RYA Helmsman’s Course Syllabus

RYA Helmsman’s Course Syllabus

Engine operation and maintenance

  • Pre-start checks inboard / outboards
    • Engine checks while running
    • Routine maintenance checks
    • Fuel consumption range, reserve, and location of fuel cut-offs
    • Basic fault diagnosis

Safety and seamanship

  • Personal safety equipment – lifejackets, buoyancy aids, flares, first aid kit
    • Anchoring – types, stowage, depth of water, preparation, check holding, weighing

Rules of the road

  • Has a working knowledge of the International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea

Boat preparation

  • Local boating conditions and regulations
    • Preparation of boat, lines, fenders
    • Safety equipment, lifejackets, dangers, number in boat
    • CE marks, loading, effect on handling and performance
    • Can tie & knows use of: bowline, round turn & two half hitches, clove hitch, single & double sheetbend

Boat handling

  • Steering, controls, windage
    • Starting and stopping
    • Low speed, steering a straight course
    • Turning in a confined area
    • Effect of wind on bow
    • High speed / full power, planning, trim tabs and power trim
    • S turns, U turns, stopping from speed
    • Carrying way

Securing to a buoy

  • Preparation of mooring warp and boat hook
    • Method of approach in various conditions
    • Crew communication
    • Making fast

Alongside

  • Preparation and use of lines, springs, fenders, attachment to boat, stowage underway, securing to cleats
    • Method of approach in various wind and tide conditions
    • Making fast – importance of ‘taking a turn’
    • Use of springs to leave a berth

Man overboard

  • Immediate reaction
    • Proper observation of man overboard
    • Correct return
    • Awareness of propellers
    • Final approach and recovery of man overboard

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