(refer to RYA Publication G20)
Section A. Practical
- Launching and recovery
Use of a trailer or launching trolley
Consideration of launching and sea conditions, including hazards and obstructions
Number of persons required to launch/recover
Construction, width and condition of slipway
Steep/slippery slipways, beach launching, lee shores
Care of trailer bearings, hitch, lashings, ties, lights and winch
Trailer parking
Prepare the boat, lines, fenders, safety equipment, fuel tanks, lines and secure gear on board - Preparation of Boat and Crew
Personal Buoyancy and appropriate clothing
Use of: lines, fenders, anchor and anchor warp, bailer, fire extinguisher, pump, paddles or oars, compass, flares, torch, whistle, charts, first aid kit, sharp knife. - Boat handling
Loading: effect on handling and performance, effect on balance and trim, CE Plate and manufacturer’s recommendation
Handling characteristics of displacement boats, rudder steered craft and shaft driven vessels
Crew members: minimum number in high speed craft, keeping a look-out
Importance of boat control in waves and adequate seating to minimise the possibility of injury
Awareness of other water users, including effect of wash
Steering, controls, effect of current or tidal stream
Handling a boat at planing speed, trim tabs and power trim
Planing boats: propeller angle and immersion, shallow drive, planning and displacement speed handling, tiller/console steering
Carry out pre-start checks, engine starting and stopping
Demonstrate the use of an appropriate length kill cord at all times
Carry out low speed manoeuvres including: turning in a confined area, effect of wind on bow and holding off. Demonstrate an awareness of the danger of flooding when going astern
Carry out high speed manoeuvres (S-turns and U-turns) - Securing to a buoy
Preparation of mooring warp
Use of a boat hook
Direction of approach
Taking way off
Crew communication
Making fast
Procedure when overshooting
Approach and secure to buoy - Anchoring
Types of anchor
Stowage and attachment to boat
Preparation of anchor, chain, and warp
Weighing anchor
Correct approach in various conditions
Taking way off
Crew communication
Check holding
Depth of water, holding ground, scope required - Leaving and coming alongside
Preparation and use of lines and fenders, attachment to boat, stowage under way
Speed and angle of approach
Wind effect
Method of approach in tidal stream or current
Make fast alongside
Use springs
Leave – ahead or astern - Man overboard
Recovery of man overboard
Take immediate action
Observe the man overboard (Do not lose visual contact)
Carry out the correct return with awareness of propeller
Approach and recover the man in the waterSection B – Theory
Types of craft: advantages and disadvantages of different hull forms with respect to sea-keeping ability
Engines and drives: advantages and disadvantages of outboard, inboard and outdrive units, single and twin screws, choice and use of fuels
Seating arrangements
Stepped Hulls
Siting of fuel tanks, fuel lines, batteries, wiring, fire extinguishers
Routine engine maintenance checks, basic fault diagnosis
Close down procedure
Advice to inland drivers about coastal waters
Use and limitations of GPS and Chart Plotters
Sources of weather information
Byelaws and local regulations
Insurance
Boat registration schemes
Awareness of other water users
Communication with other craft – hand and sound signals
Disabled craft
Emergency action, preventing sinking
Actions to be taken by a disabled craft and when being towed
Adrift – alternative means of propulsion
Towing and being towed
Fire precautions and fire fighting
Ropework
Distress signals, means of issuing distress, DSC and the Mayday call
Advice for vessels in restricted visibility
Charts, chart symbols, buoyage systems
Tides and tidal streams
Use steering and hand bearing compasses
Pilotage and Passage planning
Apply IRPCS – principally rules 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 12 – 18Apply Section A on coastal waters
