cooling water to the engine and how to change impellors. You will be taught how to keep a good and effective lookout
which should be maintained at all times
while under way. You will take a look at basic navigation
course plotting
nautical charts
safe passage conditions
tides and currents and weather forecasts.

On the practical side
module 3
you will learn how to coil a line and secure it to a cleat
tie a number of knots and use the winches. You will learn how to secure the boat for sea and then how to leave a berth
once under way you will undertake the duties of a lookout
learn how to hoist and set the sails and while helming the boat go through tack and gybe routines. You will anchor the boat and go through man overboard recovery drill.

Module 4 is theoretical and you will look at the International Regulations for Collision Avoidance or the "rules of the road". Specifically looking at lights
shapes
and sound signals. You will look at some more sail handling techniques
there is more work with charts and compass and to conclude you will take a look at marine customs
etiquette and manners.

The next practical module includes safety checks and look at the through hull fittings
engine warning lights and alarms and the emergency fuel cut off. You will learn deck seamanship with more docking and mooring routines. More sail work
bending on
hoisting
lowering
reefing mainsails
handling sheets
lines
halyards
outhauls and sail trim. You will learn more skills at the helm
tacking
gybing
sailing a triangular course
sailing a compass course and heaving to.

Module 6 looks at both theory and practise of Dinghy/Tender handling. You will learn the different types of tenders
engines
spares and maintenance and safety equipment. On the practical side you will learn to row
how to move under power
launch and recover and transfer to and from the dinghy to the boat or dock.

This section concludes with an assessment of theoretical knowledge and practical skills gained. At the of this course you will be a useful crew member on any small yacht.

The Radio Operator/Communications Certificate is a stand alone module. You will learn how to operate a radio including emergency calls
calling ship to ship
ship to shore
the types of marine radios available and the regulations governing it's use. An examination concludes the course.

The next 5 modules are the International Watchkeeper/Flotilla Skipper Certificate

Number 8 is theoretical and looks at the responsibilities of a watchkeeper
charts and chartwork
the compass
magnetism and concludes with a look at buoys and marks.

The next practical module concentrates on safety including a briefing that should be given to crew members when they join the vessel and looks at the galley area which if not used correctly can be a danger to all those on board. The rest of the section is devoted to boat handling and develops on the skills learnt in the International Recreational Crew Certificate course.

Back to theory in the next module with a look at basic first aid. More work is done with the International Regulations for Collision Avoidance. Finally you will take a further look at marine customs
manners and today's ever increasing legal requirements.

In module 11
the next practical stage you will prepare a passage plan
and while undertaking a short passage work still further on boat handling skills.

This section concludes with an assessment of theoretical knowledge and practical skills gained.

You have now reached a level that entitles you to the International Certificate of Competence or ICC. It is suggested that the skippers of vessels are required to hold this by some European countries. I have never been asked for mine by the authorities and I know of no one who has. It is also suggested that some companies require it prior to allowing charter of a boat. Again I have not come across this in practise.

The next three modules make up the International Bareboat Skipper Certificate and the first looks at taking over a vessel and the necessary checks on hull and rig
machinery and systems
instruments
safety equipment
spares
tools
fuel
water and provisions. It looks at tides and currents and what causes them. You will learn how to use tide tables and gain an understanding primary and secondary ports. There is some more chartwork that includes position fixing and plotting a course to steer to counteract a current. The section concludes with a look at the responsibilities of the Skipper
their communication with and delegation to the crew.

On the practical side you will develop sailing skills with more general deck work
ropes
knots
splices
the care and use of lines. There is more vessel handling work including anchoring
berthing
mooring
handling in confined areas and handling with currents.

This section concludes with module 16 and includes a look at the weather and sources of weather information
personal observations
weather patterns
land and sea breezes
the different cloud formations
rain and fog. You will learn pilotage. There is an in depth look at passage planning including pilot books
almanacs
considerations for passage planning
coastal passages
passage strategy
port regulations
pilotage plans. Finally you will take a further look at the International Regulations for Collision Avoidance.

This section concludes with an assessment of theoretical knowledge and practical skills gained