| Topic |
Detail |
| Nautical terms |
A basic introduction to common nautical terminology. |
| Nautical publications |
An introduction to essential publications that should be carried onboard: Charts, Chart 5011, tide tables, tidal stream atlas, almanac and pilot books. |
| The chart |
An in depth introduction to the chart and its detail including latitude and longitude, position, speed, distance, projection, scale, depth soundings, drying heights, contours, landmark heights, compass rose, symbols, tidal information and cautions. |
| Introduction to the compass |
What is a compass and how it works. |
| Rules of the road |
A comprehensive guide to the collision regulations including: general rules, dealing with ships, Traffic Separation Schemes, steering rules, lights at night, day shapes and sound signals. |
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| Topic |
Detail |
| Magnetic Variation |
Understanding variation and deviation, importance of swinging the compass, siting the compass and using a handbearing compass. |
| Chartwork basics |
Understanding basic terms of course, bearing, heading and speed. Using plotting instruments. |
| Basic position fixing |
Knowing where you are using charted marks, latitude and longitude, transits, contour lines, bearings, range and bearing. |
| The ship's logbook |
Its importance and the information it should contain. |
| Safety part 1 |
Discusses the need for and use of personal safety equipment, clothing, lifejackets, harness and lifeline. |
| Topic |
Detail |
| An introduction to Tides |
An introduction to: the causes of tide, spring tides, neap tides, using a tide table, using a tidal stream atlas, using tidal diamonds, determining the rate of tide and using the moon to predict tides. |
| Deviation |
Understanding and applying deviation to the magnetic steering compass; the electronic compass; using a handbearing compass. |
| Course to steer part 1 |
Introduces you to working out a course to steer in tidal waters, and the concept of leeway. |
| Buoyage, lights & signals |
A full explanation of the buoyage system and navigational marks used around the UK coast, how they appear on the chart and their use by day and night. |
| Safety part 2 |
How to use a dinghy safely. Discusses rigid versus inflatable dinghies. |
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| Topic |
Detail |
| Tidal Levels |
Introduces tidal levels and the significance of mean high and low water at spring and neap tides. Also covers air draught. |
DR and EP
part 1 |
Explains dead reckoning and estimated position chartwork, and marking the chart with the appropriate working symbols. |
| Ropework |
Introduces you to different materials and their uses, how to look after rope and how to tie a variety of useful knots. |
| Meteorology part 1 |
Introduces the terms used in the weather forecast. Sources of weather information. |
| Topic |
Detail |
| Tides - Standard Ports |
Shows how to work out a tidal height for a given time using a tidal curve. |
| Anchoring depths |
Explains how to work out the depth of water you need for anchoring and other manoeuvres at any given state of tide. |
DR and EP
part 2 |
Explains how to plot an EP with leeway and multiple tidal streams. |
| Electronic navigation |
Covers the intelligent use of the log, echo sounder, GPS system, radar, chart plotter, autopilot and VHF-DSC radio. |
| Safety part 3 |
Covers several aspects of dealing with fire at sea from choosing and using extinguishers, fire prevention and what to do if fire breaks out. |
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| Topic |
Detail |
| Tides - Secondary Ports |
Details the calculations needed to boat in a secondary port and includes how to deal with the tidal anomaly in the Solent area. |
| Advanced position fixing |
Details more advanced methods including the running fix, rising and dipping distances and using radar ranges. |
| Meteorology part 2 |
Basic weather principles. Covers clouds, dew point and the formation of pressure systems. |
| Anchoring |
Discusses the best type of seabed for anchoring, different anchor types, different anchor cables, the perfect anchorage, anchoring tips and trip lines. |
| Mooring |
A brief introduction to mooring alongside a wall, pontoon or other vessel. Also some useful mooring tips. |
| The Rule of Twelfths |
A simple system for calculating the height of tide where no tidal curve exists. |
| Topic |
Detail |
| Course to steer part 2 |
Advanced theory for working out a compass course to steer over short and long distances in tidal waters with leeway. Also estimating the time of arrival, working out SOG and COG, and determining where to tack. |
| Meteorology part 3 |
A detailed look at the frontal depression and other weather systems. |
| Safety part 4 |
Covers distress and includes: international distress signals, a brief introduction to GMDSS, transmitting a VHF Mayday call and message, use of flares and EPIRBs. |
| Environment |
A brief overview of the responsibilities the leisure mariner has to safe and clean seas. |
| Flag etiquette |
A basic guide to the subject. |
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| Topic |
Detail |
| Boat Stability |
An introduction to the subject that details the factors involved in capsize and ways to prevent it occurring. |
| Meteorology part 4 |
Local winds - sea breeze, katabatic, converging and diverging airstreams. Also land and sea fogs - how they form and disperse. |
| Be prepared |
Preparation and Planning: this section covers the things you need to do before setting out to sea - obtaining a weather forecast, victualling, crew briefing, informing the Coastguard etc. Also includes preparation for heavy weather, night sailing and how to deal with fog. |
| Pilotage |
A thorough study of the theory of pilotage including basic techniques by day and night, buying time in difficult situations, preparation of a pilotage plan and crew delegation. |
| Safety part 5 |
Using a liferaft, helicopter and lifeboat rescue. |
| Topic |
Detail |
| Passage planning |
Covers in depth route and waypoint planning, charts and publications required, tidal and weather considerations, departure and arrival port considerations. |
| Red Tape |
Deals with the bureaucratic side of boating. What papers you need where and when. SOLAS V requirements. |
| Meteorology part 5 |
How to read a weather map and interpret satellite information in order to boat safely. |
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| Topic |
Detail |
| Practice Chartwork assessment |
All questions relate to chartwork and tidal calculations. |
| Practice IRPCS assessment |
An in depth test of your 'rule of the road' knowledge. A minimum of 80% is required to pass. |
| Practice Meteorology assessment |
A paper devoted entirely to meteorology. |
| Topic |
Detail |
| Chartwork assessment |
All questions relate to chartwork and tidal calculations. |
| IRPCS assessment |
An in depth test of your 'rule of the road' knowledge. A minimum of 80% is required to pass. |
| Meteorology assessment |
A paper devoted entirely to meteorology. |
Copyright ©1999 - 2006 Rod and Sue Fletcher.
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