The 'Upgrade to Yachtmaster' course is the full Yachtmaster Offshore course offered at a lower price exclusively for past Chichester Maritime Day Skipper students.
| Topic |
Detail |
| The Chart |
An in depth revision of the chart and an introduction to more advanced chart detail. The detail includes latitude and longitude, position, projections, scale, landmark heights, compass rose, symbols, tidal information and cautions. |
| The Ship's Log |
Its legal importance and the information it should contain. |
| Using a Portland Plotter |
Instructions for its various functions. |
| Introduction to the compass |
What is a compass and how it works. |
| The Magnetic Compass |
A revision of variation and its application. |
| Estimated Position |
A revision of plotting an EP, dealing with leeway, circles of uncertainty and predicting an estimated position. |
| Tides |
A revision of and more advanced 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. |
Sample images shown at ¼ size
| Topic |
Detail |
| The compass part 2 |
Understanding and applying deviation to the magnetic steering compass; the electronic compass; using a handbearing compass. |
| Fixing position |
Details more advanced methods including the running fix, rising and dipping distances and using radar ranges. |
| Meteorology part 1 |
A basic revision of weather principles, terms and forecast sources. Also covers clouds, dew point and the formation of pressure systems. |
| Safety part 1 |
Covers distress and includes: international distress signals, a brief introduction to GMDSS, transmitting a VHF Mayday call and message, use of flares and EPIRBs. |
| 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. |
| 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. |
| Topic |
Detail |
| Course to steer |
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. |
| Meteorology part 2 |
A detailed look at the frontal depression and other weather systems. Also weather lore. |
| Tidal levels |
Uses the tidal levels table to determine the availability of water and available distances beneath bridges etc - air draught. |
| Tidal heights at standard ports |
A revision of using a tidal curve. |
| Safety part 2 |
Covers several aspects of dealing with fire at sea from choosing and using extinguishers, fire prevention and what to do if fire breaks out. |
Sample images shown at ¼ size
| Topic |
Detail |
| Boat Stability |
An introduction to the subject that details the factors involved in capsize and ways to prevent it occurring. |
| Meteorology part 3 |
Local winds - sea breeze, katabatic, converging and diverging airstreams. Also land and sea fogs - how they form and disperse. |
| Secondary Port calculations |
Details the calculations needed to boat in a secondary port and includes how to deal with the tidal anomaly in the Solent area. |
| Anchoring depths |
Explains the calculations needed to work out the depth of water you need for anchoring and other manoeuvres at any given state of tide. |
| Buoyage and lights |
A full explanation of the buoyage system and navigational aids used around the UK coast, how they appear on the chart and their use by day, night and in fog. |
| Topic |
Detail |
| The Rule of Twelfths |
A simple system for calculating the height of tide where no tidal curve exists. |
| Meteorology part 4 |
How to read a weather map and interpret satellite information in order to boat safely. |
| Environment |
A brief overview of the responsibilities the leisure mariner has to safe and clean seas. |
| Safety part 3 |
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. |
| Electronic navigation |
Covers the intelligent use of the log, echo sounder, GPS system, radar, chart plotter, autopilot and VHF-DSC radio. |
Sample image shown at ¼ size
| 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. |
| Safety part 4 |
Using a liferaft and helicopter rescue. |
| 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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