Dayskipper Course

Day Skipper (non-tidal) - Practical:

4 day course

This course is the next step up from the I.C.C. (International Certificate of Competence). The aim of the course is to teach chartwork, pilotage, seamanship, safety, collision regulations and boat handling up to the standard required to skipper a motor cruiser safely by day in non-tidal familiar waters.

Course Price (inc. fuel)

1400 Euros (based on 3 people sharing)

Aim
To teach pilotage, navigation, seamanship and boat handling to the standard required to skipper a motor cruiser safely by day in waters with which the student is familiar.

Preparation for sea
Can prepare a motor cruiser for sea, carry out fuel and engine checks, secure and stow gear above and below decks.

Boat handling
Can carry out the following manoeuvres under power in various wind and tide conditions. Is aware of considerations which arise in boats with different hull forms and propeller configurations.

Steering a straight course.
Turning in a confined space.
Anchoring at a pre-determined position.
Berthing alongside.
Leaving an alongside berth.
Picking up a mooring buoy.
Berthing between piles or head and stern buoys.
Recovery of man overboard.
Understanding the principals of power trim and trim tabs and their correct use.

RYA Day Skipper Practical Course (cont.)

Navigation
Is proficient in chart work and can carry out the following tasks:

" Taking and plotting fixes.
" Working up DR and EP.
" Predicting tidal heights and tidal streams.
" Working out course to steer and allow for tidal stream.
" Identifying buoys and lights by colour, shape and topmark and light characteristics.
" Keeping a navigational log.
" Using an echo sounder.

Passage making
Can plan and make a coastal passage taking into account the type of boat and strengths of the crew.

Pilotage
Can prepare and execute a pilotage plan for entry or departure from harbour. Understands the use of leading and clearing lines, transits and soundings as aids to pilotage.

Meteorology
Knows sources of forecast information, can intemperate forecasts and is able to use a barometers a forecasting aid.

Rules of the road
Has a working knowledge of the application of the International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea.

Use of engines
Has Knowledge of the prevention of common engine faults and is competent in the following areas:

Checks before starting, during running and after stopping.
Periodic maintenance checks on engines and electrical installations.
Requirements for tool kits, spares and lubricants.
Fuel consumption at different speeds.
Knows how to clean water filters and raw water pump impellers.
Knows how to bleed fuel systems and change fuel filters.
Knows how to change transmission belts of pumps and alternators.

Emergency situations
Knows correct action to take in an emergency, including:

Fire.
Hull damage.
Medical emergency.
Towing and being towed.
VHF emergency procedures.
Helicopter rescue.