Day Skipper Shorebased Course Syllabus
A comprehensive introduction to chart work, navigation, meteorology and the basics of seamanship for Competent Crew and Helmsmen. You will find this course invaluable if you want to learn how to start making decisions on board.
1 Nautical terms
- Parts of a boat and hull
- General nautical terminology
2. Ropework
- Knowledge of the properties of synthetic ropes in common use
3. Anchorwork
- Characteristics of different types of anchor
- Considerations to be taken into account when anchoring
4. Safety
- Knowledge of the safety equipment to be carried, its stowage and use (see RYA Boat Safety Handbook, C8)
- Fire precautions and fire fighting
- Use of personal safety equipment harnesses and lifejackets
- Ability to send a distress signal by VHF radiotelephone
- Basic knowledge of rescue procedures including helicopter rescue
5. International regulations for preventing collisions at sea
- Steering and sailing rules (5, 7. 8, 9. 10 and 12-19)
- General rules (all other rules)
6. Definition of position, course and speed
- Latitude and longitude
- Knowledge of standard navigational terms
- True bearings and courses
- The knot
7. Navigational charts and publications
- Information shown on charts, chart symbols and representation of direction and distance
- Navigational publications in common use
- Chart correction
8. Navigational drawing instruments
- Use of parallel rulers. dividers and proprietary plotting instruments
9. Compass
- Application of variation
- Awareness of deviation and its causes
- Use of hand-bearing compass
10.Chartwork
- Dead reckoning and estimated position including an awareness of leeway
- Techniques of visual fixing
- Satellite - derived positions
- Use of waypoints to fix position
- Course to steer
11.Tides and tidal streams
- Tidal definitions, levels and datum
