Courses in Nautical Skills

This is based on the recommendations of the Health and Safety Executive and the Maritime and Coastguard Agency.

Course Objectives

• Perform CPR to current protocols and to understand the differential for drowning
• The importance of the recovery position
• Dealing with a wound and controlling bleeding
• Understanding shock and be able to recognise it and treat it with particular reference to internal and external bleeding
• Understand the treatment for cold shock and hypothermia following immersion and/or exposure
• Recognise the signs of a reduced level of response with particular reference to serious head injuries

To also be aware of the general treatment for:

1. Breathing difficulties
2. Anaphylaxis
3. Chest pain
4. Hypothermia
5. Seasickness
6. Fractures
7. Diabetic emergency
8. Seizures
9. Burn

In addition to the above:

To choose suitable first aid equipment for the boat/vessel.

To understand how to get medical advice or assistance by radio.

To understand how to prepare for the evacuation of a casualty by helicopter.

Note:  This course is also suitable for those who might be required to deal with a medical emergency in a confined space.

Advanced training for more experienced skippers, this course is aimed at sailors and motor boaters who are looking to undertake more complex passages offshore or at night. Concentrating on advanced navigation and meteorology skills, this course will greatly improve your theory knowledge and is a must for those looking to work towards taking the RYA Coastal Skipper or Yachtmaster Offshore practical exams. Students should have some previous knowledge and cruising experience including responsibility for navigation and yacht management. It is strongly recommended that students have a good grasp of theory subjects to Day Skipper standard and have thoroughly revised the Collision Regulations before attending. With three exam papers it is an intensive course covering advanced navigation techniques, so the course requires considerable home study in addition to the weekly classroom lectures. Places are limited to ensure an instructor / candidate ratio that is better than that recommended by the RYA.

Course topics include:

• Position fixing
• Course shaping and plotting
• Tidal knowledge
• Use of almanacs and admiralty publications
• Electronic position finding equipment
• Taking and interpreting forecasts
• Plotting weather systems
• Weather predictions using a barometer and by observation
• Collision regulations
• Customs and excise regulations for cruising abroad

This course is aimed at those wanting to take charge of a boat in tidal waters and equips the aspiring skipper with knowledge to navigate around familiar waters or further afield by day. A comprehensive introduction to cruising for inexperienced skippers, is a prelude to the practical Day Skipper Course.  Although a comprehensive course, there is time for class discussion around certain learning topics. Home study is set most weeks to consolidate a subject and there are two exam papers.  A basic knowledge of lights is also included to introduce you to night cruising. Candidates will find it beneficial to hold a basic understanding of sailing or motorboating with some practical experience. Places are limited to ensure an instructor / candidate ratio that is better than that recommended by the RYA.

Course topics include:

·     The basics of seamanship

·     The essentials of coastal navigation and pilotage

·     Chartwork

·     Electronic charts

·     Position fixing

·     Plotting a course to steer

·     Weather forecasting and meteorology

·     Tides

·     Collision regulations

·     Construction, parts and equipment of a cruising boat

·     Emergency and safety procedures including distress calls, use of flares, safety harnesses, lifejackets and liferafts.

This course leads to a required qualification for anyone using a marine VHF/DSC radio and covers required knowledge and procedures including those to be used in an emergency. Group bookings can be arranged (3-6 people). PASSPORT PHOTOGRAPH IS REQUIRED with enrolment form.

Provides information on the “road signs and rules of the road” used on the inland waterways of Europe. It is a useful qualification if you are intending to take a boat abroad in Europe and is a requirement in some countries and circumstances.

This course provides a gentle introduction to navigation and marine safety for inexperienced skippers, crews and those wishing to begin sailing or boating or to refresh their skills. In fact it’s for anyone interested in sailing, motor boating, sea angling or diving and also useful for experienced dinghy, keelboat sailors and inshore racers. It is designed to complement the RYA on-the-water training, such as the Powerboat Level 2, Start Yachting and Helmsman courses. It’s a highly informative course with lots of opportunities for you to put your new found knowledge into practice with plenty of technical exercises to help reinforce learning points. Delivered over several evening classes, it gives the candidate time to consolidate and digest the knowledge learnt in each topic. No previous knowledge or experience is required.

Course topics include:

• Charts and Publications
• Safety
• Engine checks
• Buoyage
• Tidal awareness
• Visual and electronic navigation
• Pilotage
• Rules of the road
• Anchoring
• Weather forecasts
• Passage planning