Coastal/Yachtmaster Offshore theory syllabus
This is an advanced course in navigation and meteorology for candidates for the Coastal Skipper and Yachtmaster Offshore Certificates. The assumed level of knowledge before starting this course is the Day Skipper theory course.
Position
Dead reckoning and estimated position.
Satellite-derived position.
Use of waypoints to fix position.
Radar fixes.
Techniques of visual fixing.
Fixes using a mixture of position lines.
Relative accuracy of different methods of position
fixing.
Areas of uncertainty.
The magnetic compass
Allowance for variation.
Change of variation with time and position.
Causes of deviation.
Swing for deviation (but not correction).
Allowance for deviation.
Different types of compass.
Tides
Causes of tides - springs and neaps.
Tide tables - sources.
Tide levels and datum.
Standard and secondary ports.
Tide anomalies (Solent etc.)
Tidal streams
Sources of tidal information.
Tidal stream information in sailing directions and
Yachtsman's Almanacs.
Allowance for tidal streams in computing a course
to steer.
Tide rips, overfalls and races.
Tidal observation buoys, beacons etc.
Bouyage
IALA system bouyage in Region A.
Limitations of buoys as navigational aids.
Lights
Characteristics.
Ranges - visual, luminous and nominal.
Rising and dipping distances.
Light lists.
Pilotage
Harbour regulations and control signals.
Methods of pre-planning.
Clearing lines
Use of soundings.
Transit and bearing lines.
GPS and chart plotters
Principles of operation and limitations of use.
Raster and Vector charts.
Datum.
Importance of confirmation of position by an independent source and keeping a separate record of position.
Importance of paper charts.
Echo sounders
Principles of operation and limitations of use.
Logs
(speed and distance measuring)
Principles of operation and limitations of use.
Deck Log
Importance of log - yacht's official document.
Meteorology
Basic terms, the Beaufort scale.
Air Masses, Cloud types.
Weather patterns associated with pressure and frontal systems.
Sources of weather forecasts.
Ability to interpret a shipping forecast, weatherfax and weather satellite information.
Land and Sea breezes, Sea Fog.
Use of a barometer as a forecasting aid.
Rule of the Road
A sound knowledge of the International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea, except Annexes 1 and 3.
Safety at Sea
Personal safety, use of lifejackets, safety harnesses and lifelines.
Fire prevention and firefighting.
Distress signals.
Coastguard and Boat Safety scheme.
Preparation for heavy weather.
Liferafts and helicopter rescue.
Understanding the capabilities of vessel and basic knowledge of stability.
Navigation in restricted visibility
Precautions to be taken in fog.
Limitations of safe navigation imposed by fog.
Navigation strategy in poor visibility.
Passage planning
Preparation of charts and notebook for route planning and making, and use at sea.
Custom regulations as they apply to yachts.
Routine for navigation in coastal waters.
Strategy of course laying.
Use of waypoints and routes.
Use of weather forecasting information for passage planning strategy.
Sources of local and national regulations.
Marine Environment
Responsibility to minimise pollution and protect the marine environment.
You will be required to sit three written examinations at the end of the course. Written tests are used throughout the course to ensure understanding.