Focus of Exam Preparation

• Navigation so that the candidate is always aware of his/her and the vessels position. This includes charts and publication, chartwork and GNSS, pilotage and passage planning, buoyage and visual aids to navigation, tidal streams and heights calculations, the limits of navigational accuracy and margins of safety, instruments, AIS, navigational techniques for reduced visibility
• International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea
• Boat handling close quarters manoeuvring both under power and sail including anchoring, in all berthing and unberthing situations, MOB, towing, helmsmanship and trim;
• Man overboard including recovery methods
• Safety including safety brief, safety equipment and the safety of the crew and vessel
• Meteorology including sources of weather forecasts, understanding weather systems and local effects; interpretation of forecasts, barometric trends and how to plan a passage based on forecast information;
• Adverse weather conditions strategies for sailing vessel handling
• Skippering ability including good communication and leadership qualities, preparing the yacht for sea, heavy weather tactics, emergency and distress situation, victualling and delegating of responsibility and wathkeeping
• General Seamanship including maintenance, knots, engine operations, jury rigs following gear failure