Overview
This is an elementary course in seamanship, navigation and meteorology for beginners to offshore cruising (sail and power).
This course equips you with enough knowledge to navigate around familiar waters by day. A basic knowledge of lights is also included to introduce you to night cruising.
Entry Requirements
No previous sea experience is required but an understanding of basic arithmetic and geometry is assumed.
You are required to purchase (through the college) RYA course materials costing approximately £42 (subject to confirmation at the time of enrolment). These include charts, navigation tables, electronic chart plotter and a book and will be available at the first class. You will also need to purchase plotting instruments but you are recommended not to buy these until after the start of the course.
Content
The topics you will study 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 life rafts
Assessment
You will be assessed by continuous assessment (exercises done as homework – approx. 14 hours) and by written tests.
Awarding body
Fees
Fees: 300.00
Progression
You will be in a position to progress to a Day Skipper practical course and/or you may wish to go onto your Yachtmaster (shorebased) course.
Additional information
You should bring along a notebook or paper plus a soft (2B) pencil and eraser for chartwork. You are required to purchase (through the centre) RYA course materials costing approximately £25. These include charts, navigation tables and a book and will be available at the first class. You will also need to purchase plotting instruments but you are recommended not to buy these until after the start of the course.
Further Information
For further information, advice and guidance call The Learner Experience Team on 01625 410062.
Duration and Times
Start date: 29/09/2020
End date: 23/03/2021
Time: 6:30pm - 8:30pm
Days of week: Tu
Number of Weeks: 20
Weekly hours: 2.00