| 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. |
| Environment |
A brief overview of the responsibilities the leisure mariner has to safe and clean seas. |
Sample images shown at ¼ size
| Topic |
Detail |
| The compass part 2 |
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. |
| Getting your fix |
Knowing where you are using charted marks, latitude and longitude, transits, contour lines, bearings, range and bearing. |
| The ship's log |
Its importance and the information it should contain. |
| Buoyage and lights |
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 1 |
Discusses the need for and use of personal safety equipment, clothing, lifejackets, harness and lifeline. |
| Weather forecast terms |
Introduces the terms used in the Shipping Forecast so that you can become familiar with them before the Meteorology module in week 5. |
| Topic |
Detail |
| Tides part 1 |
A basic introduction to: the causes of tide, spring tides, neap tides, using a tide table, using a tidal stream atlas, using tidal diamonds and using the moon to predict tides. |
| Course to steer |
Introduces you to working out a course to steer in tidal waters, and the concept of leeway. |
| 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. |
| Safety part 2 |
How to use a dinghy safely. Discusses rigid versus inflatable dinghies. |
Sample images shown at ¼ size
| Topic |
Detail |
| Tides part 2 |
Introduces tidal levels and the significance of mean high and low water at spring and neap tides. Also covers air draught. |
| Tides part 3 |
Shows how to work out a tidal height for a given time using a tidal curve. Also introduces secondary port calculations and the tidal anomaly in the Solent area. |
| How much water? |
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 |
Explains dead reckoning and estimated position chartwork, calculating leeway 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. |
| Safety part 3 |
Covers international distress signals, a brief introduction to GMDSS, transmitting a VHF Mayday call and message, flares and EPIRBs. |
| Topic |
Detail |
| Meteorology |
A basic introduction to what makes weather, where to get forecasts, weather and safe boating, and dealing with fog at sea. |
| Safety part 4 |
Covers several aspects of dealing with fire at sea from choosing and using extinguishers, fire prevention and what to do if fire breaks out. Also helicopter rescue. |
Sample image shown at ¼ size
| Topic |
Detail |
| Electronic navigation |
Covers the use of the log, echo sounder and GPS system. Within the GPS element is a section on waypoints and another giving tips and warnings. |
| Pilotage |
A basic introduction to the theory of pilotage including basic techniques by day and night, buying time in difficult situations, preparation of a pilotage plan and crew delegation. |
| Passage planning |
Covers route planning, charts and publications required, tidal and weather considerations, departure and arrival port considerations. |
| Pre-voyage preparation |
This section covers the things you need to do before setting out to sea - obtaining a weather forecast, informing the Coastguard, filing a CG66 form, necessary paperwork and flag etiquette. |
| Topic |
Detail |
| General Assessment |
Questions taken from all parts of the syllabus with the exception of chartwork. |
| Chartwork Assessment |
All questions relate to chartwork and tidal calculations. |
Copyright ©1999 - 2006 Rod and Sue Fletcher.
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